Sheffield-born dad and uncle of Hollywood star W C Fields fought in American Civil War

Vin wrote about the Hollywood 1930s comedy film star’s city family in his regular P10-11 column, Weer thi ‘Ell’s That? (Retro, April 4).

Now he has shared some more material: “Further to the father and uncle of W C Fields and their involvement in the American Civil War, as I wrote in my article of the Sheffield connection to American actor/comedian W C Fields by way of his father James Dukenfield and his father’s brother George, this is a small reference to their war involvement.

“Strange to say they were both comb-makers, born in Barkers Pool and working on Backfields and later Rockingham Lane before emigrating to the States.

“George Dukenfield was a Civil War Union Army soldier. He was mustered in as a private in Company I, 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on August 10, 1862.

“He served until he was killed in action on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863).

“Originally buried on the battlefield at the Peter Frey Farm, he was moved to the National Cemetery.

“His brother, James Dukenfield, also served in the 72nd Pennsylvania, and he was wounded at Fair Oaks, VA in 1862, subsequently discharged because of his wounds.

James’ son, William Claude Dukenfield, moved to Hollywood, California and became known as the comic actor W C Fields.”

Seven years ago, my former colleague Martin Smith also wrote about W C Fields’ connections to Sheffield.

He said: “The story of W C Fields' ancestry resurfaced during research by James Henry Parker for an exhibition done by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - the ones who dish out the Oscars every year – currently in Los Angeles but being made ready to come to the UK.”

James told Martin: “I’m based in London, working on behalf of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Beverly Hills.

“The exhibition, The Peregrinations and Pettifoggery of W C Fields, has been displayed by the Academy in Los Angeles and New York, so when it comes to Sheffield it will be the first time outside the USA.

“Because of Fields’ father’s connection to Sheffield and because Fields played in the music halls in England with his comedy juggling act, the Academy is looking for more connections to Sheffield, so as to find the appropriate space for the exhibition."

It looks as though nothing came of this exciting-sounding plan, however, and nobody seems to have come forward to tell Martin they were related to W C Fields’ Sheffield family, either.

We’d still love to hear about it if you do have some more information. Email [email protected]