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         FRANCIS MARION DUNCAN is one of the early settlers of Louisa County of 1846, and now resides upon a farm on section 10, Union Township. He was born in Monroe County, Tenn., in 1838, and is a son of John and Rachel Duncan, who were natives of Blount County. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1846 emigrated to Louisa County, Iowa, with his family, settling in Columbus City Township, where he purchased 290 acres of partly improved land, making his home upon that farm until his death, which occurred in May, 1876. His wife died in September, 1864. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living: Mary, wife of Matthew Edmonson, of Ainsworth, Iowa; Joseph Carter, who died in September, 1864; Jane C., deceased wife of David McLaughlin, of Washington County; Nancy A., widow of Reuben Hammil, of Washington County; Francis Marion, of this sketch; Elizabeth C., who is the wife of David C. Hammil, also of Washington County; John Calvin, who is engaged in farming in Columbus City Township; Robert Nelson, a farmer near Columbus City.

The parents were members of the Seceders’ Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Duncan held the . . .

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. . . office of an Elder. He was an earnest worker in the interests of that denomination, and also took an active part in political affairs. He cast his ballot with the Republican party, being a firm supporter of its principles, and was a strong advocate of the abolition of slavery. This reason led to his removal from Tennessee, as he did not wish to rear his family under the influence of that institution. He endeavored to teach his children habits of economy and industry, and to rear them in the teachings of the Bible. His efforts at length were crowned with success, for his children are now all respected Christian men and women, and do honor to his name.

At the age of twenty-two years our subject began working for himself, and assumed the management of the home farm, but being afflicted with sore eyes he went to Agency City, Wapello County, there remaining under medical treatment for three months, but had the misfortune to lose the sight of one of his eyes altogether. He subsequently purchased 320 acres of raw land in Washington County, in 1863, which he partially improved, but the following year sold out and removed to the farm upon which he yet resides, buying 160 acres of prairie and thirty-seven and one-half acres of timber land. As time has passed he has added to this until he now owns 340 acres of the finest farming land in the county, which is highly cultivated. This has been secured by his own efforts, good management and business ability, and many valuable improvements have been made. A fine residence was erected at a cost of $1,450, and the barn was built at a cost of $350. Systematic, energetic and progressive, he is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county.

In the month of October, 1864, Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth P. Sands, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Nathaniel Sands. Eight children graced their union: Joseph Carter; Melvin, who died at the age of three years; William N., Ida Luella, Reuben H., Francis M., Earl E., and Jesse W. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and untiring workers in their Master’s vineyard. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and has held various township offices of trust. He does all in his power to promote the interests of the community in which he resides, is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and numbered among Louisa County’s most worthy citizens.