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         JAMES R. DUNCAN, one of the prominent and representative farmers of Louisa County, was born on section 10 of Union Township, where he still continues to reside. His parents, G. B. and Ann S. Duncan, were natives of Tennessee, and came to this county in an early day, settling in Union Township, where the father entered a quarter-section of land, which is now in the possession of our subject. The history of the Duncan family will be found in the sketch of S. H. Duncan, on another page of this work. For forty-five years it has been a leading family of the county, and its members are among the honored and respected citizens. Almost the entire life of James has been spent upon one farm, with the exception of about two years which he passed in Columbus Junction, engaged in the live-stock business. His education was received in the district schools of the community. In the month of April, 1880, he became the husband of Mary E. McAvoy, a native of Washington County, Iowa, and a daughter of William McAvoy. To this happy couple has been born an interesting family of three children—Ethel, Della and Harry.

Mr. Duncan is now the owner of 400 acres of fine, arable land, which is well improved, and carries on general farming. He is one of the leading and progressive farmers of Union Township, and everything upon his land denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is universally known throughout the county, and his fair dealing and upright life have won him the confidence and good-will of all.