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         S. H. DUNCAN, a farmer residing on section 22, Columbus City Township, is a native of Blount County, Tenn., and a son of George B. and Ann S. Duncan. Accompanied by his family, the father, who was a native of Washington County, Tenn., emigrated to Louisa County, Iowa, in 1843. To him and his excellent wife were born ten children: A. L., who is a guard at the State Penitentiary, at Anamosa, Iowa, and who during four years of the late war gallantly defended the old flag as a member of Company C, 11th Iowa Infantry, participating in all the battles of the regiment until after the battle of Atlanta, where he was wounded; Samuel H., our subject; John C., a railroad employe living at Creston, Iowa; Mary J., wife of Robert Owens, of Columbus Junction; Sarah A., who wedded A. H. Parsons, also of Columbus Junction; Elizabeth, wife of W. H. Ogier, of Union township; James R., a resident farmer of Columbus City Township; Isabel, wife of R. N. Johnston, of Columbus City Township; Emma, who wedded Joseph Wier, a resident of Mitchell County, Kan.; Joseph C., whose home is in Rooks County of that State. The parents of these children were members of the Seceders’ Church, though afterward the father was an Elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In his political views Mr. Duncan was a Democrat, and a man who took great interest in public affairs. To all church work he was a liberal contributor; to enterprises which had for their object the public good he was an ardent supporter, and to the unfortunate and needy his assistance was cheerfully and quickly given. Ever a leading and influential citizen in the community where he resided, his death, which occurred in January, 1874, at the age of fifty-eight years, was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife died five years later, at the age of sixty-two. She also took great interest in the church work, and exerted an influence for right over her children which, though she has long since passed away, will ever be remembered.

Samuel H. Duncan, the subject of this sketch, was born in Blount County, Tenn., June 30, 1843, but the following autumn came to Louisa County with his parents, and here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. In the month of August, 1862, when only seventeen years of age, he enlisted as one of the boys in blue of the 25th Iowa Infantry, becoming a member of Company F. He remained in the service for three years, participating in the battle of Chickasaw . . .

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. . . Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Resaca, the entire Atlanta campaign, including the celebrated march to the sea under Sherman, and the entire raid through the Carolinas, fighting the last battle at Bentonville, from whence the regiment proceeded to Washington, D. C., taking part in the grand review, the greatest military pageant ever seen in the United States, after which he received his discharge at Davenport, Iowa. While at the battle of Vicksburg he was wounded in the head by a gunshot which fractured his skull.

After receiving his discharge Mr. Duncan returned to Louisa County, where he has continuously resided ever since. He purchased sixty acres of land on section 22, Columbus City Township, and by his own efforts, his enterprise and good management, has added other lands until he now has 176 acres, comprising one of the best farms of the township. In 1868 Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Tedford, who was born in Tennessee, and is a daughter of Joseph Tedford, also a native of that State. Five children were born unto them: Addie died in childhood; Anna L., Nevada M., George N. and Clyde J. are all at home. The parents and also their daughters are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Duncan is a Democrat, and takes an active part in local politics. A great reader, he is always well informed on both State and National questions of the day, is a friend to all institutions of progress and learning, and being one of Columbus City Township’s best citizens, is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances and friends.