JAMES CARSON DUNCAN.

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         One of the finely improved farms of Columbus City township is the home of James Carson Duncan, its neat and prosperous appearance indicating a life of industry, perseverance and thrift on the part of its owner. A native of Louisa county, Mr. Duncan is a representative of a family which was established in this county at an early age. He was born on the 8th of April, 1868, a son of John Calvin and Sarah Jane (Tedford) Duncan, early settlers of this district.

         The father was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, on the 6th of September, 1845, a son of John and Rachel (Duncan) Duncan, also natives of the Volunteer state, who came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1846. They located on a tract of two hundred acres of raw prairie land about two miles west of the present site of Columbus City, and there maintained their home until their death, the mother passing away when fifty-five years of age and the father at the age of seventy-six years. In their family were ten children but only three sons now survive, namely: Francis M., of Union township, Louisa county; Robert Nelson, of Columbus City; and John Calvin, father of our subject.

         The latter was but sixteen years of age when, in September, 1861, he volunteered for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company C, Eleventh Iowa Regiment, and with that command served for three years and two months, meanwhile participating in all of the engagements of his regiment. He was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, on the 18th of October, 1865, and returned home with a most creditable military record, despite his youth. At that time his father agreed to give him all of the raw land which he could break and take care of if he would consent to pay the taxes and keep the fences in good repair, and he at once began to break the sod, using a team of oxen in the accomplishment of this task. He continued in the cultivation of that land for three years, after which he purchased a tract of eighty acres, to which he added, as his resources permitted, until he became the owner of a valuable property consisting of one hundred and seventy acres. There he engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1908, when he sold that farm and removed to Columbus City, where he is now living retired. In addition to the handsome dwelling in which he makes his home he is also the owner of another residence and three building lots in that town.

         John Calvin Duncan was twice married. On the 20th of April, 1867, he wedded Miss Sarah Jane Tedford, who passed away at the early age of thirty-two years. Unto them were born four children, namely: James Carson, of this review; Clara J., who married James Hamil, of Missouri; Anna, the wife of Harry Stapp, of Longmont, Colorado; and John F., also residing in that state. . . .

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. . . After the death of his first wife Mr. Duncan was united in marriage, on the 20th of April, 1881, to Miss Martha Sands, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (McCall) Sands, natives of Tennessee. They came to Iowa at an early day, settling in Wapello county, where they both passed away. In their family were nine children, namely: William McCall, Henry, John, Amanda and Eliza, all deceased; Elizabeth, who married F. M. Duncan, of Louisa county; Zachariah and Francis, both of Wapello county; and Martha, the wife of John Calvin Duncan. By his second marriage Mr. Duncan became the father of two children: Nathaniel, of Columbus City; and Mabel, the wife of Robert Smiley. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and also to the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a republican and for nine years has served as county supervisor, while for three years prior to his appointment to that position he held the office of trustee.

         James Carson Duncan, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life within the limits of his native county. He spent his early days on his father’s farm, amid the scenes and environment of rural life, devoting the winter seasons to the acquirement of his education in the country schools and the summer months to the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks which fall to the lot of the country lad. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority, when he embarked in the business world on his own account as a renter, operating a farm in that capacity for five years. At the end of that time he was able to purchase the farm upon which he now lives, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Columbus City township. This is a well improved property containing fine buildings, neat fences and all of the modern accessories and equipment for the successful conduct of a farming enterprise. In addition to tilling the soil he makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs and in this direction is meeting with most creditable success. He is not afraid to work but on the other hand is enterprising, industrious and persevering, and therefore the gratifying degree of prosperity which is today his is well merited.

         Mr. Duncan was married, February 11, 1893, to Miss Luella Johnston, a native of Louisa county and a daughter of W. A. and E. R. (Maxwell) Johnston. The parents were born in Alabama and Ohio respectively and came to this county at an early day, both passing away here. In their family were seven children of whom four are still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have been born seven children, as follows: Madge E., a high school graduate; Ethel J., deceased; and Calvin A., Marjorie, Tedford, Robert N., and Harold, all of whom are still at home.

         The parents are members of the United Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Duncan is now serving as trustee, and both are held in high regard in the community in which they reside. In politics Mr. Duncan gives his allegiance to the republican party, having served as school director and is now filling the office of township trustee, and in every relation he has been most loyal to the public welfare. His life has been well spent. In all of its relations he has been true to high and honorable principles and has never faltered in a choice between right . . .

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. . . and wrong, but has always endeavored to follow a course that his judgment and his conscience have sanctioned, and therefore he is numbered among the respected and valued citizens of Columbus City township.