R. H. DUNCAN.

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         The cultivation of a farm of one hundred and four and a half acres occupies the time and attention of R. H. Duncan, who is a resident of Union township, Louisa county. He was born in the township where he now resides on the 1st of December, 1874, and is a son of F. M. and Elizabeth (Sands) Duncan, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Iowa. The parents came to Louisa county in 1847 and settled on a farm west of Columbus City. To them were born eight children: J. Carter, a resident of Columbus Junction; Melvin, deceased; William Nelson, an agriculturist of Union township; Ida M., the wife of Harry Edwards, also of this county; R. H., our subject; Frank, who is living in Columbus Junction; Earl, deceased; and Jesse, also a resident of this county.

         R. H. Duncan obtained his education in the common schools in the vicinity of the home farm on which he was reared. After laying aside his studies he began preparing himself for the vocation which he is now following by assisting his father with the work of the farm. When he attained his majority he left the parental roof and began operating rented land. In 1907 he bought the farm upon which he is now residing and which contains one hundred and four and a half acres of land, located on section 3, Union township.

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         In 1901 Mr. Duncan married Miss Frances Crim, who was born in Louisa county and is a daughter of George W. and Frances (Butcher) Crim, also natives of this county. Her mother passed away in December, 1879, and her father on the 8th of February, 1901. They had two daughters, Catharine, who is unmarried; and Frances, now Mrs. Duncan. The marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Duncan has been blessed by four children: Merle L., who was born on the 17th of November, 1901; Roy V., born on the 19th of April, 1903; Armilla V., born on the 2d of October, 1904; and Reuben C., whose birth occurred on the 23d of December, 1906.

         Fraternally Mr. Duncan is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in the lodge at Columbus Junction, and politically he is a republican but has never been an office seeker, always having preferred to give his undivided attention to the development of his private interests.