SAMUEL H. DUNCAN.

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         Samuel H. Duncan, who for nearly fifty years has been identified with the agricultural development of Louisa county, was born in Tennessee on the 28th of October, 1838, his parents being J. K. and Margaret (Johnson) Duncan. In the early ‘40s they removed westward, being among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, where they passed the latter days of their lives. Unto them were born six children as follows: Catherine E.; Samuel H.; Sarah J.; R. F., who is a resident of Columbus Junction; Isabel; and J. J., who is also living in Columbus Junction.

         Being but a lad of five years when his parents settled in Iowa Samuel H. Duncan acquired his education in the public schools of the Hawkeye state, which he attended until he had obtained sufficient knowledge of the common branches to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life. His early years were not unlike those of the majority of lads of the pioneer days, when life west of the Mississippi was very primitive in the rural communities. At the age of twenty-five years he began his independent career as an agriculturist, and has ever since been identified with farming. He now owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of . . .

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. . . land which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Here he engages in general farming and also makes a specialty of raising Jersey Red hogs, and horses. At one time he was a very extensive feeder of cattle but has now withdrawn from this entirely. Mr. Duncan has the misfortune to be absolutely deaf, this affliction having proven to be a great handicap in the transaction of business, yet he has made of life a success far greater than many a man who is not thus handicapped and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.

         On the 5th of November, 1863, Mr. Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Edwards, and unto them have been born nine children: J. K.; Charles; R. L.; Oscar E.; Guy and Garry, twins; Grace Adella; one who died in infancy; and Clyde, who died at the age of seventeen years.

         In matters religious the family manifest their faith through their affiliation with the Reformed church, of which the parents are members, and in politics Mr. Duncan is a democrat but has never held any office save that of school director. He is widely and favorably known in the community where he has so long resided and among whose citizens both he and his wife number many friends.