WILLIAM NELSON DUNCAN.

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         William Nelson Duncan, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his eighty acre farm in Union township, was born in Louisa county, on the 26th of March, 1870. His parents are F. M. and Elizabeth (Sands) Duncan, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Iowa. They came to Louisa county in 1847, settling on a farm west of Columbus City, where they continued to reside for many years. Unto them were born eight children, as follows: J. Carter, a resident of Columbus Junction; Melvin, who is deceased; William Nelson; Ida M., the wife of Harry Edwards, of Louisa county; Harrison, who is re- . . .

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. . . siding in this county; Frank, who makes his home in Columbus Junction; Earl, deceased; and Jessie, who is also a resident of Louisa county.

         The early years in the life of William Nelson Duncan were not unlike those of other lads who are reared in the rural districts. He acquired his education in the common schools and while pursuing his studies was also becoming acquainted with the practical side of agriculture, for at such times as he was not in the school room he was expected to assist in the work of the fields. At the age of twenty-one he began his independent career as a farmer and bought two hundred acres of land which he cultivated for five years. He disposed of his holdings at the expiration of that time, following which he purchased a quarter of section 4, Union township, where he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. During the period of his residence here he has sold one-half of his original tract and is now cultivating but eighty acres.

         In early manhood Mr. Duncan married Miss Jennie Orr, a daughter of W. W. and Jane (McCooney) Orr, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Iowa. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Orr there were born nine children: Rufus, who is a resident of Colorado; James L., who is living in Kansas; Jennie, the wife of Mr. Duncan; Ella, deceased; Margaret, who married W. W. Krone, of Kansas; Frank, who is living in Montana; and John L., Arthur and Earl, all of whom are residing in Kansas. Having no children of their own Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are rearing Milo Fulton, who is now thirteen years of age.

         Mr. Duncan gives his political allegiance to the republican party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot. He does not actively participate in township affairs but has served in the capacity of assessor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Duncan affiliate with the Reformed church among the membership of which they number many of their friends.