John R. Duncan

John R. Duncan is a prominent representative of the commercial interests of Albia, now carrying on a good business as a dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware. A reliable citizen, he belongs to that class whose energy and enterprise are important factors in the material prosperity of the community, and he has also taken an active part in promoting the moral and educational welfare of his adopted county.

Mr. Duncan was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in the vicinity of Lordstown, October 24, 1832, being a son of Thomas and Susan (Leach) Duncan. The father was born in Trumbull county, in 1805, and was a farmer by occupation. His father was John Duncan, a gentleman of Scotch descent. The mother was born in New Jersey, and was the daughter of Benjamin Leach, also a native of that State. His ancestors located in New England in an early day of American history. Our subject was the second in order of birth in the family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, who reached mature years. He passed his boyhood days in the county of his nativity, acquired his preliminary education in the common schools, and subsequently attended the Lordstown Academy. At the age of sixteen he began teaching in the country schools of Ohio, and was subsequently thus engaged in Iowa. In 1854 he became a resident of Monroe county, Iowa, making his first location in Urbana township. He followed the teacher's profession until 1861, when his fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability called him to public office, electing him Treasurer and Recorder of Monroe county for a term of two years. So acceptably did he fill that position that he was re-elected in 1863; and in 1864, when the office of Recorder was set aside from that of Treasurer, he was again elected to the former position and most acceptably discharged his duties, his capable administration placing the affairs of the office in an excellent condition.

On the expiration of his third term Mr. Duncan retired, and entered into merchandising. He formed a partnership with Henry and D. M. Miller, dealers in dry goods, and for three years carried on operations along that line. He then sold out to his partners and embarked in the grain and lumber business in company with his brother, R. W. Duncan, under the firm name of Duncan & Duncan. His operations along this line of endeavor continued for three years, at the end of which time he sold his lumber interests, but continued in the grain trade. At the same time he began dealing in hardware, and devoted his energies to the dual occupation until 1888, when he sold his grain and hardware business to his brother. In the same year he bought the hardware stock of C. F. Shultz and removed it to his present stand on the south side of the square. Here he has a fine store-room, 22 X 132 feet, in which he carries a large and well assorted stock of shelf and heavy hardware, tinware, stoves and ranges. He is enjoying an excellent trade, for his pleasing and courteous manner and honorable dealing have secured him a liberal patronage.

In 1859 Mr. Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Lora A. Taylor, a native of Albia, Iowa, and a daughter of I. M. Taylor. They have three children: Carrie S., who is married and resides in McCook, Nebraska, and Charles S. and Thomas E., who assist their father in the store.

In addition to his other property Mr. Duncan owns a good farm of 160 acres, in Monroe county, which is highly improved, and the rental from which adds not a little to his income. In Albia he has a pleasant home with good surroundings, and his property has been acquired entirely through his own indomitable energy, enterprise and well directed efforts. He has served for four years as City Treasurer of Albia, and has ever taken a commendable interest in promoting the city's welfare. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife are prominent members and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church.