James S. Duncan
Source: Biographical Record of
the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio
James S. Duncan, born July 9, 1858 in
Jackson County, Ohio, proprietor of a flourishing general
store at Limestone, and also extensively engaged in the
limestone business. His parents, James and Amy (Verner)
Duncan, were both born in Armstrong County, Penn., the
father in 1827, the mother in 1835. They were married in
1851, and are now living in Powellsville, Scioto County,
Ohio, where the father is a contractor and builder. To them
were born 8 children, 5 of whom are now living, 3 sons and 2
daughters; the sons are all married, but the daughters are
still with their parents.
James S. Duncan spent his boyhood
days at Powellsville, Scioto County, Ohio, there attending
public school, and graduated in 1877. At the age of 19,
immediately after graduating, he and his brother formed a
supply company for forwarding lime to Means, Kyle & Co., in
which business they continued for about 5 years, when it was
suddenly brought to a close by the death of his brother, he
being accidentally killed while handling limestone.
Mr. Duncan then went to Marion, Ohio,
as superintendent of the lime works for John D. Owens & Son,
with whom he remained for 4 years, thence coming to
Limestone, Benton twp., Ottawa County, where for 2 years he
had the superintendency of a similar business for Swayne &
Lawrence. He then entered into a contract to furnish lime to
the Genoa, and Rocky Ridge Lime Co. of Toledo, Ohio, being
thus engaged for 4 years.
In the meantime, in 1889, Mr. Duncan
opened a general store at Limestone, of which branch of his
business, his wife had charge for a time, but finally it was
put into the hands of a clerk, with Mr. Duncan having the
general management and oversight of the business. The
Limestone post office is located in the store, and for
several years Mr. Duncan held the position of
postmaster.
In 1892, Mr. Duncan went into
partnership whit L. W. Buzzard, erecting a large lime
plant which they operated together until 1894, at which time
the erected another plant at Williston, Ottawa County, Ohio,
for manufacturing Lime, crushing stone and furnishing
building stone. These 2 plants keep in constant operation,
his partner having the oversight of the new one, and Mr.
Duncan himself looks after the business in Limestone.
The partners are both members of the Ohio Lime Co., of
Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Duncan is a deservedly successful
man, and has reached his present position by his own energy
and untiring activity.
On June 15, 1881, Mr. Duncan was
married to Miss Alice M. Worthington of
Ironton, Ohio,
and 3 children have blessed their union, all of whom are
living; Royer E., born June 15, 1882; Cleveland, born
December 13, 1886; and Clara E., born December 14, 1888.
Mrs. Duncan was born in Kentucky, September 5, 1856,
and when a small girl removed with her father's people to
Powellsville, Ohio, where she attended school,
Graduating in 1864. She has also given some attention to
music, and has given her children instructions in the
principles of that art, especially instrumental music. Her
father, Findley Worthington, was killed in the war of
the Rebellion, and her mother died some 17 years ago.
