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Sir John James Duncan (1845–1913)

Sir John Duncan, n.d.

Sir John Duncan, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 15 October 1913

Sir John Duncan, M.L.C., a well-known pastoralist in South Australia, died suddenly at Adelaide on 8th October. The deceased gentleman, who enjoyed excellent health and vigour, appeared to be in his usual health until a few days before his death. His indisposition was considered to be only of a temporary character, and an operation which was considered necessary was reported as being so successful as to enable Sir John to be about again in a few days. When apparently progressing satisfactorily he collapsed, and died very suddenly. The death of Sir John Duncan removed a striking personality, for he has been closely identified with public life and various important industries for a great number of years. He was born at Anstruthen, Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1845, and has been a resident of South Australia for nearly sixty years. He was closely associated with his father (Captain Duncan) and his uncle (Sir W. W. Hughes) in the opening up of the great copper mines which were discovered on their pastoral properties in Yorke's Peninsula. Subsequently Sir John was interested in various pastoral properties in the inside and saltbush areas of the State. He was president of the Pastoralist' Association from 1905 to 1907, and always took a keen interest in pastoral and agricultural affairs. For many years the deceased gentleman sat in the House of Assembly and Legislative Council, and at the time of his death, and for a considerable period was leader of the Liberal party in the latter Chamber. He was invited on several occasions to take office, but declined. The passing of a gentleman of the experience and high character of Sir John Duncan will prove a great loss to the community, and particularly so to those interests with which he was more closely associated. He leaves a widow, two daughters, and three sons.

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Citation details

'Duncan, Sir John James (1845–1913)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/duncan-sir-john-james-1171/text1166, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Sir John Duncan, n.d.

Sir John Duncan, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 15 October 1913

Life Summary [details]

Birth

12 February, 1845
Anstruther, Fife, Scotland

Death

8 October, 1913 (aged 68)
North Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

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