WILLIAM C. DUNCAN was born in Lyons, New York May 18, 1820. His father's family removed from Lyons to Rochester. New York, about 1825, where he remained until 1841 when he secured employment on one of the passenger steamers plying on the lakes. While thus engaged Mr. Duncan aided in taking the "Julia Palmer" across the Portage at the Sault Ste. Marie. She was the first side-wheel steamer that ever floated on Lake Superior. In 1849 Mr. Duncan became a permanent resident of Detroit and engaged in the brewing business. He was elected an Alderman in 1853 and served for five years, and in 1861 was elected Mayor of the city, serving in 1862 and 1863. In the fall of 1862 he was elected State Senator. In 1865 Mr. Duncan engaged in the banking business, the firm being Duncan, Biddle & Co. They soon dissolved, and he gave his attention to the care of the property he had accumulated, and twice visited Europe for health and recreation. He died December 19, 1877.