Joseph DUNCAN, Congress, IL (1794-1844)

DUNCAN Joseph , a Representative from Illinois; born in Paris, Bourbon County, Ky., February 22, 1794; pursued classical studies; during the War of 1812 was commissioned ensign in the Seventeenth Infantry; promoted to first lieutenant in the Forty-sixth Infantry July 16, 1814, and returned to the Seventeenth Infantry July 16, 1814; received, by resolution of Congress, February 13, 1835, the testimonial of a sword for his part in the defense of Fort Stephenson, Ohio; moved to Illinois in 1818 and settled in Kaskaskia, later in Jackson County; engaged in agricultural pursuits; justice of the peace in Jackson County 1821-1823; appointed major general of State militia in 1822 and commanded Illinois troops in the Black Hawk War in 1831; member of the State senate 1824-1826; elected as a Jacksonian to the Twentieth and to the three succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1827, until September 21, 1834, when he resigned, having been elected Governor of Illinois; moved to Jacksonville, Ill., in 1829; Governor of Illinois 1834-1838; unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1842; lived in retirement until his death in Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., January 15, 1844; interment in Diamond Grove Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present