Duncan, William Lorenzo, 1827-1907.

William Lorenzo Duncan was born June 11, 1827 in Washington College, Maryland. His early childhood was spent in New York City. After the death of his mother, the family moved to South Central Illinois, going into business with his brother in Springfield and Bloomington. In 1846, as war broke out with Mexico, Duncan served in Company B of the 4th regiment of Illinois Infantry as 2nd Lieut. His company went to New Orleans and left on the "Sea Lion" for Brazos, marching to a point on the Rio Grande (Camp Belknap). Duncan commanded his regiment after the Captain and other 2nd Lieut. died and took part in the capture of Tampico embarking on a Steamer for Vera Cruz. The regiment was in the siege of Vera Cruz and the battle of Cerro Gordo. After the war, Duncan resumed business in Bloomington with his brother. On April 20, 1849 Duncan started overland for California with a train of 14 wagons and entered California on September 20, 1849. He mined on Bear River, went to Sacramento and stayed until flooded out. He and a partner opened a store in Jackson, Amador County. From 1851-1853, Duncan shared a business, the "Chinese Sales Room", with his brother and a partner in San Francisco. In 1853 he sold out going into real estate, buying 80 acres of land in the Western Addition. In 1864, Duncan bought a seat in the S.F. Stock and Exchange Board.