William Duncan (1832-1918), of Beverly, England, abandoned a promising career at age 22 to train as a missionary for the Church Missionary Society. After completing his studies at Highbury College in London, he was sent to Fort Simpson, British Columbia, to work with the Tsimshian Indians. By 1859, he had established a schoolhouse where he taught reading, writing, counting and singing, in English, and religion in the native Tsimshian language. In May, 1862, Duncan left Fort Simpson with 50 Tsimshians to escape the influence of white culture. They established a community at Metlakatla, British Columbia. In 1867, he and 800 others moved again, this time to Annette Island, Alaska, and created a New Metlakatla. Duncan Cottage was built for him at Metlakatla, Alaska, in 1891. William Duncan died August 30, 1918 and is buried next to the church in Metlakatla, Alaska. [From "The Devil and Mr. Duncan," by Peter Murray, 1985, and "William Duncan, Founder and Developer of Alaska's Christian Mission," by Edward Delor Kohlstedt, 1957.].
From the description of Duncan Cottage Museum photograph collection [graphic], ca. 1857-1916. (Alaska State Library). WorldCat record id: 53313448
