James H. Duncan

James Henry Duncan (December 5, 1793 – February 8, 1869) was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts.

James Henry Duncan
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853
Preceded by	Amos Abbott
Succeeded by	J. Wiley Edmands
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1827 1837–1838 1857
Personal details
Born	December 5, 1793 Haverhill, Massachusetts
Died	February 8, 1869 (aged 75) Haverhill, Massachusetts
Political party	Whig

Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Duncan attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and graduated from Harvard University in 1812. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1815, commencing practice in Haverhill.

He was an active militia officer, and attained the rank of colonel. He was president of the Essex Agricultural Society, and member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1827, 1837, 1838, and again in 1857. He served in the Massachusetts State Senate from 1828 to 1831, and was a delegate to the Whig National Convention at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1839. He was appointed Commissioner-in-Bankruptcy in 1841.

He was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Congresses (March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853). Following his political career he was engaged in the real-estate business.

He died in Haverhill, aged 75, and was interred in Linwood Cemetery. His daughter Margaret Duncan married Stephen Henry Phillips on October 3, 1871.[1]

James H. Duncan is the namesake of Duncan, Illinois.[2]