Eli B. Duncan, who is numbered among the energetic and thriving agriculturists of Newberry township, and a citizen who has rendered sterling service to his community, has been a lifelong resident of Miami county. He was born on a farm in Monroe township, October 9, 1863, son of Amos and Sarah (Hollingsworth) Duncan, his parents being farming people of that community who were highly esteemed by their fellow-townspeople. The only child of his parents, Mr. Duncan was given a district school education an d grew up on the home farm, where he was associated with his father in farming operations until 19109. In that year he came to Newberry township, where he purchased his present property, a tract of 112 acres, on which he has operated successfully as a general farmer and raiser of a good grade of live stock. Mr . Duncan has made many improvements on his property, and this now compares favorably with other farms in the township and reflects the owner's progressiveness. Mr. Duncan married, May 1, 1890, Miss Minnie Switzer, who died in March, 1910, leaving two children: Edward M., who is engaged in farming in Newberry township; and Ruth E., the wife of Hobart Fulker, of Piqua. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Duncan married, March I5, 1910, Matilda, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Sheets) Shaefer, farming people of Clark county, and to this union there has come one son: Robert, who was born in 1912 and is now attending school. Mr. Duncan has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of his community, and during the World war period was appointed a sol icitor of funds for the various war activities, being allotted the northeastern block of Newberry township. He has been public-spirited in his support of civic movements, and the confidence in which he is held by his fellow-citizens has been shown in h is election to membership on the school board of Staunton township, on which he served with ability for eight years. He and the members of his family are highly thought of in their several communities, where they have numerous friends.