The Way We Were

Charles A. Duncan Jr. (right) was a community leader for many years. He wore several hats: soldier, police constable, and caretaker of Cayuga High School. Charles helped many slaves escape to freedom in Canada. He died in 1975 at 102 years old.

Charles Duncan Jr.

Charles was born April 16, 1874 in Seneca township. The family farm was near Indiana.  He was the son of George Samuel Duncan and Louise Ann Kennedy.

Charles enlisted with the 114th Battalion at the age of 43. Colonel Andrew Thompson described Charles as “one of the most reliable soldiers in the whole Battalion and thoroughly liked and respected by both officers and men.”