Charles T. Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles T. Duncan
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 9, 1838 Jonesville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | September 29, 1915 Gate City, Virginia |
| Spouses | Mary Martin Ella Holliday |
| Profession | Politician, lawyer, judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Virginia Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Virginia Militia Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant (CSA) |
| Unit | 37th Virginia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Gaines' Mill Battle of Spotsylvania Court House |
Charles Taylor Duncan (born July 9, 1838 – died September 29, 1915) was an important person from Virginia. He was a lawyer and a judge in the 1800s. He also served as an officer during the American Civil War. After the war, he helped write a new constitution for Virginia.
Contents
Growing Up and Family Life
Charles Duncan was born on July 9, 1838. He was the first son of John Henry Duncan, a farmer. His father also served in the Virginia House of Delegates, which is like a state parliament. Charles's family had a long history in Virginia. His great-grandmother found shelter at Fort Blackmore during Native American raids long ago.
Charles Duncan married Mary Martin in 1860. They had a daughter named Maggie. After Mary passed away, Charles married Ella Holliday. They had two sons, Charles T. Duncan Jr. and Paul H. Duncan.
Serving in the Civil War
When Virginia left the United States, Charles Taylor Duncan joined the army. On May 10, 1861, he became a private in the 37th Virginia Infantry. This was a group of soldiers from Virginia.
He quickly became an officer. By March 1862, he was an adjutant, helping the commander. He then became a lieutenant. He fought in important battles. At the Battle of Gaines' Mill in 1862, he was near his commander, Colonel Samuel Vance Fulkerson, when the colonel was badly hurt.
In 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Charles Duncan was captured. He became a prisoner of war. While he was imprisoned, he spent his time studying law. His brother, William Robert Duncan, also served in the war and survived.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Charles Duncan became a lawyer. He practiced law for forty years. He was known for his legal skills.
People from Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties chose him to be a delegate. This meant he helped write the Virginia Constitution of 1868. He represented the interests of his community.
Later, Charles Duncan was elected as the Commonwealth Attorney for Lee County. This job is like a prosecutor. He served in that role for eight years. After that, he became a well-known criminal defense lawyer. Eventually, the Virginia General Assembly, which is the state's lawmaking body, elected him to be a judge.
Later Years and Legacy
Charles Duncan passed away on September 29, 1915. He was visiting Gate City, Virginia at the time. Earlier that day, he had given a speech. He also helped unveil a plaque. This plaque celebrated the 100th anniversary of Scott County's first courthouse. He is buried in the Jonesville cemetery with his wives and his infant daughter.
