William Butler Duncan

William Butler Duncan II (May 1, 1862 – March 30, 1933), also known as Butler Duncan, was a leader in American yacht racing and naval service.

Early life

William was born on May 1, 1862 in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of David Duncan (1835–1873) and Fannie (née Bloodgood) Duncan (1832–1874).[1][2][3] After his parents' early deaths, young William was adopted by his paternal uncle, W. Butler Duncan I.[4] His adoptive father (and uncle) was born in Edinburgh and became a banker in New York and chairman of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.[5] From 1858 to 1896, the Duncan family maintained a residence on Grymes Hill, Staten Island, in the former home of the neighborhood's namesake Suzette Grymes.[6] William II graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1882.[7]

Career

Military

After graduation from the Naval Academy, Duncan stayed in the U.S. Navy for two years until 1884, serving on the USS Vandalia. In 1891, he was one of the organizers of the 1st Battalion of the New York Naval Militia, and served as commanding officer of one of its divisions. During the Spanish-American War, he served on the USS Yankee, and in World War I he was a Commander in the Naval Reserve.[7]

Civilian

Duncan joined the New York Yacht Club in 1889, serving as Rear Commodore in 1891 and 1892, and as Vice Commodore in 1893. He was on the Race Committee in 1900, and served on the Membership Committee for eleven years and on several rules committees, playing a key role in the Club's long defense of the America's Cup.[7]

Personal life

In 1891, Duncan married Blanche Maximillian "Blanca" Havemeyer (1871–1958) at the Havemeyer cottage on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island.[8] Blanca was the daughter of Theodore Havemeyer and Emilie (née de Loosey) Havemeyer.[8] Among her siblings was Charles Frederick Havemeyer, who married Camilla Woodward Moss, and Theodora Havemeyer, who married Admiral Cameron Winslow.[9] Together, Blanche and William were the parents of four children who survived to adulthood, including:

After his death on March 30, 1933,[1][7] William Butler Duncan II was buried at sea from the USS Cole with full naval honors.[19] His wife died in Aiken, South Carolina in April 1958.[9]

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References
  1. "W. Butler Duncan Dead in 71st Year" (PDF). The New York Times. March 31, 1933. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  2. Dobson, Mary Ann (Duncan) (November 18, 2012). "Duncans in Providence Co. RI". Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  3. Whyte, Donald, ed. (2009) [1972]. A Dictionary of Scottish Emigrants to the U.S.A., Volume 1. Genealogical Publishing. p. 102. ISBN 978-0806348179.
  4. "W. Butler Duncan, Old New Yorker, Dead at 82". The New York Sun. June 21, 1912. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  5. "Wm. Butler Duncan Dies in 82d Year" (PDF). The New York Times. June 21, 1912. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  6. Hine, Charles Gilbert (1914). History and Legend of Howard Avenue and the Serpentine Road, Grymes Hill, Staten Island. p. 64. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  7. "William Butler Duncan Papers". Mystic Seaport. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  8. "Happy Brides and Grooms; Autumn Weddings in This and Other Cities. the Havemeyer and Duncan Families United at Newport in the Presence of Many Guests – a Pretty Newburg Wedding" (PDF). The New York Times. October 16, 1891. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  9. "Mrs. William B. Duncan" (PDF). The New York Times. April 7, 1958. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  10. "LOUIS W. NOEL, 79, OF LAIDLAW & CO.; Partner in Brokerage Firm Since 1942 Is Dead" (PDF). The New York Times. June 30, 1966. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  11. "DAVID DUNCAN DEAD; A WORLD WAR HERO; Harvard Athlete Cited by France and U.S. for Service With Marines – Textiles Leader" (PDF). The New York Times. January 3, 1936. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  12. "MISS SIZER BETROTHED.; Junior League Member to Wed Lieut. David Duncan" (PDF). The New York Times. September 3, 1919. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  13. "Deaths. DUNCAN – Corp. William Butler, Jr" (PDF). The New York Times. April 14, 1944. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  14. "MISS DUNCAN TO WED THOMAS M. CARNEGIE JR.; Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Butler Duncan Engaged to Grand Nephew of Carnegie" (PDF). The New York Times. April 1, 1922. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  15. "T.M. CARNEGIE JR. WEDS MISS DUNCAN; Grandnephew of Late Andrew Carnegie Marries Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Duncan" (PDF). The New York Times. June 27, 1922. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  16. "MRS. CARNEGIE WED TO HUGH KELLEHER; Former Wife of Thomas M. Carnegie Jr. Marries Tennis Player at Southampton, L.I. SHE WAS DOROTHY DUNCAN" (PDF). The New York Times. October 2, 1928. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  17. "Hugh G. M. Kelleher, Financial Adviser" (PDF). The New York Times. August 24, 1961. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  18. Albelli, Alfred (June 22, 1969). "Lived Like Millionare, Died in Debt. The Late Hugh G. M. Kelleher, investment banker, financial consultant, socialite and sportsman, lived like a millionaire and was generally supposed to be one". New York Daily News. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  19. "Duncan Is Buried at Sea by Navy" (PDF). The New York Times. April 2, 1933. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
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