James Duncan
| James Duncan | |
|---|---|
 A photograph of Duncan shortly after taking office (1842) | |
| 2nd President of Libertas Omnium Maximus | |
| In office January 1, 1845 – January 1, 1853 | |
| Chancellor | William Brand |
| Vice President | Jonathan Davis |
| Preceded by | Michael Chaucer |
| Succeeded by | Chester B. Mayfield |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Duncan June 12, 1797 Litudinem, Royal Colony of Iustitia |
| Died | August 11, 1859 (aged 62) Battery Downs, Libertas Omnium Maximus |
| Cause of death | Killed by Arthur Blayne in a duel |
| Citizenship | Libertas Omnium Maximus |
| Nationality | Maximusian |
| Political party | none (1830s-1844); Trade and Commerce) (1844-1859) |
| Height | 5' 11" |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Duncan (m. 1825-1859) |
| Children | John Duncan |
James Duncan (June 12, 1797 - August 11, 1859) was a 19th century Maximusian statesman, revolutionary, duelist, and the second President of Libertas Omnium Maximus, serving as the first vice-president before his election in 1844. Though a lesser player in the Maximusian Civil War than his predecessor, Michael Chaucer, Duncan was instrumental in maintaining the logistical integrity of Maximusian forces throughout the conflict, serving as the chairman of the ad hoc Iustitian Army of the Republic Central Planning and Logistics Committee from 1835 to 1837. As President, Duncan brokered many of the nation's most successful and enduring early trade agreements, though his efforts to bring Libertas Omnium Maximus fully into the folds of 19th century global trade were somewhat stymied by a Senate determined to focus more on setting domestic policy than strengthening commercial ties abroad.
Following his presidency, Duncan considered running for Governor of Passarelle Province at the insistence of many of his colleagues, but instead chose to formally retire from public service. Instead, he served on the University of Litudinem board of governors throughout his short retirement. In 1859, it was suggested that Duncan had been involved in an affair with the wife of his long-time political rival, Arthur Blayne, between 1843 and 1847. His reputation and pride struck a mortal blow, Blayne challenged Duncan to a duel, although Duncan adamantly denied that the alleged affair ever occurred. During the illegal duel on August 11, 1859, Blayne shot Duncan in the heart, killing him instantly. Blayne was subsequently charged with murder, but was acquitted on a technicality.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
James was born to Bartholomew (1740-1807) and Martha (1744-1813) Duncan on June 12, 1797, in Litudinem, at the time a very small farming and trapping settlement in the Royal Colony of Iustitia. The Iustitian War for Independence broke out just months after James was born, though his parents, who both came from merchant families of relative wealth, did not throw their support in favor of either side of the war effort. Due to major economic instability and a collapse in value of the Iustitian Dollar in the early years of the Provisional Iustitian Government, James Duncan's father lost most of his wealth in the early 1800s.