JOURNALIST

Situated in the Unconsecrated/East Section of Jesmond Old Cemetery

William Duncan.

Born in May 1836 in Aberdeen, William Duncan was educated at the Grammar School there, where he developed his love of ancient literature, classical poetry and prose. He then attended Marichal College and University. Prior to going to University he studied phonography, once he mastered it he taught it to others in his spare time. His first reporting job was with the ‘Peterhead Advertiser’, moving on to Stockton on Tees, he reported for the ‘Stockton Herald’ then the ‘Northern Daily Express’. It was about 1860 when he started working for the ‘Newcastle Daily Chronicle’, where he remained for 31 years until he retired in 1891.

William married Mary Dawson in 1859 and they went on to have six children. Mary passed away in 1879 and William then married Isabella in 1880 who died in 1898 – both wives are buried in the grave with him.

After the death of Joseph Cowen in 1900, (M.P. and owner of the Newcastle Daily Chronicle from 1858 until his death), William wrote a biography of his life.

William’s obituary read as follows: Mr. William Duncan, Journalist. The death took place in Newcastle yesterday, after a few days illness, of Mr William Duncan, an old Newcastle working journalist, at the age of 69. Mr. Duncan spent the early part of his journalistic life in Aberdeen. He was for a short time, editor of the “Peterhead Sentinel”, when that paper was but newly started. After relinquishing his editorial duties, he was for sometime engaged in journalistic work in Aberdeen, and subsequently went to Newcastle on Tyne, where he acted for many years as sub-editor of the Newcastle Chronicle under the late Mr Joseph Cowen-a life of whom Mr Duncan published some three years ago. He was the most genial, kind hearted man, and was much esteemed by all the journalists of the north of England.

The cause of William’s death was given as ‘Carcinoma of Intestine, Intestinal obstruction’. Alex Duncan, son, present at death.

William Duncan of 35, Larkspur Terrace, Journalist died 8 Jan 1906. Probate 30 Jan 1906 to Alexander Dawson Duncan £4333 1s 4d.