The Life and Legacy of Brigadier General Joseph Wilson Duncan

A Soldier's Birth and Early Years

On June 20, 1853, Joseph Wilson Duncan was born into a life destined for military service. His birthplace, Fort Ewell, located in what would become La Salle County, Texas, was a fitting start for the son of a United States Army captain. At the time, Fort Ewell existed within the contentious Nueces Strip, a borderland rife with tension among Native Americans, Mexicans, and settlers. The fort, however, was short-lived, decommissioned just a year after Duncan's arrival into the world.

Joseph's father, Captain Thomas Duncan, played a significant role during the American Civil War, commanding Union forces at Fort Craig in New Mexico. He was a pivotal figure in the Battle of Valverde, leading the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. As the Reconstruction era unfolded, the Duncan family relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where young Joseph witnessed the unrest and activities of the Ku Klux Klan, an experience that would shape his understanding of conflict and leadership.

Education and Elevation Through the Ranks

Joseph Duncan's journey through military ranks began with his education at Columbian College in Washington, D.C. Upon graduating, he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 21st U.S. Infantry on May 10, 1878. His career was marked by a series of promotions and commendations for gallant service. On February 27, 1890, he was breveted as a First Lieutenant for his bravery during the Battle of the Clearwater against Native American forces on July 11 and 12, 1877.

Duncan's ascent through the military ranks was steady: appointed Regimental Adjutant in March 1887, Captain by April 1888, Major in the 13th U.S. Infantry by March 1899, and eventually Lieutenant Colonel in October 1901. His career highlights included participation in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the Moro Rebellion, notably during the First Battle of Bud Dajo from March 5–8, 1906.

Commanding Fort Sam Houston

In 1911, Duncan reached a pinnacle of his career when he was appointed the commanding officer of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. This role was to be his final tour of duty. Tragically, his service was cut short when he passed away on May 14, 1912, at Fort Sam Houston. His dedication to the military was honored with a burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a testament to his significant contributions to the United States Army.

Following Duncan's death, Brigadier General Edgar Zell Steever II, stationed with the 4th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, temporarily assumed command of Fort Sam Houston. Steever noted the demanding conditions along the Mexican border that occupied his time after Duncan's passing. On February 26, 1913, Tasker H. Bliss took over as the fort's commanding officer, continuing the legacy of leadership that Duncan had embodied.

Remembering a Military Leader

Joseph Wilson Duncan's life was a testament to dedication and service, marked by his rise through military ranks and his participation in pivotal battles that shaped American history. His leadership at Fort Sam Houston and his service across numerous conflicts left an indelible mark on the United States Army.

Sources

• Infantry Journal, 1910–1950
• Leatherwood, Art; Scott, William V. "TSHA | Fort Ewell". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
• "Col. Duncan Quits Helena". The Helena Independent. July 30, 1907. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
• Register of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States, National Commandery, 1900, p. 144.
• "Joseph Wilson Duncan". ANC. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
• "Col. E.Z. Steever Will Succeed Gen Duncan". The Houston Post. May 15, 1912. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
• Jameson, Perry (1993). "A Survey History of Fort Bliss 1890–1940" (PDF). Department of Defense. pp. 20–21.

For more detailed information, visit Joseph Wilson Duncan's Wikipedia page.