Robert Duncan, Junior
Robert Duncan (1827-1889) Shipbuilder.
1827 Born son of Robert Duncan, Senior
He trained as a shipbuilder
1842 Observed John Scott Russell's experiments on hull shapes
Apprenticed with Robert Steele and Co
1851 Started work as manager for his father's old partner James MacMillan.
1853 Manager of the yard of J. G. Laurie
1855 Manager for Smith and Rodger
1862 Robert Duncan Junior decided to strike out on his own. Using his father's company name, Robert Duncan and Co, with John McGregor and John Hamilton he took over the East Yard in Port Glasgow from John Reid and Co. The company was very successful - nearly 400 ships were built in the East Yard from its start until the last was delivered in 1931. He produced many ideas which either were patented or which earned considerable sums of money for himself or associated ship-owners.
1870 His partners retired.
Became managing director of Barrow Shipbuilding Co where he laid out the new works
1875 resigned his directorship at Barrow and returned to Port Glasgow
1883 Duncan's 3 oldest sons, Robert, John, xx, were brought in as partners.
1889 Died. Read his obituary in The Engineer 1889/07/12.