The Arizona sentinel., 1902-09-03
Death of Ransom J. Duncan.

special train enrOute to his home in Yuma, Ransom J. Duncan, aged B years, months and ) days.
 The train bearing the remains ar- rived in Yuma at 11:45 p. m., and the body was received by the funeral direc- tors, Johnson & Bowles, to be prepared for intermeht.
 The funeral services were held at Elks' hall Monday afternoon, under the auspices, jointly, of Yuma Lodge, No r. F. and A. M and the B. P. O. E., of which orders deceased was an hon ored member.
 The body lay in state in the hall from 10 a. m. to the hour of interment, $50 D. m. The ceremonies at the hall were conducted in accordance with the rites of the Crder of Elks, and were most impressive, the. vacant chair, draped in the sombre cloth of mourn ing, being very touching feature. The eulogy upon the dead brother, de- livered by Senator Ives was earnest, appropriate and eloquent.
 The funeral was the largest in point of nun1bers ever held in Yuma.
 In lihe in the funeral cortege were members of Yuma Masonic Lodge, and the Elks, besides several railroad officials of prominence including Di- vision Superintendent Sroufe and oth- CTS, and people in carriages and afoot.
 The pall-bearers were: Division Superintendent c. C. Sroufe, Travel ing Engineer Jack O'Brien, Judge F. L. Ewing, Dr. P. G. Cotter, Joe Cor bett, and Henry J. Neithart.
 There was very large assemblage at the grave, where the remains were finally consigned to earth, the services there being in accordance with Ma sonic rites.
 While the passing of Mr, Duncan created no surprise, yet the expressions of regret and sorrow were almost un- iversal; perhaps the death of no other man in the community would have caused more. MT. Duncan had been closely identified with the progress of Yuma since coming here in 1892, and that he was proud to call this his home is strongly evidenced by nearly his last request: that he be brought here to die, and here find a last resting place. His love for Yuma was doubtless the outcome of gratitude, in part at least, for it was the pure air and healthful sunshine of this fair land, which gave him a new lease on life that had all but ebbed away, and enabled him to once more resume the active life to which he had been accustomed.
 Mr. Duncan served two terms as mayor of this city, during the years 1898 and 1899.
 Ransom J. Duncan was born in Kenesaw, Georgia, and began railroad life as fireman at an early age, later became an engineer, and through earn ed promotions he served in the capacity of master mechanic, superintendent and general manager.
 He was recognized as ar authority in railroad matters, especially with re- gard to the mechanical depar tments, and only frail health prevented his rising to national distinction, in these lines.
 Mr. Duncan came to Yuma in 1892 entering the employ of the Southern Pacific railroad company as train master. He held this position until 1900, when he was called to Tucson by the then Division Superintendent Epes Randolph, whose own duties ha6 grown with the increased business O1 the road to such an extent that he made MT. Duncan not only trainmaSter l but also his assistant, to relieve him o part of his work. While holding thi: position Mr. Duncan's health being again seriously threatened, he wa: granted an indefinite lay-Off, but re gaining his strength sufficiently after several months, he was re-transferret | to Yuma to his old position, which he filled up to the time of his death. Hi! wonderful vitality and will power ea abled him to fulfill his duties fOl months and months, during which tht dread disease, consumption was slowl. but surely dragging him down. A few weeks ago nature would bear no more and Mr. Duncan was taken to Los An geles, wheFe for a short time he re vived, but it was only the last flicker ing of the vital spark. He rapidl. grew worse and finally realizing tha he must give up the struggle, express ed a wish to be brought home. H' died as he was on his way-as h, perha s'desired to die-with the rat tie of the wheels and the putting of th' engine, the final sounds that he woHlC hear upon earth.