My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM A. DUCKWALL was born June 11, 1817, in Morgan County, Va., and is a son of Isaac and Amelia (Clover) Duckwall, natives of Virginia. He came to Clermont County, Ohio, in 1836, and there married Sarah Ann Jenkins, April 25, 1838; the year following he came to New Albany, Ind., and in 1840 to Louisville, where, in connection with his brother David, he was engaged in running hacks and omnibuses from Portland to Louisville; at this time he was also engaged in the produce business. The omnibus line was continued with much competition by other omnibus lines both from Cincinnati and at home, but by his strict attention to business, caused the opposition lines to withdraw. Mr. Isiam Henderson and others built a street railway from Twelfth street to Portland, and run it in opposition to the omnibus line; after a time a compromise was made by running the omnibuses from Twelfth street to other parts of the city, the proceeds of the receipts of which being equally divided, but after a time sold out to them. The produce business was continued, and in 1856, taking W. H.Troxell as a partner, consolidated with D. Duckwall, of the boat store business, thus forming the firm of Duckwall, Troxell & Co. Afterwards, in order to give an increase to the business, the firm became interested in several fine steamboats. In 1858, with Alex. Hunter, bought the Connor interest in the New Albany and Portland Ferries, which interest he still holds. In 1872, upon the dissolution of Duckwall, Troxell & Co., he retired from active business and moved to the country, where he had purchased lands. On the 12th of July, 1875, Mrs. Duckwall died after a brief illness. There were seven children, three having died when quite young. Mrs. Amelia Kate Duckwall Hunter, the beautiful and accomplished wife of Alex. Hunter, died May 20, 1870. The remaining children, David T. Duckwall, Mrs. E. Laura Fitch and W. A. Duckwall, Jr., are now living.