He was born in Bath, a younger son of Doctor Daniel Duncan, author of some religious tracts, and grandson of Daniel Duncan, Doctor of Medicine, whose memoir (together with an account of the Duncan family) he contributed to the Biographia Britannica. He was born 3 November 1721, entered Merchant Taylors" School at the age of twelve, and proceeded thence (1739) to Street John"s College, Oxford, as probationary fellowship
After graduating (Master of Arts 1746), and taking holy orders, he became chaplain to the forces, and served with the king"s own regiment during the Scots" rebellion in 1746, and afterwards at the Siege of Saint Philip"s Castle, Minorca. He was made Doctor of Divinity by decree of convocation in 1757, he was presented six years later to the college living of South Warnborough, Hampshire, which he retained until his death at Bath, 28 December 1808.
