The Commercial hotel was built in 1869, and was first kept by John Carr, proprietor of the building. He kept it several years, and then let it to others. Since that time it has had a varied history. The present landlord, THOMAS DUNCAN, took the house in Aug., 1882, and it has met with its first success under his management. This success has been well deserved, as Mr. Duncan is a boniface who spares no pains to make his guests comfortable. He and his estimable family are a welcome addition to the city of White Hall. The house contains 20 sleeping rooms, besides the other appurtenances of a good hotel, and has a liberal patronage.

THOMAS DUNCAN, the present proprietor of the Commercial, was born at Jonesboro, Eastern Tenn., March 1, 1821. He is a son of James and Sarah (Hunt) Duncan, both natives of Tennessee. He lived with his parents until he had reached the age of 25, being engaged in farming with his father. In 1856 he moved to this state, and bought land near Girard, Macoupin County, where he was engaged in farming nine years. He then sold his farm, and engaged in the grocery business at Girard, in which enterprise he was engaged for 11 years. He then embarked in the hotel business in the same place, taking charge of the Enterprise hotel, which he conducted for about three years. From there he removed to White Hall, and took charge of the Commercial hotel. He was married, Aug. 7, 1856, to Elizabeth B. Kitzmiller, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Carr) Kitzmiller. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living - Martha M., married to I. P. Smith, living at Palmyra, Macoupin county; Mary E., Sarah E., Ella B., Laura A., Katie J., Birdie Irene and Ethel V. All of these, with one exception, have been endowed with a marked talent for vocal music. The one deceased was an infant, not named. The family are devout members of the Baptist church, the young ladies being leading singers in the choir. Mr. Duncan is a man honest and upright in the fullest sense of the words. He is a republican, politically.