Biographical Sketches

DUNCAN M. TAIT

Who is serving as supervising grain inspector of Missouri at Kansas City, was born at Chatham, Ontario, August 29, 1868, and is a son of James and Mary (McIntyre) Tait, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada. They had a family of 5 children, of whom 4 are now living, Martin, James, Duncan M. and Nan. The father is a Miller of Polo, Missouri, having resided in that locality since 1869 - the year of his arrival in Missouri. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Tait, a native of Scotland, who crossed the Atlantic to America and died in Canada at an advanced age. He reared a large family. The maternal grandfather, Duncan McIntyre, was also born in Scotland, and was a farmer, and died in Canada, at the age of 80 years. His family numbered 2 sons and 6 daughters.

During his early childhood our subject was brought by his parents to Missouri and was reared in Taitsville, while in the public schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. His father following the milling business, he became familiar with that trade in early life, and learned much about grains. This proved an excellent preparation for his present service. In 1889, at the age of 21 years he removed with his parents to Polo, where his father continued the milling business, while in 1893 he came to Kansas City. Soon afterward he was appointed grain inspector by the board of railroad and warehouse commissioners, and is now capably discharging the duties of that office.

On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Tait was united in marriage with Miss Mae Cowgill, a daughter of James and Ella (Myers) Cowgill. One daughter was born to this union, Helen by name. The mother is a member of the Baptist church, and is an estimable lady who has many warm friends in the community. Socially, Mr. Tait is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in politics is a stalwart democrat. He is well known for his sterling worth and all who know him have for him high regard.

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This page was last updated August 2, 2006.