Robert Byron Duncan was born in Ayr, Scotland, in 1850 and was brought to Australia in childhood. He was educated at. Scotch College, Melbourne, and at Edinburgh University, where he took his M.B. and M.Bs. degrees, later gaining the M.D. of Brussels University. On his return to Australia, he started practice in Coleraine, Vic., and then in Kyneton a year or two later, where he remained for the remainder of his career. In 1877 he was elected an honorary medical officer of the Kyneton Hospital, and in 1879 resident surgeon.
During his forty-three years' residence in Kyneton, Dr. Duncan paid three visits to England. Though never contesting a seat in Parliament, in 1897 Dr Duncan was elected a member of the shire council for the Kyneton riding. In 1898 he was elected President of the Medical Society of Victoria.
In 1904 he was elected president of the shire by the unanimous vote of the council. In September, 1905, shortly after completing his term of president, he retired from the council.
Dr Duncan was one of the foundation members of the Kyneton Lodge of Freemasons, established in May, 1904. For many years he was treasurer of the Lodge. He also was a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a Justice of the Peace and a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He was twice married, and leaves his widow, one son and one daughter.
Last updated 25 February 2025
Main source: Trove, Daylesford Advocate, Fri 19Apr 1918, p.3.
Article by Dr Allan Mawdsley OAM