Edwin J. Duignan is one of the younger generation of Gloversville business men who is making a place for himself in the life of the community as the associate of his father in the firm of J. J. Duignan & Son. Mr. Duignan was born in the neighboring city of Johnstown, on the 21st of April, 1898, and is the son of John J. and Sarah (Kiffney) Duignan of this city. His parents are both natives of Fulton county. The father is a funeral director by profession and has been in the undertaking business in Gloversville for the past thirty years.
Edwin J. Duignan has spent most of his life in Gloversville, for it was here that he obtained his early education in the city schools, graduating from the high school in the class of 1915. Following his high school course Mr. Duignan took two years of work in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1916 he went to work for his father, with whom he has been associated ever since, with the exception of the time he spent in the navy during the World war. Under his father's able direction he familiarized himself with the business of a funeral director and by 1920 had so far demonstrated his ability to succeed along this line that he was admitted to partnership with his father, under the firm name of J. J. Duignan & Son. The establishment maintained by the Duignans, father and son, represents the latest refinements in their line of work and enjoys the reputation of being one of the best in Fulton county.
In January, 1920, Mr. Duignan was married to Miss Carrie Stewart Easterly, daughter of Frank and Edith (Oliver) Easterly. Mr. and Mrs. Duignan have one child: Mary Elizabeth, born August 18, 1924. Mrs. Easterly is one of Johnstown's native daughters, while Mr. Easterly was born in Fulton county. He was formerly engaged in the glove manufacturing business as a member of the Clark-Easterly Company and was a factor in the industry until his death on November 11, 1918.
Mr. Duignan enlisted in the United States navy in 1918 for service in the World war, and was stationed at Philadelphia throughout the period of his service. He was discharged shortly after the signing of the armistice, in December of 1918. Since the war he has been much interested in the work that is being done for ex-service men, especially in the American Legion. He is considered one of the ablest and most enthusiastic members of the local post, of which he was commander in 1924. In matters concerning civic welfare and the commercial advancement of Gloversville, Mr. Duignan is equally active and he has contributed generously of his time and ability to the Kiwanis Club, which he is at present serving as secretary. Politically he is affiliated with the republican party, while his fraternal associations are with the Knights of Columbus, which indicates that he belongs to the Roman Catholic church. He is also numbered among the members of the Eccentric Club. Mr. Duignan is a straightforward young man, full of ambition and the determination to make his life count for something worth while in the community. Already he has attracted the favorable attention of his business associates, who predict for him a future of unusual promise.