A

Duncan Association Newsletter

Volume 6Number 4                                                                                           October  1998

Brief Duncan Data
From Files of Mary Ann Dobson

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Benjamin Faneuil Dunkin, b. 1792 Philadelphia, PA, son of Edward Dunkin; mar. Washington Sala Prentiss in 1820, lived Charleston, SC.

"Biographical Directory of the SC House of Representatives" Vol. V, 1816-1828; by Moore, 1992 (975.7 D34b v.5; SLC 9/12/94; have copy pages)
      DUNKIN, BENJAMIN FANEUIL (1792-1874); Father of Alfred Huger Dunkin (1822-1906). The public career of the jurist and planter Benjamin Faneuil Dunkin embraced an era of SC history from Nullification to Reconstruction. Dunkin was born 2 Dec. 1792 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Edward Dunkin of Bushfoot, Co. Antrim, Ireland, and Susan Bethune, dau. of George Bethune of Boston, MA. He entered Harvard College in 1807 and graduated with an A.B. in 1811. Shortly after graduation he moved to Charleston, SC, where he taught in a school operated by his cousin, Benjamin Faneuil Hunt (1792-1854). During the War of 1812 Dunkin was an ensign (1814-1815) in John Alston's Third Regiment of SC militia. After the war Dunkin studied law in the office of William Drayton (1776-1846) and entered the Charleston bar (1814) where he practiced law with Charles William D'Oyley (1795?-1841). In 1820 Dunkin resided in the city of Charleston and owned six slaves. Twenty years later (1840), he owned seven slaves and was an attorney and judge. But by 1850 he had begun extensive planting activities in lower All Saints Parish where he owned 213 slaves. The value of his All Saints real estate was $100,000. He also kept a Charleston residence, valued at $90,000, where he owned eight slaves. According to the 1860 census he owned five slaves at his Charleston residence and 135 in All Saints Parish. In addition he owned 96 slaves at his Prince George Parish plantation. ... (sources given, not listed here)
            Dunkin married Washington Sala Prentiss (1800-1870) on 18 January 1820. Their portraits were painted by Samuel F.B. Morse (1791-1872) while the artist lived in Charleston (1819-1820). The couple had one son Alfred Huger Dunkin and a daughter. Benjamin Faneuil Dunkin died on 8 December 1874 in Charleston and was buried at Magnolia Cemetery.
      Additional information: 1850 Georgetown Co. SC Census, Lower All Saints Parish (pg.315, #8) B.F. Dunkin 58 RI chanceler, Washington (f) 45 SC, Alfred H. 25 SC lawyer. 1850 Charleston Co. SC Census (pg.294, #16) B.F. Dunkin 56 PA Chancellor, W.S. (f) 48 SC, Alfred H. 27 SC Attorney at Law; A.W. (m) Alston 23 SC attorney at law.
      Additional information: "St. David's Parish, SC, Minutes of the Vestry, 1768-1832; Parish Register 1819-1924": June 28, 1865, at the res. of Chancellor Dunkin, Cheraw Dist., Sarah Harlston, aged 10 mos, infant dau. of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Dunkin, refugees from Waccamaw. Sponsors mother and grandmother and C.H. Huger. (EDS note: Civil War Refugees??) (TN Gen. Society Lib. #3240 from Evelyn Sigler 7/13/83)
      (MAD: Edward Duncan has not been identified on the 1790 and 1800 PA census; one Edward Duncan was in Fairfield Co. CT in 1790 and 1800, but there is nothing to indicate whether or not he is the same.)

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Nathaniel Duncan, b.1799 VA, mar. Amelia Garland 1821 Warren Co. KY, to Boone Co. MO by 1835, mar. Mrs. Sarah Lynch in 1844, d. 1856 Boone Co. MO.

Boone Co. MO Circuit Court Records, 1856-1859 (FHC film 981,757; SLC 8/30/82)
      Book G, pg.58: 5 March 1856, Thomas G. Duncan, Thomas Johnson, Nancy Johnson, petitioners for division of land. John Duncan, Sarah Duncan, Benjamin Duncan, David Duncan, Nathaniel Duncan, Tandy E. Duncan, John Cato, Caroline Cato, George W. Duncan, Alice S?. Duncan, Catharine Duncan, John Johnson, Sarah Johnson, defendants. That Thomas G., John, Benjamin, David, Nathaniel, Tandy E., George W., Alice A. and Catherine Duncan and said Nancy Johnson, Caroline Cato and Sarah Johnson are seized of the SW quarter of the SE quarter of the SW quarter of Sec. 12, and the West 1/2 of the NE quarter of Sec. 13, Twp 8, Range 14?. John Duncan and Benjamin Duncan are non-residents of the State of Missouri. Pg.97-98: 23 Aug. 1856, petitioners were appointed guardian ad litum of the infant defendants George W., Alice A., Catharine, David, Nathaniel, Tandy E. Duncan. Pg.189-190: 24 Feb. 1857, Thomas G. Duncan, Thomas Johnson, Nancy Johnson, pet., vs. Sarah Duncan deft. Sarah entitled to the dower in and to the lands of her husband Nathaniel Duncan decd. Plot of land shown.
      Additional information: Linn Co. MO Abstract of Wills & Administrators Bonds, 1840-1860; Nathaniel Duncan, late of Boone Co. MO, decd; Thomas G. Duncan appointed G.&C. of George, W., Allicia A., and Catharine Duncan, minor heirs of decd., 1 May 1856, sec. E. Johnson. (Book B, pg.141) Same, 2 Nov. 1858, sec. John B. Smith. (Book B, pg.174-5) (pg.6, "MO Pioneers" Vol.30, 3/1976; from Evelyn Sigler 6/8/84; from Denzil Mauldin 12/31/84)
      Additional information: 1850 Boone Co. MO Census (pg.403, #1045) Nathaniel A. Duncan 51 VA, Sarah A. 34 KY, Thomas G. 24 KY, John 20, Benjamin F. 18, Caroline 16, George W. 12 MO; Elizabeth LYNCH 10, John B. 8 MO; Alice A. DUNCAN 8, Catharine 7, David 4, Nathaniel 9/12 MO.
      MAD: Nathaniel Duncan married Amelia Garland in 1821 in Warren Co. KY; Boone Co. MO Deed Book F, pg.462, in 1835, Nathaniel A. Duncan and wife Amelia sold land to Alexander Douglass (FHC film 909,101); Nathaniel Duncan married Sary Lynch in 1844 in Boone Co. MO.
      Additional information: Admin. #1169, DUNCAN, NATHANIEL; Thomas G. Duncan, Admr. Gr. Feb. 5, 1853. Aug. 4, 1857. Heirs - Sarah Duncan, w., Nancy Johnson, George Duncan, Eliza Ann Duncan, Catherine Duncan, David Duncan, Nathaniel A. Duncan, Caroline Coffe?, Sarah Johnson, Linn Co., John Duncan of CA, Benj. T. Duncan of CA, Thos. G. Duncan. (pg.52-3, "Wills & Administrations of Boone Co. MO, 1821-1870" by Evans & Thompson; FHC film 1,036,508-1, SLC 9/18/87)

"Wills & Administrations of Boone Co. MO, 1821-1870" by Evans & Thompson (FHC film 1,036,508-1, SLC 9/18/87)
      Pg.85: DUNCAN, BENJAMINE F. - No. 2029 - Adm. George W. Duncan, Admr. Gr. July 6, 1864. Heirs - Thomas G. Duncan Linn Co. MO; Nancy Johnson, Holt Co. MO; Sarah Johnson, Boone Co. MO; Benjamine F. & Nancy Jane Cato ch. of Caroline Cato formerly Duncan; A.A. Duncan Linn Co. MO; Catherine Jacobs Linn Co. MO; David C. Duncan, Tandy Edward Duncan, Nathanal (sic) A. Duncan, & George W. Duncan of Boone Co.
      Pg.85: DUNCAN, JOHN - No. 2030 - Adm. George W. Duncan, Admr. Gr. July 6, 1864. Heirs - Thomas G. Duncan, Linn Co. MO; Nancy Johnson, Holt Co. MO; Sarah Johnson, Boone Co. MO; Benjamine F. & Nancy Jane Cato ch. of Caroline Cato formerly Duncan; A.A. Duncan, Linn Co. MO; Catherine Jacobs, Linn Co. MO; David C. Duncan; Tandy Edward Duncan, Nathanal A. Duncan & George W. Duncan of Boone Co. MO.

"History of Linn Co. MO" (typed extracts from Louis Boone 10/14/84)
      Pg.621-2: JOSEPH T. DUNCAN was born Oct. 7, 1871. He is a brother of John H. Duncan, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume in which the history of the family is briefly told .... On April 18, 1894, Mr. Duncan married Susie A. Curtis, a daughter of Ashbill S. and Sarah (Thorne) Curtis .... Mr. and Mrs. Duncan had 5 children, 4 of whom are living, their sons Thomas G., Donnie A., Joseph L. and Morgan R.
      Pg.622-3: JOHN H. DUNCAN was born in this county on Jan. 13, 1858, and is a son of Thomas Garland and Mildred (Gooch) Duncan, the former a native of KY and the latter of this state. The father was brought to Boone Co. MO by his parents in 1837 when he was but 4 years old. His parents cleared and improved a farm from the wilderness in Boone Co. and died on it well advanced in years. On Nov. 9, 1879, Mr. Duncan married Miss Mary Howell, a daughter of Lilburn L. Howell, one of the pioneers of Linn Co. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have one child, their daughter, Ethel, who is now the wife of Brainard Howery and resides on the home farm ....

1914 "History of Mendocino and Lake Cos. CA" by Carpenter & Millberry, Historic Record Co. (qc979.415 C2, CA State Lib.; FHC film 1,000,113-1, SLC 9/11/86)
      Pg.735: GEORGE W. DUNCAN. Born Boone Co. MO, 23 March 1838, son of Nathaniel and Amelia (Garland) Duncan, farmers. Amelia died when George age 6. Nathaniel died when George 15. Apprenticed as blacksmith, in Confederate Army under Gen. Stirling (Pop) Price and later under Gen. Shelby as farrier for brigade. In 1867 was stricken blind from paralysis of optic nerve on account of intense heat from the forge. To Trinity Co. CA 1875 where brother in cattle business, had regained a little sight. Married 3 January 1860 Boone Co. MO, to Elizabeth A. Jacobs. Six children: Thomas J. died age 1 year; Florence C., Mrs. Azbill of Buck Mountain; Fannie O., died 8 years; Mrs. Georgie Grist, deceased; James N. who died leaving 6 children; and Laura E., Mrs. Russell, of Covelo.

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Robert Duncan, b.1812 AL, wife Martha Hargett, of Franklin Co. AL 1850, said to be son of William Duncan and wife Ruth (Gregory) or of Marshall Duncan.

"History of AL and Dictionary of AL Biography" by Thomas M. Owens, Vol. III (from Donna Little 8/2/82)
      Pgs.516-19: DUNCAN, ELLIS MADISON, bacteriologist, was born February 15, 1873, near Russellville, Franklin Co.; brother of George Duncan ....
      DUNCAN, GEORGE WEBSTER, teacher, author, and general agent University publishing company, was born October 12, 1866, at Rockwood, Franklin Co.; son of Thomas Alford and Margaret (Hargett) Duncan, the former a private in Company L., Fourth Alabama cavalry regiment, C.S. Army; grandson of Robert and Martha (Hargett) Duncan, the former a native of Tennessee, and of Richard and Elizabeth (Hartis) Hargett, all of Rockwood; great-grandson of William and Ruth (Gregory) Duncan, of Pendleton Dist. SC, who removed to Warren Co. KY, later to Bedford Co. TN, and finally, in the first quarter of the 19th century located in North AL. The Scotch ancestor of the American branch of the Duncan family was the Rev. William Duncan of Dumfrieshire, Scotland, who was a martyr to the Presbyterian faith and who on January 2, 1665, at the age of 52 years lost his life on the sands of Dumfrieshire in the reign of Charles II. The original American emigrant of the Duncan family settled in Westmoreland Co. VA, January 23, 1722. Mr. Duncan was prepared for college in a private school at Russellville, taught by Prof. ....
      DUNCAN, LUTHER NOBLE, teacher, .... was born October 14, 1875, at Rockwood, Franklin Co.; son of Thomas Alford and Margaret (Hargett) Duncan, both of Rockwood, and brother of George W. Duncan ....
      Additional information: 1850 Franklin Co. AL census, District 6 (pg.237, #933) Robert Duncan 38 AL, Martha 28 AL, John 14, James 13, William 12, Thomas 11, Elijah 10, Elias 9 AL.
      Additional information: There is a possibility this Robert Duncan was the son of the widow Ruthy Duncan in adjoining Marion Co. AL in 1830. The family may be related to one of the Marshall Duncans in Warren Co. KY ca 1806, who may be children or grandchildren of Marshall Duncan (the elder) d. 1777 Surry Co. NC, leaving sons including Marshall Duncan Jr. (Sr.) and William Duncan.
      Letter from Libbe Duncan Pearson, May 23, 1972, to "Pauline" (probably from files of Mrs. Alvice Duncan Ferguson): "My aunt-in-law, Uncle Ellis Duncan's wife, was so anxious to get the line completed for her children and she helped me a lot as she had gotten a good deal of information for grandmother and grandfather Duncan while they were living. My grandfather was Thomas Alford Duncan and he had a brother named Dub ...." Separate page, undated ... "On a letter to Dad from his sister she had talked to Great Grandfather Robert Duncan and asked him who his grandfather was and he said Marshall and that's why we don't know for sure whether it was Wm. or Marshall but I feel it is Wm."
      MAD: The family of Robert Duncan is being researched (1995) by Jill Wells, Alvin, TX.

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March Duncan, b.1774-84, of Newberry Co. SC 1795-1828 wife Elizabeth Williams by 1803, wife Sarah Duckett by 1806, probable father of Rignal Duncan d.1835 Laurens Co. SC widow Elizabeth, Barruch Duncan of Newberry Co. SC 1850, John T. Duncan of Laurens Co. SC 1850, and James D. Duncan of Greene Co. AL 1850.

"Lauderdale Co. AL Probate, Will and Estate Records" Vol.227, pg.46, by Gandrud (from Evelyn Sigler 12/27/83 & 1/16/84)
      Probate Minute Book A, 1852-53: Dec. term, 1853, Jonathan Rhodes, admr. of the estate of Mary Duckett, dec'd, filed a petition to sell lands. The heirs at law are:
            Jerusha Williams of SC
            "Mary Rhodes (the wf of the?) petitioner"
            James Williams of SC
            Levi Williams of SC
            Mary wf of Frederick Wesson,
                  Barrock Duncan
                  Elizabeth Duncan
                  John Duncan all of SC [MAD: Newberry Co. SC]
            James Duncan of Greene Co. AL, all of age
            Thomas Smart of age of TN
            Nancy Meek and husband Wm. Meek of MS
            Francis Odell of TN
            Margaret Scribner wf of Edmond Scribner
            Mary Scribner
            Samuel Odell
            Elizabeth the wf of James Odell
            Rachel Odell wf of John Odell, all of SC
            Levi Odell of MS, all of age

"MD & VA Colonials; Genealogies of Some Colonial Families" 1991, by Sharon J. Doliante, Mena, AR (FHC book 975 D2do; SLC 9/12/92 & 2/17/93)
      Pg.198: Mary Duckett, b. Frederick Co. MD, d. 1805 Newberry Co. SC, mar. 1st by 1775 one Baruch Williams, quite possibly one of the MD Williams as the father of Hilleary Williams was Baruch Williams, so he very likely has descendants named for him. Family tradition has it that Mary's husband d. of smallpox during the Revolutionary War, in SC. At any rate, she married 2nd bef. March 1, 1788 (date she made a deed jointly with her second husband, when they sold land to Edward Goree, Newberry Co. SC Deed Book J, p.316), her first cousin, Reginald Odell, son of James and Martha (Prather) Odell. He d. 1805 Newberry Co., and her death followed his in the same year. (p.195) Her children include Elizabeth Williams, possibly b. ca 1775-78, married March Duncan, who may have been a son of John Duncan of Newberry Co. SC (April 3, 1802, John Duncan deeded 200 acres on Duncan Creek to March Duncan, wit. Delilah B. Addington, John Odell, and John Owens Sr. No dower signed; Newberry Co. Deed Bk.F, p.360.) Issue "(See p.563)" (MAD: p.561-3 refers to the 1805 estate of Mary O'Dell, widow of Reginald or Rignal O'Dell):
            1. Baruch Duncan, b. May 30, 1810, d. Oct. 31, 1863, mar. and had issue; he was an heir of Col. James W. Duckett.
            2. James Duncan.
            3. E. Duncan (Elizabeth, who m. Isaac Johnson?)
            4. John T. Duncan, d. Apr. 19, 1886, "aged 64 yrs 11 mos"; mar. Mary ---- and had issue; he too was an heir of Col. James W. Duckett.
            5. Reginald Duncan.
            6. Mary Duncan.
            7. Sarah Duncan.
      (MAD: a more specific source was not given in this book for the children of March Duncan)

"Newberry Co. SC Probate Estate Abstracts, Boxes 1-10, 355, 356, 357, 361; Boxes 11-25" Vol.2, by Bundrick (FHC book 975.739 P2b; SLC 9/16/94)
      Box 14, Pkg. 27: 1805, Mary O'Dell; James Williams, Baruch O'Dell, Admin. (p.465-466)
            Admin. bond 13 Aug. 1805, $6,000, James Williams, Baruch O'Dell, Jonah Duckett, Hillary Snelgrove. Appraisal 13 Aug. 1805, Jacob Rhodes, James Williams, Thomas Duckett; furniture, kitchenware, quilts, loom, still, 1 negro boy, farm animals. Appraisal 9 Sept. 1805, farm tools, still, farm animals.
            Sale 9 Sept. 1805, Baruch O'Dell, Jacob Lindsey, Wm. Hopper, Jacob Rhodes Jr., John Hughes, James Hughes, Adam Chambers, James Williams, John Swinford Sr., Thomas Denson, John Phillips, Jos. Duncan, Moses Whitten, Hillary Snelgrove, Josias Duckett, Jesse Jones, March Duncan, Notley Masters, Levi Fowler, John Casey, Thomas McCrackin, John Magers, Thomas Hill, Hillary Masters, Jos. Garrett, Sterling Phillips, Jacob Duckett, John McCoy, Thomas Duckett, James Williams Sr., Charlie Morgan, Abram Linkester, Edward James, Benj. Herndon, Wm. Beard, Dorcas Dopson, Edward Lindsey, George Avery, Jonathan Whitten, Jacob Masters, Hillary Williams, Amos Prather, Henry Whitmire, Baruch Duckett, Andrew Gray, Levi Whitten, Alex. Abrams, Wm. Royster, Thomas Whitmore, John McCrackin, Christopher Whitmire, Richard Bennett, Wm. Whitmire, John Jeans, David Nimmons, Wm. Gray, Thomas Sanders, Charles Whitten, Jos. Hill, George Whitmore, Jos. Shuetlesworth.
            Sale, 9 Nov. 1805, Wm. Cater; also names of above. Paid by estate, Dr. George Rop, Laurens Dist, medicine thru 25 Jan. 1805, John Gray smithwork 1805, John O'Dell $10 account March 1804. Return 1807, Mary O'Dell's Book Accounts of notes on hand: James Williams, Jacob Masters, Jonathan Dunkan, Miles Jones, Baruch O'Dell. Return 1809. Return 1820, 1810 paid Rignal O'Dell legatee in full $163.19, 1819 paid Baruch Duckett & wife share $163.19, Jos. Smart & wife share $163.19, Thomas O'Dell share $163.19, James Williams guardian of John O'Dell minor share $163.19. Receipts: March Duncan & Eliz. Duncan, 27 March 1807, $163.15 in full of legacy; Jacob Duckett & Sary Duckett, 27 March 1807, $163.15 in full of legacy; Baruch Duckett & Mary Duckett, 27 March 1807, $163.15 in full of legacy; Jacob Duckett, guardian of Thomas O'Dell, 4 Jan. 1808, $163.15 in full of legacy.

Newberry Co. SC Will (MAD: Baruch Duncan probable son of March Duncan, and heir of Mary Duckett 1856)
      Will Book 3, pg.413: 9 March 1881, will of Baruch Duncan; to wife Sarah E. Duncan and my children surviving me and the children of such of my children as shall die before me, giving my wife the proportion of my estate to which she would be entitled under the Statute of distributions for intestate estates which shall be in force in the State of South Carolina at the time of my death, and giving the rest of my estate to my children share and share alike and to the child or children of any child of mine who shall die before I do the portion to which his her or their parents would have been entitled; the share to my wife is in trust. Appoint Thadeus S. Duncan my son, Joseph L? Hughey and John T. Duncan Jr. executors. Wit. B.F. Griffin Jr., J.W. Walter, Wm. H. Parvile?. Recorded 12 Nov. 1883 on oath of B.F. Griffin who saw Baruch Duncan sign the will; letters testamentary issued to T.S. Duncan. (FHC film 24,266; SLC 9/11/84)
      Additional information: 1850 Newberry Co. SC Census (pg.254, #1197) Barreck Duncan (m) 40 SC, Haddeus (m) 18, Barreck 16, Harriet 13, Sarah 11, John 8 SC (MAD: "Haddeus" should probably be "Thadeus") Baruch Duncan inherited 1/2 share of the estate of Baruch ODell in 1833, Newberry Co. SC Probate 3M-9. Baruch Duncan and John T. Duncan were two of the heirs of James W. Duckett, wife Paulina, in Newberry Co. SC, will dated 1858, probated 1860 ("MD & VA Colonials; Genealogies of Some Colonial Families" 1991, by Sharon J. Doliante, pg.214-5).

Laurens Co. SC Probate Packets (MAD: Rignal was probable son of March Duncan)
      19-3: Estate of Rignal Duncan, adm. by Barruck Duncan, petition by Barruck Duncan 2 Nov. 1835; administrator's bond posted 16 Nov. 1835 by Baruch Duncan, John Odell, John Liltz. Paid on note to John Odell, James D. Duncan; purchasers include Isaac Wasson & lots of others. 19 March 1838, paid Elizabeth Duncan, widow of decd., paid guardian for Thomas Duncan, William Duncan, Carper? Duncan. (FHC film 1,029,345; SLC 9/22/83)
      87-20: Estate of Thomas Duncan et al. Bond of Baruch Duncan and John Odell 24 April 1837 for guardianship of Thomas Duncan, William Duncan and Casper Duncan, minor children. Petitioner (Baruch Duncan) is a near relation. Elizabeth Duncan boarded the three boys through 1839; James Jones boarded the three boys in 1840. 6 Feb. 1843, admin. of the estate of Thomas Duncan a minor granted to James Jones, bond by James Jones & James D. Sims. The estate of Thomas Duncan was split between his brothers and the wife of James Jones. Return by Baruch Duncan for 1846 included amount paid to John T. Duncan. (FHC film 1,029,361; SLC 9/22/83) (MAD: Casper S. Duncan in Brooks Co. GA 1860)

Laurens Co. SC Probate Packet (MAD: John T. Duncan may have been a son of March Duncan)
      154-6 (2nd): 11 Jan. 1864, Petition of John T. Duncan for adm. of estate of P.A. Duncan (later Miss P.A. Duncan); bond John T. Duncan, Barruch Duncan, Thomas Duckett. First return & settlement, 24 March 1864, John T. Duncan adm. of estate of Paulina A. Duncan; heirs father J.T. Duncan, brother J.H. Duncan, sister Sarah L. Duncan. (FHC film 1,029,385; SLC 9/15/94) (MAD: name was P.A. or Paulina A., not Perlina; no mention of "Hix" Duncan)
      Additional information: 1850 Laurens Co. SC Census (pg.273, #1106) John T. Duncan 30 SC, Mary 30 SC, Perlina A. 1 SC, Thadius S. (m) 18 SC. MAD: John T. Duncan mar. ca 1848 Mary Jones, dau. of Lewis Jones & Lydia Reeder ("MD & VA Colonials", p.788); he mar. 2nd Elliott Duckett ca 1856. 1860 Laurens Co. SC census (pg.324, #1663) John Duncan 38 SC, Elliott (f) 21 SC, Pamela 11, Hix (m) 8, Sally 6 SC. Baruch Duncan and John T. Duncan were two of the heirs of James W. Duckett, wife Paulina, in Newberry Co. SC, will dated 1858, probated 1860 ("MD & VA Colonials; Genealogies of Some Colonial Families" 1991, by Sharon J. Doliante, pg.214-5).

Tombstone Inscriptions, Oak Hill Cemetery, Eutaw, AL ("Greene Co. AL Records" Vol.17, by Gandrud, pg.95; from Evelyn Sigler 12/27/83):
      James D. Duncan, b. Newberry Dist. SC April 16 1813 - July 18 1855
      Eleanor E. Duncan, b. June 20 1820 - d. June 21 1885
      Additional information: 1850 Greene Co. AL Census (Pg.273, #448) James D. Duncan 35 SC, Eleaner E. 30 AL, James O. 5, Augustus M. 3, David W. 2 AL; John Hite 40 SC; David Williams 23 AL physician. James D. Duncan mar. Eleanor Elizabeth Hi(tt), dau. of David and Jane (Meek) Hitt, 2 March 1841 ("Greene Co. AL Records" Vol.120, by Gandrud).

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Jonathan Duncan, b.ca 1760-70, of Lauderdale Co. AL 1826-1840, d.by 1850, wife Jane possibly the dau. of James Jones of Laurens Co. SC; had sons George Duncan b.1810 SC d.1857 Lauderdale Co. AL, Moses Duncan b.1807 SC of Lauderdale Co. AL 1850, and probably James Duncan who mar. Ann Flynt.

Lauderdale Co. AL Deed
      Deed Book 6, pg.153: 8 Nov. 1833; whereas on 14 Oct. 1831, George Duncan entered at the Huntsville AL land office in his own name the E 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Sec. 26, Twp 2, R12, and for the entrance of which my father Johnathan (sic) Dunkin furnished the money; now this indenture for the monies aforesaid, convey to my father the said Johnathan Duncan and to my mother Jane Dunken their life estate in said lands for their support and maintainance, rendering the title to myself at their death; I Johnathan Dunkin release all claim to the land except the life estate for myself and my wife Jane. /s/ George Dunkin, Johnathan (+) Dunkin. Wit. M.M. Sanard, clerk. Pg.174, Land Grant to Johnathin Dunkin, 2 Oct. 1826. (FHC film 1,022,572; SLC 9/22/86)
      Additional information: Lauderdale Co. AL census, Jonathan Dunkin age 60-70 & wife 50-60 in 1830 (pg.235), age 70-80 & wife 60-70 in 1840 (pg.95, "J.").
      Additional possible information: Laurens Co. SC Will Book C1, pg.127: 6 Nov. 1804. Will of James (X) Jones. Legatees: wife Lucy; sons Benj., Miles; dau. Angelica Phillips; son Whitmore; dau. Jane Duncan; son Jefse; dau. Sarah Bennet; sons Joseph & Dred; exec. son Joseph; wit. Geo. Whitmore, Joel Whitten, Eliz. (X) Wefson. Pg.132: 26 Nov. 1804. James Jones decd. Petition of Joseph Jones exec. for order sale; affidavit of Geo. Whitmore Esq. (who wrote will of said decd). Pg.139: 22 Nov. 1804, inv. of personal estate of James Jones, decd, Hennery Davis, Jacob Ducket, Thos. Hendricks, Sw appraisers. Undated bill of sale of same, purchasers: Jesse, Joseph, John, Dred, Whitmore & Miles Jones; Joseph, Richd. & Josiah Duckett; Thos. Kendricks; Joseph Bennet; Joseph & Martha Duncan; Wm. Dillard; Joseph Martindill; Moses Whitten; Wm. Cater(?); John Jacks. Exec. Joseph Jones. (MAD: the "fs" is the old writing for "ss") ("Abstract of Early Records of Laurens Co. SC, 1785-1820" by Sara M. Nash, pgs.455-6; TN Gen. Society Lib. from Evelyn Sigler 5/17/84; and FHC book 975.731 N2n; SLC 9/15/94):

Lauderdale Co. AL Deed
      Deed Book 13, pg.167: 15 March 1850, George Duncan and wife Jane to Moses Duncan, $300, (1) part of 80a conveyed by State of AL by patent to George Duncan 14 April 1841, W 1/2 of SW 1/4 of Sec. 25, Twp. 2, Range 12W; only 55a of 80a sold since 25a was sold to Thomas Skipworth from N end of tract, matching dividing line of Moses Duncan and Skipworth; (2) US Grant by Pres. Polk, cert. #13072 dated 10 May 1848 for NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sec. 36, Twp 2, Range 12W, 39-54/100a. Recorded 16 April 1850. (from personal trip by Bill Allen; from Bill 1/11/87)
      Additional information: 1850 Lauderdale Co. AL Census (pg.272, #583) Moses Duncan 43 SC, Sarah 44 SC, George 22, Martha 18 (m/in/yr), Robert 16, Mary 15, Elmira 12, Thomas 11, James 8, Sarah 5 AL; Jesse White 21 AL farmer (m/in/yr). Moses Duncan mar. Sally Clark in 1829. "John Duncan - Pioneer" states Moses Duncan d. 20 May 1868 Lauderdale Co. AL, his wife Sarah Tarpley Clark, b. 23 Feb. 1806 SC, d. 6 June 1894 Lauderdale Co. AL.

Lauderdale Co. AL Wills (FHC film 1,022,605; SLC 1/10/90)
      Will Book A, pg.288-9: Will of George Duncan of Lauderdale Co. AL, 17 March 1857, in a bad state of health; wife Jane Duncan pay debts; residue to wife Jane; appoint wife Jane exec.; witnesses C. Sullivan, Ebenezer G. Young, M.K. Whitten. Petition by Jane Duncan, widow; George d. April 1857; left children: John J. Duncan of full age, Nancy A. Duncan aged (blank), William Duncan (blank), and Ebenezer Duncan (blank years), all of whom reside in this county. Court 8 June 1857. (indexed John Duncan; rechecked SLC 6/28/90)
      Additional information: 1850 Lauderdale Co. AL Census (pg.272, #582) George Duncan 40 SC, Jane 37 TN, John 16 TN, Nancy 12, William 8, Leander Z. 5, Ebeneser 5 (twins) AL, Annie 38 SC, Lusinda 13 AL. George Duncan mar. Jane Young in 1833; Annie 38 SC was probably Ann Flynt, wife of James; see Will Book B, pg.10-11 below.

Lauderdale Co. AL Will (MAD: James the son of George and Jane Duncan)
      Will Book B, pg.10-11: Will of Annie Duncan, 13 Feb. 1875, of Lauderdale Co. AL; to husband James Duncan all my real estate in Lauderdale Co. AL, part of SE 1/4 Sec. 2 Twp 3, Range 12W, 43-1/2a, that portion of the land which was assigned to me in partition of lands of my father Stanton Flynt (decd.), and fraction adj. above land supposed to be about 4 acres. Wit. J.C. Johnson, Elias A. Brown. Proved 8 May 1876 on petition of James Duncan, oaths of Elias Brown and John Johnson wit., Annie Duncan was over 21 when she made her will. (FHC film 1,022,605; SLC 1/10/90) (MAD: James not identified in 1850 census; household of James and Annie Duncan not identified in 1860.)

Lauderdale Co. AL Will (MAD: John J. the son of George and Jane Duncan)
      Will Book B, pg.146-7: Will of John J. Duncan of Lauderdale Co. AL, 25 Aug. (outside edge of book pages missing; no year); wife Jane Duncan one --- dollars, the property she had when I married her, property that her parents gave her; to my mother Jane Du?-- $100; to my sister Nancy A. Byars? -- hundred dollars, to my brother William G.E. Dun-- hundred dollars; to my brother Ebenezer J. Du-- hundred dollars; residue to my child Martha ---. If Martha F. should die before mature age, her share devided between -- Duncan, my mother sister & brothers. Appoint my uncle Ebenezer -- executor. Wit. Wm. B. Young, W.H. Byars, John H. Faire. Proved 1 Nov. 1860?. (FHC film 1,022,605; SLC 1/10/90)
      Additional information: 1860 Lauderdale Co. AL census (pg.106, #36) John Duncan 25 AL, Mary 23 AL, Marth 1 AL. John J. Duncan mar. 1858 to Mary J. Fowler in Lauderdale Co. AL ("Kith and Kin of James and Mary (Kellough) Young" by Pack, 1984).

"John Duncan -- Pioneer" by Clara Lanier ca 1976, now deceased (Newberry and Laurens Co. SC) (copy of pages 65 to 76 from typed manuscript from Gen Iwerks 1/19/94; information about author from Judge William B. Duncan to William A. Allen 1995; Judge W.B. Duncan now lives on property in Lauderdale Co. AL which was granted one of the Duncans in 1830's)
      Pg.70: Copy of a letter written in 1824 by James Duncan's daughter, Elizabeth Duncan Jones and her husband, Whitmore Jones and Angelico and John Phillips when they lived in Lauderdale Co. AL to Joseph Duncan, son of James Duncan. This letter is property of Mr. Otto Duncan, living in Laurens Co. SC, and who kindly sent me a certified copy.
      Very little relationship of the Duncan families is contained in the letter. However, it is most interesting to see how differently letters were addressed at this early date and try to imagine the length of time for delivery. Early handwriting is always very hard to read - but below is a copy as nearly correct as possible. The copy consists of four pages, but probably is only two pages, used on both sides.
      One page - presumedly is the sheet with an address to the receiver:
"to John Phillips or Benjamin Wesson, South Carolina Laurens Co, District, Dunklins Valley, Florence A, Jan 19th" (A large number was written on this side) "25"
      On the reverse of the above sheet was "Joseph Duncan"
      The body of the letter was written on one sheet, using both sides of the paper.
      Alabama Lauderdale County
      January 16, 1824
      Dear Brother and Sister
      This morning I set down myself to try to write a letter to you, to inform you that we are all well at this time and we are very glad to hear that sickness has abated with you all in that country. We heard shaking news from there a while back by the way of letters. We hear of very few deaths in this County. One or two old people with inward complaints. It is a healthy part of the world I believe. We would be very glad you were all here and as well satisfied as we are. This letter is to Benjamin Wesson as well as to you. We give our best love and well wishes to him and all his family. We are sorry that we cannot get news of any of our friends or old neighbors coming to this Country. I believe we have turnips plenty for six or seven families. More than we shall want ourselves that I perceived for. My friend, here is land of all qualties to be had upon good terms. We wish to be remembered to old Mr. Wesson and Johnson Wesson and all their family. We do wish to be remembered to all our relatives and old neighbors, not leaving out any. Tell Joseph Jones I sent him a letter last September and have not gotten an answer from him as yet. I was at town 3 or 4 times a week before Christmas with the wagons and checked the office every day but could get no letter from him by this time. There may be one for me. I sent our old father Duncan (Jo) letter long since that. I do not know that he even got it or not, tho I received a letter from him about New Year which gave us great satisfaction that sickness had abated and about old Mr (?) letting some of his negroes free. We heard of his death by Mrs. (?) letter. I want you to take this letter to Jo. Duncan and let him see it. I want him to collect the money as quick as possible and pay himself well for fixing our poor little sons' graves besides other troubles that he will be at (blank) the money and send it by the first opportunity. There is old Capt Boben (Roben?) Martin in union about the Cherokees, a near neighbor of mine I expect will be there till Spring. A safe hand; to send by; John Robertson is settling close by me. He and wife wishes remembrance to our father Duncan and Mary Duncan. The children are well and hearty. Franklin and Jackson are great playmates, so I conclude my friends.
/s/ John Phillips, Angelico Phillips, Whitmore Jones, Elizabeth Jones.
      "N B We, Thomas and Polly Phillips send our best respects to you and all the family. We can inform you that we are well through mercy and hope these lines will find you the same. We would be very glad to see you all. My father's family is well - he has sold his land - he made four or five hundred dollars by buying and selling. He has a great piece of land in view. We are all in a tolerable way to get along. Give our respects to all inquiring friends. Time is short. Paper is gone. Farewell to Benjamin Wesson."

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William Dunkin, b. 1775-1780, wife Phebe b.1788 MA, d. Dearborn Co. IN 1843

Dearborn Co. IN Wills (FHC film 209,849; SLC 9/5/91 & 2/24/92)
      Will Book 2, pg.123: William Dunkin of Manchester, Dearborn Co. IN; after debts paid, my beloved wife Phebe Dunkin to have use of all my estate both real and personal for widowhood, then my son Daniel Dunkin to have all my estate both real and personal by paying to each of his sisters $100 apiece within two years after he becomes 21, namely, Elizabeth, Mary, Delila, Phebe, Harriet, Lorinda, Clarinda; appoint friend Joseph Hunter exec. 17 April 1843. Wit. David Conger, Christopher C. Jaquith. Proved 1 May 1843.
      Additional information: William Duncan appears to be on the census in Dearborn Co. IN in Manchester in 1820 (pg.112, age 26-45 with wife same age, one male 0-10, and four females 0-10 and two females 10-16), 1830 (pg.218), and 1840 (pg.118). 1850 Dearborn Co. IN Census, Manchester, (pg.375, #413) Pheobe Duncan 62 MA, Harriet H. 24, Daniel 19 IN.
      Additional information: Dearborn Co. IN Deeds (SLC 8/28/92): Deed Book A, pg.56: 29 March 1826, Jeremiah Bonker and wife Eve (X) to William Dunkin, both Dearborn Co. IN, $70, 2+acres in Manchester Twp in SE 1/4 Sec.35 T6 R2W, adj. meeting house lot; wit. George Clark, John Palmer (FHC film 1,314,531). Deed Book F, pg.3: 31 March 1831, William Duncan of Dearborn Co. IN to Sewell Plummer, of same, $70, 2+acre lot in Manchester Twp, part of SE 1/4 Sec.35 T6 R2W adj. corner Baptist Meeting House lot, Hiram Fairbanks, said William Duncan, also signed by his wife Phebe Duncan; wit. Mark MCracken JP, Mary Duncan (FHC film 1,314,534).

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William Duncan, b.1810 IRE, wife Catherine, of Dearborn Co. IN 1850, d.1869 or 1870.

Dearborn Co. IN Wills (FHC film 209,850; SLC 9/5/91 & 2/24/92)
      Will Book 5, pg.64: William Duncan of Washington Twp., to my wife the farm on which we now reside in Washington Twp, Dearborn Co. IN, containing about 82 acres for life, and all the stock & household goods, etc., she to sell so much as may be sufficient to pay my debts. At her death, the real estate to my sons John W. Duncan and James Duncan and their heirs. If either of my said two sons dies before my wife, having no children living at the demise of my wife, then their share to go to my son William Duncan and his heirs. To my son William Duncan and his heirs $400 to be paid 5 years after my wife's death. To my two daughters (unnamed) now married to Mathias Davis and W.W. Wilson, $200 each to be paid 7 years after my wife's death. To my two daughters now minors, Catharine Duncan and Temperance Ann Duncan, $600 each, the oldest daughter to receive her $600 2 years after death of my wife, and the youngest 4 years after death of wife. Appoint my beloved wife guardian of my minor children until age 21. Appoint wife wife Catherine Duncan and John W. Duncan execs. 17 June 1868, /s/ William Duncan. Wit. William Lawdon, Benjamin Withered. Proved 25 Jan. 1870 on oath of Benjamin Withered.
      Additional information: 1850 Dearborn Co. IN Census, Laughery (pg.428, #34) William Duncan 40? IRE, Catherine 39 IRE, Sarah 14 NY, Robert 9, Jeremiah 8 OH, William 4, John W. 2 IN, Margaret 10/16? IN.

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James Duncan, b.1796 MD, mar. 1st Martha, mar. 2nd 1834 Molly Smith in Dearborn Co. IN, lived Dearborn Co. IN 1850; some children not yet located.

1915 "History of Dearborn Co. IN" by Shaw, pub. by Bowen (Sacramento FHC 5/18/84)
      Pg.1051-3: WILLIAM F. DUNCAN, M.D., son of Josiah Duncan and Melissa (McMullen) Duncan, is a native of Manchester township, his birth occurring on December 28, 1864. ... was married to Mrs. Mary (Bidner) Becker, whose first husband was Harry Beckner (who worked at) Lawrenceburg, IN. Mrs. Duncan was born in Manchester township, April 12, 1865, and is a daughter of Peter and Dorothy (Fillenworth) Bidner. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have two children, Stanley and Ruby.
      Josiah Duncan, father of William F. Duncan, was a native of Sparta township, Dearborn Co. He was born in 1837, and was educated in the schools of the township. ... to the time of his marriage to Melissa McMullen, which took place on October 13, 1861. ... to Manchester township ... to Kyle, where Mr. Duncan died on September 4, 1899. ... His wife was Melissa McMullen, who was born on July 30, 1841, in Manchester township, and is a daughter of William and Melvina (Ketchum) McMullen. ... To Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Duncan were [born] four children, James, William, Elizabeth and George, who died in youth. James Duncan became a very successful physician of Pawnee, Illinois, where he died. He was born in Manchester township, ... He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Brunk. She and their only child, William Thomas, survive him. Elizabeth Duncan, the only sister of the subject of this sketch, is now the wife of Robert Withered, ... Manchester township, and has two children, George and Lester.
      The paternal grandparents were James and Mary Duncan, both natives of Maryland. They came to Dearborn county in the early pioneer days, ... By his first wife Mr. Duncan had six children, John, Henry, William, Joshua, Ann and Eliza. By his second wife, Mary, he had four children, Josiah, James, Robert and Thomas.
      Additional information: 1850 Dearborn Co. IN Census, Sparta (pg.456, #196) James Duncan 54 MD, Mary 44 MD, Josiah 15, James 13, Robert 10, Thomas 7, Joshua 17 IN. James Duncan mar. Molly Smith in 1834 in Dearborn Co. IN.
      Additional information: Dearborn Co. IN Deeds (SLC 2/28/92)
      Deed Book G, pg.288: 3 Sept. 1832, Samuel Stage and wife Jane to James Dunkin, both Dearborn Co. IN, $80, 42a in Sparta Twp, E 1/2 NW 1/4 Sec.18 T5 R2W. Wit. Allen L.P. Palmer, John Palmer JP. (FHC film 1,314,534) (MAD: page numbers not legible)
      Deed Book G, pg.362: 25 Oct. 1832, James Dunkin and wife Martha (X) of Sparta Twp, Dearborn Co. IN, to Joshua Dorman of same, $100, all the land Dunkin holds lying on south side of road from Wilmington to Napolean, being part of E 1/2 NW 1/4 Sec.18 T5 R2, 60a more or less. Wit. Nancy Dorman, John Columbia JP. (FHC film 1,314,534)
      Deed Book N, pg.224: 7 June 1837, James Duncan and wife Mary (X) of Dearborn Co. IN to James Daugherty of same, $140, 19a, being part of NW 1/4 Sec.8 T5 R2W, adj. land of Saml. Stage. Wit. D. Weaver, William Glenn. (FHC film 1,314,536)
      Deed Book Q, pg.184: 6 April 1839, James Dunkin and wife Molly (X) of Dearborn Co. IN to John D. Johnson of same, $800, 38+a adj. SE corner NW 1/4 Sec.18 T5 R2, on south side road from Aurora to Napolean. Wit. Benjn. Johnson, James Chilson. (FHC film 1,314,538)
      Additional possible information: Worcester Co. MD Will Book JW-13, folio (pg.) 249, DUNCAN, Thomas Sr., 13 April 1790, 28 April 1790; sons Thomas, Caleb, Isaac (exec), William (exec); wife Mary (Hallay Grave, Crooked Lot) (exec.); mention Solomon Collins; to be sold (Poor Luck); daus. Saray Davis, Catering Givan; wit. Shadrach Davis, Hanah Smith, Tabitha Davis, Hester Holland (pg.45, "Worcester Co. MD Will Book JW-13, 1783-1790" by Heise (FHC book 975.221 P28he; SLC 9/7/94). One Gilbert Givan, b. 1760 MD, m. 6 Jan. 1781 Catherine Duncan, b. 1763, d. 1829 IN; 1818 moved to Dearborn Co. IN. (from index cards of Kit Smith 8/83, source probably a county history). It is possible that James Duncan, b.1796 MD, might also have migrated from Worcester Co. MD, but there is nothing else to indicate this.

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