Duncans in San Francisco Co. CA

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Duncan research files of
Mary Ann (Duncan) Dobson
the Genealogy Bug

Last revised June 23, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO CO. CA
Formed 1850, original county
San Mateo formed 1856 from San Francisco
 

CENSUS RECORDS

no 1850 San Francisco Co. CA Census

1860 San Francisco Co. CA Census
District 1
Pg.927, #2818-3193, Boarding House
                  Napoleon DUNCAN 28 SWEDEN miner $0-$0
Pg.931, #2821-3199, Bridget McDONALD 34 IRE laundress $0-$0
                  & family & others, including
                  Thos. LAUNZ? 30 GERM sailor
                  Henry DONKIN 42 GERM sailor
                  (MAD: indexed Harry Donkin)
District 2
Pg.563, #62-69, John W. DUNCAN 35 PA carpenter $3000-$0
Pg.608, #492-475, M.J. DENNISON (f) 40 NY (blank)
                  Thos. S. 23 NY
                  Caroline M. 14 TX
Pg.608, #492-476, Aaron BURNS 30 PA sea captain
                  Thadius WOOD 38 NY clothier
                  Sarah R. BURNS 28 CT
                  Mary WOOD 19 NY
                  Kate CURRY 40 IRE servant
Pg.608, #492-477, Isabella DUNCAN 38 IRE
                  Louisa 3 CA
Pg.660, #975-983, Henry SELIGMAN 31 GERM importer $5000-$10,000
                  Virginia 22 GERM
                  Jessie (f) 2, Francis (m) 1 CA
                  Helen MEYER 18 GERM
                  Albert LEVI 19 GERM clerk
                  Margt. DUNCAN (f) 26 GERM
                  Louisa CRESSELL 26 ENG
Pg.701, #1261-1307, Isabella DUNCAN 37 ENG (blank) $3500-$100
                  Isabella 4, Anne 3 CA
                  (& 4 pages of other names in possible family groups)
Pg.730, #1551-1628, Joseph DUNCAN 37 PA editor $6000-$500
                  E.H. (f) 30 VA
                  Caroline 13 IL
                  Harriet 10 LA
                  Wm. 8, Joseph 5 CA
                  Margaret ROVER 19 IRE servant
                  (MAD: Joseph C. Duncan mar. Eliza H. Hill 12/4/1843 Sangamon Co. IL)
Pg.794, #2245-2245, John HANNAN 36 IRE & others in tavern
                  Thos. DUNCAN 40 SCT moulder
Pg.795, #2251-2251, John JOHNSON 40 MA laborer $0-$0
                  John BURKE 55 NY cartman $0-$100
                  Wm. DUNCAN 26 JAMAICA cartman $0-$100
                  Jose RAMOS 40 Mexico physician
                  Chas. OLDHAM 36 MD BLACK whitewasher
District 5
Pg.544, #1219-1278, W.L. COOPER 40 Prussia M.Mariner $0-$2000
                  W. DUNCAN (m) 38 Norway M.Mariner
                  H. HALLIBETTER 45 Prussia M.Mariner
                  & 9 more M.Mariners from Prussia, Norway, Maine,
                  England, Sweden & Denmark.
District 6
Pg.444, #370-352, John MILLER 40 GRENADA MULATTO stewart $0-$650
                  William 21 NY MULATTO
                  Laura 15 NY MULATTO
                  Harriet JOHNSON 45 NC MULATTO
                  Caroline BEVANS 23 JAMAICA MULATTO
                  Geo. DUNCAN 18 PA MULATTO barber
District 7
Pg.1442, #1332-1655, Andrew J. SHIPLEY 33 KY baker/broker? $0-$10,000
                  Helen V. 23 LA
                  14 others in household, possibly boarders
                  James DUNCAN 27 IRE carpenter $0-$0
District 9
Pg.1055, #1071-1039, D.D. COOK (m) 24 NS (Nova Scotia) bar tender $0-$600
                  William DONKIN 30 NS laborer
                  Agnes McDONALD 28 NS servant
District 10
Pg.217, #425-456, Hannah KANARY 23 IRE (blank)
                  Bridget 20 IRE
                  Henry V. CASE 45 ENG painter
                  James DUNCAN 25 IRE carpenter
                  Robert SHIELDS 25 IRE moulder
                  Henry TRIPP 26 ME machinist
Pg.308, #1230-1258, Jas/Jos. DUNCAN 33 SCT ship joiner $700 - 0
                  Juliana 31 VT
                  Jas/Jos. 5, Carolina 3, Mary E. 1 CA
                  (MAD: indexed "Jos.")
 

1870 San Francisco Co. CA Census
Ward #2
Pg.193, Charles DUCONON, not DUNCAN, not copied
Ward #3
Pg.300, #201-201, hotel, including
                  DUNCAN, James 39 SCT water carrier $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
Ward #4
Pg.344, #167-339, DUNCAN, Isabella 43 ENG keeping house $5000-$1000, parents of foreign birth
                  Isabella 15, Annie 14 CA, parents of foreign birth
Pg.362, #439-811 to 818, FRANKLIN, Benjamin 37 MD miner $12,00-$5,000
                  12 others in dwelling, laborers
Pg.362, #439-819, DUNCAN, Robert 37 AUStrlia laborer $0-$0
Pg.412, #1247-1614, DUNCAN, John 38 NJ rectifier of spirits $7000-$1500
                  Sarah 26 MA keeping house
                  Elizabeth 11, Clara 7 CA at home
                  BROOTHS, Noah 39 ME ("Maine") editor $10,000-$300
                  MORSE, Isaac 24 MA bookkeeper $500-$100
                  NIETENS? (NIETERS?), Marf. (f) 24 IRE domestic, parents of foreign birth
Pg.457, #1855-2699, Lots of women, prostitutes, including
                  DUNCAN, Jane 41 SCT prostitute $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
Pg.458, #1872-2724, Housekeeper, lots of men,
                  DUNCAN, John 21 SCT carpenter $0-$500, parents of foreign birth
Pg.480, #2049-3141, Hotel keeper, lots of people,
                  DUNCAN, William 29 SCT husse? carpenter $0-$200, parents of foreign birth
Ward #5
Pg.9, #127-118, DUNCAN, Saml. 21 MA clrk dry goods $0-$0 (alone)
Ward #6
Pg.100, #612-1013, DUNCAN, James 47 PA BLACK cook on steamer $0-$500
                  WILLIAMS, Samuel 40 PA BLACK waiter $0-$2,000
                  Phene (f) 30 NY BLACK dom. servant $0-$300
Pg.108, #739-1201, DUNCAN, Stephen 30 LA "no occupation" $0-$0 (white)
                  (and others)
                        (MAD: ??? 1860 New York NY census, W15 Dist.2 pg.29)
Pg.149, #1318-1917, DUNCAN, James W. 45 IN builder $0-$5000
                  Mary A. 45 OH keeping house
                  (no children)
                        (MAD: 1850 Vanderburgh Co. IN census)
Ward #7, Precinct 1
Pg.171, #155-199, Lodging house, including
                  DUNCING, William 40 HANover carpenter $0-$600, parents of foreign birth
                  Briget 35 IRE keeping house, parents of foreign birth
                  Alice 2, Emma 2/12 b.Apr. CA, parents of foreign birth
Ward #7, Precinct 1 (from Kathy Cawley 12/2001)
Pg.201, #451-594, McARLE, Michael 36 IRE labourer $0-$800 Blind, cannot read/write, parents of foreign birth
                  Anna 41 IRE keeping house cannot write, parents of foreign birth
                  Ellen 12, Furgerson (m) 9 CA attends school, parents of foreign birth
                  Owen 6 CA attends school, parents of foreign birth
                  John 3 CA, parents of foreign birth
                  McFAY, Michael 26 IRE engine builder, parents of foreign birth
                  McCARTY, Timithy 21 MASS pressman, parents of foreign birth
                  DUNCAN, Kenery (m) 41 SCT carpenter, parents of foreign birth
                  McWILLIAM, Alice 25 IRE, parents of foreign birth
                  John 18 pressman IRE, parents of foreign birth
Ward #8, Precinct 1
Pg.293, #70-78, DUNCAN, Jos. W. 60 PA shirt store $0-$800
                  Ann H. 58 PA keeping house
                  Ah Hu (m) 14 Hong Kong CHINESE domestic ser.
                        (MAD: 1860 Kings Co. NY census, Brooklyn Wd-6)
Ward #8, Precinct 2
Pg.386, #94-114, Boarding House, including
                  DUNCAN, Henry 20 NY bricklayer $0-$0 (white), parents of foreign birth
Pg.397, #241-274, DUNCAN, Joseph C. 45 PA real estate broker $50,000-$7,000
                  Hallie? (f) 20 LA at home
                  William 17 CA real estate clerk
                  Joseph 15 CA attending school
                  SMEDBURG, James R. 35 NY engineer? gasmaker?
                  Caroline 22 PA keeping house
                  (and 3 domestic servants)
Pg.436, #739-856, ROSEI?, Nicholas 69 HAMburg silver plater $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
                  Anne 40 ENG keeping house, parents of foreign birth
                  DUNCAN, George 32 WI wilhaltham? worker $0-$0
                  GILL, John 32 IRE saddler
Pg.493, #1479-1691, DUNCAN, James E. 35? IRE carpenter $5000-$200, parents of foreign birth
                  Mary 40 IRE keeping house, parents of foreign birth
                  James? 5, John 4, Mary 3 CA, parents of foreign birth
                  Daniel 1/12? (7/12?) CA b.Sept? (thick ink)
Ward #9
Pg.29, #452-544, DUNICAN, Sarah 50 IRE keeping house $0-$100, parents of foreign birth
                  Mary 26 IRE seamstress, parents of foreign birth
                  James 24 IRE cabinet maker, parents of foreign birth
                  Ellen 21 IRE seamstress, parents of foreign birth
Pg.39, #591-717, DUNCAN, Geo. 29 PA MULATTO minister of Gospel $0-$400
                  Jane 29 KY MULATTO keeping house
                  Dora 15 OR MULATTO app. dress maker
                  George 2 CA MULATTO
Pg.47, #745-873, DENNISON, Maria L. 50 NY keeping house $0-$200
                  Thos. S. 33 NY bookkeeper
                  DUNCAN, Isabella 33 IRE domestic, parents of foreign birth
                  Louisa 13 CA, parents of foreign birth
                  (and others)
Pg.61, #748-1098, DUNCAN, James 45 SCT ship joiner? $0-$1000
                  Jusliana? (f) 44 VT keeping house
                  James 15, Carrie (f) 13 CA
                  Charles 10, Hattie (f) 8 CA
                  (and others)
Pg.99, #1511-1721, DUNCAN, Wm. L. 45 MD stock broker $10,000-$3,000
                  Laura E. 23 MO keeping house
                  Lizzie D. 17 CA
                  McGEORGE?, Bridget 22 IRE domestic, parents of foreign birth
                  NOLAN, Anne 24 IRE domestic, parents of foreign birth
Ward #10, Precinct 2
Pg.227, #320-512, DUNCAN, James 38 KY carpenter $0-$250
                  Annie 43 PA keeping house
                  Emma 10, Monna (f) 7 CA attending school
                  Julia 6 CA attending school
Pg.243, #573-838, DUNACAN, Charles 32 IRE laborer $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
                  Johanna (f) 30 IRE keeping house, parents of foreign birth
                  Annie 2 CA at home (not parents of foreign birth)
Ward #10, Precinct 3
Pg.293, #414-690, FORD, Byron 45 NY & family & others
                  DUNCAN, Edwin 20 NJ gas fitter $0-$0
Ward #10, Precinct 4
Pg.359, #364-346, HOIG?, Jane 47 MA keeping lodging house $0-$600
                  & family & lodgers
Pg.359, #364-352, DUCAN, William 55 SCT carpenter $0-$100, parents of foreign birth
Pg.360, #396-384, Boarding house, including
                  DUNCAN, Cornelius 16 IRE apprentice blacksmith $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
Ward #11, District 1
Pg.453, #462-469, DUNCAN, Joshua 39 VA (white) house carpenter $2500-$175
                  Winfred 31 IRE keeping house, parents of foreign birth
                  William 7 CA mother of foreign birth
                  MULLIGAN, Hugh 83 IRE (blank), parents of foreign birth
Pg.460, #570-583, DUNCAN, Catherine 58 ENG keeping house $3000-$500, parents of foreign birth
                  Margaret 26 ENG hair worker $0-$150, parents of foreign birth
                  Nellie (f) 20 ENG seamstress $0-$150, parents of foreign birth
Pg.477, #853-879, DUNCUN, James 49 SCT farmer $7000-$10,000, parents of foreign birth
                  WARREN, William 40 ENG farmer $7000-$10,000, parents of foreign birth
Pg.498, #1199-1222, EMERY, William 28 ME ("Maine") hardware clerk $1000-$200
                  Mary 30 KY keeping house
                  Mary 3, William 1 CA
                  DUNCAN, Nellie (f) 22 IA at home
                  EMERY, Josiah 25 ME seed clerk
Ward #11, District 2
Pg.643, #1436-1295, SAWYER, Follen?? (m) 20 ME Railroad employee $0-$400
                  HILL, Chas. 20 PA Railroad employee $0-$300
                  MELDRAUR?, Chas. 25 MA Railroad employee $0-$450
                  DUNCAN, Robt. 35 GA Railroad employee $0-$250
                  GUCLIR??, John 32 IRE Railroad employee $0-$200, parents of foreign birth
                        (MAD: ?? 1860 Chattahoochee Co. GA census)
Ward #11, District 4
Pg.713 - most of page blank, a very few scattered names, a large "X" across page, names included
                  DUNCAN, J.C. (all other info blank)
Ward #12, Precinct 1
Pg.732, #300-278, DUNCAN, Robert 44 Brit.Prov. journeyman carpenter $0-$350, parents of foreign birth
                  Anna 33 Brit.Prov. keeps house, parents of foreign birth
                  TONDY?, Julius (m) 32 PRussia diamond setter at jewelers, $4000-$200, parents of foreign birth
                  Mary 29 OH at home
                  Fredr. (m) 10, Lillie (f) 7 CA, father of foreign birth
Ward #12, Precinct 2
Pg.840, #998-970, DUNCAN, G.H. (m) 32 SCT clk on wharf $0-$150, parents of foreign birth
                  Eliza 28 MA keeping house
                  CUSHING, Joshua 22 MA laborer
                  Annie 20 MA without occupation
                  Wm. S. 1/12 CA b.May at home
                  (MAD: indexed as C.H. Duncan)
 

1880 Census, San Francisco, San Francisco County, California (from Kathy Cawley 10/2009)
S.D.# 1, E.D.# 106, Page 523A, Image# 12 of 27
26 Fifth Avenue
79-117
DUNCAN,
James,
Mu/M, age 56, Head, cook, aneurism(sp) of heart, [disabled box checked], PA./PA./PA.
Ella, Mu/F, age 41, Wife, keeping house, N.Y./HAYTI/MEXICO
Ida WEBB, Mu/F, age 13, Step-daughter, at school, N.Y./N.Y./N.Y.
James, Mu/M, age 4, Son, CA./PA./N.Y.
George J., Mu/M, age 2, Son, CA./PA./N.Y.
SCOTT, John B. Mu/M, age 49, boarder, D'vd., office porter, N.Y./N.Y./N.Y.
      (KDC: 1900 Alameda Co. CA)
 

1930 Census, San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California (from Kathy D. Cawley 4/2007)
E.D.# 38-209, S.D.# 6, Page# 9, Image# 17 of 37
68 Fifth Avenue
60-71
KEELEY,
Robert J., Head, owns/$10,000./residence, m/w, age 39, m'd at 30, NE./IRE./IL., salesman/real estate
Philomena, Wife, f/w, age 38, m'd at 29, FRA./FRA./FRA.
POWELL, Jenna?, Ward/lodger, f/w, age 11, attends school, CA./CA./IN.
WATSON, Joan A., Ward/lodger, f/w, age 10, attends school, IL./CAN./IL.
DUNCAN, BRUCE E., Ward/lodger, m/w, age 7, attends school, CA./CA./CA.
DUNCAN, JAMES L., Ward/lodger, m/w, age 6, attends school, CA./CA./CA.
DEDEHAM, George R., Ward/lodger, m/w, age 7, attends school, OH./N.Y./CA.
GREEN, Robin S., Ward/lodger, m/w, age 6, attends school, CA./CA./CA.
WATSON, Marjory, Ward/lodger, f/w, age 3, IL./IL./IL.
      (KDC: no indication that this is an orphanage or school; Bruce & James were indexed as "Dunear" but looks like "Duncan")
 

VITAL RECORDS

Go to the San Francisco Co. CA Vital Records
 

OTHER RECORDS

"The Daily Morning Call" San Francisco, CA; January 21, 1871 - Evening (from microfilm at California History Room, CA State Library, Sacramento, CA; pages not numbered, Column 2)
      MARRIED. ...
      DUNCAN - GRAY - In this city, January 21, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Hon. Jno. A. Stanly, Joseph C. Duncan to Miss Dora E. Gray.
 

"The Morning Call" newspaper, San Francisco, CA, Friday, December 27, 1889, page 2, column 3 (CA State Library microfilm on loan, 11/2007)
      Oakland - Alameda. Mrs. Margaret Duncan, wife of Samuel Duncan, died in Vallejo on Tuesday, aged 78. She was the mother of Mrs. James Hixon of San Francisco. The body was brought to Oakland, accompanied by a number of friends and relatives, and was interred in Mountain View Cemetery.
      (MAD: Vallejo, Solano Co. CA)
      (KDC: I believe "Mrs. James Hixon" should have been "Mrs. James Heron")
 

"THE INDEPENDENT" Sunday, November 27, 1955, Pasadena, California (from Kathy D. Cawley 1/2006)
      Golden Gate Bridge Publicist Kills Self
      San Francisco
      CHARLES DUNCAN, 71, advertising man suffering from cancer, plunged to his death early yesterday from a fourth floor window of the San Francisco Hospital. DUNCAN, first known press agent for the Golden Gate Bridge, at one time owned his own advertising agency.
      KDC: California Death Index, 1940-1997: DUNCAN, CHARLES W, male, born 3 Feb. 1883 Canada, died 26 Nov. 1955 San Francisco, mother's maiden name IRISH, father's surname DUNCAN. (KDC: See 1930 Marin Co. CA census)
 

Name Index in California Room, CA State Library, Sacramento; Books could not be photocopied because they were old, but most are available on microfilm and then through interlibrary loan. Newspapers are also on microfilm.
      DUNCAN, ALEXANDER - killed. "Alta" Jan. 15, 1859, pg. 2, col. 2. (MAD's extract) Daily Alta California, San Francisco, Saturday morning, Jan. 15, 1859. The body found some days since on the beach near Black Point was yesterday recognized. The name of the man was Alexander Duncan. He came to this city some four months ago. (MAD: he ran out of money to proceed to Frazier River.)
 

"California Pioneer Register and Index, 1542-1848, incl. Inhabitants of CA 1769-1800 and List of Pioneers, extracted from the History of CA" by Hubert Howe Bancroft (FHL fiche 6,051,337) (Index to Bancroft's Histories by volume & page, or other source)
      Pg.125-126: DUNCAN
            Robert, 1846, Scotchman from New Zealand with his wife and 4 children; lived at S.F. where he owned a lot in '47; in the mines '48-9; settled in Sta. Clara Co., where he died '57. - Portrait in "Hesperian" Nov. '59.
      Pg.126: DUNCOMB
            John, 1846, owner of S.F. lot. - v.684.
 

San Francisco CA City Directories (CA State Library, Sacramento)
      Checked 1880-85 for John Nash, Nancy Jane Duncan Nash, and William Winfield Scott David Duncan; no Nancy Nash; other William Duncans, all with middle initial other than W. so not copied.
      Only items shown in directories for each entry are Name, occupation when given, business or residence address:
   1880-81 San Francisco, Oakland and Alameda Business Directory (separate sections for each town; checked San Francisco only)
      Duncan, William, coffee saloon, 113 7th
      Duncan, William, horseshoer, 222 Leav.
      Nash, Jonathan H., mining, 211 Sansom
   1881-82 San Francisco City Directory
      Duncan, William, horseshoer, 220-1/2 Leavenworth, r. 2523 Bush
      Nash, John, r. 617 Post
      Nash, John F., conductor, Sutter St. RR, r. 129 Clara, rear
      Nash, John T., miner, r. 1784 Folsom
      Nash, Jonathan H., miner, r. 905 Market
   1882-83 San Francisco City Directory
      Duncan, William (Duncan & Boyle), r. 2623 Bush (sic)
      Duncan & Boyle (William Duncan & Dennis H. Boyle), horseshoers, 22 Golden Gate Ave.
      Nash, John, baker, r. 617 Post
      Nash, John, laborer, r. 271 Minna
      Nash, John H., miner, r. 2132 Howard
      Nash, John T., miner, r. 1784 Folsom
   1883-84 San Francisco City Directory
      Duncan, William (& Boyle), r. 548 Jessie
      Nash, John, r. 617 Post (no occupation)
      Nash, John H., miner, r. 2132 Howard
   1884-85 San Francisco City Directory
      Duncan, William (& Boyle), r. 548 Jessie
      Nash, John H., mining superintendent, r. 2132 Howard
   1885-86 San Francisco City Directory
      Duncan, William, horseshoer, 22 Golden Gate Ave., r. 548 Jessie
      Nash, John, r. 617 Post (no occupation)
      Nash, John, miner, r. 134 Fourth
      Nash, John H., mining, res. Silver State House
      Nash, John S., r. 537 Sacramento (no occupation)

San Francisco, CA, City Directories (CA State University, Sacramento, library)
   Earliest was 1909:
      Nash, John, driver, r. 714 Capitol Ave.
      Nash, John J., policeman, r. 152 Vicksburg
      Nash, J.W., marblewkr, r. 161 Levenworth Ave.
      Duncan, Wm. W., brakeman, r. 17 Fair
      Duncan, Wm. W., mach., r. 878 Grove
 

COURT RECORDS

Go to the San Francisco Co. CA Court Records
 

MILITARY RECORDS

Pension Index Card File, alphabetical; of the Veterans Administrative Contact and Administration Services, Admin. Operations Services, 1861-1934; Duff to A-J Duncan (negative FHL film 540,888, some cards very faint); Joseph Duncan to Dunn (positive FHL film 540,889, some cards very dark)
      Cataloged under Civil War, 1861-1865, pensions, indexes; does not say if Confederate or Federal, but probably Federal. Negative film, some cards much too faint or dark to read, some cards blurred or faded, particularly the service unit and the dates of application. Most of the very faint or dark cards were in a slightly different format, with space for years enlisted and discharged which were sometimes filled in. Many of these were for service in later years, although one or two were for service ca 1866.
      Name of soldier, alias, name of dependent widow or minor, service (military unit or units), date of filing, class (invalid or widow or minor or other), Application #, Certificate #, state from which filed (sometimes blank), attorney (sometimes blank, MAD: did not usually copy), remarks. Sometimes the "Invalid" or "Widow" class had an "s" added to it before the application #; occasionally the area for the service information included a circled "S". The minor's name was frequently that of the guardian rather than the minor.
      The military unit was frequently the Company Letter, the Regiment Number, sometimes US Vet Vol Inf. (US Veteran Volunteer Infantry), L.A. (Light Artillery), H.A. (Heavy Artillery), US C Inf (US Colored? Infantry), Cav. (Cavalry), Mil. Guards, V.R.C. (?Volunteer Reserve Corps?), etc. Sometimes there were several service units given.
      Cards appear to be arranged by the last name, first name, middle initial if any, and state (including "US") of service.
      Duncan, Charles H.; E 2 Cal. Cav.; 1890 July 15, Invalid Appl. #824866, Cert. #597440, W.VA. (MAD: mar. 1868 Monongalia Co. WV; enlisted 20 September 1861, Private, San Francisco, CA)
      Duncan, William R., 538 Broderick St., San Francisco, Calif.; R-23499.
 

"Report of the Selective Service Administration of California" 1922, pages 372-373 (Placerville FHC book)
      Name, City and County (MAD: have added county in parenthesis if different from city)
      Duncan, Aubrey Donald, San Francisco
      Duncan, Aylmer D., San Francisco
      Duncan, Ben Alfonso, San Francisco
      Duncan, Elder Roblin, San Francisco
      Duncan, Elijah P., San Francisco
      Duncan, Ernest F., San Francisco
      Duncan, Frank Warren, San Francisco
      Duncan, George A., San Francisco
      Duncan, George W. Jr., San Francisco
      Duncan, George Washington, San Francisco
      Duncan, Hiram Burton, San Francisco
      Duncan, John, San Francisco
      Duncan, Ralph Ray, San Francisco
      Duncan, Robert A., San Francisco
      Duncan, Robert S., San Francisco
      Duncan, Verne Ray, San Francisco
      Duncan, William G., San Francisco
      Duncan, William P., San Francisco
      Duncan, William T., San Francisco
      Duncan, William Tilden, San Francisco
 

HISTORIES before 1923

1875 "Sketches of Leading and Representative Men of San Francisco [CA]" by SF, London & NY Publishing Co. (no author given) (CA State Library book C920.0F99)
      Pg.815-819: JOSEPH C. DUNCAN, Esq. ... came to San Francisco in 1850. He left his home in Philadelphia (where his family have resided for 200 years), when a boy of 14, and made IL his residence until 1848. He edited the first literary magazine in that state, and was editor of political paper. In 1848 to New Orleans, editor of "New Orleans Crescent." To San Francisco as journalist, but fire of May 1851 destroyed printing and newspaper office. In 1856 resumed editorial chair, 5 years. In 1874 organized Safe Deposit Co. of San Francisco (several pages on Safe Deposit Co. and its vault). Mr. Duncan is the Manager of the Pioneer Bank, and has built up that incorporation into a first-class institution. ... Mr. Duncan's forte is business, and ... his extra-ordinary success in business is due to his unconquerable energy and unbinding integrity. .... (MAD: 1850 census Orleans Par. LA, 3rd Dist. p.138: John Duncan 30 VA Editor Crescent)
      MAD: "Financing an Empire; History of Banking in CA" by Ira B. Cross; Vol.1, 1927 (CA State Library book QC332.1 C9), pgs.269-273, contains an article about Joseph C. Duncan, and mentions that in 1874, Duncan also organized the Safe Deposit Co. of San Francisco ... Duncan was content to remain in the background and to hold no office in this latter organization. Instead, he prevailed upon Eugene Casserly, a local lawyer of prominence, to act as president, J.W. Raymond as vice president and manager, and B.F. LeWarne, Duncan's son-in-law, as secretary. ... the Pioneer Bank and the Safe Deposit Co. ... failure of both of these concerns in October, 1877. Pgs.429-432 contain more information about the failure of the banks.
      MAD: "The World Book Encyclopedia" contains brief information about the dancer Isadora Duncan, 1878-1927, born in San Francisco, CA, died in an automobile accident in France (from Lucille Mehrkam 3/1984).
            "Dictionary of American Biography", pub. 1929, contains brief information about Isadora Duncan, b. 27 May 1878, d. 14 Sept. 1927, dau. of Joseph Charles Duncan and Dora Gray (CA State Library, Sacramento).
            "My Life" autobiography by Isadora Duncan, pub. by Boni & Liveright, 1927, contains the information: Isadora Duncan, baptised 10/13 as Angela J. Duncan, born 26 May 1877 in San Francisco, CA; mar. 16 Aug. 1906 to Edward Gordon Craig Terry (from Oakland Tribune 6/13/76), mar. 2nd Sergei Esenin (Serge Yessenin); died 14 Sept. 1927 Nice, France; children Deidre Beatrice Terry (1907-13), Patrick Lohengren (1908-13). (Info from SF Chronicle 8/16/1906, 1/25/1923, 9/15/1927). Isadora was the daughter of Joseph Charles Duncan, born ca 1845 SCT?, mar. "26 June 1869" San Francisco, divorced. Owned Pioneer Bank in SF, vanished with $10,000. Had married earlier to Eleanor Hill, 4 children. His 2nd wife was Mary (Dora) Gray, born 1849 St. Louis MO, whose father was born 1828, mother born 1830 IRE, had 8 children; they crossed the plains in a covered wagon in 1849, he 21, she 19, built one of first wooden houses in S.F. 1850. Other children of Joseph Charles Duncan and Mary Gray: Augustin (Gussie), Barn theater; Raymond mar. Aia Bertrand; Elizabeth; and unnamed. (from Tom Gillis 10/1987)
            "The Real Isadora Illustrated" [Isadora Duncan] by Victor Seroff, 1971, The Dial Press, pgs.16-17, contain more information. (Gloucester Co. Library, NJ, from Wayne R. Johnson 7/1995)
 

"Historical abstract of San Francisco." by Oscar T. Shuck; pub. San Francisco: O.T. Shuck, 1897, 113 pgs. (LH11221, HeritageQuest images 4/2007)
      Pg.79: Duncan, Joseph C.; his bank, the "Pioneer Land and Loan Bank of Savings and Deposits" failed, causing widespread distress, Oct. 7, 1877; Duncan went into hiding, and was surprised and captured at night by Capt. Lees, in the building 509 Kearny street, Feb. 24, 1878; he was indicted on ten charges of forgery, embezzlement, and grand larceny; was released on bail in $61,500, Aug. 14, 1880; the first of his abortive trials began in the Municipal Criminal Court, Dec. 16, 1878; the evidence being insufficient to convict, the last of the charges was dismissed on motion of the District Attorney, Jan. 6, 1882.
 

"A Memorial and biographical history of the coast counties of central California : illustrated : containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its discovery to the present time, together with glimpses of its auspicious future, illustrations and full-page portraits of some of its eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers, and prominent citizens of to-day" ed. by Henry D. Barrows; pub. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1893, 459 pgs. (LH11186, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL film 468,737 item 4)
      Pg.299: W.T. DUNCAN - Mr. Duncan is a native of California and was born at San Francisco, July 6, 1850. His father, Thomas Duncan, was a California pioneer of 1849, who came to the State from Buenos Ayres, South America, via Cape Horn. Thomas was born of English parents, at Buenos Ayres and there married a lady of Scotch parentage. Upon coming to California they settled in San Francisco. One son, James D. Duncan, came with them. He is now a butcher of Gonzales. The father, Thomas, died in 1862, but his wife still survives him and resides at San Rafael, this State. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Marin county, California, where he learned the butcher trade and followed the same about fifteen years. In 1876 he came to Monterey county and worked for Hon. C.S. Abbott, until the fall of 1888, when he was elected to the office of County Auditor, on the Democratic ticket. He was re-elected, in 1890, and still holds the position. Our subject married, in 1878, Miss Julia, a daughter of B.B. Eaton, a carpenter and contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have two children, namely: Charles D. and Emily F. Mr. Duncan is an efficient officer, as is evinced by his re-election to office and it also indicates his popularity with his fellow-citizens.
 

1914 "History of Mendocino and Lake counties California : with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the counties .." by Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, pub. by Historic Record Co. (book qc979.415 C2, CA State Library, Sacramento; also FHL film 1,000,113 item 1)
      Pg.245: DUNCAN, Ralph Thompson - Willits, CA, born 8 May 1887 at Ukiah, Mendocino Co., CA, son of Charles Henry and Elizabeth (Shattuck) Duncan, natives of California. Paternal grandfather Jacob Duncan came from Virginia to Pacific coast in very early day, pioneer builder in Ukiah. Jacob had three children, Ralph was second. Ralph married in San Francisco Iris Clare, native of College City, Colusa Co., CA.
      Pg.364: DUNCAN, Frank. Born 30 March 1875; Died 1 July 1911. Born Hopeland, CA, home of father Elijah Duncan. Had brother Elijah Jr. Frank m. Elizabeth Clendenin, born near Stockton. Married 5 June 1902 at San Francisco. One dau. Dorothy.
 

"History of Riverside County, California : with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present" by Elmer Wallace Holmes; pub. Los Angeles, Calif.: Historic Record Co., 1912, 800 pgs. (LH11405, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL book 979.497 H2h and film 1,000,116 item 1)
      Pg.755-756: JOSEPH M. SPINING. Business man of Corona, resident of this state since 1900, born in Kalamazoo, Mich., and from there his parents moved to Ohio for 8 years, then to California. ... In San Francisco, Cal., Mr. Spining and Miss Alice Duncan, born and reared in California, were married April 21, 1906. Two daughters, Mary and Alice, were born to them. ...
 

"Pen pictures from the garden of the world, or, Santa Clara County, California : containing a history of the county of Santa Clara from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future, with profuse illustrations of its beautiful scenery, full-page portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day" by Horace S. Foote; pub. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1888, 743 pgs. (LH13760, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL book 979.473 H2f & film 468,747 item 2)
      Pg.575-576: JAMES ENRIGHT was born in Limerick County, Ireland, in 1826. His parents, James and Mary (Mann) Enright, emigrated to Canada in 1830, near Quebec. 1840 to Atchison Co. MO ... both dying in 1845. ... following year, Mr. Enright and his brother Thomas and sister Mary crossed the plains to California. ... about 3 miles west of Santa Clara. .... Mr. Enright was united in marriage, in 1850, to Miss Margaret Duncan, the daughter of Robert and Ann Duncan, natives of Scotland, but residents of San Francisco. They came to this State in 1846, by way of Cape Horn. From this marriage eleven children were born, nine being now living. Mary Ann, the wife of John G. Robertson, lives at Santa Cruz; Frances is the wife of Dr. James Murphy, of San Francisco; Charles is a physician in San Francisco; James E., Margaret, Joseph D., John B., Nellie, and Louisa G. make their home with their parents. Robert D. died in 1881, at the age of 25 years.
 

1874 "First Steamship Pioneers" edited by a committee of the Association; pub. [San Francisco, Calif. : First Steamship Pioneers], c1874 (San Francisco : H.S. Crocker & Co., printers) (Calif. History Room, Sacramento, CA State Library book F865.F512, microfiche W36\WA13037, 4/1/2010)
      Pg.168: ROBERT DUNCAN Was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1809, where he learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it until he was thirty-three years old, when he emigrated to New Zealand and remained until 1846, then came to California, with his wife and four children. Here, until the discovery of gold, he followed his trade. Then, with his little son, went to the mines, where, in less than a year, he obtained enough to satisfy him; when he returned to San Francisco, and devoted himself to the improvement of his property, and the care of his family for several years, after which, tiring of city life, he removed to Santa Clara County, and settled on a farm, where he continued to devote himself to agricultural pursuits and the education of his family, until 1857, when he quietly and peacefully passed away on his last voyage to the land where condition is not improved by change of place or diversity of pursuit.
 

"History of Bloomington and Normal, in McLean County, Illinois" by J.H. Burnham; pub. Bloomington: J.H. Burnham, 1879, 147 pgs. (LH13103, HeritageQuest images 4/2007)
      Pg.92: California Emigrants. ... gold fever of 1849 and 1850 ... Bloomington sent a large company in the summer of 1849 ... among those who went, we have the names of ... Joseph Duncan, ... Out of this number ... Joseph Duncan [lives] in San Francisco. ...
 

"Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon : containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present." (Multnomah Co.) (anonymous); pub. Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1903, 890 pgs. (LH10836, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL book 979.549/P1 D3p and film 1,000,363 item 2 and 1,321,449 item 2)
      Pg.270: JAMES WRIGHT SHARP, his father Peter Sharp a dyer by trade was born in the Highlands of Scotland where his death occurred; his wife Elizabeth Sharp was born in Clackmannanshire, Scotland where she died. The only child born to this worthy couple was James Wright, the date of the event being April 10, 1853, in Borrowstounness, twenty miles from Edinburgh ... 1872 to San Francisco by way of Cape Horn, ... 1875 to Mendocino county, Cal., for 3 years; while in San Francisco, June 8, 1880, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage with Miss Mary Duncan, a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. When twelve years of age she came to America with her parents, arriving in San Francisco June 8, 1870. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, as follows: John, who is an ironworker; Isabelle Elizabeth, Mary Jane, James S. and Jessie Hope. ...
 

OTHER SOURCES

Photos of crypts at Cemetiere de Pere Lachaise, Paris, France (from Wayne R. Johnson, 4/1994)
      #6796. Isadora Duncan, 14 Septembre 1927. (MAD: See San Francisco, CA)

"Biographical Information File" for Joseph C. Duncan (CA Room, CA State Library, Sacramento)
      Dec. 22, 1880, Alta California (newspaper), Joseph C. Duncan was in jail 2-1/2 years, 4 trials, no conviction, bail $61,500 was sufficient.
      July 27, 1882, Sacramento Union (newspaper), dateline 7/26/1882, the case against J.C. Duncan of defunct Pioneer Bank was dismissed today owing to failure of important evidence relied upon by prosecution.
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER LOCALITIES

Platte Co. MO Probate Records (from Lu Durham 3/1987)
      LD: When the estate of Mary Ann (Polly) Garner Duncan (widow of Marshall) was settled in Platte Co. in 1883, her children were scattered: Mildred Jane Duncan in Platte Co. MO; Wm. Arthur in Clinton Co.?; Robert Lewis in Scott Co. AR; James Marshall in San Francisco, CA; John Sanford in Platte Co. MO; Sarah Catherine deceased -- her daughters Medora Arnold in Whitman Co. WA Territory, Martha Arnold with her father James Madison Arnold in CA, Mary Catherine Arnold living with aunt (Mary Ann Duncan Browning) in Plattsburg, MO. Hiram Garner Duncan in Whitesboro, Mendocino Co. CA; Mary Ann Duncan m. James M. Browning, lived in Plattsburg MO after 1881.
 

END

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