BOURBON CO. KY
HISTORIES before 1923
 

1882 "History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison & Nicholas Co. KY" by William Henry Perrin (from Evelyn Sigler 1982)
      1st election of town trustees, Paris, March 1797, elected John Metcalf, Daniel Duncan, Wm. Kelly, Andrew Todd, Thomas Arnold and Richard Henderson.
      Daniel Duncan leading and well-to-do citizen.
      Tavern kept by Mrs. James Duncan.
      1789 Act passed by Legislature of VA establishing Hopewell (Paris). James Duncan one of trustees.
      James S. Duncan, d. 1849, one of early cattle breeders, son of Maj. Jerre Duncan.
      Maj. Jerre Duncan was an extensive breeder in 1850.
      War of 1812, Bourbon Co. - Lewis Duncan.
      James Duncan early Settler.
      Henry T. Duncan built a hemp factory 1844 in Bourbon Co.
      Clintonville Precinct - among pioneers - John Duncan.
      Christian Church, 1828, new building built. Among generous contributors - Daniel Duncan.
      Ruddel's Mill Precinct - 1st postmaster, Jacob Duncan.
      James A. Duncan, farmer, b. Montgomery Co., KY, Feb. 1, 1819, son of Traverse and Lucy Rogers. Traverse b. in VA; d. Nov. 26, 1846. Farmer. Wife Lucy b. Fayette Co. KY, Nov. 26, 1796; d. July 22, 1874. Had 7 children. James A. was the 2nd. James married July 17, 1842, Mary Ann Wilson. Had 8 children: Joseph, William, David, John Granville, George, Susan and Elizabeth. Members of Christian Church.
      Mary Duncan, dau. of Thornton and Mary Routt, natives of Culpeper Co. VA.
      Pg.458: Wm. P. Chambers, b. June 13, 1842, Paris, KY, m. Dec. 1865, Kate, dau. of James Duncan and Mary C. Williams. James was son of Maj. Jerry Duncan.
 

1885-1888 "KY, a History of the State" 7th Edition (Volume), by Perrin, Battle & Kniffin (FHL book 976.9 D3wt)
      Pg.159. CHARLES STROTHER, lawyer, born Aug. 10, 1852, a son of French and Lucinda (Maddox) Strother, she a dau. of Michael Maddox of Shelby Co. KY who was born in Trimble Co. KY 1811 and married Celia Owsley and had nine children (not copied here) and died in 1870. George Strother, paternal grandfather of our subject, native of VA, farmer, Methodist minister, settled in Bourbon Co. KY in 1800, married Mary Duncan, also of VA, and had seven children; she died in 1865. Charles Strother was reared on a farm and educated in Trimble Co. KY; in 1872 read law with John Strother in Owenton, admitted to the bar in 1876; in 1878 elected police judge of Owen Co. ...
 

1912 "A history of Kentucky and Kentuckians : the leaders and representative men in commerce, industry and modern activities" by E. Polk Johnson, 3 vols. (SUTRO book F451 J7 v.III and film 75 reel 1; CA State Library, Sutro Branch)
      V.3 p.1608: GARRET DAVIS WILSON, born Bourbon Co. KY where his father Francis M. Wilson also born. Grandfather Jeremiah Wilson born old VA of English ancestry, migrated as young man to Bourbon Co. KY, 14 miles southeast of Paris, married a Miss Trotter of VA. Francis M. Wilson inherited part of father's estate, which he managed until 1895 when he sold out and bought a farm near Cynthiana, Harrison Co. KY where lived until death in 1908 in 88th year of age. His wife, whose name before marriage was Eliza Ann Duncan, was born at Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co. KY, 86 years ago. Her father, Traverse Duncan, native of KY, married Lucy Rogers, who was born in VA. Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Wilson had six children, namely: Garret D., Mattie, Henry Clay, Richard E., Amanda D. and Fanny. Garret D. Wilson mar. 1880 Margaret M. Maguire, born in Lexington, a dau. of P.F. and Mary Maguire (see sketch of Dr. J.D. Maguire for family record). Three children to Mr. & Mrs. Wilson, namely, Margaret, Louise and Garret D. Jr. (MAD: Eliza Ann Duncan mar. to Francis M. Wilson listed in "Some Marriages in Montgomery Co. KY before 1864" by Boyd; 1850 Bourbon Co. KY census)
 

1922 "History of KY" Vol.IV, by William Elsey Connelley and E.M. Coulter, ed. by Charles Kerr (from John A. Duncan 8/1984; see more in Fayette Co. KY)
      Pg.209: HENRY TIMBERLAKE DUNCAN ... is a member of the law firm of Allen & Duncan. He was born at Lexington [Fayette Co.], August 9, 1868, a son of Henry T. and Lily (Brand) Duncan. His father, born in Bourbon Co. KY, was trained by private tutors in his youth, pursued a course at Harvard College, and finally graduated from Transylvania College law department. For some years he was engaged successfully in the practice of his profession at Lexington, ...
      Pg.376: DUNCAN GIBSON ... In the following paragraphs are sketched some of the outstanding figures in this old KY family, particularly those whose lives are not reviewed under other names.
            Richard Timberlake, son of Richard (JAD: John) Timberlake ... with his family moved to KY in 1790, locating four miles east of Cynthiana, in Harrison Co., and later to a farm five miles from Paris in Bourbon Co. His daughter Mary was born in Hanover Co. VA December 25, 1776. In 1793 she was married to Daniel Duncan on the Flat Creek farm in Bourbon Co.
            William Duncan, born in Scotland, April 17, 1672, immigrated to America, January 22, 1722, settled in Culpeper Co. VA and February 11, 1722, married Ruth Rawley, daughter of Matthew Rawley, a native of England, who settled in VA in 1719. Their son, Daniel, born in Culpeper Co., was educated in PA, and thence went to Bourbon Co. KY. He owned and resided on a farm near the Scott Co. line. (JAD: compare Ardery p.17 and K.D. Smith p.67; MAD: not the son of William Duncan and Ruth Rawley; see Cumberland Co. PA, not Culpeper Co. VA)
            Henry Timberlake Duncan, son of Daniel and Mary (Timberlake) Duncan, was born at Paris, Bourbon Co., March 20, 1800, and died at Ingleside, Fayette Co., in March 1880. He was educated at Dickinson College in PA, was a lawyer by profession, and in 1826 married Elizabeth Dunster Pyke, the beautiful daughter of Samuel Pyke, who with his wife, Hannah Orchard Woolley, settled in Paris, KY, about 1800, coming from England. ... After several years Mr. and Mrs. Duncan established a residence in Fayette Co., ...
 

1896 "Biographical cyclopedia of the commonwealth of Kentucky : embracing biographies of many of the prominent men and families of the state" compiled and published by the John M. Gresham Company; pub. Chicago: J.M. Gresham Co. (from Ruth Robertson 1985; FHL book 976.9 D36bf; SLC 9/2007)
      Pg.115-116: HENRY TIMBERLAKE DUNCAN of Lexington was born in Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky, August 31, 1836; and is a son of the late Henry T. and Eliza (Pike) Duncan, natives of Bourbon County, Kentucky. (MAD: Lexington, Fayette Co. KY)
      His grandfather, Daniel Duncan, was a native of Pennsylvania, who left that state and settled in Kentucky in the year 1798, and was a merchant in Paris for thirty-six years -- 1798 to 1834.
      The Duncans came from the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. A branch of this Scotch family came from Dumfreeshire and settled in Virginia in 1694, and another branch settled in New York and Pennsylvania in 1735. In the history of Western Pennsylvania, the Rev. Joseph Duncan is spoken of as a Presbyterian minister, preaching in a log church in 1739. Whether this Scotch pioneer preacher was related to Henry T. Duncan or not, is not known. Tradition states, however, that the Rev. Joseph Duncan settled in Kentucky about the year 1789, leaving several sons, and one of his grandsons was at one time governor of the territory of Illinois. This grandson was a cousin of the subject of this sketch.
      Henry T. Duncan (father) was for many years a leading lawyer and manufacturer in Paris. He died in Lexington in 1881, at the age of 81.
      Samuel Pike (maternal grandfather) was a native of England, who erected the first cotton mills west of the Allegheny Mountains, and whose death occurred in 1838, leaving a fortune ...
      Henry T. Duncan was prepared for college by private instructors and at the age of seventeen years, entered Harvard College and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1859. After leaving college he became a student of jurisprudence under the late Chief Justice, George Robertson; and was admitted to practice in the courts after four months' study. In a short time after this he took editorial charge of the "Observer and Reporter" ... then returned to the practice of law, ... with Hart Gibson and J.J. Miller in 1870 founded the Lexington "Daily Press," which Mr. Duncan owned and edited until November, 1893, when he assumed the duties of mayor of Lexington. ...
      Soon after his election in 1893, the "Daily Press" was consolidated with the "Daily Transcript" and the two journals were succeeded by the "Press-Transcript," which was for one year edited by Mr. Duncan's son, Henry T. Duncan, Jr. ... Mr. Duncan ... resumed the practice of law ...
      In 1862 Mr. Duncan was a member of the State Guards, serving as adjutant on the staff of General James S. Jackson, who was killed at the battle of Perryville in October, 1862.
      Henry T. Duncan was united in marriage in 1860 to Lillie, daughter of George W. Brand of Lexington; and they had ten children, nine of whom still survive. His eldest son, George Brand Duncan, was graduated from West Point in 1886, and is now adjutant of the Fourth United States Infantry, stationed at Fort Sherman, Idaho. The second son, Edward, is now engaged in the revenue service; Henry T., Jr., has adopted the profession of law; Daniel graduated from West Point in the class of 1895. The daughters are: Eliza, wife of John R. Allen, county attorney of Fayette County; Nanny; Lilly, wife of George Otis Draper, son of Congressman Draper, and a wealthy cotton machine manufacturer of Hopedale, Mass; Margaret and Fanny.
 

1884 "Counties of Todd and Christian, Kentucky : historical and biographical" ed. by William Henry Perrin; pub. Chicago: F.A. Battey (LH13595, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL book 976.97 H2p and film 164,616)
      Pg.67: History of Christian County ... James H. McLaughlan. He was an uncle of Joseph Duncan, who was, for a time, a Deputy Clerk under him, and who afterward was Governor of Illinois, and a famous soldier and politician.
      Pg.115-116: Christian Co. Joseph Duncan. Some of the older citizens of Hopkinsville still remember a bright and intelligent young man named Joseph Duncan, who was Deputy Circuit Clerk here for several years under James McLaughlan. He was a nephew to Mr. McLaughlan, and was born in Paris, Bourbon Co., Ky., February 23, 1794, and came to Christian County as a Deputy Clerk to his uncle, who had been appointed Circuit Clerk of the county. Though young, he took an active part in the war of 1812, and was with Col. Croghan at Fort Stephenson. Having emigrated to Illinois, he first appeared to the public as Major General of the Militia. In 1826 he was elected to Congress over Hon. Daniel P. Cook, a prominent politician of that day, and who had never before been defeated for a public office. From this time until his election as Governor, he retained his seat in Congress. In the Black Hawk war of 1832, he was appointed by Gov. Reynolds a Brigadier-General. He was elected Governor of Illinois in 1834, over ex-Lieut.-Gov. Kinney, by more than 17,000 majority. Gov. Duncan was a man of limited education, but with naturally fine abilities. A portrait of him, which the writer once saw in the State House at Springfield, presents him with swarthy complexion, high cheek bones, somewhat like Abraham Lincoln, broad forehead, piercing black eyes and straight black hair. His administration was an able one, though to a large extent unpopular, owing to the fact that he deserted the Jackson party, to which he had belonged, and which was largely in the ascendancy in Illinois. As President, Gen. Jackson had shown such a decided hostility to several Western measures in which Mr. Duncan was greatly interested, he refused longer to act with the party. Gov. Duncan died in Illinois a number of years ago.
 

1915 "History of Northwest MO" by Walter Williams (Los Angeles Public Library book 977.8 W728 Vol.3)
      Pg.1287: HENRY CLAY DUNCAN. The early family of Duncans were of Scotch ancestry, coming to this country in the middle of the eighteenth century, settling first in Virginia and thence to Bourbon Co. KY, near Paris. ....
      Henry Clay Duncan's father was named Stephen Duncan, and was born in Bourbon Co. KY. His wife's maiden name was Nancy L. Nicholson, who was born in Trimble Co. KY. Henry Clay Duncan was born in Clay Co. MO, June 2, 1841. His father first settled in Clay County and moved to Clinton Co. MO, in 1856, where he lived up to the time of his death, 1877. The mother died in 1875.
      Henry Clay Duncan grew to manhood on a farm, and was educated in the schools of Missouri and Kentucky. On May 23, 1865, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Jane Talbott, of Clay Co. MO, where her father, John B. Talbott settled, on coming from Kentucky to Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have four daughters, namely: Lina, Mrs. Johnson, of Rochester, New York; Nancy, Mrs. Hunter, of Kansas City, Missouri; Susan, Mrs. Thomson, of Kansas City; and Lulu, Mrs. Edwards, of St. Louis, Missouri. ....
 

1881 "The history of Clinton County, Missouri : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical", Vol.II, pub. by National Historical Co. (CA State Library, Sutro Branch)
      Pg.131, Platte Twp. H.C. DUNCAN, farmer, p.o. Osborn, born Clay Co. MO on June 2, 1841; father Jacob Duncan was born Oct. 17, 1797, native of Bourbon Co. KY; to MO in 1838, to Saline Co.; then Clay Co., then Clinton Co. in 1855, died April 6, 1877; his wife, mother of the subject, was born in Trumbull Co. OH on Oct. 15, 1814, and died April 13, 1875. H.C. Duncan sold goods at Osborn during the war, having moved to Clinton Co. on April 24, 1855. He was married May 23, 1865, to Miss Lizzie Talbott, native of MO, born Oct. 11, 1844. They have had 3 children, all living: Lena, b. Aug. 15, 1867; Nannie, b. Aug. 6, 1871; and Susie K., b. April 4, 1880. (MAD: H.C. Duncan was son of Stephen Duncan; 1893 "Port. & Biog. Record of Clay ... Co. MO" and 1915 "Hist. NW MO" both give Henry Clay Duncan's father as Stephen Duncan, not Jacob Duncan, same dates)
 

1893 "Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn counties, Missouri : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States" pub. by Chapman Bros. (Los Angeles Public Library book R977.8 P853)
      Pg.265: ROBERT BRECKENRIDGE ... Clay Co. MO, for more than three-score years, .... Our subject was born in Bourbon Co. KY, in 1825, and was the son of Edlyn and Eleanor (Duncan) Breckenridge, early and honored pioneer settlers of Missouri. Robert Breckenridge was but four years of age when his parents brought him to their new home in Clay County. .... His estimable wife was Miss Elizabeth Young, a daughter of Thomas and Abigail (Strode) Young, ....
      Pg.323: STEPHEN C. DUNCAN ... of Clay Co. MO, ... one of the early pioneers of the State. .... Mr. Duncan was born December 15, 1833, in Henry Co. KY. His parents were Stephen and Lucy (Browning) Duncan, both natives of Bourbon County, where the father was born October 17, 1797, and the mother several years later. The father, who had remained with his parents until his marriage, shortly after removed to Saline Co. MO, and in 1838 bought an improved farm ... and in December, 1840, came to Clay County, ... Upon this homestead Stephen Duncan, Sr., continued to reside for fifteen years, then located in Clinton Co. MO, where he died April 6, 1877. ... He was twice married and unto him and his first wife were born seven children: Thaddeus C.S., deceased; James W.; Sarah E., who has been thrice married, first to William Lynch, then to Mr. Williams and now the widow of Mr. Tuggle; Lucy twice married, her first husband, Matthew Duncan, her second, Lloyd Browning; John S., deceased; Stephen C., our subject; Mary E., deceased, wife of John W. Brenham. The mother of our subject died and was buried in Saline County, and in 1839 the father married Nancy Nicholson, a daughter of John Nicholson, and to them were born eleven sons and daughters, five of whom lived to attain their majority: Henry C.; Pembroke S.; Mattie, deceased wife of Joseph Glossip; Benjamin M. and Nannie. Father Duncan buried his second wife in April, 1875. The paternal grandfather, James Duncan, was a native of Culpeper Co. VA, where he grew up to manhood and married Miss Strode. Farming was the occupation of his life and he owned a two hundred and forty acre farm in Kentucky, to which he removed in a very early day. He was a man of resolute energy and actively participated in the War of 1812. Our subject ... March 5, 1863, Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Mary E. Davenport, a daughter of Rice B. and Rebecca (Winn) Davenport. This estimable lady died September 10, 1869, leaving no children. .... November 10, 1870, our subject was married to Miss Maria Winn, a daughter of James and Malinda (Hutsell) Winn. .... (MAD: Stephen mar. Nancy L. Nicholson 2/25/1839 Trimble Co. KY)
      Pg.327: S.E. BRECKENRIDGE, ... Clay County, was born in Bourbon Co. KY, in 1828, and the following year was brought by his parents to Clay County. ... Our subject is the son of Edlyn and Eleanor (Duncan) Breckenridge, natives of Virginia, who early removed with their parents to Kentucky. Edlyn Breckenridge was born December 7, 1788, and the birth of his wife occurred January 17, 1795. ... War of 1812 ... He and his wife were ... After the marriage of our subject (1858) his parents made their home with him until their death. ....
 

1884 "History of Callaway County, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Callaway County -its pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citiz ens, general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences" pub. by National Historical Co. (Los Angeles Public Library book 977.81 C156Hi)
      Pg.561-563: JOHN DUNCAN (deceased). He whose name heads this sketch was for years one of the most highly respected citizens and successful farmers of Callaway county, and although he has been dead for nearly twenty years, his memory is still ... He was born in Bourbon Co. KY, on the 9th of April, 1807, and was reared on his father's farm in that county. In 1830 he was married to Miss Sallie J., a daughter of William and Anna Adair of that county. She was born there January 23, 1811. Two years after his marriage Mr. Duncan removed to Missouri and settled near Millersburg, in Callaway county, where he lived for nearly thirty-five years and until his death, which occurred on the 14th of February, 1866. On coming to this county he bought a small tract of land, 120 acres in section 1, of Bourbon township, on which he improved a farm. ... until at the time of his death he owned about 1,000 acres .... He was twice married. His first wife died September 5, 1846, leaving six children: Evalina, now the wife of James M. Bruner; George T.; Angelina, now the wife of Isaac F. Coons; Anna A., now the wife of Joseph W. Coons; Joseph W., and Mary E., now the wife of Wayman C. Sheets. To his second wife, formerly Miss Nannie Lloyd, of this county, he was married June 20, 1847. She bore him eight children, of whom seven are living: John, Hiram, Sallie J., Solomon K., Nimrod N., Richard and Nannje (sic). Susan died in October, 1862. Thus this noble old pioneer settler left a large and worthy family ....
            George T. Duncan his eldest son and at whose instance this biographic sketch of his father is prepared, was born of his father's first marriage in Bourbon township, Callaway Co. MO, October 9, 1835. After he grew up in this county he was married here on the 22d of September, 1856, to Miss Louisa F., daughter of John and Elizabeth West, of Callaway county. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have reared only two children: Dempie, now the wife of Joel T. Hayden, of Boone Co. MO, and Anna Lee, the wife of James C. Reid of the same county. ....
 

1876 "A history of the pioneer families of Missouri, with numerous sketches, anecdotes, adventures, etc., relating to early days in Missouri : also the lives of Daniel Boone and the celebrated Indian Chief Black Hawk, with numerous biographies and histories of primitive institutions" by Wm. S. Bryan and Robert Rose (Los Angeles Public Library book 977.8 B915)
      Callaway Co., pg.325: DUNCAN -- Roger and John Duncan were sons of Roger Duncan, Sr., of Scotland. The two brothers came to America and settled in Bourbon Co. KY. John married Elizabeth Wam (MAD: Elizabeth Wayne), by whom he had -- Thomas, John Jr., Alexander, David, William, Ann, and Mary. He subsequently removed to Callaway Co. MO.
            Roger Jr., married Sally Rodman, and remained in Bourbon Co. KY. Their children were -- John, Thomas, George, Polly A., and Amanda. John married Sally J. Adair, and settled in Callaway county in 1833. His children were Eveline, George T., Angeline, Anna A., Joseph W., and Mary E. Mr. Duncan was married the second time to Nancy Loid, by whom he had -- John, Hiram J., Polly J., Solomon R., Susan, Nimrod N., Benjamin R., and Nancy F. (MAD: George Duncan in 1850 Kenton Co. KY census)
 

1920 "History of Clay Co. MO" by William H. Woodson, pub. by Historical Publ. Co. (FHL book 977.8 H2w)
      Pg.702-3: WILLIAM DUNCAN, a successful farmer and stockman of Platte township and a veteran of the Civil War, is a native of Clay County. He was born in Platte township, November 2, 1841, a son of Jehohida and Eliza (Crow) Duncan. Jehohida Duncan was born in Bourbon Co. KY, and came to Missouri with his parents at a very early day. He was a son of James Duncan who settled in Clay County and entered 3,000 acres of government land here. Jehoida Duncan remained in this country until the discovery of gold in California, and in 1849 he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast. He died in California in 1857. Eliza (Crow) Duncan was born in Jasamine (sic) Co. KY, and was married to Mr. Duncan in Missouri. She died in 1910.
            William Duncan was one of five children born to his parents, as follows: James, died in infancy; William, the subject of this sketch; Thomas J., deceased; Mary S., married John Screwberry, of Clinton County; and Elizabeth, deceased.
            William Duncan was reared on the home farm in Platte township ... He assisted his mother on the home place and at the early age of twelve years began working out by the month to help support his mother and sisters. ... He then (1861) enlisted (in the Civil War) in Colonel Duncan's company, which was attached to General Price's command. It was known as Company G, First Missouri Regiment, under command of Colonel Cockrell. ... (more about his Civil War experiences) Mr. Duncan was married in Clay County, October 4, 1866, to Miss Sarah E. Morris, a daughter of Gilbert and Sussie (sic) E. (Commins) Morris. ... (Nothing on the children of William and Sarah E. (Morris) Duncan).
 

1897 "Annals of Platte County, Missouri : from its exploration down to June 1, 1897, with genealogies of its noted families and sketches of its pioneers and distinguished people" by W.M. Paxton, pub. by Hudson-Kimberly Publ. Co. (FHL book 977.8135 H2p)
      Pg.650-1: 1878, Jan.: Jan. 5 -- James Duncan dies four miles southeast of Platte City.
            THE DUNCAN FAMILY.
      James Duncan was the progenitor of the Duncans of Platte and Clay. He was a native of Virginia, and removed to Bourbon Co. KY. He came to Clay in 1826, and settled near Smithville. He had five sons: 1, Stephen; 2, Alex. B.; 3, William; 4, Matthew; 5, Joseph. Of these, only Matthew and Joseph interest us.
            I. MATTHEW DUNCAN
      Was born in Virginia in 1778; he married Elizabeth Breckenridge, daughter of Alexander. They came to Clay in 1826. Ch:
      1. GEO. B. DUNCAN, b. in Bourbon Co. KY, Jan. 23, 1817, and now lives in Clinton County. We have already noticed Mr. Duncan, and have given his reminiscences of the early settlement of Platte. He m'd Jan. 1, 1846, Eliza J. Berryman, dr. of Charles. Ch: (MAD: See Platte Co. MO file) Geo. B. Duncan m'd 2d, Mary E. Beckwith.
            II. JOSEPH DUNCAN
      Was the other son of James Duncan (i) I desire to notice. He married Polly Ann Brooks of Clark Co. KY. Ch:
      1. JAMES DUNCAN, was b. in Montgomery Co. KY, Nov. 15, 1816; m'd March 4, 1850, in Andrew County, Sarah Tracy. In 1851 he went to California overland, and returned in April, 1853; in 1865 he purchased a farm five miles east of Platte City, and here he died Jan. 15, 1878. Mrs. Duncan was b. July 29, 1823; d. Aug. 29, 1891. They were excellent people. Ch: (MAD: See Platte Co. MO File)
      II. JOSEPH DUNCAN (ii), m'd Amanda Clardy, dr. of G.C.
      III. MARTHA JANE, m'd John M. Thatcher.
      Mr. Joseph Duncan (i) had other children, with whom we are little concerned. Their names were: 1, Bessie; 2, Judy Ann; 3, Thomas D.; 4, Abijah, 5, Nancy.
            THE BRECKENRIDGES
      Mrs. Matthew Duncan, as stated above, was Elizabeth Breckenridge. She was a daughter of Alexander Breckenridge (iii), ... Mrs. Duncan's brothers and sisters were: ... III. JOHN BRECKENRIDGE, lived in Bourbon Co. KY; m'd Polly Duncan, a dr. of James (i), and sister of Matthew. ... V. EDELINE (LINA), m'd a Duncan, and lived in Bourbon Co. KY.
 

1912 "Historical Encyclopedia of IL & History of Sangamon Co." 2 vols., by Newton Bateman & Paul Selby; pub. by Munsell Pub. Co. (SUTRO film 292 reel 1-2, 76 book 1, 286)
      Pg.1192: DUNCAN, Elizabeth -- One of the oldest, if not the oldest citizen, of Sangamon County, is Miss Elizabeth Duncan, a native of Kentucky, who has now passed her hundredth birthday. Miss Duncan was born August 8, 1811, and in 1829 emigrated from Bourbon Co. KY, riding on horsesback most of the way. Other members of the party who emigrated to Sangamon County at the same time were Ivins Foster, who settled in what is now Curran Township; Montreville Dunn, who settled in Chatham Township, and Mrs. Rebecca McKee, who located in Loami Township. Mrs. McKee had a family of four sons - Samuel, John, James and William - and one daughter, Mrs. Martha Duncan, who was a widow and mother of Elizabeth Duncan, the subject of this sketch. Elizabeth - or "Aunt Betty," as she is affectionately called by her most intimate friends, was never married, but for some thirty years followed the vocation of a tailoress, making men's fine suits with the skill of the experienced tailor. In her advanced years she retains her mental and physical energies in a remarkable degree, and is accustomed to visit the city of Springfield two or three times every year where she is cordially welcomed by a number of ardent friends who remember her long life and who have always held her in high esteem. Miss Duncan was present at the annual meeting of the Old Settlers Society of Sangamon County, held at New Berlin, August 2, 1911, and was awarded the prize as the oldest citizen in attendance. (MAD: see Charles Duncan m. Patsy McKee in Harrison Co. KY)
 

1888 "Biographical Sketch of Joseph Duncan, Fifth Governor of Illinois" Read before the Historical Society of Jacksonville, IL, May 7, 1885, by Julia Duncan Kirby; Fergus' Historical Series, No. 29 (from S. Howard Dreelan 12/1995, from a file at the IL State Historical Society in Springfield, IL)
      SHD's summary: Family moved from Paris, KY, to Fountain Bluff, Jackson Co. IL, sometime before 1820; Gov. Joseph Duncan's children: Smith, James Caldwell, Joseph Jr., Mary Louise mar. Chas. E. Putnam, Nannie (Hannah), Henry St. Clair (d. young, cholera), Catherine Clay, Marian, Julia, Anna E. Children of Matthew: Gen. Thomas, Wilson. Only three of Gov. Joseph's children lived to grow up and marry: (1) Mary Louise mar. Charles E. Putnam of Saratoga Springs, NY, lived Davenport, IA; (2) Julia mar. Judge Edward P. Kirby, Jacksonville, IL; (3) Joseph mar. Harriet Stevens of New Milford, CT. Only Mary Louise had any children.
      Pg.7-9: Maj. Joseph Duncan, of Scotch ancestry, to KY and then returned to his native state, VA, and soon after married a lady of culture and refinement from PA. In 1790 he removed with his family from VA to KY, and on Feb. 22, 1794, his son, Joseph Duncan, subject of this sketch, was born in Paris, Bourbon Co. KY. ... Maj. Duncan died in 1806 when Joseph was but 12 years of age. There were six children in the family, Mathew and James being older, Polly Ann, Thomas, and John being younger than Joseph.
            In 1809, 3 years after his father's death, his mother married Capt. Benjamin Moore of the regular army, who died in 1811. One son, Benjamin Duncan Moore, served 4 years in navy, in 1833 entered army and was killed in Mexican War Dec. 6, 1846, at San Pascual, CA, leaving one son, Mathew Moore, now in the western army.
            In Sept. 1815, shortly after attaining the age of 21, Joseph Duncan was appointed guardian of his sister and his two younger brothers. Capt. Mathew Duncan, the eldest son, was educated at Yale College, returned to his native state, edited paper in Russellville, KY; on moving to IL in 1814, he edited and published at Kaskaskia "The Illinois Hearld". In Dec. 1814 he published ... in 1817 Mathew Duncan sold his paper to Daniel P. Cook and Robert Blackwell; entered the army, made captain of Rangers Oct. 4, 1832; in 1833 made captain of the First Dragoons. Resigned after 4 years, engaged in business in Shelbyville, IL, where he died Jan. 16, 1844, only a few hours after Gov. Duncan; his wife died Jan. 11. ... His aged mother, in a few months, passed away. Matthew Duncan left one son, Gen. Thomas Duncan, of the regular army, who died at Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 1887. His son, Wilson Duncan, represents the family in the army as a Lt. of Infantry, married and stationed at Fort Sidney, NE.
            Gen. James M. Duncan, second brother of Joseph Duncan, graduated at Transylvania College in Lexington, now merged in the State University. He was made captain of the Seventeenth Infantry, March 12, 1812; he returned home when the army was disbanded, May, 1814. On moving to IL, he settled in Vandalia ... when the capital was removed to Springfield, Dec. 9, 1839, he removed with it. He afterward removed to Jacksonville and engaged in business as a merchant. ... He died in Berlin, Sangamon Co., in 1856. He had five daughters, but only one, Mrs. Jane Snow, still survives.
            Thomas Duncan, the third brother, was also a graduate of Transylvania University. He studied law, settled and practised his profession at Nashville, TN, with success. He married Miss Jane Stoddard, sister of Mrs. James Bell. He had two children, a son and a daughter. He was accidentally killed at Iberville, LA, while still a young man - 1831.
            John, the youngest brother, was a promising graduate of Rush Medical College of Philadelphia, but lost his life during the first year of his practice. ...
            Polly Ann, the only sister, was married when quite young to William Linn, a lawyer by profession, ...
            In 1812, ... Joseph Duncan, only seventeen years of age, enlisted as a private in the Seventeenth regiment of the US Infantry, and before he left Lexington, was promoted to the rank of ensign. ...
      Pg.56-57: After a short acquaintance and shorter engagement, Joseph Duncan and Elizabeth C. Smith were married, May 13, 1828, by Rev. Ruben Post. Condensed from Mrs. Duncan's reminiscence is a brief account of their wedding journey and early-married life in Jacksonville, ... "we were glad to take the little steamboat (from St.Louis) for Kaskaskia, where Mr. Duncan's mother, Mrs. Capt. Benj. Moore, met us; also his sister, Mrs. Wm. Linn, who lived at Fountain Bluff ...
      Pg.62-67: "In the fall, we returned to Washington, Mr. Duncan in Congress. In 1834, Mr. Duncan was elected governor of Illinois. We came West to remain. ... I was in delicate health ... Another carriage followed with my three children, St.Clair, Mary and Nannie, Cousin Ann Caldwell, ... October 1835, Joseph Duncan Jr. was born, baptized Nov. 5, 1835, gave him his father's name. ... In June, 1837, having a little baby girl three weeks old, I did not ... Will of her father, James R. Smith, Governor Duncan was trustee for his wife and children ... Gov. Duncan died at his home in Jacksonville, Jan. 15, 1844, leaving a widow, 35 years of age, and 7 children, but 3 of whom now survive, Mary L., wife of Charles E. Putnam of Davenport, IA, Joseph Duncan of Chicago, and the writer (MAD: Julia Duncan Kirby).
      Pg.75: Appendix. Thomas Duncan, (SHD: son of Matthew), born in Kaskaskia, IL, April 14, 1819, appointed a First Lt. in Mounted Rifles (now Third Cavalry) May 27, 1846, ... 1861 in N.M., (etc.) MAD: nothing said of a wife. Military career until 1873 when he retired; died in Washington, DC, Jan. 7, 1887.
 

1907 "Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of St. Clair Co." ed. by Newton Bateman, Paul Selby; Hist. of St.Clair Co. ed. by A.S. Wilderman, A.A. Wilderman.; pub. Chicago: Munsell Pub. Co. (LH8178, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL film 1,000,513 items 2-3 and v.2 on 825,603)
      and
"Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Boone Co." ed. by Newton Bateman, Paul Selby; Boone Co. hist. ed. by Richard V. Carpenter; pub. Chicago: Munsell Pub. Co., 1909, 1019 pgs. (LH4506, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL fiche 6,334,303)
      Vol.I, pg.141: DUNCAN, JOSEPH, Congressman and Governor, was born at Paris, Ky., Feb. 22, 1794; emigrated to Illinois in 1818, having previously served with distinction in the War of 1812, and been presented with a sword, by vote of Congress, for gallant conduct in the defense of Fort Stephenson. He was commissioned Major-General of Illinois militia in 1823 and elected State Senator from Jackson County in 1824. He served in the lower house of Congress from 1827 to 1834, when he resigned his seat to occupy the gubernatorial chair, to which he was elected the latter year. He was the author of the first free-school law, adopted in 1825. His executive policy was conservative and consistent, and his administration successful. He erected the first frame building at Jacksonville, in 1834, and was a liberal friend of Illinois College at that place. In his personal character he was kindly, genial and unassuming, although fearless in the expression of his convictions. He was the Whig candidate for Governor in 1842, when he met with his first political defeat. Died, at Jacksonville, Jan. 15, 1844, mourned by men of all parties. (MAD: Paris, Bourbon Co. KY)
      (MAD: text is identical to both books, same page number)
 

1885 "Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Illinois, and of the presidents of the United States : also containing a history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time." (anonymous); pub. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co. (LH10355, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL film 934,986 item 3)
      Pg.626: JAMES E. BRECKENRIDGE, residing at Galva, was born July 7, 1834, in Bourbon Co., Ky., and is a son of Oliver H.P. and Nancy (Ellis) Breckenridge. The Breckenridge family came from Scotland to America in an early day, and settled in Virginia. The grandfather of James E. (John Breckenridge) moved to Bourbon Co., Ky., when he was a young man, and there followed the occupation of a farmer. He was married twice, his first wife being Miss M. Duncan, a native of Kentucky, and a sister of Governor Joseph Duncan, of this State, and was the mother of Oliver H.P. Breckenridge, who was the father of the subject of this notice. His mother died when he was six weeks old, and his father was a second time married, to Nancy Brooks, also a native of Kentucky. She is yet living near Paris, that State, and is the mother of 8 children, five boys and three girls. Her husband died in Kentucky in 1853, aged 81 years. He was a farmer by occupation. The father of our subject removed to Schuyler County, this State, in 1852, ... resided until the following year, returned to KY on a visit and there died, in 1853, at the age of 51 years. Married Nancy Ellis in Bourbon Co., who is yet living in Plattsburg, Mo., aged 71 years, 8 children ...
 

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