Duncans in Baltimore Co. MD Histories

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

Last revised August 9, 2008

BALTIMORE CO. MD
HISTORIES before 1923
 

"Historical record of the First Regiment Maryland Infantry : with an appendix containing a register of the officers and enlisted men, biographies of deceased officers, etc. : War of the Rebellion, 1861-65" by Charles Camper; pub. Washington: Gibson Bros., printers, 1871, 328 pgs. (LH13196; HeritageQuest 5/2007)
      Pg.294: Company I. Members who joined after original organization: Charles Duncan, drafted man; John Duncan, drafted man.
      Company I, organized at Baltimore city, and mustered into the US service at the Relay House May 27, 1861. It was mustered out of service July 2, 1865. ...
 

"Baltimore : its history and its people" (Maryland) ed. by Clayton Colman Hall; pub. New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co., 1912, 1930 pgs. (LH11385; HeritageQuest 4/2007 & 7/2007; FHL book 975.26 D3h v.1-3 and fiche 6,050,238 and 6,050,239 and 6,050,240)
      Vol.2, pg.255-256-257: The Gordon family. ... Alexander B. Gordon, son of Samuel and Susan F. (Knox) Gordon, was a prominent lawyer of Baltimore and a member of the city council about 1858, serving two or four years. .... He was twice married, his first wife being Margaret McKim, and his second Elizabeth Harrison. (MAD: children not copied). Margaret McKim, the first wife of Alexander B. Gordon, belonged to a family which has for a long period been honorably and conspicuously associated with the history of Baltimore. John McKim, the earliest member of the family known to the present generation, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, about 1670, and from him, by two marriages, descended the two branches of the family represented in this city about a hundred years ago by the brothers, John, Alexander and Robert McKim on the one side, and John McKim Jr. on the other. Thomas McKim, son of John McKim, the first ancestor and father of John, Alexander and Robert, was born in Londonderry in 1710. He came to this country in 1734, settling first in Philadelphia, but about 1739 married and removed to Brandywine, Delaware, where all his children were born, and where he died in 1784. (MAD: nothing on his wife). His eldest son, John, was born in 1742, and when a young man came to Baltimore, establishing himself in mercantile business on the south side of Baltimore street, near Gay street, on property which is still owned by the family. After some years he married Margaret Duncan, of Philadelphia, and in 1777 removed to that city, where he engaged in business, but soon after the death of his wife, in 1784, he returned to Baltimore, bringing with him his two sons, Isaac and William D., father of Margaret, first wife of Alexander B. Gordon. He was a shipping and importing merchant, and in 1797 took his son Isaac into partnership under the firm name of John McKim & Son. ... He died in 1819. ... William D. McKim, the youngest son of John McKim, was born in 1779, in Philadelphia, and was but six years old when brought by his father to Baltimore. When about twenty years of age he went to Europe, and on his return ... was one of the originators of the Baltimore Gas Company ... married in 1806 Susan Haslett of Caroline county, whose ancestors also came from Londonderry. They had five sons and one daughter, Margaret, who became the wife of Alexander B. Gordon, as mentioned above. Mr. McKim died in November, 1834, at the age of 55. (MAD: more on Alexander Gordon & family)
      Vol.3, pg.653: (VI) George Ross [Veazey], son of Dr. John Thompson and Sarah (Ward) Veazey, was born January 17, 1820, at Mount Harmon, an estate on Sassafras Neck, then belonging to his father, studied law, was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession at Elkton, Cecil county, until about 1845, when he removed to Baltimore and there practiced during the remainder of his life. Mr. Veazey married, May 16, 1850, Eliza, born March 6, 1824, daughter of the Rev. John Mason Duncan, minister of the Associate Reformed Church, Baltimore, and Eliza McKim, his wife, and granddaughter of Captain Matthew Duncan, of Philadelphia, who served in the Revolutionary Army; also granddaughter of John McKim Jr., of Baltimore, and great-granddaughter of the Rev. John Mason, minister of the Cedar Street Presbyterian Church, New York. Mrs. Veazey was ... Mr. and Mrs. Veazey were parents of four sons: Duncan, mentioned below; George Ross, deceased; Isaac Parker, of Great Falls, Montana; and McKim, deceased. Mr. Veazey was at one time nominated by the Whigs for the office of State senator. He died in Baltimore, September 12, 1856, being then only in the 37th year of his age, and the death of his widow occurred January 2, 1870. (VII) Duncan, eldest son of George Ross and Eliza (Duncan) Veazey, was born February 16, 1851, in Baltimore ... admitted 1877 to the Baltimore bar, ... Mr. Veazey married, November 24, 1880, in St. Stephen's Church, Cecil county, Maryland, Annie Veazey, daughter of William and Arabella (Veazey) Knight, of Essex Lodge, of Cecil county, Maryland, ... (MAD: more on Veazey family, not copied)
      Vol.3, pg.667: Rev. Samuel S. Schmucker, father of Judge Schmucker, was a native of Maryland, of German descent as the name indicates, and died in 1873. ... He married Mary C. Steenbergen, ... among their children were: Samuel Davies; Mrs. Caroline E. Sadtler, of Baltimore; Mrs. William A. Duncan; Mrs. Margaret Suesserot, and Mrs. Cassatt Neely, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Hon. Samuel Davies Schmucker, son of the preceding, was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1844, ... (MAD: rechecked 7/2007, names as spelled)
 

"Distinguished men of Baltimore and of Maryland" (anonymous); pub. Baltimore: Baltimore American, 1914, 160 pgs. (LH10425; HeritageQuest 5/2007; FHL book 975.2 D3ba and film 1,036,534 item 4)
      Pg.19: (portrait) DUNCAN, WILLIAM, att'y at law, Baltimore: b. Balto., Md., Feb. 8, 1871; s. James Smith and Louisa J. (Linzey) Duncan; ed. public schls. of Balto., F. Knapp Inst. and Loyola Coll.; practicing law since 1894; cand. for Clerk of City Court, Citizens' ticket; mem. Legislature, 1900. Democratic ticket. Offices, 713-14 Fidelity Bldg.
 

1891 "History of Vigo Co. IN with Biographical Selections" by H.C. Bradsby (FHL book 977.245 H2b and film 845,109 item 1, and film 934,921 item 4)
      Pg.740-2: JOHN MASON DUNCAN, president of Coates College; among distinguished educators of Terre Haute; lineal descendant of the most noted of Scotchmen, John Knox, the rugged old Presbyterian, and also of Ralph Erskine. His given name is from his granduncle, Rev. John M. Mason, D.D., LL.D., perhaps the most noted American pulpit orator of his day. The parents of Prof. Duncan were Richard and Roselle (Lafayette) Duncan, latter of whom was a grandniece of Marquis de Lafayette. The mother was a native of Paris, France, and the father of Baltimore, where the son was born April 20, 1853. Richard Duncan, the father, died in Oct. 1855, leaving two children, of whom our subject is the elder; the mother died in Oct. 1858. John Mason Duncan was reared in his native city to the age of 12 years, ... made president of Coates College for Women, Aug. 20, 1888. John Mason Duncan and Rebecca Duffield, of McConnellsburgh, PA, were married Sept. 28, 1881. She was the niece of the eminent divine, Rev. Dr. John T. Duffield, professor of mathematics in the College of New Jersey. Of this union there is one child, Duffield Knox, a bright-faced little boy of six summers. The wife and mother died Feb. 28, 1885, and on June 20, 1887, Duncan and Sarah McCleave of Cumberland, MD, were married. She is the daughter of Judge Robert H. McCleave of that place ... and Sarah Hall, both parents natives of VA and of Scotch-Irish descent.
 

1909 "A history of Clay County, Indiana : closing of the first century's history of the county, and showing the growth of its people, institutions, industries and wealth" by William Travis; pub. Chicago : Lewis Publishing (LH10318, HeritageQuest image 10/2007; FHL book 977.244 H2t and film 928,385 item 2)
      Vol.2 pg.487: JOHN MASON DUNCAN.-- In the ancestry of Mr. Duncan are found men who have distinguished themselves in their day and generation. They have been efficient laborers in the cause of Christianity as ministers of the gospel, earnest and eloquent ... Dr. John Mason, the grandfather of John M., was the leading Presbyterian minister in Baltimore, Maryland, in his day, and his son, Dr. John McKim Duncan, commenced life for himself as a lawyer, but afterward studied for the ministry under the able leadership of Dr. Jewett of Terre Haute and became a Presbyterian minister in Maryland. He preached mostly in the East.
      Dr. John McKim Duncan was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was of Scotch descent. His wife, in her maidenhood Elizabeth Lawrence, was of English descent, and was born and reared in Exeter, New Hampshire. Her father was a successful lawyer in New Hampshire, and was an intimate friend of Daniel Webster and a first cousin of Franklin Pierce. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Duncan -- John Mason, Eliza McKim and Lena.
      John Mason Duncan, the first born of the children, is a native son of Philadelphia, born December 14, 1855, and in 1863 he came to Cloverland, Indiana. But after two years here he went to Terre Haute to attend school, and remained in that city until March, 1870. Going thence to Exeter, New Hampshire, he entered the Exeter Academy, and after leaving college went west, returning in 1875 to Terre Haute, where he studied under the preceptorship of Harvey D. Scott. In time Mr. Duncan entered the insurance business with Luther G. Hager, continuing for nine years as an insurance man, and then coming to Posey township, Clay county, he became the owner of his present farm of 200 acres and is engaged in dairy farming.
      In Terre Haute, in 1887, he married Glenn Philips, who was born and reared in Michigan, and they have six children: J. McKim, Donald McGregory, Margaret G., James Modesett, Ellen E. and Theodore. From the Republican party Mr. Duncan transferred his political allegiance to the Democracy, and he is an active worker in local politics.
 

1883 "Historical and biographical encyclopedia of Delaware" by James M. McCarter, pub. Wilmington: Aldine Pub. and Engraving Co., 1883 (FHL film 1,321,407 item 1; SLC 6/10/2008)
      Pg.258: DUNCAN, JOHN A., late President of the National Bank of Wilmington and Brandywine, was born in Wilmington, April 10, 1805. He was the second son of John and Elizabeth (Woolston) Duncan. John Duncan was by vocation a farmer. After the birth of John A., he removed to Baltimore and engaged in the carriage business. He was afterwards a successful agriculturist in Harford county [MD] for many years. In the latter part of his life he returned to Wilmington, where he died, September 30, 1852, aged seventy-six years. His father, also named John Duncan, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America prior to the Revolutionary war. He married a Miss Corner of Baltimore, and was a prosperous farmer on the eastern shore of Maryland, leaving at his death quite a large family. Several of his descendants now reside at Cincinnati, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was the second son in a family of five children, the eldest of whom was Benjamin, a farmer of Mill Creek hundred, near Brandywine Springs. He died in March, 1870, leaving one son, B. Frank Duncan. After John A., the younger children of the family were, Jeremiah W., Elizabeth M. and Hannah. John A. Duncan received a good English education. His parents were members of the Society of Friends and he was brought up in that faith. He was naturally very active and enterprising, and early sought a thorough acquaintance with business as a clerk in the hardware store of Newlin and Woolston, who occupied the same building, 214 Market street, in which his nephews now continue the business. He was here engaged for a number of years till, in 1830, in partnership with his brother, Jeremiah W. Duncan, he purchased the business of the above firm. The brothers were successful and continued together several years, when Jeremiah W. withdrew, and Mr. John A. Duncan continued the business till 1860, when he retired. But full of public spirit he was actively interested, also, during all these years, in many enterprises for the general good. He was for many years a director in the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, and also in the Delaware Railroad. He was a director in the New Castle county Mutual Fire Insurance Company; in the Wilmington Savings Fund; and also in the National Bank of Wilmington and Brandywine, of which he was President at the time of his death and for a number of years previous. He was one of the founders of the Wilmington Coal Gas Company, in 1851, and was its first Secretary, holding this office during the remainder of his life, and also that of Treasurer from 1852. He was one of the original incorporators of the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, and was a member and Treasurer of a whaling company, besides being connected with many other enterprises. In all these multitudinous duties his consummate ability shone conspicuously, while his character commanded the entire respect and confidence of all his associates. He was regarded with affection and admiration by all who came within his circle of acquaintance, and his death was an occasion of the profoundest sorrow. In politics he was a member of the Republican party, and was twice a member of the Legislature on that ticket, serving his constituents in the very able and thoroughly business-like manner that characterized him in whatever he undertook. He was never married. His death occurred August 5, 1868. (MAD: Wilmington, New Castle Co. DE; John Duncan and Margery Corner m. May 25, 1776, Talbot Co. MD; Cincinnati, Hamilton Co. OH)
      Pg.312: DUNCAN, JEREMIAH WOOLSTON, deceased, was born in Baltimore, Md., July 21, 1810, and was the third son of John and Elizabeth (Woolston) Duncan, of whose family an account is giving in a preceding sketch. He received, in common with all the other members of his father's family, a good English education, but his active and enterprizing nature early asserted itself, and while still but a boy in years, he proceeded of his own volition to Philadelphia, where he became a clerk in a hardware store, remaining till he was twenty years of age. He then went into partnership, in Wilmington, with his brother, John A. Duncan, in the hardware business. In 1830 he withdrew from the firm and went into the lumber business with Baudy Simmons and Company, of Wilmington. He afterwards retired, also, from this firm and went into the West India trade and wholesale grocery business, in partnership with Matthew and Andrew Carnahan, in the same place. He next erected a steam saw mill on the "Old Ferry" property. In 1850 he removed to Chicago, where he engaged extensively in the lumber business. He owned large tracts of land in Michigan, near the straits of Mackinaw, and the town of Duncan, in that vicinity, was named in his honor. But the life he now led subjected him to frequent and severe exposures, and carried away by his activity and energy, he paid too little regard to his health. It thus happened that in the prime of his vigorous and most valuable life he contracted a fatal sickness. He returned to Wilmington and died, December 31, 1854. Mr. Duncan was a man highly respected in all his wide circle of acquaintance, and warmly regarded among his friends. His activity and energy were remarkable, and the results proportionate. He married, in 1833, Mrs. Elizabeth S., widow of Samuel Woolston, and daughter of David Brinton. She died in 1859. Their children were, Richard B.; Charles, (deceased); Henry B.; John A.; William R., and Elizabeth Duncan. (MAD: Wilmington, New Castle Co. DE)
 

1899 "Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and many of the early settlers," pub. 1899 by J.M. Runk & Co., two volumes (FHL 1,000,155 and 599,209 item 1; SLC 6/10/2008)
      Pg.1335: JEREMIAH WOOLSTON DUNCAN, deceased, was born in Baltimore, MD, July 21, 1810, and was the third son of John and Elizabeth (Woolston) Duncan. He received a good English education, but his active and enterprising nature early asserted itself, and while a boy he proceeded of his own volition to Philadelphia, where he became a clerk in a hardware store, remaining till he was twenty years of age. He then went into partnership, in Wilmington, with his brother, John A. Duncan, in the hardware business. In 1830 he withdrew from the firm and went into the lumber business with Baudy Simmons & Company, of Wilmington. Later he went into the West India trade and wholesale grocery business, in partnership with Matthew and Andrew Carnahan.
            Mr. Duncan next erected a steam saw mill on the "Old Ferry" property. Removing to Chicago in 1850, he engaged extensively in the lumber business, owning large tracts of land in Michigan, near the straits of Mackinaw. The town of Duncan, in that vicinity, was named in his honor. Exposed to severe cold in his business pursuit, he brought on poor health, and he abandoned the lumber business, returning to Wilmington, where he died, December 31, 1854.
            Jeremiah Woolston Duncan was a man highly respected in all his wide circle of acquaintance, and warmly regarded among his friends. His activity and energy were remarkable and the results proportionate. He was married, in 1833, to Mrs. Elizabeth S., widow of Samuel Woolston, and daughter of David Brinton. She died in 1859. Their children were: I. Richard B.; II. Charles; III. Henry B.; IV. John A.; V. William R.; VI. Elizabeth. (MAD: Wilmington, New Castle Co. DE)
 

"Historical sketch of the Augustinian monastery, college and mission of St. Thomas of Villanova, Delaware County, Pa. during the first half century of their existence, 1842-1892" by Thomas C. Middleton; pub. Villanova, Pa.: Villanova College, 1893, 156 pgs. (LH 397, HeritageQuest images 6/2007)
      Pg.66: Name, Residence, Entered, Left: Duncan, George, Baltimore Md., 1868-69
 

"Alumni record, Dickinson College" (Cumberland Co. PA) (anonymous); pub. Carlisle, Pa.: Dickinson College, 1905, 545 pgs. (LH 641, HeritageQuest images 6/2007)
      Pg.419: Undergraduate alumni, 1906: Duncan, John Darius Christopher - Born Cockeysville, Md.; p. Frank I. Duncan; entered 1902; retired 1904. Home address, Lutherville, Md. (MAD: Cockeysville, Baltimore Co. MD)
 

1886 "History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania : containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc." pub. by Warner, Beers & Co.; Part 2, Adams Co. (FHL book 974.84 H2h pt.1&2)
      Pg.508: Straban Twp. DR. CHARLES EDWARD GOLDSBOROUGH, Hunterstown, was born December 16, 1834, at Graceham, Frederick Co. MD. ... William Goldsborough (grandfather) also a lawyer by profession, married Miss Sallie Worthington, of Annapolis, MD, and located at Frederick City after the Revolutionary war, where, in May, 1804, Leander W., his youngest son, was born, who married Sarah Ann, daughter of Capt. Perry Dunkin, who for many years sailed from Baltimore, and was finally lost in the ship "Cervantes." From this marriage six sons and one daughter were born, Charles Edward being the third child. ....
 

1908 "A century and a half of Pittsburg [Allegheny Co. Pennsylvania] and her people" by John Newton Boucher, 1854-1933; pub. [New York] : The Lewis Publishing Company, 1908. (LH7645, HeritageQuest image 3/2007; FHL book 974.886 H2a v.1-4 and film 1,425,643 items 1-4; also University of Pittsburgh's Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh Full-Text Collection)
      http://digital.library.pitt.edu:80/p/pitttext/
      Vol.3, pg.359-360: JAMES McA. DUNCAN, a resident of Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who holds a responsible position with the Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company, having been in the employ of that company since 1886, is a representative of the third generation of his family in this country.
            Jackson Duncan, grandfather of James McA. Duncan, was a native of Ireland and emigrated to America about 1831, when he was twenty-six years of age. At first he made his home in Baltimore, MD, but soon removed to Pittsburg, PA, where he became one of the prominent merchants of his day, and was superintendent of the first telegraph company operating wires west of Pittsburg. Subsequently he was the treasurer of the old Union Bridge, a position he held until his death. He married in Ireland, at Dawson, Derry county, May 10, 1831, Isabella Rogers, and they had children: 1. John R., born June 27, 1832, in Baltimore county, Maryland, died in childhood. 2. George R., see forward. 3. John Hessin, born July 17, 1836. 4. Isabella, born September 22, 1838, married George S. Duncan, and has one son, Edgar D., now residing at Cuyahoga Falls [MAD: Summit Co.], Ohio. 5. Robert A., born October 22, 1841, died January 8, 1907. 6. Nancy, born October 22, 1843, married James H. Mitchell, of Trenton avenue, Edgewood, and has children, George D.; Mary Gertrude, married W.O.H. Woods; Robert and Louise. 7. Mary Ellen, born January 17, 1847, married Robert H. Wilson, and is now residing in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. They have children: Frank, Porter and John.
            George R. Duncan, second son and child of Jackson and Isabella Duncan, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1834. He was educated in the old Second ward school of that city. His first business employment was that of clerk for the Spang Iron Company. When the Iron City Bank was opened in 1857 he was installed as general bookkeeper, and for thirty years was a trusted employe of that institution, for 28 years of that time filling the position of cashier. He was one of the leaders in all matters of financial moment in that section of the country until his death in 1887, at Ingram Station, PA, where he had resided for a number of years. His political affiliations were with the Republican party. Though not a member of any congregation, he had been for years an attendant at the services of the Third Presbyterian church in Draward street. He married, in 1866, Eliza J. Stewart, and had children: 1. Albert S., married Eva Hutchinson, has one son, William H. 2. James McA., see forward. 3. George H., unmarried. 4. Bessie F., died in childhood.
            James McA. Duncan, second son and child of George R. and Eliza J. (Stewart) Duncan, was born in Pittsburg, PA, January 23, 1869. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, in the high school and in Duff's Business College. His first business occupation was with the Iron City Bank, and he then entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, with which he has since that time been connected. His first position was as a clerk, and from this he has risen until he now fills the responsible position of manager of the price department. .... In Politics he is a stanch Republican ... He is an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church in Wilkinsburg. He married, March 23, 1898, Mary E. Hill, daughter of William and Margaret (Shull) Hill.
 

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