Duncans in Grafton Co. NH Histories

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

Last revised September 3, 2009

GRAFTON CO. NH
HISTORIES before 1923
 

"The history of Canaan, New Hampshire" (Grafton Co.) by William Allen Wallace; pub. Concord, N.H.: Rumford Press, 1910, 774 pgs. (LH8001, HeritageQuest images 5/2007)
      Pg.299: Canaan Union Academy. ... The school was organized on the first of September, 1839, ... The board of visitors were ... William H. Duncan of Hanover, ...
      Pg.569: (pg.543) William Allen Wallace ... my father came to Canaan from Pembroke in 1817, with his father and mother and two older brothers, when he was two years old. ... On January 8, 1865, he married Mary Duncan Currier, ...
 

1852 "History of Candia [Rockingham Co. NH] : once known as Charmingfare : with notices of some of the early families" by F.B. Eaton; pub. Manchester, N.H.: Press of the Granite Farmer, J.O. Adams, printer (LH8006, HeritageQuest images 2/2007; FHL book 974.26/C1 H2e)
      Pg.65-66, Notices of Early Families: DUNCAN, WILLIAM, was the son of John Duncan and Hannah Henry, born in Londonderry in the year 1771. He came to Candia, Oct. 2, 1798, and bought a store of John Wason, at the Corner. After remaining there about five years, he moved on to the place where John D. Patterson, Esq., now resides. Mr. Duncan was a man of eccentric habits, and extensively known as a merchant. His business in country produce was at one time very large. He married Mary McMurphy, of Londonderry, - had two sons, the youngest of whom, James, died at an early age. The eldest, William H. Duncan, Esq., now resides at Hanover [Grafton Co.], N.H. Mr. D. married a second time Naomi McMurphy, of Londonderry. She lived but a few years and he was a third time married to Elisabeth Patterson. For some years previous to his death, which took place in 1849, he was confined to his room from the effects of a broken limb.
      It is said that Robert Henry, the grandfather of Mr. D., sent to Londonderry, in Ireland, by one Capt. Ramsey, for Miss Charity Ash Thompson, who was his destined bride. The captain, on arriving at Boston, although he had received his passage money, sold the young woman to service, pretending he had received no pay. After a time, the news reached the ears of Mr. Henry, the expected wife was found, and the perfidious commander did not escape punishment.
 

"Reminiscences of Candia" (Rockingham Co. NH) by Wilson Palmer; pub. Cambridge Mass.: Printed at the Riverside Press, 1905, 390 pgs. (LH8950, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL book 974.26/C1 D3p and film 1,440,391 item 6)
      Pg.153-154. There is no record of Candia being represented in the student life at Dartmouth College previous to ... Then followed William Henry Duncan in the class graduating in 1830. Mr. Duncan was a son of the late William Duncan, who for so many years kept a grocery store on the road south of the "Church on the Hill." William H. Duncan ... resided in Hanover for many years, ... Mr. Duncan's wife was a sister of the wife of Rufus Choate. She died early in her married life. I met Mr. Duncan for the last time in Boston a few years before his death. I remember well how at that time he inquired all about Candia, ... (MAD: Hanover, Grafton Co. NH)
 

"History of the town of Candia, Rockingham County, N.H. : from its first settlement to the present time" by J. Bailey Moore; pub. Manchester, N.H.: G.W. Browne, 1893, 575 pgs. (LH8949, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL film 369,736)
      Pg.319: Professional History of Candia. The men who were raised in Candia, and were graduates of Dartmouth College: 1830 -- William Henry Duncan, son of William Duncan the trader was born in Candia, Sept. 26, 1807. He studied law and opened an office at Hanover. He married a daughter of Mills Olcott of Hanover and was a brother-in-law to the celebrated lawyers, Rufus Choate and Joseph Bell of Boston. He died in 1883. (MAD: Hanover, Grafton Co. NH)
 

"Gazetteer of Grafton County, N.H., 1709-1886" by Hamilton Child; pub. Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, 1886, 1130 pgs. (LH8920, HeritageQuest images 5/2007 & 7/2007; FHL film 547,180 and 1,000,200 item 3)
      Pg.53-54: Bench and Bar. ... The late William H. Duncan, Esq., of Hanover, in writing of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth T. Morgan, the widow of the late Dr. Morgan, of Haverhill, said ...
      Pg.80: Hanover. ... William H. Duncan, was of Scotch-Irish blood, a native of Candia. He graduated from the college in 1830, with the highest honors, and read law at Charleston S.C. He practiced at Haverhill a year or two, and came to Hanover in 1837. He died in 1883, aged 75 years. He had the advantage of a graceful manner, scholarly talker, ready wit, extraordinary power of expression, and attractive social qualities. (MAD: Candia, Rockingham Co. NH)
      Pg.112: ... In 1832, a boat 100 feet long, called the "Adam Duncan," was built on the banks of the Connecticut just above the mouth of Wells river. ... The captain of the "Adam Duncan," Horace Duncan, of Monroe, is still living.
      Pg.552: Town of Monroe. First town meeting was held July 29, 1854, when the following officers were elected: ... Horace Duncan, selectmen.
            Pg.554: Horace Duncan was born in Acworth, N.H., in 1799, and came to Lyman, now Monroe, in 1820. He was a farmer, engaged in the mercantile business and in the manufacture of lumber. He represented his town in 1831, in 1834-35, and in 1861. In 1854 he was elected selectman, being the first one chosen from the town of Monroe. (MAD: Acworth, Sullivan Co. NH)
      Appendix, Pg.173: Business Directory of Grafton Co., N.H., 1885-86. Town of Lebanon. Duncan, Emily, widow of William, h 6 High.
      Town of Monroe. Duncan, Horace, r 16, resident.
            Duncan, Hugh, r 14, blacksmith.
 

"History of Haverhill, N.H." (Grafton Co.) by J.Q. Bittinger; pub. Haverhill, N.H.: Printed at Cohos Steam Press, 1888, 449 pgs. (LH9238, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL film 1,033,777 item 3)
      Pg.84: Col. [Asa] Porter married a sister of Andrew S. Crocker, and a daughter of theirs became the wife of Mills Olcott, Esq., of Hanover, whose family, mostly daughters, attained distinction in their marriages. One was the wife of Joseph Bell, the famous Haverhill lawyer, another married Rufus Choate, the great advocate, and a third was the wife of the late William H. Duncan, Esq., of Hanover, one of the most accomplished men of New Hampshire.
      Pg.271-274: Lawyers. WILLIAM H. DUNCAN. This gifted person was born in Candia, then a part of Londonderry, in 1807, and was an only child. His father, William D., and his mother whose maiden name was Mary McMurphy, were both Scotch Irish. His early years were passed in his father's store, for which, however, he had little taste and soon after he entered Pinkerton Academy, Derry, to fit for college. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1830, being amongst the more mature members of his class, and having for his commencement part the valedictory. Three years later he gave the master's oration. (MAD: Candia, Rockingham Co. NH)
            Mr. Duncan's fascinating manners and brilliant talents made him a favorite with the young ladies of Hanover, one of whose most beautiful and accomplished belles, Sarah Olcott, daughter of Mills Olcott, a distinguished citizen and lawyer of that place, he afterwards married. Two of Mr. Olcott's daughters were already married, one to Rufus Choate and another to Joseph Bell, ...
            After leaving college Mr. Duncan went South and engaged in teaching school for some years. Meantime he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Charleston, S.C. He returned to New Hampshire in 1834 and was married to Sarah Olcott, and began the practice of the law at Haverhill, but in a few years, on account of Mr. Olcott's failing health, he returned to Hanover to assist his father-in-law in his multiplied business. The large practice which he soon acquired was interrupted by the health of his wife, which made it necessary for him to pass the winters in the South, and this professional interruption was greatly aggravated by the settlement of Mr. Olcott's large estate as well as that of Mrs. Olcott, the former dying in 1845, the latter in 1848. Mrs. Duncan died in 1850, which greatly broke him up, and in a measure he withdrew from very active participation ... He led meantime a quiet and lonely life in Hanover for thirty years. ... boarding at the hotel. ... In politics a conservative Democrat, in religion a most devout Episcopalian. He died in 1883 and was buried at Hanover. (MAD: nothing said of children.)
 

"History of the town of Bristol, Grafton County, New Hampshire" by Richard W. Musgrove; pub. Bristol, N.H.: Printed by R.W. Musgrove, 1904, 1263 pgs. (LH8946, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL book 974.23/B2 H2m v.1&2 and film 844,513)
      Pg.447: WELLS. Children: 2. William Smith, b. Ashland, Dec. 9, 1858; m. Fannie Duncan, Maine. No children. Res. Roxbury, Mass. (MAD: Roxbury, Norfolk Co. MA)
 

"The bench and bar of New Hampshire : including biographical notices of deceased judges of the highest court, and lawyers of the province and state and a list of names of those now living" by Charles H. Bell; pub. Boston : Houghton, Mifflin and Co., 1894 (FHL book 974.2 U2b)
      Pg.325-326, Deceased Lawyers: WILLIAM HENRY DUNCAN, son of William and Mary (McMurphy) Duncan; born, Candia, September 26, 1807; Dartmouth College, 1830; practiced, Haverhill and Hanover; died, Hanover, March 29, 1883.
      Mr. Duncan was of Scotch-Irish descent, and prided himself upon it, not a little. His father kept a country store, and was in easy circumstances. The son had a taste for study, and completed his preparatory course at Phillips Exeter Academy. He graduated from college with the honor of the valedictory address, which was assigned to him, one of the three best scholars of his class, it is said on account of his graceful manner and oratorical powers. He was also selected to deliver the Master's oration three years later.
      He chose the law for his profession, on which, or some other account, his father refused to do anything further for his support, and he was compelled to resort to teaching. He pursued that occupation in Charleston, South Carolina, for about four years, at the same time studying law under the direction of Benjamin F. Dunkin, and there was called to the bar. Returning to New Hampshire, he began to practice at Haverhill, but in a little time was induced by the failing health of his father-in-law, Mills Olcott, who required his aid to manage his extensive concerns, to settle in Hanover. There he passed the residue of his life. His practice at one period was somewhat extensive, but as his wife's delicate health rendered it necessary for him to accompany her every winter for many years to Florida, his law business naturally fell off, and towards the close of his life occupied but little of his time. Still he loved his profession, and as long as his health and strength permitted, attended the sessions of the courts. He was well versed in the learning of the law, but he had no relish for the rude contests of the country forum. He had a certain fastidious taste that held him aloof from all that was ostentatious, aggressive, or discourteous. Hence his practice in court was necessarily limited. But on those rare occasions when he was called on to make a public address, he charmed all his hearers by his captivating manner, his fitly chosen language, and the dignity and appropriateness of his sentiments. On one occasion when he was a member of the legislature, a speech that he made attracted so much attention and commendation, that it was quite in his power to have made it a stepping-stone to political prominence, if he had wished. But he had no taste for political strife.
      In private life Mr. Duncan was most estimable: a good citizen, a model husband, a true friend, and a delightful companion. He had enjoyed the advantages of the most cultivated society, and the friendship of many able and distinguished men. His manners were courtly, and based upon a kindly heart. He conversed with fluency and elegance, and his memory was stored with an abundance of anecdotes, which he related with admirable zest and point. The lack of ambition, the easy pecuniary circumstances which his marriage brought him, as well as his dislike for publicity and contention, prevented him from exerting his best powers in his profession or in letters. He was content with being a scholar and a gentleman.
      In 1851 he was made a lonely man by the death of his childless wife. After that he became almost a recluse in his chambers in a public block in Hanover. For the last year or two of his life his health was very feeble. His death was deeply regretted by those who best knew his amiable qualities and the trials he had undergone.
      His marriage with Sarah M. Olcott was solemnized at Hanover, June 25, 1834. (MAD: Candia, Rockingham Co. NH; Hanover, Grafton Co. NH)
 

1867 "Sketches of the alumni of Dartmouth college: from the first graduation in 1771 to the present time, with a brief history of the institution" by George Thomas Chapman; pub. by Riverside press, 1867 (Google book, 8/25/2009)
      MAD: "Ms" is "Massachusetts" Dartmouth College, Hanover, Grafton Co. New Hampshire
      Alumni 1774. Pg.17: SAMUEL TAGGART, A.M. the son of Matthew and Jane (Anderson) Taggart, was born in Londonderry, Mar. 24, 1754, and died at Colerain, Ms, Apr. 25, 1825, ae. 71. He studied divinity with ... (more not copied). He married, 1. Elisabeth, dau. of George Duncan. 2. Mrs. Mary Ayres, at Washington, D.C. Mar. 23, 1816. He had 17 children. (MAD: Rockingham Co. NH)
      Alumni 1791. Pg.63: HUGH WALLIS, A.M. the son of James Wallis, was born at Colerain, Ms, June 15, 1767, and died at Gates, N.Y. Sept. 7, 1848, ae 81. He studied divinity; was ordained pastor of the Cong. Ch. at Bath, Me, Dec. 9, 1795; (more not copied) and lived the last 6 years of his life at Gates. He married, 1. Mary Duncan of Colerain in 1798. 2. Susannah Upham in 1808. 3. Mrs. Nabby Butterfield in 1839. (MAD: Colerain, Franklin Co. MA)
      Alumni 1810. Pg.150: DANIEL WELLS, A.M.-LL.D. the son of Col. Daniel and Rhoda (Newton) Wells, was born at Greenfield, Ms, Jan. 14, 1791, and died at Cambridge, Ms, June 24, 1854, ae 63. He taught at Deerfield Acad. Ms, from 1812 to 1813; ... (more not copied) Cambridge became his residence not long before his death. Williams Coll. gave the honorary degree in 1845. He married Mary, dau. of George Duncan, at Preble, N.Y. (MAD: Preble, Cortland Co. NY)
      Alumni 1817. Pg.186: THOMAS WILSON DUNCAN, the son of Robert and Grizzel (Wilson) Duncan, was born at Antrim, Mar. 3, 1791. He studied divinity with the Rev. Ephraim Putnam Bradford of New Boston, and the Rev. Dr. John Milton Whiton of Antrim; was ordained pastor of the Cong. Ch. at Exeter, N.Y. June 13, 1821; installed pastor at York, Me, Nov. 9, 1825; dismissed in May 1830; settled in the Post Mills and Thetford, Vt, Churches, 6 years; installed pastor at Burke, Vt, Nov. 8, 1837; dismissed Aug. 15, 1839; was next settled at Roxbury, and afterwards was stated supply at Chilmark, Ms. He married Lucy, dau. of Levi North of Berlin, Ct, at Fly Creek, Otsego, N.Y. June 5, 1822. (MAD: Hillsborough Co. NH)
      Alumni, 1830. Pg.252: WILLIAM HENRY DUNCAN, A.M. the son of William and Mary (M'Murphy) Duncan, was born at Candia, Sept. 26, 1807. He read law with Chancellor Benjamin Faneuil Dunkin of Charleston, S.C. and came to the bar there; began practice at Hanover and has continued it with brief intervals to the present time. He married Sarah Murdock, dau. of the Hon. Mills Oleott, D.C. 1790, of Hanover, June 25, 1834. (MAD: Candia, Rockingham Co. NH)
      Alumni 1839. Pg.302: ELBRIDGE GERRY DUDLEY, the son of Moses and Nancy (Glidden) Dudley, was born at Raymond, Aug. 13, 1811. He read law with Charles Frederick Gove, D.C. 1817, of Nashua; opened an office at Boston, Ms, in 1842, and there continues. He married, 1. Christina D., dau. of Isaac Duncan of Stoddard, Oct. 6, 1846. 2. Sarah, dau. of Stephen Child. 3. Martha A. Child, sister of the above, Nov. 19, 1857. (MAD: Cheshire Co. NH)
      Alumni 1842. Pg.333-334: JABEZ BAXTER UPHAM, A.M. the son of the Hon. George Baxter and Mary (Duncan) Upham, was born at Claremont, May 13, 1820. (more not copied) He married Catharine Choate, dau. of the Hon. Joseph Bell, D.C. 1807, of Boston, Oct. 31, 1848. James Phineas Upham, D.C. 1850, is his brother. (MAD: Claremont, Sullivan Co. NH)
      Alumni 1850. Pg.386: JAMES PHINEAS UPHAM, the son of the Hon. George Baxter and Mary (Duncan) Upham, was born at Claremont, Oct. 27, 1827. He is largely engaged in both agriculture and manufactures in his native town. He married Lizzie W. Rice at South Berwick, Me, Nov. 5, 1851. Jabez Baxter Upham, D.C. 1842, is his brother. (MAD: Claremont, Sullivan Co. NH)
      Alumni, 1852. Pg.394: ROBERT DUNCAN, the son of William Duncan, was born at Granby, Can. East, in 1826.
      Alumni, 1857. Pg.427: ROBERT HENRY DUNCAN, the son of Samuel Bell, and Ruth Knox (Ticknor) Duncan, was born at Meriden, Nov. 12, 1833. He taught at Meriden 1 year; read law with the Hon. Jonathan Kittredge, D.C. 1813; then taught the Friends School at Providence, R.I. from 1859 to Oct. 1860; renewed legal study with Pennington, Sullivan and Harrison of N.Y. city until May 1862. Samuel Augustus Duncan, D.C. 1858, is his brother. (MAD: see Rockingham Co. NH)
      Alumni, 1858. Pg.434: JOSEPH FRANCIS DUDLEY, the son of Joseph and Sarah (Dudley) Dudley, was born at Raymond, June 11, 1830. He taught at Petersham, Ms, 1 year; read law with Elbridge Gerry Dudley, D.C. 1839, at Boston, Ms; then studied divinity with the Rev. A.R. Bradbury of Candia and at Bangor, Me., Theo. Sem. from Feb. 1860, graduating in 1862; was ordained an evangelist at Minneapolis, Minn. Dec. 28, 1864; installed pastor of the Cong. Ch. at St. Paul, Minn. the same year. He married Jessie Duncan, dau. of George Grassie of Bolton, Ms., at B. Apr. 22, 1864.
             SAMUEL AUGUSTUS DUNCAN, A.M. the son of Samuel Bell and Ruth Knox (Ticknor) Duncan, was born at Meriden, June 19, 1836. He was Principal of the High School at Quincy, Ms., from Sept. 1858 to July 1860; then tutor at Dart. from Sept. 1860 to July 1862; also commissioner of schools for Grafton Co. from July 1861 to July 1862; became Major of the 14th reg. of N.H. vols in Sept. 1862; promoted Col. of the 4th reg. of U.S. vols Sept. 4, 1863; commanded a coloured brigade from Jan. 20 to Sept. 29, 1864; that day was wounded at New Market Heights, Va, and was brevetted on the spot a Brig. General of the U.S. vols. for gallantry and meritorious conduct; has been of late a Special Agent of the U.S. Treas. Department. Robert Henry Duncan, D.C. 1857, is his brother. (MAD: see Rockingham Co. NH)
      Alumni 1861. Pg.456: DE WITTE DUNCAN, the son of John and Elisabeth (Abercrombie) Duncan, was born at the Cherokee Nation, Feb. 27, 1829. (MAD: see Lumpkin Co. GA)
      Alumni 1863. Pg.466: GEORGE SIDNEY TRUE, the son of Reuben and Hannah (Duncan) True, was born at Meriden, Mar. 26, 1839, and died at Montreal, C.E. June 23, 1864, ae 25.
      Alumni 1866. Pg.474: BENJAMIN OSGOOD TRUE, the son of Reuben and Hannah (Duncan) True, was born at Plainfield, Dec. 17, 1845. He is a student of divinity at Newton Theo. Sem. Ms. (MAD: Rockingham Co. NH)
      Appendix. Pg.486. 1857. Robert H. Duncan. He married E. Vining at East Randolph, Ms, Oct. 18, 1864. (MAD: ? see 1860 Providence, RI, and 1870 Orange Co. VT)
 

"Norwich University, 1819-1911 : her history, her graduates, her roll of honor" (Norwich University, Northfield, Washington Co. VT) by William Arba Ellis, ca 1911; v.2 sketches of trustees, etc. (FHL book 974.34/N2 J2e v.2)
      Vol.2, pg.5: HON. WILLIAM HENRY DUNCAN, A.M. William H. Duncan, son of William and Mary (McMurphy) Duncan, was born in Candia, N.H., September 26, 1807, and died in Hanover, N.H., March 29, 1883. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1830, and later received the degree of A.M. from that Institution. He studied law with Chancellor Benjamin Fanueil Duncan of Charlestown, S.C., and was admitted to the bar in that state. He practiced his profession in Hanover, 1834-70. He was an active friend of "N.U.," (MAD: Norwich University) serving as trustee during 1840-49. He was married June 25, 1834, to Sarah Murdock, daughter of the Hon. Mills Olcott of Hanover. (MAD: Candia, Rockingham Co. NH; Hanover, Grafton Co. NH)
 

1880 "History of Kalamazoo County, Michigan : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers." by Samuel W. Durant, pub. Philadelphia: Everts & Abbott (pg.452 from Louis Boone 3/1985; LH4959, HeritageQuest images 2/2007; FHL book 977.417 H2d and film 908,703 item 2)
      Pg.452: William Duncan. The Duncan family, as the name indicates, was originally from Scotland, but some of its members settled in the north of Ireland, and from them are descended the Duncans of Kalamazoo Co. George Duncan, the father of William, emigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, to America in 1742, when his son William was twelve years of age, and settled in Londonderry [Rockingham Co.], NH, which place has been named in honor of the famous old Irish city.
            A second son, John Duncan, was born in Londonderry, NH, on 29 March 1752. John married Margaret Dickey, Feb. 5, 1778, and to them was born, at Acworth [then Cheshire Co.], NH, on 14 Oct. 1778, William Duncan, the subject of this memoir.
            William remained with his father until he was 26 years of age, when he married Ruth Coffran Gilmore, in Feb. 1805. To this couple were born the following children: Delamore, Nov. 24, 1805; John Gilmore, July 14, 1807; Corina Jane, April 5, 1811; Eliza Ann, Oct. 19, 1814; William Jr., June 3, 1818.
            In 1805 the family removed from Acworth to Lyman [Grafton Co.], NH, where Mr. Duncan became a prominent citizen. He was a justice of the peace for several years, and on 20 July 1810 was commissioned captain in the 10th company of the 32d Regiment, State militia, by Governor John Langdon. He soon after removed to Monroe, in the same State, where he ... until 1821, when the death of his wife broke up the family. In 1822, leaving his children with his father and brothers, he went into the lumbering business on the CT River, until 1824, when he removed to Syracuse, NY ... in April, 1825, in company with his son Delamore, who had joined him, he started for the Territory of Michigan ... to Dexter, in Washtenaw Co., on 3 May, ... until 3 Sept. following, when his son went to Brecksville, Cuyahoga Co. OH. In May, 1826, Mr. Duncan also proceeded to Brecksville ... In March, 1827, he went to Lyme, Huron Co. OH, where he purchased a farm ... On 1 Jan. 1828 he married Mrs. Lydia Wood, a widow, and on 1 April 1829 sold his farm and proceeded once more to Michigan. ... returned to OH; 5 Oct. 1829 left OH with his family, consisting of wife, two sons Delamore and William, daughter Eliza Ann, and stepdau. Lydia Wood, and returned to Prairie Ronde. .... In April, 1830, in Brady Twp, then part of St. Joseph Co., included present county of Kalamazoo, William Duncan
            Pg.452-453: Mr. Duncan's name appears on the record but a short time; as it is believed that when the county-seat was located by the commissioners at Bronson (now Kalamazoo), in February, 1831, he declined to further serve. He, however, continued to serve as a justice of the peace, holding court in his log cabin.
            In April, 1830, he and his son Delamore erected the first frame building in the county. It was a granary, and in dimensions 20 by 24 feet. In this building were held, during 1830, several justice courts.
            On the 3d of September, 1833, occurred the death of his second wife. After this sad event he moved in with his son Delamore's family, where he remained until the spring of 1835 ... Mr. Duncan's health becoming seriously impaired, he determined upon a change, and selling his property, in March, 1837, he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he built a grist-mill on the Des Moines River, across which he constructed a stone dam. On the 30th of November, 1837, he married a third wife, Miss Sarah Jones. He continued the milling business until the autumn of 1844, when he exchanged his Iowa property for lands in Cass Co., Mich., upon which he removed and improved a fine farm. Politically he was originally a Whig, but upon the formation of the Free-Soil party became one of its active members. ... His death occurred on the 19th day of November, 1852.
      Pg.453-454: DELAMORE DUNCAN. This gentleman was the eldest son of the preceding, and born Nov. 24, 1805, at Lyman [Grafton Co.], N.H. At Monroe, to which place his father removed in 1810, he attended the common school, of which his father was teacher, until 1815. After his father's purchase of the wool-carding and cloth-dressing mill, he worked in the mill during the summer and attended school in the winter months. His mother died when he was sixteen years of age, and in the following year, his father giving up housekeeping, he went to live with his grandfather at Acworth [Sullivan Co. NH], where he worked on the farm and acted as secretary to his grandfather.
            In April, 1825, with his effects in a knapsack strapped upon his back, he took his way over the Green Mountains through the snow on foot, ... but ... took passage in the stage-coach, and soon after joined his father in Syracuse [Onondaga Co.], N.Y., whither he had preceded his son. From thence he accompanied his parent to Michigan, and as stated in the preceding biography, assisted him in building a mill-dam at Dexter, Washtenaw Co. On the 3d of September, 1825, he left his father at Dexter and proceeded to Brecksville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he engaged in cutting stone for locks on the Ohio canal. Here he remained until the autumn of 1826, when, his health failing, he returned to his grandfather's in New Hampshire, where he continued until the spring of 1827, at which time he removed to McIndoes Falls, Caledonia Co., Vt., and engaged in lumbering until the fall of 1828, when, in company with his brother William and sister Eliza Ann, he journeyed to Lyme, Huron Co. OH, to which place his father had removed and purchased a farm.
            At that place he taught school until Feb. 1829, when, in company with Elisha Doane, he once more started for Michigan, ... in March they reached Prairie Ronde, where Mr. Duncan selected his land and chose the site of his future home. Leving his stock with a Mr. Wilmarth, he returned to Ohio, reaching Lyme on the 1st of April. From there he shortly after went to Dayton ... until August, when he returned to Lyme, where, on the 8th of September, 1829, he married Miss Parmela Clark. This union ... happy one ... She united with the Baptist Church in early life and has ever since been an earnest and consistent Christian and faithful member. Mrs. Duncan was born in the town of Johnson, Lamoille Co., VT, August 18, 1811.
            To this union were born nine children, as follows: Cordelia Ann, William Gilmore, Granville Joel, Jane Coffran, Delamore, Jr., Delia Parmela, Edwin Freeman, Charles Clark, and Helen Marian, of whom four are living, to wit: Delamore, Jr., Edwin F., Charles C., and Helen Marian. The others died in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, in addition to their own, have had the care of no less than sixteen other children, whom they have sent into the world useful men and women.
            On the 5th of October, 1829, Mr. Duncan, in company with his father, again set out for Michigan. ... his wife remaining with her father, who was to follow in January, 1830. ... They finally arrived on Prairie Ronde on the 20th of October, and moved in with Col. Fellows until they could prepare their own house for occupation. ... At an election ... on the 17th day of May, 1830, he was nominated the first sheriff of Kalamazoo County, his commission dating from Oct. 1, 1830. ... In Feb. 1832, he sold his farm, on the west side of Prairie Ronde, to John Knight, and removed to Gourd-Neck Prairie, where he purchased a farm and built a plank. Knight failing to fulfill the contract, the farm fell into his hands again, and he sold the one on Gourd-Neck Prairie to Asa Briggs and removed to his old homestead in July, 1832. ... In December, 1839, in company with his brother-in-law, Justin Clark, he made a prospecting tour of the State, ... In politics a Whig, subsequently a Free-Soiler, and upon the formation of the Republican party became a member of that organization. ... until his death, May 1, 1870.
 

1906 "Compendium of history and biography of Kalamazoo County, Mich." ed. by David Fisher and Frank Little, pub. by W.W. Bowen (FHL film 1,000,089 item 4 and 475,605)
      Pg.467: DELAMORE DUNCAN, Jr. Representing the third generation of his family in this county, of which he is a native, ... Delamore Duncan, Jr., of Prairie Ronde township ... His parents, Delamore and Parmela (Clark) Duncan, were among the earliest settlers in Prairie Ronde township, and ever since they first broke the glebe there that section of the county has been the family seat. The father was born on November 24, 1805, at Lyman [Grafton Co.], NH, and from 1810 until 1815 he attended the district school at Monroe, in his native state, of which his father was teacher. In the year last named his father, William Duncan, bought a wool-carding and cloth-dressing mill, and the business of this he carried on until 1821, when the death of his wife broke up the family. The Duncans, as may be easily inferred from the name, are of Scotch ancestry, but some of its members settled in the north of Ireland, and from Londonderry in that country the American progenitor of the race emigrated to this country in 1742, his son William, grandfather of Delamore Jr., being at that time 12 years old. In 1822 William left his children with his father and brothers, went into lumbering on the Connecticut river, where he remained so occupied until 1824, then removed to Syracuse, NY, where he also engaged in lumbering for a year. In April, 1825, in company with his son Delamore, who had joined him at Syracuse, he started for the territory of Michigan, then an almost unknown country. ... (Washtenaw Co., May 3, until Sept. 3.) The next few years were passed by the family in Ohio, and on October 5, 1829, they started again for Michigan ... west side of Prairie Ronde. Early in April, 1830, the elder Mr. Duncan was elected supervisor ... William Duncan's health becoming seriously impaired, he sold his property in this county, and in March, 1837, moved to Des Moines [Polk Co.], IA, and built a grist mill on the Des Moines river. He continued in the milling business there until the autumn of 1844, when he exchanged his property in Iowa for land in Cass Co. MI. Originally he was a Whig; later Free-Soil. He died on November 19, 1852. His son, Delamore Duncan, ...
 

1888 "Early history of Michigan : with biographies of state officers, members of Congress, judges and legislators : published pursuant to Act 59, 1887" by S.D.Bingham, pub. by Thorp & Godfrey, state printers and binders (LH4546, HeritageQuest images 2/2007; sketches in alphabetic order; FHL film 1,000,076 item 2)
      Pg.239-240: DELAMORE DUNCAN, Representative from Kalamazoo county in 1850, was born at Lyman [Grafton Co.], N.H. Nov. 24, 1805. Received a common school education and worked in his father's mill at wool carding and cloth dressing. Was a lumberman in Vermont, and settled on a farm in Prairie Ronde, Mich., in 1829. He was the first sheriff of Kalamazoo county from 1830 to 1834; was nine years supervisor; was assessor and justice; a merchant from 1855 to 1865; president of the Schoolcraft & Three Rivers railroad, giving liberally of time and means to secure its completion; and a director of the national bank at Three Rivers from 1864 until his death, May 1, 1870.
 

1913 "Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah" by Frank Essholm (from Sharon Koleber 12/2001 and FHL fiche 6,053,257)
      Pg.850: DUNCAN, CHAPMAN (son of John Duncan and Betsy T. Putnam of Barnet, Caledonia County, Vt.). Born July 1, 1812, Bath N.H. Came to Utah Oct. 16, 1848, Barney Adams company. Married Rebecca Rose; Only child: Ellen J., m. Charles Franklin Randall. Married Locky Jones; one child: Emily D. Married Rosanna Taylor Aug. 23, 1862; their children: Taylor D., Becky D. Died Dec. 22, 1900, Loa, Utah. (MAD: Bath, Grafton Co. NH)
      Pg.850: DUNCAN, HOMER (son of John Duncan and Betsy Taylor Putnam of Barnet, Caledonia county, Vt.). Born Jan. 19, 1815, at Barnet. Came to Utah Oct. 16, 1848, Barney Adams company. Married Asenath M. Banker 1841 in New York state (daughter of Platte N.M. Banker); their children: Julia Emily b. April 25, 1845, d. April 26, 1873; John Chapman b. Sept. 9, 1846, m. Teresa Ann Urie; William Platt b. April 2, 1848, d. March 10, 1860; Permelia Asenath b. May 20, 1850, m. Frank C. Foster; Lydia Maria b. Nov. 24, 1852, d. Oct. 25, 1854; Homer Putnam b. Aug. 13, 1855, d. Aug. 24, 1855 (poor copy), Mary Putnam b. Oct. 14, 1858, m. Louis Fisher; m. James Underwood; Lilies Isabel b. Aug. 30, 1862, d. Aug. 10, 1863; Emma Jane b. Oct. 20, 1864, m. William J. Strong; Don Delamore b. June 29, 1868, m. Anna H. Derrick.
            Married Sarah Trippess July 11, 1863, at Salt Lake City (daughter of John Trippess and Susannah Barr of Foleshill, Eng.), who was born March 20, 1839, Coventry, Eng., and came to Utah 1862. Their children: Densmore Trippess b. Feb. 4, 1866, m. Nida Fuller; Sarah Ellen b. April 1, 1868, m. Robert Morris; May b. Sept. 17, 1871, d. March 9, 1901; Homer Horace b. May 26, 1873, m. Lottie Cheshire; Louis Chapman b. April 25, 1875, m. Zella Barton (deceased), m. Alice Foster; George b. July 8, 1877, d. same day; Israel Putnam b. May 30, 1880; Martha Putnam b. Jan. 25, 1885, m. Rodney W. Bartlett. Family resided Salt Lake City, Cedar City and St. George, Utah. ... Salt Lake City where he died March 23, 1906.
            DUNCAN, JOHN CHAPMAN (son of Homer Duncan and Asenath Malvina Banker). Born Sept. 9, 1846, Des Moines, Iowa. Came to Utah October, 1848, Barney Adams company. Married Teresa Ann Heyborne May 27, 1872, at Cedar City, Utah (daughter of John Heyborne and Sarah Ann Melborn ...). She was born Jan. 27, 1854. Their children ... (MAD: Des Moines, Polk Co. IA; Cedar City, Iron Co. UT; St. George, Washington Co. UT)
            DUNCAN, DENSMORE TRIPPESS (son of Homer Duncan and Sarah Trippess). Born Feb. 4, 1866, Cedar City, Utah. Married Nida Fuller June 22, 1893, Salt Lake City ...
 

"The Bay of San Francisco [California] : the metropolis of the Pacific Coast and its suburban cities : a history." by Daniel Webster; pub. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1892, 1411 pgs. (LH11196, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL film 468,744 item 1 and 1,000,122)
      Vol.2, pg.211: Mr. D.W.C. Gaskill was married in Forbestown, California, May 8, 1862, to Mrs. Emeline (Duncan) Norris, a widow with one child, born in 1857, deceased in 1864. Mrs. Emeline Gaskill was born in Monroe, New Hampshire, May 8, 1832, a daughter of Isaac and Betsey (Whipple) Duncan. Her father, born in 1779, of the early settled New Hampshire family of that name, died November 5, 1859; the mother, born in 1791, a member of the Whipple family, also long settled in that State, died in 1854. (MAD: 1880 Alameda Co. CA census; Monroe, Grafton Co. NH; Forbestown, Butte Co. CA)
 

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