NEW YORK CO. NY
HISTORIES before 1923
 

"Biographical sketches of the graduates of Yale College : with annals of the college history" (MAD: Yale University, New Haven, CT) by Franklin Bowditch Dexter; pub. New York: H. Holt and Co., 1885-1912, 4752 pgs. (LH12745, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL films 1,486,598 to 1,486,600)
      Vol.II, Pg.319: Annals, 1752-1753: William Wickham ... being the only one of the class of 1753 ... he retired permanently to Goshen, where he resided until his death in 1813. His will, bearing date November 3, 1812, was proved on April 21, 1814. ... Orange County ... his only surviving child, General George Duncan Wickham, ... he also had two daughters, one of whom married Jonathan Burrall, and the other married a Morris. He married Sarah Duncan in 1768 (license dated February 24); she was living in 1793, but died before him. AUTHORITIES: J.W. Gott, MS. Letter, 1889. Lamb, Hist. of N.Y. City, ii, 32, 300. N.Y. Marriage Licenses, 458. Sedgwick, Life of Livingston, 151-52. (MAD: Goshen, Orange Co. NY; mar. New York City)
 

"General Alumni Catalogue of New York University, 1833-1905 : College, applied science, and honorary alumni" By New York University, Henry Matthias Brown. Copyright, 1906, by General Alumni Society of New York University. Pub. Colonial Press, C.H. Simonds & Co., Boston, U.S.A. Univ. of California LD3873 .52 A3 v.1 (Google Books 8/25/2009)
      Pg.20: New York University. 1844. HENRY ERSKINE DUNCAN, (Clerg.) A.B., 44; D.D., 72; Univ. of Pa. s. [son of] Ralph E.E.P. and Jane (Bartow) Duncan, b. N.Y.C., Apr. 7, 1824; St. Paul's Coll., College Pt., L.I., 40-3; General T.S., N.Y.C., 44-7; ord. (P.E.), 47; invalid, 81-04; m. Sep. 7, 48, Catharine A., da. Robt. Bartow; ch.: Anna, Jeanie, Hy, Erskine, Effie, Edith. d. Apr. 5, 04.
 

"Illustrated New York : the metropolis of today." (anonymous); pub. New York: International Pub. Co., 1888, 218 pgs (LH5612, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL fiche 6,081,307)
      Pg.162: OLIVER DUNCAN, Agent for Prentiss C. Baird, Manufacturer of Chromo, Plate and Blotting Paper, Etc. - plays an important part in all our leading industries ... Mr. Oliver Duncan, whose office is located at No.132 Nassau street. Mr. Duncan has been in the paper business for the past nineteen years, and for seventeen years was salesman for Vernon Brothers. In 1887 he became agent for Mr. Prentiss C. Baird ... (MAD: nothing about family)
 

"The old merchants of New York City" by Walter Barrett; pub. New York: Carleton, 1863-1866, 1504 pgs. (LH4655, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL film 1,549,734 item 1)
      Pg.108-110: Gabriel Ludlow ... had four sons. The second son was George Duncan Ludlow. He was before the war one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of this city, and a Judge in Admiralty. Judge Charles P. Daly wrote his life. Judge Ludlow also went to Nova Scotia after the Revolutionary war was over, and was appointed Chief Justice of the Province. He held it until his death. The British Government gave large tracts of land in Canada for the losses they sustained in New York. Judge Ludlow married Frances Duncan, a daughter of Thomas Duncan, a celebrated New York merchant in his day (1730 to 1760). He must have died about 1776. Daniel Ludlow, a third son, also married a daughter of Thomas Duncan. Her name was Arabella. This eminent merchant, Duncan, had his family residence in Hanover Square. On one occasion his house was burned and nearly every one in it was consumed. The daughter who afterward married Mr. Ludlow, at the time of the fire was out at nurse; the daughter who married Judge Ludlow escaped by jumping from the window into the arms of a British officer, who called upon her to do so; his name was Captain Miller; he never recovered from the shock his frame received in sustaining her. All the rest of the family were burned. ... Old Thomas Duncan escaped in a curious manner. He never smiled afterwards. The following account appeared in Hugh Gaines' paper, the "Mercury and Gazette," of February 19, 1767. "On Wednesday morning, ..." (MAD: not copied)
      Pg.111: Daniel Ludlow, the merchant who married Arabella Duncan, who so fortunately happened to be out at nurse when the above fire occurred, was born about 1750. He married about 1773. They had several children. The eldest was Harriet, who was born in 1774. She married Grove Wright, an eminent merchant in old New York. He left a large estate. Daniel Ludlow, Jr., was born in February, 1779. He was a partner for many years with his father, under the firm of Daniel Ludlow & Co. He never married, but died about 1827. (MAD: more on Ludlow children, not copied)
 

"Leslie's history of the greater New York" by Daniel Van Pelt; pub. New York: Arkell Pub. Co., c1898, 1895 pgs. (LH10041, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL book 974.71 H2v v.1-3 and film 1,425,700 item 2 and 1,425,597 items 1-2)
      Vol.3, pg.341: DANA, PAUL, succeeded his father, the late distinguished Charles Anderson Dana, as Editor of the New York "Sun" and President of the Sun Printing and Publishing Association. He had previously been for many years a Park Commissioner of New York City, and was President of the Board of Park Commissioners. He was also long an editorial writer on the "Sun." He was born in this city in 1852, and was educated at Harvard. He married Mary Duncan. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and of the Racquet, University, Harvard, Rockaway Hunting, and Westminster Kennel clubs.
      Vol.3, pg.431: EMMET, THOMAS ADDIS, prominent physician, of this city, ... grandson of the first Thomas Addis Emmet, of this city, the latter's second son, Dr. John Patten Emmet, being his father. This gentleman was born in Dublin in 1797, and died in New York City in 1842. ... Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet was born in Virginia May 29, 1828, studied with his father, was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1850, and has since practiced in this city. ... He married Kate Duncan, and has two daughters and three sons -- Dr. J. Duncan, Thomas Addis, Jr., and Robert Emmet.
 

"History of the bench and bar of New York" by Charles P. Daly; ed. by David McAdam & others; pub. New York: New York History Co., 1897, 1048 pgs. (LH6761, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL book 974.7 D3m v.1&2 and film 982,353 items 1-2)
      Vol.1, pg.552: DUNCAN, FREDERICK SMYTH (born in East Washington, New Hampshire, September 30, 1868), is the son of General Samuel A. and Julia Jones Duncan. He was graduated at the Phillips Exeter Academy in 1886 and at Harvard in 1890, studied law at the Columbia College Law School and with James G. Gardner, of New York City, was admitted to the bar in May, 1892, and has since practiced in this city. (MAD: East Washington, Rockingham Co. NH)
 

"Revised history of Harlem (city of New York) : prefaced by home scenes in the fatherlands, or, notices of its founders before emigration : also, sketches of numerous families and the recovered history of the land-titles" (New York Co.) by James Riker; pub. New York: New Harlem Pub. Co., 1904, 921 pgs. (LH4673, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL film 974.71 H2r and film 1,035,904 item 3)
      Pg.764: Waldron Family. William S. (977), (son of John), had issue: #1446. Susan O., born July 20, 1849, married N.B. Duncan, February 22, 1869.
      Pg.819: This tract, ... sold to Charles Watkins, was reconveyed to Maunsell, March 28, 1793. Two years later General Maunsell's widow succeeded under his will, and devised her lands here, May 20, 1815, to her nephew, Dr. Samuel Watkins (son of said John), and her nieces, Lydia, wife of James Beekman, and Elizabeth, widow of Robert H. Dunkin. These divided the 142-1/2 acres into equal parts, under Nos. 1, 2, 3, and passed deeds October 17, 1816; Mrs. Beekman taking No. 1, (the lower lot), Mrs. Dunkin No. 2, and Dr. Watkins No.3. Dr. Watkins subsequently removed to Jefferson (since for him called Watkins), at the head of Seneca Lake.
 

"History of the city of New York : from its earliest settlement to the present time" by Mary L. Booth; pub. New York: W.R.C. Clark & Co., 1860, c1859, 848 pgs. (LH5523, HeritageQuest images 6/2007)
      Pg.361: On the 21st of April, 1741, the Supreme Court assembled for the especial purpose of investigating the matter, ... the grand jury was composed of ... Thomas Duncan. ...
 

"History of the city of New York : its origin, rise and progress" by Martha J. Lamb; pub. New York: A.S. Barnes and Co., c1896, 1739 pgs. (LH4658, HeritageQuest images 6/2007)
      Vol.II, pg.582: 1741, April 21, Thomas Duncan on a grand jury
 

"An historical sketch of Trinity Church, New-York" by William Berrian; pub. New York: Stanford and Swords, 1847, 382 pgs. (LH4052, HeritageQuest images 6/2007)
      Pg.57: (no date, bequests from various people to Trinity Church) And Mr. Thomas Duncan bequeathed to it L500.
      Pg.357: (vestrymen) Thomas Duncan, from 1748 to 1759.
 

"History of St. George's Church in the city of New York, 1752-1811-1911" by Henry Anstice; pub. New York: Harper & Bros., 1911, 557 pgs. (LH4043, HeritageQuest images 6/2007)
      Pg.486: Communicant list, August, 1822: Ralph Duncan, Auctioneer; Jane Duncan, ux, R.D.
 

"Colonial records of the New York Chamber of Commerce, 1768-1784. With Historical and biographical sketches" by John Austin Stevens Jr.; pub. New York: J.F. Trow & Co., 1867, 579 pgs. (LH5174, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL fiche 6,078,822)
      Vol.2, Pg.147: LUDLOW, DANIEL. - The Ludlows of New York are all descended from Gabriel Ludlow, who emigrated to this country from England towards the close of the seventeenth century, and married Sarah Hanmer, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Hanmer. His son Gabriel married, first, Frances Duncan, and afterwards his cousin, Elizabeth Crommelin.
            DANIEL LUDLOW was the third son of Gabriel Ludlow and Elizabeth Crommelin, and was born about the year 1750. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, and early devoted himself to commerce. A part of his mercantile training he received at Amsterdam, in the counting-house of the great bankers, his relatives, Daniel Crommelin & Son.
            In 1773 (the date of the bond is given as of September 13th, 1773), he married Arabella Duncan, daughter of Mr. Thomas Duncan. A few years later Mr. Ludlow entered into partnership with Mr. Edward Goold, and transacted a general importing business at No.47 Wall Street. This connection was terminated about 1790, and Mr. Ludlow continued business under his own name at 38 Dock Street, his residence being at No.48 Wall. In 1793 his counting-house was at 42 Wall Street, and in 1795 at 51 Wall, and the title of his firm, Daniel Ludlow & Co.
            Mr. Ludlow visited Europe to extend the business of his house ... On his return to this country he took his son Daniel Ludlow, Jr., into partnership. The house was engaged in general trade. They did an extensive business with the East Indies, and were heavy underwriters.
            The country-seat of Mr. Ludlow was at Baretto's Point, on the East River, from which it was his habit to drive into town four-in-hand in the summer season. He died in New York about 1813. The name of Ludlow, in his branch, is continued by the children of his son, Dr. Edward G. Ludlow, of New York.
 

"Who's who in New York City and State : a biographical dictionary of contemporaries." (anonymous); pub. New York: W.F. Brainard, 1911, 1035 pgs. (LH11427, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL film 2,055,148 item 9)
      Pg.292: DUNCAN, HENRY M.: Mf'r carriages; b. in Ireland, May 30, 1861; s. James and Margaret (Downey) Duncan; ed. Flushing (N.Y.) High Sch.; m. Flushing, L.I., June 11, 1884, Kate F. Forman; children: Malcolm, b.1885; Harry, b.1890; Kenneth, b.1895; Theodore, b.1899. Treas. and mg'r J.B. Brewster & Co., carriage mf'rs; treas. Brewster Auto Co.; pres. Climax Zinc Co. Independent in politics. Pres. Merchants' and Mf'rs B'd of Trade, N.Y. City, Flushing (N.Y.) Library Ass'n; mem. Advisory B'd of United Workers. Clubs: Knickerbocker Yacht, Twilight. Address: Flushing, L.I., N.Y. (MAD: Queens Co. NY)
      DUNCAN, LOUIS : Elec. eng'r; b. Washington, D.C., Mar. 25, 1862; s. Thomas and Maria (Morris) Duncan; grad. U.S. Naval Acad., 1880; studied physics and mathematics at Johns Hopkins Univ., Ph.D., 1885; m. Philadelphia, 1887, Edith McKee; children: McKee, b.1889; Dorothy, b.1891; Harriet, b.1893; Edith, b.1899. Served in U.S. Navy until 1887; resigned; prof. applied electricity, Johns Hopkins Univ., 1887-98; head Dep't Electrical Eng'ring, Mass. Inst. Technology, 1902-04. Wrote article on Electric Traction in Encyclopaedia Britannica; also many articles on engineering subjects in technical journals. Served as major 1st Vol. Eng'rs in Spanish Am. War. Mem. Am. Inst. Elec. Eng'rs (twice pres.); hon. mem. Franklin Inst.; fellow Am. Philos. Soc.; mem. Mathematical Soc. of France and Physical Soc. of France. Clubs: University, Eng'rs (N.Y. City), Maryland (Baltimore), Army and Navy (Washington & N.Y. City), Automobile Club of America. Residence: Pelham Manor, Westchester Co., N.Y. Address: 55 Liberty St., N.Y. City.
      DUNCAN, WILLIAM BUTLER : Railway official; b. Edinburgh, Scotland, March 17, 1830; s. Alexander and Sarah (Butler) Duncan, of Providence, R.I.; ed. in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Brown Univ., A.B., 1850; m. New Orleans, Nov. 22, 1853, Jane P. Sargent; children: A. Butler, Jessie Percy (Mrs. Wilton Phipps), Mary (Mrs. Paul Dana). Was pres., 1874-88, and since 1889 has been chm'n B'd of Directors, Mobile & Ohio R.R. Co.; also director Southern & Atlantic Telegraph Co., U.S. Guarantee Co., etc.; vice-prees. Chamber of Commerce; mem. Nat. Acad. Design, Brown Univ. Alumni, Met. Museum of Art, Am. Mus. Nat. History. Clubs: Union, Players, Lawyers, Manhattan, N.Y. Yacht, Racquet, Whist. Residence: 1 Fifth Av. Address: 80 Broadway, N.Y. City.
      DUNCAN, WILLIAM C. : Banker; b. N.Y. City, July 16, 1855; s. George and Helen (Cockburn) Duncan; ed. N.Y. public schools and City Coll.; m. N.Y. City, Sept. 113, 1876, Elizabeth See; six children. Began banking business with Hanover Nat. Bank; afterward appt'd cashier Colonial Bank of N.Y. City; pres. and director The Greenwich Bank since Jan. 6, 1902; also v.-p. and director The Colonial Bank. Mem. Chamber of Commerce. Address: 101 W. 85th St., N.Y. City.
 

"Annals of New York Methodism : being a history of the Methodist Episcopal church in the city of New York from A.D. 1766 to A.D. 1890" by Samuel A. Seaman; pub. New York: Hunt & Eaton, 1892, 515 pgs. (LH10694, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL fiche 6,093,260)
      A History of Methodism in New York City - Appendix V, Sextons
      Pg.485-486: Robert Duncan was afterward sexton, but whether immediately after Creamer (1779) or while Peter Williams was absent during the war (footnote: Wakeley's "Lost Chapters," p.430. "Short Historical Account" p.6.) is not clear. The name of Duncan does not occur in the accounts in the "Old Book," but that may be because there is no full record of items of expenditure from May, 1774, to May, 1778. Then, under date of May 15, we have, "To cash paid Peter the sexton from class collections April 13, 1776, L3.10s." (footnote: If this was Peter Williams it would indicate that he was sexton until the spring of 1776.) Mr. Duncan was a native of England, where he married Elizabeth Thomson. Both of them were members of the Wesleyan Society. They emigrated to this country before the Revolutionary War, were wrecked on their passage near Nova Scotia, and after much difficulty reached New York. The society in John Street, having been frequently imposed upon by persons from the other side of the Atlantic, were shy of them at first; but after they presented their certificates gave them a cordial welcome. While sexton he resided in the parsonage. He was a poor man, but exceedingly useful, and so much respected for his deep piety that those who wished instruction in spiritual things would often say "Come, let us go and see Robert." During the war, so great was their confidence in his honesty, many Methodist families intrusted to him of their valuables, which he placed in the vaults among the coffins, where they were kept safely. He died of bilious fever, near the close of the war, at the old parsonage. ... Mrs. Duncan was an excellent singer, as was also her daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth's sweet voice, attractive person, and amiable spirit, won the heart of Abraham Wilson, Jr., whose father, a wealthy business man, wished him to marry a young lady of property and position in society. The father did not oppose, and found that his son had a good wife. Abraham Wilson, Jr., died in Norwalk, Conn., and his widow, at the age of 86, in New Jersey. Their oldest daughter married Jonathan Griffith, .... Who immediately succeeded Duncan is not known. There are two entries in the "Old Book" of payments to "Joseph, the sexton," dated August 7, 1778, and March 17, 1779, ....
 

"Lost chapters recovered from the early history of American Methodism" (New York) by J.B. Wakeley; pub. New York: Printed for the author, 1858, 609 pgs. (LH4044, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL fiche 6,070,977)
      John Street Methodist Episcopal Church, New York, New York. Early Sextons of Wesley Chapel.
      Pg.430-438: ROBERT DUNCAN. Robert Duncan was the next sexton, and as he was quite a character, we will devote a little space to him before we give the history of the old colored sexton.
      Mr. Duncan, while sexton, resided in the parsonage. He was born in England and lived in Durham. He married Elizabeth Thomson. They early identified themselves with Wesleyan Methodism, when the very name was a reproach. ... They emigrated to this country before the revolutionary war, and were shipwrecked on their passage over, near Nova Scotia, and after much difficulty reached New-York.
      The early Methodists in John-street appeared rather shy at first, took but little notice of them till they presented their certificates, and then were all attention. They were received cautiously, because the Methodists had often been imposed upon by persons from the other side of the Atlantic professing to be what they were not.
      Mr. and Mrs. Duncan had three children, Elizabeth, Isabella, and a younger child, who died very happy in the old parsonage, at the age of eight years. Mrs. Duncan was a sweet singer. Robert was a poor man, and yet was exceedingly useful. Prayer-meetings were often held at his house ...
      Their daughter Elizabeth I saw, in age and feebleness extreme, and am well acquainted with two of his granddaughters. Their mother related many things to them which they have been kind enough to furnish me with. ...
      Elizabeth was twelve years old when she came to this country, ...
      They were often in perils during the Revolutionary war. Elizabeth said that at a certain time the British were bombarding the city; ... a cannon-ball went right through the old parsonage. ....
      Mr. Duncan was so honest and trusty that the Methodist families brought their valuables to him during the war, and he placed them in the vaults among the coffins, where the dead were resting, and they were safe; no one thought of looking there for treasures. ...
      Robert Duncan, after having lived a very holy life, died a very triumphant death, in the old parsonage, near the close of the war. He died of bilious fever, after a very short illness. ... He was buried in Trinity Churchyard, near Broadway, and has a brown tombstone, telling where his dust is sleeping.
      His widow, some time after, married a Methodist by the name of Carr, who was a school-teacher. Soon after they went to Nova Scotia, where he was engaged very successfully in teaching. He was lame, and the British government settled a pension on him in view of his valuable services as an instructor. Mrs. Carr died some years before her husband. They both died in peace at Nova Scotia.
      (pg.435) ELIZABETH DUNCAN AND ABRAHAM WILSON, JUN. The elder Abraham Wilson was a man of wealth and great business talents. He married Lydia, the sister of John and James Mann. The father of Abraham Wilson, Jun., wished his son to marry a young lady of high respectability and wealth. ... he preferred selecting a wife for himself, and she was the amiable and pretty daughter of the old sexton, Robert Duncan. He had attended worship in John-street Church, and heard Elizabeth Duncan sing like a nightingale, and was charmed, captivated, and owned her conqueror. Soon they were united in the holy bands (MAD: sic) of matrimony. ... Soon after marriage young Wilson and his wife went to Nova Scotia to reside, and remained there a few years, and then returned to New-York. Their daughter Elizabeth (now Mrs. Griffith) was born there.
      Mr. Wilson died in Norwalk, Conn. His widow lived till she was eighty-six years of age. She was a shouting Methodist for many years. I was her pastor in Newark, N.J. She died in holy triumph, and was buried in Quakertown, N.J. Thus lived and died Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Duncan, the sexton of John-street.
      The oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson (Elizabeth) married a Welshman, by the name of Jonathan Griffith. ... (MAD: no dates given)
 

"Skaneateles : history of its earliest settlement and reminiscences of later times ..." (Onondaga Co. NY) by Edmund Norman Leslie; pub. New York: A.H. Kellogg, 1902, 506 pgs. (LH3180, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL book 974.765/S3 H2L and fiche 6,048,022)
      Pg.314: Daniel Ludlow, who died in Skaneateles in the year 1814, had a remarkable genealogy ... fully given in Mrs. Martha J. Lamb's "History of the City of New York," down to George Ludlow, thence to Gabriel Ludlow, who settled in New York in the year 1660. As in this genealogy there are many Gabriels, the successive ones will be numbered. Gabriel 2d, sixth child of Gabriel 1st, married, (1) Frances, daughter of George Duncan, (2) Elizabeth Crommeline. Among his numerous children Gabriel 3d married Ann, daughter of Guillian Verplanck, whose son, Gabriel V. 4th, married Elizabeth Hunter, and their son Daniel was a wealthy banker of New York and President of the Manhattan Bank, who owned a country-seat at Barretto's Point, on the East River, whence he drove four-in-hand to Wall Street every day. Daniel's wife was Arabella, daughter of Thomas Duncan, and their children were: 1. Harriet, married George Wright; 2. Daniel; 3. Robert married Mary Peters; 4. Dr. Edward G. married Mary Lewis, ... (MAD: no dates)
 

"Genealogical and memorial history of the state of New Jersey : a book [record] of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation" by Francis Bazley Lee; pub. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1910, 1962 pgs. (LH 1272, HeritageQuest images 4/2007 & 7/2007; FHL film 514,673-514,674 and 16,534-16,535, entitled "a record of the achievements")
      Pg.359: (VIII) Ida A., fifth child and second daughter of Charles Peter and Phebe C. (Munn) Sandford, was born in Montclair, New Jersey, and was married in that town, March 22, 1883, to David Duncan Murphey. Mr. Murphey is grandson of John, and son of James Murphey and Elizabeth, daughter of James and Ellen Duncan, of Perth, Scotland. James Murphey was a contractor and builder and interior decorator in New York. By his wife, Elizabeth Duncan, he had children: 1. Catharine A. Murphey married James Howard. 2. John Murphey, married Elizabeth Ralston, one child: Henry Duncan Murphey, married May Peterson. ... 9. David Duncan Murphey, born in New York City, Sept. 18, 1857, .... (MAD: Montclair, Essex Co. NJ)
 

1921 "History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography" by Thomas M. Owen, 4 Volumes (Vol.III, pgs.516-519, from Donna Little 8/1982; and FHL fiche 6,048,243 to 6,048,246)
      DUNCAN, L. ALEXANDER, publisher, civil postmaster, city treasurer & city clerk of Meridian [Lauderdale Co.] MS, was born February 16, 1829, in New York City; son of William and Louise Augusta (Gardner) Duncan, the former a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who removed to Canada and later located in New York City, removed to Courtland [Lawrence Co. AL] in 1830, where he taught schools; took charge of Athens female academy, 1836-38, and opened a school for girls in Grenada, Miss.; became a merchant in 1840; grandson of Alexander and Mary (McFarlan) Duncan, of Scotland, who migrated to New York City about 1808, and of Hiram Gardner, a native of Carlisle, PA, who located in New York City, .... Mr. Duncan received his elementary education in Courtland and Athens, AL, and in Grenada, MS, and attended the Collegiate school in NY City which he left in 1846, a few months before graduation. He was a clerk in his father's store in Grenada, 1846-47, and during the latter year entered book & printing business in New Orleans, LA, where he was a joint publisher with his brother, Rev. Dr. Cecil Duncan, of the "Southern Baptist Chronicle" until 1850; he was a publisher in that city of the "New Orleans Baptist Chronicle" 1852-55, also issued a number of pamphlets; civil postmaster of Meridian, MS, 1863-64; city treasurer 1868, and city clerk from 1871 to present; Democrat, Mason and Baptist. married Jan. 21, 1856, in New Orleans, to Annie Battalie, dau. of Edward Conyers and Martha Turbeville (Battaile) Payne, who lived in Hayfield, VA, and later in Winchester, KY, granddau. of Hay Battalie of Hayfield, VA; res. Meridian, MS.
 

1907 "Mississippi, Comprising Sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons; Arranged in Cyclopedic Form" planned & edited by Dunbar Rowland, pub. by Southern Hist. Publ. Assn.; vol.1 A-K, vol.2 L-Z, vol.3 includes index & portraits, contemporary biography; vol.4 includes portrait, suppl. volume comprising sketches of representative MS'ans for whom special portraits have been executed on steel (FHL fiche 6,051,432 to 6,051,435, books 976.2 H2m)
      Vol.1, pg.665: Duncan, Stephen, was born at Carlisle [Cumberland Co.], PA, in 1787; was educated at a college there and graduated in medicine in 1805. He came to Natchez [Adams Co.] in 1808 and after practicing his profession some time, became a wealthy planter. He was twice married, first to Margaret Ellis and afterward to Catherine Bingaman. In the later 1820's, Dr. Duncan was president of the Bank of MS. He was the agent of the State in 1829 to negotiate a loan of $200,000 ... but the circumstances of the enterprise made his efforts unsuccessful. In 1863, Dr. Duncan removed to New York where he died in 1867. (FHL fiche 6,051,432)
      Vol.III, pg.218 and Vol.4, pg.91-92: L. Alexander Duncan, pioneer citizen of Meridian [Lauderdale Co. MS], native of New York City, born Feb. 16, 1829. Son of William and Louisa A. (Gardner) Duncan, the former born in the City of Glasgow, Scotland, the latter in the City of New York where their marriage was solemnized. The parents of William Duncan came to America when he was a boy, he was reared and educated in New York City where he lived until 1830, then to AL, in 1838 he took up his abode in Grenada, MS, taught in the female colleges in Courtland (Lawrence Co.) and Athens, AL, and also in Grenada, MS. Later he was in the general merchandise business, finally located in the City of New Orleans, where he conducted a book store for a number of years, and died in 1863 while on a business trip to New York. His wife died in 1847 in Grenada, MS, and he married again in 1848 to Mrs. Kate Easly of Middleton, MS, who died in 1892 at Meridian leaving no children. Of the children of his first marriage, only one, the subject of this review, is still living.
            L. Alexander Duncan completed his education in New York City, worked for his father in the New Orleans book store, then worked for a newspaper which ceased publication in 1850. In the Civil War, he was mustered into Confederate service in the regiment of Home Guards in New Orleans, and was discharged in the early part of 1862, then he came to Meridian, MS, in 1863, and in 1878 located in Memphis, TN, in 1879 returned to Meridian. On Jan. 21, 1856, he married Miss Annie B. Payne, daughter of Edward C. Payne of New Orleans, LA; she died 1893. (FHL fiche 6,051,434 and 6,051,435, MAD's extract; no reference to a Duncan in the sketch about the town of Meridian, county seat of Lauderdale Co., in Vol.II)
 

"Who's Who In America" 1901-1902 (from Evelyn Sigler 11/1984)
      DUNCAN, Norman, journalist; b. Brantford, Ont., Canada, July 2, 1871; son of Robert A. Duncan; ed. Univ. of Toronto 1891-5, unmarried. ... Address: The Evening Post, New York.
 

1921 "Who's Who in Art" Vol. XVIII, by American Federation of Arts (pg.407 from John A. Duncan 7/1994)
      Duncan, Charles W., 11 Cornelia St., New York, NY; Member S.Indp.A.
      Duncan, Florida Allen-Harris, Provincetown, MA, born near London, Ontario, Canada; self-taught; member NYWCC
      Duncan, Frederick (Alexander), 1 West 67th St., New York, NY; Born Texarkana [Miller Co.], AR, May 11, 1881; pupil of ASL of NY.
      Duncan, Geraldin Rose, 1550 N. Garfield, Pasadena, CA; born Forest Row, Sussex, England, Nov. 12, 1883; pupil of Desvallieres, Lucien Simon in Paris. Member Calif AC, Calif PM.
      Duncan, W.J., 7 East 8th St., New York, NY; member Salma C.; official artist, American Expeditionary Forces in France, 1918.
 

1880 "History of Sonoma County, California : including its geology, topography, mountains, valleys and streams, together with a full and particular record of the Spanish grants, its early history and settlement, the names of original Spanish and American pioneers and biographical sketches of early and prominent settlers and representative men" by J.P. Munro-Fraser, pub. by Alley, Bowen & Co. (book qc979.418 H67, CA State Library, Sacramento; CA State Library, Sutro Branch, on SUTRO microfilm 115 Reel 22 Book 4536; FHL film 468,750 item 2 and 1,000,129 item 5 and 1,320,944 item 2)
      Pg.530: Ocean Twp; Duncan, Alexander, (portrait in book) native of Co. Tyrone, Ireland, born in August, 1821. An apprenticeship for 6 years at blacksmith & machinist trade; remained in Ireland till 1840, in May he landed in New York City; in the fall of 1840 he went to New Orleans, began operating his trade. In 1850, to California; in May he sailed for California via the Panama route, arriving in San Francisco June 15, 1850. Made specialty of making iron door & window shutters. In the fall of 1854, he joined his brother, Samuel M., in the milling and lumber trade at Salt Point, having purchased the interest of Joshua Hendy. He now resides in the village of Duncan's Mill on the banks of the Russian River. August 5, 1844, in New York City, he married Miss Ann Jane Halliday, a native of Ireland; she was born June 23, 1824. Eight children: Jeannie, Samuel M., Hugh, Sarah, Alexander, Alexander (twice), Rebecca and William. Now living are Jeannie, Samuel M. and Sarah. Of these, Jeannie, Samuel M. and Sarah are still living.
 

1887 "History of Hamilton, Knox and Shelby Cos. TN" by Goodspeed (FHL book 976.8 H2ha, Vol.3)
      Pg.956-7, Knox Co.: Samuel H. Dunscomb, president of the Bank of Commerce, is a son of Samuel D. and Ann W. (Rayburn) Dunscomb. The father was born in NY City and the mother in Montgomery Co. VA. At an early day they removed to KY, where they were married. In their family were four children -- two sons and two daughters -- of whom only one is now living. The father was a farmer by occupation. During the war of 1812 he went on the campaign to Canada, under Shelby. After his death the mother married William C. Baker, by whom she had two children. Our subject is of English and Irish descent, born December 18, 1822, in Simpson Co. KY. He received his education in the common schools, and at the age of 18 began as salesman in a mercantile house, where he remained about 8 years. In 1846 he came to Memphis and engaged in ... In 1854 he married Marietta C. Elder, and by her had 5 sons, ...
 

1881 "History of the Upper Mississippi Valley [MN]" by Newton Horace Winchell (FHL book 977.6 H2w; also extracted by Pat Downs 1/1997)
      Pg.419, Grove Twp., Stearns Co. MN, Biographical: James Duncan, one of the oldest settlers, and the first Town Clerk of Grove Township, is a native of Scotland, born on 17 March 1816. His father was a merchant, and pursued his calling in different portions of Great Britain, until his death which occurred in Ireland when James was but an infant. He learned the shoemaker's trade in the old country while yet a boy. In 1833, he came to New York City where he served an apprenticeship to the trade of plasterer and stone and brick mason, and in 1837 began business as a contractor and builder. Meeting with reverses, in 1841 he went to Sullivan Co. NY, where he arrived with less than $10 in his pocket. In 1849 had accumulated sufficient means to purchase a mill and some land; resided there until 1862 when he came to Hastings [Dakota Co.], MN, and thence, in 1864 to his present residence. He was married to Miss M. Hamilton, in New York City. Mrs. Duncan is also of Scotch parentage.
      G.W. Duncan, son of James Duncan, was born at Forestburg, Sullivan Co. NY, on 18 Feb. 1851; he came with the family to Grove twp. in 1864 and still resides on the old homestead, having charge of his father's farm. In 1872, he was elected Town Clerk, which position he held for four years and is now Justice of the Peace. Mr. Duncan mar. Miss Fannie E. Getty, dau. of J.J. Getty, one of the first settlers in this portion of the county, on 31 Oct. 1877. They have two children: Jennie Permelia and James Jerome.
      Pat Downes comments 7/2001: Children born in Sullivan County NY, to the Duncans were: Louise (Graham) Lydia (Carlton) Margaret Jane (Eames/Corbett) Kate (Dobbs) Bell (Kells) Mary, George Washington (Getty); some marriages were in MN.
      Information from Bill Dobbs 6/2002: The Family Bible of John Coleman Dobbs and Kate Duncan listed their marriage as 27 Aug. 1857 in Forestburgh, NY.
 

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