Duncan research files of
Mary Ann (Duncan) Dobson
the Genealogy Bug
Last revised August 29, 2014
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Duncan research files of |
1800 Adams Co. PA Census
Pg.476 James Duncan 31210 - 21200 Cumberland
1810 Adams Co. PA Census
Pg. 40 Christeenah Duncan 00110 - 00101 Berwick
(MAD: widow of Seth d. 1794 York Co. PA)
Pg.103 James Duncan 11101 - 02011 Gettysburgh
1820 Adams Co. PA Census
Pg. 5 James Duncan 011201 - 00201 Gettysburg
57 John Duncan (master) 000010 - 00001 Berwick
Adam Duncan 000010 - 20100
(MAD: son of Seth & Christina)
1830 Adams Co. PA Census
Pg. 76 Adam L.E. Duncan 2000,101 - 0210,01 Franklin
(MAD: Adam S.E. Duncan)
109 John Duncan 0000,001 - 0 Berwick
1840 Adams Co. PA Census
Pg. 68 Adam F.C?. Duncan 1111,1001 - 1011,101 Franklin
(MAD: Adam S.E. Duncan)
1850 Adams Co. PA Census
Franklin
Pg.177, #258, Mary DUNCAN 51 PA -- $125
Mary 34 PA -- $20
Augustus 21 PA carpenter $20
Calvin 19 PA teacher
William 14 PA
(MAD: family of Adam Seth Enos Duncan; Augustus & Calvin M. in 1860 Franklin Co. PA census)
1860 Adams Co. PA Census
"Berwick, Conewago, Union, and McShereystown schedules missing"
Franklin Twp.
Pg.88, #139-139, Mary DUNCAN 61 PA lady $2000-$200
Ann BUTLER 49 PA domestic $0-$1000
Gettysburg Borough
Pg.209, #385-436, George W. McCLELLAN 54 PA hotel keeper $10000-$500
John H?. 52 PA bank clerk $5200-$4000
William A. DUNCAN 24 PA attorney-at-law $15000-$8000
Ellen A. McCLELLAN 70 PA
Marie 58 PA (blank) $500-$0
Louisa REILLY 56 PA $3000-$0
Mary BOUGH 17 PA domestic
Mary WEISMONTEL 12 PA
James DYER 28 IRE hoslter?
Daniel LEWIS 15 VA waiter
Hamilton Twp.
Pg.227, #643-641, Ephrim HEAGY (m) 51? PA farmer $10000-$1200
Eliza 53 PA
Samuel DUNCAN 16 PA farm hand
1870 Adams Co. PA Census
Berwick Borough
Pg.11, #52-57, FOX, Lydia 74 PA keeping house $0-$0
DUNCAN, Charlotte 63 PA MULATTO domestic
Gettysburg District No. 93
Pg.78, #149-160, DUNCAN, Wm. A. 34 PA atty. at law $36,000-$7,000
Catherine W. 28 PA keeping house
Charles S. 6, Wm. M. 4, John S. 2 PA
HENNICK, Mary 24 PA dom. servant, parents of foreign birth
MELHORN, Cathe. 16 PA domt. servant
Franklin Twp.
Pg.110, #103-111, DUNCAN, Mary 72 PA keeping house $3500-$200
MORITZ, Eliza 40 PA domestic servant
Go to the Adams Co. PA Land Records
Go to the Adams Co. PA Court Records
Pension Index Card File, alphabetical; of the Veterans Administrative Contact and Administration Services, Admin. Operations Services, 1861-1934; Duff to A-J Duncan (negative FHL film 540,888, some cards very faint); Joseph Duncan to Dunn (positive FHL film 540,889, some cards very dark)
Cataloged under Civil War, 1861-1865, pensions, indexes; does not say if Confederate or Federal, but probably Federal. Negative film, some cards much too faint or dark to read, some cards blurred or faded, particularly the service unit and the dates of application. Most of the very faint or dark cards were in a slightly different format, with space for years enlisted and discharged which were sometimes filled in. Many of these were for service in later years, although one or two were for service ca 1866.
Name of soldier, alias, name of dependent widow or minor, service (military unit or units), date of filing, class (invalid or widow or minor or other), Application #, Certificate #, state from which filed (sometimes blank), attorney (sometimes blank, MAD: did not usually copy), remarks. Sometimes the "Invalid" or "Widow" class had an "s" added to it before the application #; occasionally the area for the service information included a circled "S". The minor's name was frequently that of the guardian rather than the minor.
The military unit was frequently the Company Letter, the Regiment Number, sometimes US Vet Vol Inf. (US Veteran Volunteer Infantry), L.A. (Light Artillery), H.A. (Heavy Artillery), US C Inf (US Colored? Infantry), Cav. (Cavalry), Mil. Guards, V.R.C. (?Volunteer Reserve Corps?), etc. Sometimes there were several service units given.
Cards appear to be arranged by the last name, first name, middle initial if any, and state (including "US") of service.
Duncan, William A., widow Duncan, Annie M.; D 103 PA Inf.; 1885 July 2, Invalid Appl. #543973, Cert. #477623; 1905 May 29, Widow Appl. #829118, no cert., PA. (MAD: ? 1850 Adams Co. PA census)
"Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly" Columbus, OH; Vol.7 #3, July 1904 (SUTRO book F476 O42; CA State Library, Sutro branch)
Pg.152+: Capt. James Duncan's Diary of the Siege of Yorktown, 1781 -by W.F. Boogher Esq., Genealogist, 1339 F St., Washington, DC. Capt. James Duncan was native of Philadelphia, b. 1756, entered service; commissioned as Lieutenant on Nov. 3, 1776, and Captain on March 25, 1778; served in Hazen's Regt. He received 500 acres in Shenango Valley, now Mercer Co. He was the first prothonotary of Adams Co. PA when it was formed, until 1822 when he moved to Mercer Co. PA where he died June 24, 1844 in his 89th year.
MAD: This introduction gives his year of birth as 1756, but the introduction in "Mercer Co. PA Soldiers; Rev. War, War of 1812, Civil War" by Myers gives his year of birth as 1755. See "Mercer Co. PA Soldiers; Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War" by Paul W. Myers, 1987 (FHL booklet 974.8 A1 #328). James Duncan married Susan Lear and had three children: John Nicholson, b. Feb. 16, 1796; Julianna, b. March 1, 1800; James Jefferson, b. Dec. 18, 1801.
"Register of Marriages and Baptisms performed by Rev. John Cuthbertson, Covenant Minister" (1751-1791, Lancaster Co. PA) by Helen Fields, 1934 (FHL film 48,224, from Charles A. Duncan 10/1987)
See this source for some references in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Northumberland and York Co. PA.
Allegheny Co. PA Deeds (SLC 9/28/2011)
20-86: 16 Oct. 1814, John Duncan of Adams Co. PA to John Ralston of Allegheny Co., for $150 paid, sell to said John Ralston that certain house and lot containing one acre and 30 peches more or less in Versailles Twp, Allegheny, PA, adj. lands of Andrew McCullough, road leading past the grave yard near the Town of McKeesport, road leading from McKeesport to Roads Brewery, lands late the property of John Read on which the brewery is erected, and the corner on a line of lands of Andrew McCullough; it is a parcel of a larger tract of land patented to John McKee 4 Nov. 1795, recorded in Patent Book 27, pg.177, conveyed by John McKee and wife Sally 26 Aug. 1797, recorded Book G pg.253 to James Foster who conveyed to John Hurin? Esq. on 22 March 1803 recorded Book L pg.301 & 302, the said John & Jane his wife by deed 19 Oct. 1804 conveyed to John Duncan "(partie hereto)." Now John Duncan transfers all his right etc. to said John Ralston. /s/ Jno. Duncan. Wit. Samuel Huey, James Evans. John Duncan appeared 19 Oct. 1814 before James Evans, JP, Allegheny Co. Recorded 2 Nov. 1814. (FHL film 1,497,870; SLC 9/28/2011) (MAD: deeds of purchase for this land, 13-148+, names look like John and Jane Sherer or Shered who conveyed to John Duncan)
Fayette Co. PA Deeds
K-430: 21 Jan. 1815, Alexander Duncan of Bird Twp, Adams Co. OH, to my brother George Duncan of Bullskin Twp, Fayette Co. PA, power of attorney to sell land. (FHL film 863,553)
M-129: 28 Oct. 1816, Alexander Duncan Jr. and wife Polly of Adams Co. OH by attorney George Duncan of Fayette Co. PA, to Abraham Baldwin, 110 acres on White and Mill Run adj. line belonging to heirs of Alexander Duncan. (FHL film 863,554)
M-130: 15 Sept. 1816, Alexander Duncan Jr. and wife Polly of Adams Co. OH to George Duncan, power of attorney, Mounty Creek. (FHL film 863,554)
Franklin Co. PA Deed (SLC 6/3/2011)
12-117: 28 March 1818, Christina Duncan and Elizabeth Baum widow, William Hamilton and Magdalena his wife, Tobias Hepner and Susannah his wife of Adams Co., Samuel Lane and Barbara his wife of Franklin Co., John Clark and Margaret his wife of York Co., all state of PA, and George Rudy of State of KY by Henry Hokes his attorney of Adams Co. afsd, to Mary Harman of Adams Co. afsd widow; for $4,856.25 PA money paid by said Mary Harman, sell the tract of land in Washington Twp, Franklin Co. PA, by lands of John Heafner?, lands late of Nicholas Bittinger decd, lands of William Hamilton, lands of Christina Duncan and John Clark, land of John Heafner?, containing 138 acres and 120 perches neat ???, it being part of two tracts patented 27 Jan. 1897 in Patent Book No.31 pg.248 granted to Nicholas Bittinger who died intestate seised of said premises leaving the parties hereto his heirs and legal representatives, together with all buildings and improvements. /s/ Christina Duncan, Sam Lane, Henry Hole, Barbara Lane, Elizabeth Baum, Jno. Clark, Tobias Kepner, Margaret Clark, Susanna Repner, Magdalene Harman, Wm. Hamilton. Samuel Lane & Barbara signed in presence of John Flanagan, Saml. Taylor, Zabaltin? Lafour; John Clark and Margaret his wife signed 5 May 1818 in presence of and so did William Hamilton and Magdalena his wife (more not copied). Adams Co., appeared Christina Duncan, Elizabeth Baum, William Hamilton and wife Magdalena, Tobias Kepner and Susanna his wife, Samuel Lane and Barbara his wife, John Clark and Margaret his wife, and George Rudy by his attorney in fact Henry Hokes and ack. the deed, 5 May 1818, /s/ Geo. Brown. Franklin Co., appeared Samuel and Barbara Lane his wife and ack. the deed, 25 March 1818, /s/ John Flanagan. Copy taken from the original 16 Sept. 1818. (FHL film 323,802; SLC 6/3/2011)
Perry Co. PA Deeds (SLC 7/26/2014)
D-361/362: Article of Agreement 13 July 1831, between Stephen Duncan and John D. Mahan of Cumberland Co. PA of the one part and David N. Mahon of same county & state of the other part; that Stephen Duncan and John D. Mahon for $20,000 (two thousand six hundred and sixty six dollars and sixty six cents already received by them from the said David N. Mahan and do acquit him from all claims by reason thereof, and the balance of said twenty thousand dollars to be paid as hereinafter set forth), and they promise with the said David N. Mahan that they the said John and Stephen will convey to said David N. Mahan an undivided 1/3 part of "Duncanon forge" situate in Perry Co. and all the lands, privileges and hereditaments thereunto belonging; also an undivided 1/3 part of the farm in Perry Co. purchased by said Duncan and Mahan from Robert Clark with the mill and distillery thereon erected; also an undivided third part of the lands and furnace site purchased by the same from ---- Ickes; and an undivided third part of Chestnut Grove furnace in Adams Co. and the lands thereunto appertaining; as also of all the lands though not in this agreement specified which the said Duncan and Mahan now hold in the said counties of Perry and Adams or did hold on 27 June last, together with all appurtenances thereunto belonging or intended to be used or connected therewith; and also of all the stock implements, benefits, advantages, profits, debts, claims, demands owing to the same or in any wise connected with the carrying on and working of the said forge furnace mill distillery & so far as the said Duncan and Mahan are now or were interested on the said 27 June last as partners or owners therein by whatsoever name, description or title the same may be held or claimed, it being the intention of the parties hereto to vest in the said David N. Mahan an undivided third part of all the interest, real, personal and mixed of the said Stephen Duncan and John D. Mahan in the said real and personal estate and in the debts, claims and demands due and owing to the said Duncan and Mahan for or by reason of said forge, furnace, mill, distillery &c ... as if the said D.N. Mahan had been jointly concerned with them from the commencement of their interest ... said David is not to be liable for debts due from and by the said Duncan and Mahan for and on account of the real and personal estate afsd ... and the said David N. Mahan in consideration of the premises ... agrees that he will pay in addition to the said sum of $2,666.66 already paid, the further sum of $17,333.33, the balance of the $20,000 aforesaid according to the terms of the article of partnership this day entered into by the said Stephen Duncan, John D. Mahan and David N. Mahan, which as to the payment ... said David shall pay each and every year out of the whole amount of the net proceeds of his share of the property, to him by Duncan and Mahan according to this agreement until the same is paid, but the said David is not bound to pay for and on account of said balance due Duncan and Mahan in any one year a greater amount or any thing beyond the amount of the net proceeds of his share (more not copied here). /s/ Stephen Duncan, John D. Mahan, D.N. Mahan. Wit. George Croft, Jas. W. Patton. Ack. 30 July 1831 before George Croft, JP of Cumberland Co. Recorded 15 July 1831. (FHL film 22,019)
D-362/364: Articles of copartnership, Stephen Duncan, John D. Mahan, David N. Mahan. 30 July 1831, all of Cumberland Co. PA, equally interested in Duncannon forge in Perry Co. and in Chestnut Grove furnace in Adams Co. and in certain lands, stock implements, ore banks, rights, privileges and appurtenances belonging thereto ... have agreed to become copartners in the business of manufactoring iron at said forge and furnace and vending the same ... (much more not copied here) partnership to continue for five years. /s/ Stephen Duncan, John D. Mahan, D.N. Mahan. Wit. George Croft, Jos. W. Patton. Ack. before George Croft, Cumberland Co. JP, 13 July 1831. Recorded 15 July 1831. (FHL film 22,019)
E-86/87: 28 Sept. 1832, Stephen Duncan and his wife Louisa P. Duncan to Jacob B. Lyon of Adams Co., for $12,500 paid, sell all their right, title and interest in an undivided fourth part of Duncannon Forge, Merchant Grist and Saw Mill and Distillery in Wheatfield Twp, Perry Co., and to an undivided fourth part of tracts of land in said county, viz, the several tracts of land conveyed by Thomas and Martha Duncan to Stephen Duncan by deed 22 Feb. 1827, the land and mill property conveyed by Robert Clark to Duncan & Mahon by deed 15 April 1829, the tract of mountain land conveyed by Andrew Mateer to the same by deed 27 April 1828, the tract of land in Wheatfield Twp. in said county conveyed by John Blair to the same by deed 31 March 1830 and also the tract of land conveyed to the same in Tyrone Twp in said county by Jonas Ickes by deed 5 Sept. 1827, and all his interest in the undivided fourth part of Chestnut Grove Furnace in Huntingdon Twp, Adams Co., and all the lands appertaining to said Furnace including the land conveyed to John D. Mahon by the Sheriff of Adams Co. and subsequently conveyed to Stephen Duncan by deed 8th? Sept. 1832, the land purchased from William Plank on which the Furnace is located, the tract of land purchased from Conrad Warner on which the ore bank is situated, the land conveyed by John L. Fuller and wife to Duncan & Mahon, and in all the land which were jointly held by Duncan & Mahon and which by deed 1 Sept. 1832 were conveyed to Stephen Duncan, and also 1/4 of all his interest in all the personal property of said Stephen Duncan connected with or in any wise appertaining to Duncannon Forge in Perry Co. and Chestnut Grove Furnace in Adams Co., including every description of stock, cord, wood and personal effects whatever, together with all buildings, improvements, ... and appurtenances, and also all the estate ... of the said Stephen Duncan and Louisa P. Duncan to the same, to the said Jacob B. Lyon, warrant title. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Louisa P. Duncan. Wit. John Brooks. Ack. 25 Oct. 1832 before John Brooks, J.P., Dauphin Co. Recorded 30 Oct. 1832. (FHL film 22,020)
E-87/89: 28 Sept. 1832, Stephen Duncan and wife Louisa P. Duncan to John Johnson of Borough of Harrisburg, for $25,000 paid, all their interest in the undivided half of Duncannon Forge, Merchant Grist and Saw Mill and Distillery in Wheatfield Twp, Perry Co., and an undivided half of tracts of land in said county, viz, the several tracts of land conveyed by Thomas and Martha Duncan to Stephen Duncan by deed 22 Feb. 1827, the lands and mill property conveyed by Robt. Clark to Duncan and Mahon by deed 16 April 1829, the tract of mountain land conveyed by Andrew Mateer to the same by deed 27 April 1828, the tract of land in Wheatfield Twp. in said county conveyed by John Blair to same by deed 31 March 1830, and also the tract of land conveyed to the same in Tyrone Twp. in said county by Jonas Ickes by deed 5 Sept. 1827, and all his interest in the undivided half of Chestnut Grove Furnace in Huntingdon Twp, Adams Co., and all the lands appertaining to said Furnace including the land conveyed to John D. Mahon by the Sheriff of Adams Co. and subsequently conveyed to Stephen Duncan by deed 8 Sept. 1832, the land purchased from William Plank on which the Furnace is located, the tract of land purchased from Conrad Warner on which the Ore Bank is situated, the land conveyed by John L. Fuller and wife to Duncan & Mahon and in all the lands which were jointly held by Duncan and Mahon and which by deed 1 Sept. 1832 were conveyed to Stephen Duncan and also 3/4 of all his interest in the personal property of said Stephen Duncan connected with or in any wise appertaining to Duncannon Forge in Perry Co. and Chestnut Grove Furnace in Adams Co., including every description of stock, coal, wood, and personal effects whatsoever, together with all buildings, improvements, ... and appurtenances, and also all the interest ... of the said Stephen Duncan and Louisa P. Duncan to the same, to John Johnson, warrant title. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Louisa P. Duncan. Wit. John Brooks. Received the above date from John Johnson the sum of $25,000 in full. /s/ Stephen Duncan. Wit. John Brooks. Ack. by Stephen Duncan and Louisa P. Duncan on 25 Oct. 1832 before John Brooks, J.P. of Dauphin Co. Recorded 30 Oct. 1832. (FHL film 22,020)
Knox Co. OH Will (from Elinor Jackson 1/1991, MAD's extract, and FHL film 1,294,298)
D-353/7: Probate court 24 Sept. 1860; copy of will of John Duncan late of Adams Co. PA, deceased, produced in probate court of Knox Co. OH; on motion of H.B. Curtis Esq.; John Duncan died owning real estate in Knox Co. OH.
Will of John Duncan of Adams Co. PA, 16 July 1851, sick and weak in body; to sister in law Mary Duncan all real estate, houses etc. in village of Cashtown, Adams Co. PA, for live, also my horse and buggy; my two gold watches to my two nephews Augustus Duncan and Calvin Duncan, Calvin to have his choice; house and lot (boundaries given) in Borough of Chambersburg in Franklin Co. PA to my niece Mary White Duncan; my mill property and lands etc. on Falling Spring in Guilford Township in Franklin Co. PA to nephew Augustus Duncan, and personal property on those premises except a sideboard to my niece Martha Smith; farm partly in Guilford and partly in Quincy Townships, Franklin Co. PA, adj. lands of B. Ross, where Jacob Lightfoot now resides, to my nephew Calvin M. Duncan and my niece Martha Smith, and to them also my farm in Quincy Twp adj. above; my land in Knox Co. OH to my three nephews Augustus, Calvin M. and William Duncan; to friend William D. Moulder of City of Philadelphia, PA, $4,000; to Dr. John N. Duncan of Franklin Co. $500 and also $500 to each of his two sisters Mary Boker (?) and Sarah Duncan; to my cousin Elizabeth Lane of Franklin Co. PA $500; to Eliza Lane wife of Dr. Nicholas B. Lane of Borough of Chambersburg Franklin Co. $500 to be paid "him" ...; to Trustees of the United Lutheran and German Reformed Church near Cashtown in Adams Co. $100 for repairing the fence around the grave yard attached to the church. Regarding my Bank Stock in the Chambersburg and Philadelphia Banks, my PA State Stock and my US Stock, they to remain unsold and invested until my nephew William A. Duncan becomes 21, and the interest divided annually among my five nephews and nieces, the children of my brother Adam Duncan, deceased, share and share alike, and when William A. Duncan becomes 21, the stock is to be equally divided among the five nephews and nieces. My real estate or house in City of Baltimore, MD, to my five nephews and nieces, the children of my said deceased brother Adam; the house to remain unsold until my nephew William A. Duncan becomes 21, and the rents divided like the interest from the stock. To my nephew Calvin M. Duncan and my niece Martha Smith the boards and lumber on my farm in Quincy Twp, Franklin Co., which boards and lumber I have provided for the purpose of building a house on that farm. The residue to my five nephews and nieces, the children of my deceased brother Adam Duncan; after the death of my sister in law Mary Duncan, the revenues and remainder of my estate in the village of Cashtown to my said five nephews and nieces. Appoint my nephew Augustus Duncan, I.B. McPherson Esqr. of Gettysburg and James S. Ross of Chambersburg, Franklin Co. PA, executors. Wit. N.B. Lane, M.F. Robison. (MAD: John was in Franklin Co. PA 1850 census with Rhodes family, age 70; son of Seth whose will dated 1785 was probated 1794 in York Co. PA; Mary Duncan was in 1850 Adams Co. OH census, widow of Adam Seth Enos Duncan)
Go to the Adams Co. PA Histories before 1923
"Memorial Addresses, Life and Character of William A. Duncan, January 26th, 1885" (copy of booklet from Wayne R. Johnson 6/1993)
Memorial Addresses of the Life and Character of William A. Duncan, A representative from Pennsylvania, delivered in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, 48th Congress, 2nd Session, Published by Order of Congress, Washington, Government Printing Office, 1885.
Addresses of the Death of William A. Duncan. Proceedings in the House of Representatives. December 1, 1884.
Address of Mr. Ermentrout of PA. Mr. Speaker, on me has devolved the sad duty of announcing to the House of Representatives the death of our late lamented colleague, William A. Duncan, recently representing the 19th district of the State of PA, composed of the counties of Adams, York and Cumberland, which occurred at Gettysburg on the 14th of November last. ... (p.1)
Hon. William A. Duncan, the subject of these funeral rites, was born in Franklin Twp, Adams Co. PA, Feb. 2, 1836. He died at Gettysburg in his native county, Nov. 14, 1884, in his 49th year. His paternal ancestors originally went from the neighborhood of Edinburgh to Donegal, Ireland, from whence, about the year 1750, his grandfather, Seth Duncan, emigrated to the US, and located in Lancaster Co. PA. He there married and lived till late in life, when he removed to Abbotstown, then York (now Adams) Co. Seth had a number of children, most of whom became notable people. It was indeed a remarkable family. James and Matthew were brave officers in the Revolutionary war. William, after whom our late colleague was named, represented Philadelphia in the State assembly as representative and senator for several terms, and was an aid to Gov. Simon Snyder during the war of 1812. His son, Abner L., was a distinguished lawyer in New Orleans, whither he had gone in 1806. He was one of General Jackson's aids at the battle of New Orleans, and counsel with Edward Livingstone in defending that general during his trial before Judge Hall for proclaiming martial law. His daughter Hannah became the wife of John Nicholson, the famous comptroller-general of PA and partner of Robert Morris, the great American financier of the Revolution. Another daughter married Judge William Moulder, of Philadelphia. The most of them lived to a ripe old age. His son, Adam Seth Enos Duncan, the father of Mr. Duncan, was an exception. He died in 1840, aged 51 years. He, too, had been a soldier, serving in the war of 1812-'13 at Lundy's Lane, Chippewa, and Black Rock, and was twice wounded. On the maternal side, tributary rills of PA-German blood steadied and calmed the Scotch-Irish flood of many generations coursing in his veins; for both grandmother and mother were of that race who more than 200 years ago brought from the banks of the Rhine the arts, sciences, literature, and religion of a Christian civilization and planted them firmly in PA. (MAD: mother and grandmother not named) ... (p.5-6)
With these antecedents Mr. Duncan was left an orphan boy at the age of four years, with two other brothers but a few years older, to the charge of a widowed mother. ... She died in 1880 at the advanced age of 80 years, having found the reward of her motherly devotion in seeing her boys grow into successful business men and honored citizens. ... Mr. Duncan matriculated at the age of 17 at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, in 1853. He graduated in regular course in 1857 as valedictorian of his class. ... Entered the law office of R.G. McCreary, Esq., at Gettysburg, the county seat of Adams, and in due course was admitted to the bar in 1859. ... prosecuting attorney for Adams from 1862 to 1866, and again from 1868 to 1871; November 1882 was elected to represent the counties of Adams, Cumberland, and York, comprising 19th Dist. of PA in the 48th Congress. (p.6-7)
In 1863 he wedded Miss Catherine W. Schmucker, dau. of Rev. Samuel S. Schmucker, president of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, who is now deceased ... The fruit of this union was four sons, now aged respectively 20, 19, 17, and 13 years. Happily they live to console, to comfort and to sustain the bereaved widow in the bitter affliction of this irreparable loss. (MAD: sons not named) (p.10)
Address by Mr. Swope of PA (p.11)
William A. Duncan was born in Franklin Twp, Adams Co. PA, on Feb. 2, 1838. After such preliminary training as was at that period accessible in county schools, he entered Franklin and Marshall College, from which he graduated in 1857 with highest honor. ... After leaving college Mr. Duncan studied law in Gettysburg, and was admitted to the bar in 1860. In 1862 he was elected district attorney, and re-elected in 1868. In 1874 he was the nominee of Adams Co. for the State senate. He was also a member of the Stae central committee. In 1882 he was elected a member of the 48th Congress of the US and was re-elected Nov. 3, 1884. He died Nov. 14, 1884. (p.15)
Address by Mr. Atkinson, of PA (p.16)
Address of Mr. Post, of PA (p.19)
William A. Duncan was born in Adams Co. PA, Feb. 2, 1836 ... (p.20-21)
Address of Mr. Bayne, of PA. (p.21)
Address of Mr. Hopkins, of PA. (p.23)
Address of Mr. Cameron, of PA. (p.26)
It is my sad duty to announce to the Senate the death of William A. Duncan, late my colleague in the House of Representatives from the State of PA, which occurred on the morning of Friday, Nov. 14, 1884, at his home in the historic town of Gettysburg, PA. Mr. Duncan was born in Franklin Twp, Adams Co. PA, on the 2d day of Feb. 1838. ... Mr. Duncan was married in 1863 to Miss Catharine Schmucker, a dau. of Rev. S.S. Schmucker, D.D., an eminent divine of the Lutheran Church ... (p.26-28)
Address of Mr. Maxey, of TX (p.30)
Address of Mr. McMillan, of MN (p.31)
The chair of William A. Duncan, in the House of Representatives, is vacant. He was born in Adams Co. PA in 1836 and died at Gettysburg, PA, on Friday, the 14th of Nov. 1884, in the 49th year of his age. ... (p.31)
Address of Mr. Jones, of FL (p.33)
Address of Mr. Manderson, of NE. (p.35)
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Articles (from Kathy Cawley 2/2004 and 11/2005)
Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, December 13, 1820
MARRIED, On Tuesday evening the 5th inst. by the Rev. D. McConaughy, MR. JOHN THORTON, of Brownsville, Pa., to MISS JULIA ANN DUNCAN, daughter of James Duncan Esq. of this borough.
Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1836
DIED, In Mercer County, Pa., on the 29th of June last, after a lingering illness of several months, MRS. JULIANA THORTON, only daughter of James Duncan, Esq. formerly of this place. The last years of her life were spent in the discharge of that duty in which the female character appears the most angelic -- in softening the pillow, and cherishing the spirits of an aged Father. Her reward was not of men, but the approving voice of a Saviour, with whom she has gone to rest.
Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 26, 1836
DIED, On the 29th ult. at Greenville, Mercer county, Penn. MRS. JULIANA THORNTON, daughter of JAMES DUNCAN Esq. formerly for many years a citizen of this town, aged about 36 years. She had been confined to bed for about 5 months, and departed with confident assurance of a happy immortality.
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy Cawley 11/2005)
The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, February 21, 1821
'The most worthy and capable.' JAMES DUNCAN, ESQ. the late prothonotary for Adams county, was a soldier for the revolution, and fought the battles of his country at Germantown, Trenton, and other places, not at present within our recollection. In consideration of these services, his amiable disposition, and superior qualifications, he was appointed by Governor M'Kean to the offices from which he has been lately removed. And although MR. DUNCAN, at one time, opposed the election on Simon Snyder [KDC: Simon Snyder's son by his third wife, George Antes Snyder, married Mary Ellen Duncan on March 28, 1822, in Selingrove, Pa. She was the daughter of Stephen Duncan and Harriet Elliott. Harriet Elliott was the sister of Jesse Duncan Elliott and the daughter of Robert Elliott and Ann/Nancy Duncan, daughter of Daniel Duncan by his first marriage], his worth as a man, and his qualifications, as an officer, ensured his continuance in office during that administration. Neither did Governor Findlay think so lightly of MR. DUNCAN'S services as a patriot, his qualifications as an officer, and his virtues as a man, as to throw him aside to give place to the less deserving. Thus his services were appreciated by all the predecessors of General Hiester. But perhaps they were not so discerning in their choice of 'best men,' and could not find a stripling of federal growth, to supplant him in the winter of his age. During the late war, too, MR. DUNCAN marched to prevent the invasion of Baltimore, although upwards of sixty years of age. Nor do we know that this worthy young man is even the descendant of a revolutionary hero.
Our readers can now decide whether Gov. Hiester was stimulated by party or patriotic motives, in throwing out of office a man, the most copable, against whom no cause of complaint existed, and whose liberality on public occasions, and for charitable purposes had scarcely bounds -- to give place to an inexperienced young man; whose only claim to the office was his having voted for Joseph Hiester.
The General can have but one plea for this act, that his rotation; on this ground it might be justifiable, had the successor of MR. DUNCAN been as worthy or as well qualified as himself. ib.
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy Cawley 11/2005; MAD: Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA)
The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, May 2, 1821
From the Easton Centinel.
The appointment of James Duncan of Carlisle, as auditor general, by Governor Hiester, caps the climax. This same Mr. Duncan is one of the most violent federal lawyers in the state; and so much of an Englishman was he during our late war with England, that when the news was received at Carlisle of Perry's victory on Lake Erie, he refused to illuminate his windows, when every house in the town but his own was illuminated. If he had the least spark of patriotism in him, he ought to have been one of the foremost to rejoice, for the second in command, Captain Elliott, is nephew to this same Mr. Duncan. What will the real friends of the country now say of the conduct of the Hero of Long Island? What will honest Federalists, who love their country, say, when they find that Hiester, at the eleventh hour, selected such a man as James Duncan for one of his advisors? Let us no longer hear that Joseph Hiester is a friend to republican government. It is impossible. His conduct in this instance is outrageous, and he deserves the execration and contempt of A very true American. We appeal to the people of Carlisle for the truth of what we assert in relation to James Duncan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shortly after the inauguration of Hiester, The Chronicle said that he would in his appointments be governed first by those who had fought the battles of their country in the revolutionary war; secondly, that he would appoint those who had turned out in defence of their country in the late war; and next he would appoint those who were the most honest & capable. Witness the appointment of Mr. Duncan as auditor general, as an example of partiality for those who turned out in the late war!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The New Auditor General.
As by appointment of Mr. Duncan, he stands in a certain degree of civil connexion with every citizen of this state, it is presumed that a brief outline of the political career of this gentleman will not be considered as an intrusion upon the attention of our readers.
James Duncan, of Carlisle, for many years known a decided federal character, and not unfrequently found on the ticket of that party, as the unsuccessful candidate for a seat in Congress -- was particularly distinguished during the last war -- not for his military achievements, or his marchings or counter-marchings against the enemy -- but simply for his unwillingness to illuminate his windows for the victories of the American arms, when that mode of demonstrating their joy and their patriotism was resorted to by the neighbors on such occasions.
Finding, however, that his darkened windows and his high toned politics, were insurmountable obstacles to his advancement in public life, he engrafted himself with the oldschool party, repented of his errors, swore fealty to their cause, and in due time was admitted to all the rights and immunities of that association. Mounting steadily on the hobbi-horsical cause of the Long Island hero, at the late general election, he attained the long wished-for object of his ambition, by being elected a member of the 17th Congress for the district composed of Cumberland, Adams and Franklin. But, "on wishes, wishes grow," & one object of ambition is no sooner attained, than another rises upon it. His desire to procure the office of prothonotary of Cumberland county for Aughinbaugh, one of his satellites, brought him in contact with the Governor; and the facility with which he induced the old general to make this appointment, and to break his solemn promise to Helfenstein, opened a new field of private aggrandizement on his hopes. Relying on the bending disposition of the General -- his own arts of intrigue and sycophancy, and the influence of his quondam friend Elder, the Attorney General, he cast a wishful look to the office of Auditor General & the end justified his expectations. He is now in possession of the second most important office within the gift of the Governor & enjoys increased advantages of holding him in a state of pupilage.
Thus, when we behold the executive of Pennsylvania, the dupe of designing men who can induce him to break the most solemn promise, and who inwardly despise that mental imbecility which serves their base purposes of ambition or private animosity -- those acrimonious sensations of party spirit, which have been hitherto connected with the name Hiester, will dwindle into feelings of pity and contempt, and all that has been said or written in opposition to his election, will be fully and incontrovertibly established.
Huntingdon Advocate
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy Cawley 11/2005; MAD: Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA)
The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, June 6, 1821
[KDC: another article written, speaking out against James Duncan's character, says, and I quote]
"This is a new plea in his defence. His most intimate friends admit that he was in Carlisle and did not illuminate, and apologize for him by the pretended indisposition of some of his family. Thus then, the two important points in the controversy are established conclusively -- 1. Mr. Duncan did not illuminate -- 2. He was in Carlisle, at the time of the illumination."
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy Cawley 11/2005)
The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, March 16, 1825
DIED -- On the 18th of February, in Mercer county, MRS. DUNCAN, wife of JAMES DUNCAN, Esq. formerly Prothonotary, & c. of this county. [KDC: Susan Lear?]
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy D. Cawley by email 12/2005)
The Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Monday, November 7, 1853
PAINFUL EVENT--- RICHARD McKIM DUNCAN, son of the late JOHN M. DUNCAN, of Baltimore, committed suicide at Pittsburg on Friday by taking laudanum. He was married about two years since to a very respectable lady in Baltimore. No cause is assigned for the dreadful act.
"New York Times" New York, New York, 15 Nov 1884 (from Kathy D. Cawley 10/2006)
OBITUARY. CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN. WILLIAM A. DUNCAN, who was re-elected to Congress in the Nineteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania on Nov. 4, died at his home in Gettysburg, Penn., yesterday, of consumption. MR. DUNCAN was born in Franklin Township, Adams County, Penn., on Feb. 2, 1836, and was graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, in 1857. He read law and was admitted to the Bar at Gettysburg in 1859, where he has since practiced. In 1862 he was elected District Attorney and again in 1868. He was elected to the Forty-eighth Congress as a Democrat, receiving 16,780 votes, against 13,603 votes for William McSherry, independent Democrat, and 246 votes for Joseph G. Vale, Greenback candidate.
"Gettysburg Compiler" Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, September 11, 1894 (transcription by and from Kathy Cawley 5/2004)
CHARLES S. DUNCAN, ESQ., Democratic Candidate for State Senate.
Our candidate for the State Senate, Mr. Duncan, is a member of a family which has been prominent in southern Pennsyvania for many years. He was born on the second day of April, 1864, at Gettysburg, Adams county, Pa. His father was the Hon. William A. Duncan, who was a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College and was twice elected a member of Congress. Mr. Duncan's mother is a daughter of the Rev. Dr. S.S. Schmucker, who was at one time President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in this place, and was a noted man in the Lutheran Church. Mr. Duncan graduated at Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, in June, 1882, and in June, 1884, graduated from the Law Department of the University of Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the practice of law the day he was 21 years of age.
In 1888 Mr. Duncan ran for the office of District Attorney against John M. Krauth, Esq., a man of considerable age and good standing, who received the greatest efforts of the Republican party. Mr. Krauth was elected by a small majority of two votes. During his sickness, sometime later, Mr. Duncan took care of the business of the office, at Mr. Krauth's request, and upon his death was appointed in his stead. At the next nomination Mr. Duncan was placed upon our ticket for the office and was elected, the Republican's making no nomination against him. Last fall he was nominated again for the District Attorneyship and elected, running at least three hundred votes ahead of his ticket. Mr. Duncan is a fine public speaker and has done efficient service for his party on the stump and as a delegate in the State Conventions.
Mr. Duncan is thoroughly fitted for any office which his party may see fit to place in his keeping. He laid the foundation at college for the intellect which the practice of the law has strengthened. At graduation Mr. Duncan was an honor man in his class. He is a member of the Reformed church and in June 1890, was united in marriage to Miss Anna K. Barkley, daughter of Rev. Dr. T.J. Barkley, of the Reformed church. He has been more or less identified in business matters for a number of years and is Secretary and Treasurer of the Gettysburg Gas Company. He has always taken an active part in affairs of Pennsylvania College and is First Vice President of the Alumni Association. Personally Mr. Duncan is a gentleman of polished manners and intellectual tastes, at the same time he is a man greatly liked and respected by all, irrespective of party. His election to the office for which he is nominated will give Adams county good standing in the Senate.
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy D. Cawley 12/2005)
Gettysburg Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, June 17, 1908
Schmucher Duncan of Washington D.C. is visiting his mother Mrs. Catherine Duncan on Lincoln Ave. and will spend part of the summer here.
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Articles (from Kathy D. Cawley 12/2005)
Gettysburg Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, March 9, 1910
Augustus Duncan living near Chambersburg, and well known to many of our people, celebrated yesterday-- Tuesday-- his 82nd birthday. He has spent part of the winter at the Chambersburg hospital, but has improved much in health so that the anniversary celebrations and the congratulations of his friends was enjoyed. Mr. Duncan was born in Franklin township, and at the age of 24 went to Franklin county. He is an uncle of Charles S. Duncan, Esq., of this place.
Adams County News, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1913
Mrs. Charles S. Duncan and Miss Louise Duncan are spending some time at Philadelphia.
Adams Co. PA Newspaper Article (from Kathy Cawley 12/2005)
GETTYSBURG COMPILER, Gettysburg, Pa., Wednesday, April 3, 1912
DEATH OF AUGUSTUS DUNCAN.
ONE OF CHAMBERSBURG'S LEADING CITIZENS
He was the Last of the Duncan Family of His Generation and was in His 84th Year.
AUGUSTUS DUNCAN, a native of Adams county, died in Chambersburg on Tuesday evening of last week in his 84th year. He was the last of his generation of the Duncan family, a man of strong personality and sterling worth. Something of the heart of the man speaks in two events of his life. He was married to Frances Rowan and was a most devoted husband and their married life of seven years was a most happy one. Three children were born to them, two dying in infancy. Mrs. Duncan died in 1860. A daughter grew to girlhood and was the idol of her father's heart and when 15 years old fell a victim to typhoid fever. The husband and father bereft of his loved ones became a recluse and for nearly 40 years lived alone on his fine estate near Chambersburg, giving strict attention to all his business interests but leaving no one into the chamber of his lonely heart, yet giving expression to many act of kindness and charity. In 1878 Mr. Duncan took a southern trip in company with the late Henry J. Stahle, and Hon. Wm. McClean, of this place. They crossed the Gulf of Mexico and were overtaken by a furious storm. Every passenger on board [the] vessel was sea sick but two, Augustus Duncan and a baby. The mother of the baby was deathly sick. Mr. Duncan took charge of the baby and the two became devoted friends the rest of the trip and the only passengers who took their meals regularly.
Mr. Duncan enjoyed excellent health up to a short time before his death. On Saturday previous to his death he made two trips from his residence into Chambersburg. On his return home in the afternoon he complained of unusual weakness and a physician the same evening found him seriously ill from broncial (sp) pneumonia.
Augustus Duncan was born in Cashtown, March 8, 1829. He was one of five sons of Adam Seth Enos Duncan and a grandson of Seth Duncan who served in the war of 1812 and participated in the battles of Lundy's Lane and Chippawa, being three times wounded in the Chippawa conflict. Augustus was educated in the preparatory department of Marshall college at Mercersburg, and in 1853, at the age of twenty-four, took up residence in Franklin county at the Duncan mills in Guilford township. Since then he has been more or less conspicuous in large affairs in that county, but in later years his industries have been wholly given to his private interests.
Mr. Duncan was not desirous of holding public position but as a recognition of his qualities as a gentleman and his skill and knowledge as a fisherman, in 1884 Governor Patterson appointed him a member of the State Commission of Fisheries, a position filled creditably and with much aid to the work of the body.
Mr. Duncan has always been a Democrat and in his more active years was a power felt in Franklin county politics. In 1867 he became one of the owners of "Valley Spirit" and was its business manager for nine years although not remiss as to the editorial direction or suggestions. His partners in the newspaper business were the late John M. Cooper who founded that newspaper in 1847, sixty-five years ago and former Congressman William S. Stenger. For many years he served as a director of the National Bank of Chambersburg and of the Chambersburg Gas Company.
Two years ago Mr. Duncan gave outright to the Chambersburg hospital -- to which institution he had previously made generous donations -- the two story building just east of the hospital. He had bought it a short time before at a public sale for $3,000. A room in this building, called the Duncan Addition, he reserved for his use and the other portion is used as a home for the nurses, as intended by the giver. Here Mr. Duncan spent most of his time in the recent past.
Coldbrook, the country home and farm of Mr. Duncan lies a mile east of Chambersburg. Mr. Duncan has owned this estate consisting of 114 acres, thirty-six years, purchasing it in 1876. The house stands on a slight elevation at the foot of which rise two streams of cold, clear water which flows into the Falling Spring, that runs through the place. The mansion was erected some time previous to 1794, is in excellent preservation and shows few signs of the ravages of time. Striking in its architecture, it stands about a third of a mile distant from the turnpike, the road over which Lee's army made its fated march to Gettysburg and within sight of the ground where Lee made his headquarters while camped near Chambersburg. The farm runs to the north side of the turnpike, the first milestone standing in front of it. The building is of limestone with a thick coat of roughcasting and challenges attention by the beauty of its site and the extent of its frontage.
The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, interment being made in the Duncan lot in the Chambersburg cemetery. Hon. William A. Duncan, of this place was a brother and the surviving nieces and nephews are Chas. S. Duncan, of this place, William M. Duncan of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Schmucker Duncan of New York City, children of Hon. Wm. A. Duncan, deceased; Frank Duncan of Chambersburg, C. Mark and Robert B. Duncan of New York City, John M. Duncan of Philadelphia, children of Calvin M. Duncan, deceased, a Chambersburg attorney for many years; Mrs. John R. Avery of Mount Alto, and Mrs. James K. Zug, Woodstock, children of a sister.
"The Story of Thomas Duncan and His Six Sons" by Katherine Duncan Smith, 1928, (Los Angeles Public Library book R929.2 D911; also from Wayne R. Johnson 8/1993, and John A. Duncan)
This book contains information about descendants of Thomas Duncan, wife Jane, who died in 1776 at Carlisle, Hopewell Twp., Cumberland Co. PA.
This book also contains on pg.137, extracts from letters of Aug. Duncan. (WRJ: brother of William A. Duncan, Congressman from Cattsburg, PA) of Falling Spring Place, Chambersburg, PA, March 11, 1895, about Seth Duncan, in Abbotstown then Lancaster Co., now [1895] Adams Co., in 1741; and his son General William Duncan who died in Philadelphia about 1885 near 100 years of age.
Pg.97-99 contain the full copy of a letter from John G. Ford, of 713 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Feb. 15, 1896, also about Seth Duncan who emigrated from the county of Donegal, Ireland, to Pennsylvania, about year 1750 and first settled in Octorara Township in Lancaster County, then to York, PA, then to Abbotstown in York, now Adams County, and his descendants. His letter mentions David Duncan, who kept a large store in either Penn's or Sugar valley in Centre Co., Penna, and a few of his descendants.
"The History of the Wood and Allied Families" by Eleanor Duncan Wood and Eleanor Wood Moose (Library of Congress book CS71.W875 1969)
Pg.7-9: Information on descendants of James Duncan, including Seth Duncan of York Co. PA and his son William Duncan b. Adams Co. PA 1772, to Philadelphia in 1790, married first Mary Moulder in 1792, then Sarah Moulder, then Anna C. Staughton; this book gives more information on the generations and descendants.
END
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