Duncans in Allegheny Co. PA

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

Last revised February 15, 2013

ALLEGHENY CO. PA
Formed 1788 from Westmoreland, Washington
Armstrong formed 1800 from Allegheny, Indiana, Clarion, Butler, Jefferson, and Westmoreland
Beaver formed 1800 from Allegheny, Washington
Butler, Crawford, Erie, and Mercer formed 1800 from Allegheny
Venango, Warren formed 1800 from Allegheny, Lycoming
 

CENSUS RECORDS

1790 Allegheny Co. PA Census
Pg. 13  dunken, David        414x4                          Pitt Twp.

1800 Allegheny Co. PA Census
Pg. 26  Mardit Doncan        00101        - 10001           Pitt Twp.
    33  John Doncan          11010        - 00100           Pitt
    81  James Doncan         11301        - 22010           Mifflin
   129  James Doncan         20010        - 00100           Moon
   138  Andrew Doncan        00010        - 10000           Pine

1810 Allegheny Co. PA Census
Pg.150  Jas. Duncan          10101        - 02201           Mifflin
   197  Margret Duncan       00200        - 01101           Pitt
   242  Robert Duncan        10010        - 10100           Pittsburg
   250  John Duncan          30010        - 10110           Pittsburg
   304  Andw. Duncan         10010        - 01001           Pine

1820 Allegheny Co. PA Census
Pg. 31  James Duncan         100610       - 10020           Pittsburg
   211  James Dunkan         201301       - 32101           Deer
   222  Elizabeth Dunkan     000100       - 01001           Pine
            (MAD: widow of Andrew)

1830 Allegheny Co. PA Census
Pg.  6  Richard Dunkin       0000,1       - 0000,1          Pitts-South
   104  David Duncan         2000,1       - 1000,1          Pitt Twp
   192  Robert Duncan        0000,001     - 1000,001        Elizabeth
   219  Hanna Duncan         101          - 1010,01         St. Clair
   277  Wm. Duncan           1200,0001    - 01              Moon
   348  William Duncan       1101,01      - 1000,1          Deer
   356  John Duncan          0000,01      - 1000,10         Pine
            (MAD: 0 females 30-40?)
   358  Ebenezer Duncan      0000,1       - 0000,0000,01
            (MAD: son of Andrew & Elizabeth)

1840 Allegheny Co. PA Census
Pg. 52  John Duncan          0000,11      - 2010,1          Pine
    59  Ebenezer Duncan      0000,01      - 0001,0000,01
    74  William Duncan       1101,001     - 1000,01         W. Deer
    75  James Duncan         0000,1       - 1000,1
    76  Hamilton Duncan      2000,01      - 1000,1
        James Duncan         0000,0000,01 - 0000,1
            (James next to Hamilton)
    96  Robert Duncan        0210,1       - 0000,01         Lower St.
   110  George Duncan        0000,11      - 1000,1
   136  William Duncan       0011,1000,1  - 0000,1000,1     Jefferson
   230  Benjamin Duncan      0000,2       - 1000,1          Birmingham
        Hannah Duncan        0011,1       - 0010,001
   308  Jane Duncan          01           - 0010,0001       Elizabeth
   358  T.J. Duncan          2000,01      - 0001,1          Pittsburgh
   375  Jackson Duncan       1100,01      - 1000,1
        John Duncan          0001,2000,01 - 0000,0000,1
            (John next to Jackson)
   425  James Duncan         0000,1       - 3001,1
   549  Thomas Duncan        1000,03      - 1000,2          Wilkins

1850 ALLEGHENY CO. PA CENSUS

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA 1850 Census
 

1860 ALLEGHENY CO. PA CENSUS

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA 1860 Census
 

1870 ALLEGHENY CO. PA CENSUS

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA 1870 Census
 

1880 TO 1930 PARTIAL ALLEGHENY CO. PA CENSUS

1880 CENSUS, ALLEGHENY CITY, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (from Kathy D. Cawley 3/2006)
S.D.# 9, E.D.# 2, PAGE# 38A, IMAGE 32 OF 36
12 SHERMAN AVENUE
187-294
DUNKIN,
LEWIS F.,
W/M, AGE 40, HEAD, CARPENTER, PA./PA./PA.
MARTHA A., W/F, AGE 35, WIFE, KEEPING HOUSE, PA./PA./PA.
HOWARD, W/M, AGE 8, SON, ATTENDED SCHOOL, PA./PA./PA.
SUSIE B., W/F, AGE 5, DAUGHTER, PA./PA./PA.
ALFORD, W/M, AGE 35, BOARDER, SINGLE, BRUSH MAKER, PA./PA./PA.
MARY A., W/F, AGE 42, BOARDER, SINGLE, PA./PA./PA.
OTHER BOARDERS
      (KDC & MAD: 1850 Butler Co. PA census, 1860 Allegheny Co. PA census; not located 1870 census)

1880 Census, Pittsburg, 13th Ward, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (from Kathy Cawley 11/2008)
S.D.# 9, E.D.# 128, Page# 59C, Image# 39 of 39
310-377
HERRON,
Margaret, age 65, Head, W'd., PA./PA./PA.
Mary, age 32, Daughter, single, PA./PA./PA.
310-378
DUNKAN,
Sam,
age 28, Head, Telegraph opp., PA./PA./PA.
Carrie, age 21, Wife, PA./PA./PA.
William, age 1, Son, PA./PA./PA.
HERRON, John A., age 22, Neffew[sp], clerk in Tell. O., PA./PA./PA.
HERRON, Mamie, age 11, Niece, at school, PA./PA./PA.
VOGLE, Mary, age 13, servant, living out, PA./Wutenberg/Wutenberg
      (KDC: Samuel A. Duncan & family in 1910 Fulton Co. GA)
 

1900 CENSUS, BELLEVUE BORO, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (from Kathy D. Cawley 3/2006)
S.D.# 18, E.D.# 342, PAGE# 20A, IMAGE 39 OF 69
33 SPRAGUE AVENUE
390-409
TAYLOR,
ELIZABETH D., HEAD, W/F, JAN 1836, AGE 64, W'd., 1 CHI. BORN, 0 LIVING, PA/PA/PA
DUNCAN, ALFRED, BROTHER, W/M, SEPT 1844, AGE 55, SINGLE, PA/PA/PA, MERCHANT/DRUGS
PANCRAST, ALBERT, ROOMER, W/M, OCT 1869, AGE 30, SINGLE, PA/PA/PA
  ALLEGHENY CITY
  S.D.# 18, E.D.# 19, PAGE# 218A, IMAGE 5 OF 32
  29 TAGGART STREET
32-39
DUNCAN,
MARTHA A.,
HEAD, W/F, AUG 1842, AGE 57, W'd., 3 CHI. BORN, 2 LIVING, PA/PA/PA
SUSAN B., DAUGHTER, W/F, MAR 1876, AGE 25, SINGLE, PA/PA/PA, SALES LADY
BROWN, EDWARD S., BOARDER, W/M, NOV 1864, AGE 35, SINGLE, PA./PA./PA.
32-40
DUNCAN,
HOWARD L.,
HEAD, W/M, JUN 1871, AGE 25, M'd 0 YRS., PA./PA./PA., MACHINIST
RACHEL, WIFE, W/F, MAR 1876, AGE 24, NO CHI., PA./PA./PA.
      (KDC: Howard's age as stated)
 

1900 Census, City of McKeesport, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (from Kathy Cawley 2/2007)
S.D.# 18, E.D.# 437, Page# 132A, Image 13 of 30
822 Stockdale Avenue
122-132
DUNCAN,
W.H.,
Head, Aug 1844, age 54/ 55(?), m'd 22 yrs., PA./PA./PA., retail hardware
Amanda, Wife, Apr 1849, age 51, 0 chi., OH./OH./OH.
Frank, Son, Jan 1874, age 26, PA./PA./PA., mill laborer
      (KDC: *Frank's birth year is not consistant with 1880 Westmoreland Co. PA census)
~
Page# 134B, Image# 18 of 30
400 Frankel(?) Avenue
171-183
DUNCAN,
Silas,
Head, Jan 1875, age 25, m'd 2 yrs., PA./PA./PA., street car conductor
Elizabeth, Wife, Apr 1874, age 26, 1 chi. born, 1 living, PA./PA./PA.
Loretta, Daughter, Dec 1900, age 5/12, PA./PA./PA.
      (KDC: *year of birth for Loretta is wrong. should be 1899)
~
Page# 131A, Image# 11 of 30
511 Stockdale Avenue
97-106
DUNCAN,
William,
Head, Mar 1865, age 35, m'd 12 yrs., PA./PA./PA., sheet roller
Sadie, Wife, July 1869, age 30, 2 chi. born, 0 living, PA./PA./VA.
      (KDC: *all 3 families are enumerated in the same city. Note the sequence of page & image #'s showing that they live nearby to one another.)
~
1900 Census McKeesport City, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
S.D.# 18, E.D.# 420, Page# 147B, Image# 36 of 38
812 Lincoln Avenue
337-362
DUNCAN,
Arther J.,
Head, Mar 1869, age 31, PA./PA./PA., heater
Maggie, Wife, Feb 1867, age 33, PA./PA./PA.
Lorane, Daughter, Jan'y 1890, age 10, PA./PA./PA., at school
James, Son, Mar 1892, age 8, PA./PA./PA., at school
Margrete, Daughter, May 1897, age 3, PA./PA./PA.
Alberta, Daughter, Aug 1899, age 9/12, PA./PA./PA.
      (MAD: ?? James in 1870 census, James A. in 1880 and 1910 census)

1900 Census, Sharpsburg Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (from Kathy Cawley 9/2008)
S.D.# 18, E.D.# 495, Page# 211A, Image 35 of 38
40 17th
331-355
DUNCAN,
Daniel,
Head, Dec 1861, age 38, m'd 12 yrs., OH./OH./OH., salesman/pickles
Laura, Wife, Mar 1861, age 39, 2 chi. born, 2 living, PA./ENG./PA.
Warren S., Son, Sept 1891, age 8, PA./OH./PA., at school
Randall, Son, Sept 1897, age 2, PA./OH./PA.
      (KDC: see also 1900 Cuyahoga Co. OH census)
 

1910 CENSUS, BOROUGH OF BRADDOCK, ALLEGHENY CO., PENNSYLVANIA (from Kathy D. Cawley 4/2005)
  S.D.# 23, E.D.# 22, WARD 2, PAGE, IMAGE 28 OF 52
  118 SEVENTH STREET
202-258
BRIDGES,
MARY, HEAD, F/W, AGE 57, W'd, 7 CHI. BORN, 7 LIVING, PA./GER./PA.
MARY, DAUGHTER, F/W, AGE 18, SINGLE, PA./PA./PA. SALESLADY/SHOE STORE
DUNCAN, LEWIS, LODGER, M/W, AGE 22, SINGLE, VA./VA./VA. BRAKEMAN/R.R.
(MANY MORE LODGERS)
      (KDC: Could Mary Bridges age 18 be the same Mary that Lewis Duncan Married?; ? see 1900 Page Co. VA census; see 1920 Marion Co. WV census)

1910 CENSUS, McKEES ROCKS BORO, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (from Kathy Cawley 10/2005)
  S.D.# 23, E.D.# 149, PCT. 2, PAGE# 182, IMAGE 49 OF 66
220 ISLAND AVENUE
394-491
WILLIAMS,
HENRY, HEAD, M/W, AGE 39, M1X, 9 YRS., OH./WAL./OH.,CONDUCTOR/STREET CAR
NORA B., WIFE, F/W, AGE 37, M2X, 3 CHI. BORN, 2 LIVING, W.VA./VA./VA.
DUNCAN, ALICE, STEP-DAU., F/W, AGE 17, SINGLE, W.VA./W.VA./W.VA., STENO/WHOLESALE GROCER
DUNCAN, CHARLES, STEP-SON, W/M, AGE 15, W.VA./W.VA./W.VA., TELEGRAPH OPERATOR/WESTERN UNION
RATCLIFF, JOSEPH, BOARDER, M/W, AGE 27, SINGLE, VA./VA./VA., ENGINEER
MILLER, ALBERT C., BOARDER, M/W, AGE 22, SINGLE, OH./OH./OH., FIREMAN/R.R.
      (Kathy Cawley: see 1900 Point Pleasant Dist., Mason Co. WV census)

1910 Census, McKeesport City, 11th Ward, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (from Kathy Cawley 2/2007)
S.D.# 23, E.D.# 146, Page# 265, Image# 9 of 17
2820 Walnut Street
86-94
DUCAN,
William H.,
Head, age 66, M2X, 33 yrs., PA./PA./PA., own income
Sarah H., Wife, age 63, M1X, 1 chi. born, 1 living, OH./PA./PA.
~
2824 Walnut Street
87-95
DUNCAN,
Elizabeth J.,
Head, age 36, w'd., 2 chi. born, 2 living, PA./PA./PA.
Loredda, Daughter, age 10, PA./PA./PA., attends school
Norval, Son, age 6, PA./PA./PA.
Zimmerman, Frank, boarder, age 35, single, PA./PA./PA., foreman/car barn?
*Elizabeth is widow of Silas
~
11TH WARD, Supplemental
S.D.# 23, E.D.# 145, Page# 259, Image# 32 of 34
2511 [looks like] Walnut Street
108(?)-149
DUNCAN,
Sadie,
Head, age 38, w'd., 3 chi. born, 1 living, PA./PA./PA.
Marrell, Son, age 8, PA./PA./PA., attends school
~
1910 Census Glassport Borough, Ward 2, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
S.D.# 23, E.D.# 80, Page# 25B, Image# 24 of 60
509 Erie Avenue
241-254
DUNCAN,
Frank,
age 38, M1X, 10 yrs., PA./PA./PA., glass maker/glass house
Mary, age 30, M1X, 3 chi. born, 3 living, GER./GER./GER.
William, age 8, Son, PA./PA./GER., attends school
Arthur, age 6, Son, PA./PA./GER.
Frank E., age 3, Son, PA./PA./GER.
*using the information regarding Frank, residing in Glassport, ca. 1926
~
1910 Census McKeesport City, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
S.D.# 23, E.D.# 20, Page# 67B, Image# 34 of 40
732 Lincoln Street
322-379
DUNCAN,
James A.,
Head, age 40, M1X, 20 yrs., PA./PA./PA., craneman/tube works
Maggie R., Wife, age 40, M1X, 4 chi. born, 4 living, PA./PA./PA.
James A. Jr., Son, age 17, PA./PA./PA., leeder(?) clerk/tubeworks
Margaret S., Daughter, age 14, PA./PA./PA., attends school
Alberta, Daughter, age 11, PA./PA./PA., attends school
~~~
 

1920 CENSUS, STOWE TWP., ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (from Kathy Cawley 10/2005)
  S.D.# 24, E.D.# 820, PAGE 197, IMAGE 7 OF 35
RUSSELWOOD AVENUE
448-78
WILLIAMS,
HENRY, HEAD, OWNS, M/W, AGE 49, OH./WALES/OH., CONDUCTOR/STREET CAR
NORA B., WIFE, F/W, AGE 43, W.VA./W.VA./OH.
DUNCAN, CHARLES E., STEPSON, M/W, AGE 25, SINGLE, W.VA./W.VA./OH., BRAKEMAN/RAILROAD
OLIVER, SIDNEY, BOARDER, M/W, AGE 37, SINGLE, PA./PA./PA., ENGINEER/LOCO.

1920 Census, McKeesport, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (from Kathy Cawley 2/2007)
S.D.# 24, E.D.# 240, Page# 230, Image# 31 of 32
2820 Walnut Street
281-316
DUNCAN,
Amanda,
Head, owns/free, age 72, w'd., OH./PA./PA.
~
2824 Walnut Street
283-320
DUNCAN,
Elizabeth,
Head, owns/free, age 45, w'd., PA./PA./PA.
Loretta, Daughter, age 20, single, PA./PA./PA., stenographer/wholesale grocery
Orville, Son, age 15, PA./PA./PA.
Edmundson, Orville L., Father, age 70, w'd., PA./PA./PA.
~
1920 Census Glassport Borough, 2nd Ward, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
S.D.# 24, E.D.# 117, Page# 7, Image# 1 of 11
334 Ohio Avenue
7-8
DUNCAN,
Frank,
Head, rent, age 48, PA./PA./PA., laborer/glass factory
Mary, Wife, age 39, NA. 1886, GER./GER./GER.
William, Son, age 18, single, PA./PA./GER., laborer/railroad
Arthur, Son, age 15, attends school, PA./PA./GER.
Frank, Son, age 12, attends school, PA./PA./GER.
*Mary came in 1883 but wasn't naturalized until 1886.
~
McKeesport, 11th Ward
S.D.# 24, E.D.# 240, Page# 217, Image# 5 of 32
400 Marshall Avenue
41-44
ROSE,
Fred, owns/mort., age 33, PA./GER./GER., plastere/house
Loraine, Wife, age 28, PA./PA./PA.
Charles, Son, age 10, attends school, PA./PA./PA.
Allen, Son, age 9, attends school, PA./PA./PA.
James, Son, age 6 7/12, attends school, PA./PA./PA.
Margaret, Daughter, age 5, PA./PA./PA.
Loraine, Daughter, age 3, PA./PA./PA.
Louis, Son, age 8/12, PA./PA./PA.
41-45
DUNCAN,
James,
Brother-in-law, age 26, PA./PA./PA., laborer/mill
Hannah, Sister-in-law, age 23, PA./ENG./SCOT.,
Mary, Niece, age 5 6/12, PA./PA./PA.
Elizabeth, Niece, age 3 3/12, PA./PA./PA.
James, Nephew, age 8/12, PA./PA./PA.
~~~
 

1930 CENSUS, McKEES ROCKS BORO, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (from Kathy Cawley 10/2005)
  E.D.# 2-665, S.D.# 13, PAGE# 188B, IMAGE 43 OF 43
448
352-470
DUNCAN,
CHARLES E.,
HEAD, RENTS $30., M/W, AGE 36, M'd AT 29, W.VA./W.VA./W.VA., BRAKEMAN/R.R.
BLANCHE A., WIFE, F/W, AGE 29, M'd AT 22, PA./SWE./DEN.
CHARLES E. JR., SON, M/W, AGE 1 7/12, PA./W.VA./PA.
DONALD, SON, M/W, AGE 8/12, PA./W.VA./PA.
      Kathy Cawley: WWI DRAFT REGISTRATION
CHARLES EDGAR DUNCAN, AGE 23
CHARTIERS AVE., McKEES ROCKS, PA.
BORN APRIL 9, 1894, PT. PLEASANT, W. VA.
CHECKER/PITTSBURG and DESMOINES BRIDGE CO., NEVILLE TWP.
MARRIED, CAUCASIAN, MEDIUM HEIGHT and BUILD, BLUE EYES, LIGHT HAIR
ALLEGHENY CO., PENNSYLVANIA, JUNE 5, 1917

1930 Census, McKeesport City, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (from Kathy Cawley 2/2007)
E.D.# 2-693, S.D.# 14, Page# 268B, Image# 2 of 35
Walnut Street
15-18
DUNCAN,
Elizabeth,
Head, owns/$5000., age 56, w'd., PA./PA./PA.
Orville, Son, age 25, single, PA./PA./PA., moulder/foundry
~
428 31st Street
168-177
DUNCAN,
James,
Head, owns/$5000., age 38, m'd at 22, PA./PA./PA., latherer/contractor
Hannah, Daughter [s/b wife!], age 33, PA./ENG./SCOT.
Mary, Daughter, age 15, attended school, PA./PA./PA.
Elizabeth, Daughter, age 13, attended school, PA./PA./PA.
James, Son, age 10, attended school, PA./PA./PA.
Dorothy, Daughter, age 9, attended school, PA./PA./PA.
Deborah, Daughter, age 7, attended school, PA./PA./PA.
Selma/Delma/Thelma?, Daughter, age 5, PA./PA./PA.
Alberta, Daughter, age 1 6/12, PA./PA./PA.
~~~
1930 Census Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
E.D.# 2-590, S.D.# 14, Page# 75, Image 19 of 27
199-206
ROSE,
Fred A., Head, owns/$8000., age 43, m'd at 21, PA./GER./GER., plasterer
Loraine, Wife, age 39, m'd at 17, PA./PA./PA.
Charles J., Son, age 21, single, PA./PA./PA., plasterer
Allan E., Son, age 19, single, PA./PA./PA., laborer
James F., Son, age 17, PA./PA./PA., laborer
Margaret E., Daughter, age 15, PA./PA./PA.
Loraine N., Daughter, age 13, PA./PA./PA.
Wilda E., Daughter, age 8, PA./PA./PA.
Evalyn L., Daughter, age 4 11/12, PA./PA./PA.
Fred A., Son, age 3 6/12, PA./PA./PA.
Marion B., Daughter, age 1 4/12, PA./PA./PA.
Emma L., Daughter, age 0/12, PA./PA./PA.
      (KDC: *Loraine is the daughter of James A. & Maggie Duncan)
~
1930 Census Glassport Boro, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
E.D.# 611, S.D.# 14, Page# 138, Image# 7 of 52
334 Ohio Avenue
47-71
DUNCAN,
Frank,
Head, owns/$6000., age 58, m'd at 28, PA./PA./PA., laborer/glass house
Mary, Wife, age 50, m'd at 20, GER./GER./GER.
William, Son, age 28, single, PA./PA./GER., lead burner/Carnegie steel
Arthur, Son, age 25, single, PA./PA./GER.
Frank, Son, age 23, single, PA./PA./GER., laborer/wire mill
*CRICKER, Barbara, Mother-in-law, age 76, W'd., m'd at 19, GER./GER./GER.
      (KDC: *may be CRICKEN)
 

ESTATE RECORDS

Allegheny Co. PA Wills 1789-1869 Index (from index cards of Kit Smith 8/1983)
      David Duncan, 1-57, 1792
      Andrew Duncan, 2-212, 1820
      Jane Duncan, 3-343, 1829
      Margaret Duncan, 3-356, 1829
      James Duncan, 7-104, 1851
      Martha K. Duncan, 10-602, 1863
      Elizabeth Duncan, 12-146, 1866

Allegheny Co. PA Wills
      1-57: 6 Dec. 1791, David Duncan of Pittsburg, Allegheny Co. PA; wife Margaret, her choice of occupying the plantation on the hill or the house wherein I now live in Pittsburg; my sons Samuel, David, and my daus. Hannah?, Mary and Margaret equal shares; except Samuel 1/2 as much. (bottom line illeg.) Appoint wife Margaret, George Wallace, Edwd. Cook and Abraham Kirkpatrick exec. Wit. John Scull, James Morrison. Rec. April 18, 1792. Letters testamentary issued to Margaret Duncan, George Wallace and Abraham Kirkpatrick. (FHL film 858,898)
      2-212: 30 May 1820, Andrew Duncan of Pine Township, Allegheny Co.; wife Elizabeth Duncan $1; dau. Sally Duncan $1; son Ebenezer Duncan $1; wife Elizabeth all my improved land and buildings etc. during life and widowhood, then to son Ebenezer Duncan; dau. Sally Duncan 1/2 real estate to be taken off south end provided she pays 1/2 expenses; son Ebenezer north end, the half of my real estate. Exec. wife Elizabeth Duncan and Thomas Gibson Esqr. Wit. David Coon, Robt. Kidd, Thos. Gibson. Proved July 1820; rec. 5 July 1820. (FHL film 858,898)
      3-343: 5 May 1829, Jane Duncan of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co.; being sick and weak; household furniture etc. to be sold; to my dau. Eliza Duncan $8000 invested for her and paid interest semi-annually as long as she remains unmarried; if she dies without heirs then equal shares to surviving children of Riss and Maria Wilkins and John F. and Sarah Jane Riddle; $30 to theological seminary in Allegheny town; sofa to dau. Sarah Jane Riddle; sideboard to dau. Maria Wilkins; gold watch and chain to dau. Eliza; forte piano to granddau. Jane Duncan Wilkins. Residue divided into two shares, one share to dau. Maria Wilkins and her heirs; one share to dau. Sarah Jane Riddle and her heirs. Having encouraged my son-in-law John J. Riddle to build a dwelling house for his family on his lot in Water Street in Pittsburg ...; should Betty Williams the faithful nurse of my children and grandchildren no longer be able to earn a livelihood, she should be provided for. Exec. friends Doctor Joseph P. Gazzam and Mr. John McKee hatter, of city of Pittsburg. Wit. David Evans, F.B. Dallas. Codicil of items to same daus. 25 May 1829, wit. John S. Riddle. Proved 30 May 1829. (FHL film 858,899) (MAD: she widow of John of Ireland; Sarah Jane mar. 1822 Washington Co. PA)
      3-356: 1 April 1824, Margaret Duncan of Fleming Co. KY; weak and afflicted; to dau. Margaret Holvey of Allegheny Co. PA $200; at her death to go to benefit of Elizabeth Finley, wife of David D. Finley, and Sarah Gibson; grandson David Clarke; granddau. Hannah Rheams and her dau. Margaret Logan; Mary Campbell; Sarah Gibson; to David D. Harley (Hurley?) and his daus. Margaret and Martha; to my daughter Hannah Findley and son Samuel Duncan; to my granddau. Sarah Gibson; to Abraham Clarke; to Margaret Chitsey; all the papers relative to my 'Town' property in Saint Louis, State of MO, be placed in the hands of David D. Finley. Appoint friends James Young Esqr. and George Stewart Esqr. of Pittsburg, Allegheny Co. PA, and William P. Fleming of Fleming Co. KY executors. Wit. John C. Cassidy, Marquis D. Cornby. Rec. Fleming Co. KY 5 July 1824; rec. Allegheny Co. PA 19 Aug. 1829; letters of admin. issued to George Stewart. (FHL film 858,899) (MAD: see Fleming Co. KY records for another copy of will)
      7-104: 9 March 1841, James Duncan of West Deer Twp; eldest son William Duncan $84; son John Duncan $84; dau. Catharine Gray $84; son Thomas Duncan $84; dau. Elizabeth Dodds $84; dau. Rebekah (no last name) $84; dau. Martha Breahart $84; dau. Margaret Dodds $84; dau. Maria (no last name) $84; dau. Anne (no last name) $84; paid by my son Hamilton Duncan according to an article of agreement between him and me, the eldest paid first, next eldest 2nd, etc. To my son James Duncan my reserved time of the part of the place I now occupy with the privileges I reserved in the article between me and my son Hamilton Duncan, excepting to my daughter Maria & Anne (sic) the west end of the house I now live in so long as she remain single or choose to occupy it; to daughter Maria & Anne share and share alike my furniture; to daughter Rebekah Maria & Anne each one equal divide of my sheep; my son Hamilton Duncan all my real estate. Exec. sons William Duncan and John Duncan. Wit. Thomas Hamilton, J.G. Hamilton. Codicil: $64 reserved for me; if not needed, equally to daughters Martha Maria & Anne. Proved 28 March 1851. (FHL film 858,899)
      10-602: #339: 15 Nov. 1862, will of Martha K. Duncan of Allegheny Co. PA; my husband John Duncan and my children John Collins Duncan, Peter L?. Duncan and Sarah F.S. Duncan to continue residence at their present home known as "White Hall". To husband and children the furniture at White Hall until the children all of age, then equally divided, each a 1/4 part, $5000 annually for support of husband and children; appoint husband their guardian. If husband dies, court to appoint a guardian who is not a relative. Residual to H.B. Wilkins in trust, 1/2 for benefit of husband, at his death to my two sons. The other half for benefit of my dau. Sarah F.S. Duncan, free of control of any husband she may have. Pew #54 in St. Peters Church, Pittsburg, to husband and children. Children brought up Episcopalian. Mrs. Sarah McCandless to have care of my young children. In case my husband contracts a second marriage, my sister Mrs. Elizabeth B. Lytle to take charge of my dau. Sarah F.S. Duncan until of age. Wit. John Chistett Jr., A.C. Robinson. Proved 22 June 1863. (FHL film 858,904)
      12-146: #77: 16 Jan. 1849, will of Elizabeth Duncan formerly Elizabeth Kincaid, of Baldwin Twp, Allegheny Co.; place where I now reside to son-in-law Archibald McCollister in trust for the use of my husband Wm. Duncan for life, then to my dau. Emily McCollister formerly Emily Kincaid. To my dau. Emily McCollister feather bed and bedding, etc. Appoint John Fretined? exec. Wit. (illeg. on bottom line). Proved 18 July 1866 by William Barron & Thos. Varner. (FHL film 858,905)
 

LAND RECORDS

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Index, Grantors

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Index, Grantees

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Books 1 to 11

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Books 12 to 31

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Books 32 to 56

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Books 57 to 85

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Land Record Books 86 to 263
 

OTHER RECORDS

"Pennsylvania Archives" Series Three, Vol.XXII, ed. by W.H. Egle; pub. 1897 (Google book, 4/22/2010)
      Returns of taxables for the counties of Bedford (1773 to 1784), Huntingdon (1788), Westmoreland (1783, 1786), Fayette (1784, 1786) Allegheny (1791), Washington (1786), and census of Bedford (1784) and Westmoreland (1783)
   Pg.686, Return of Taxes, County of Allegheny, 1791, Pitt Township
      Duncan, Sam'l, 4.2 tax
      Duncan, David, 1.0.10 tax
      Duncan, Sam'l, 3.9 tax
 

"PA Archives" Series 1, Vol.9, Secretary of the Commonwealth Papers, 1781 (from Florence Dyess 11/1990 and 2/1991)
      Pg.17: Pres. Reed to David Duncan, 1781. Sir, Being appointed a Commissioner of Purchases for the County of Westmoreland (See Col.Rec. Vol.12, p.656) you are to proceed in that Duty with all Despatch so as to supply the Garrison at Fort Pitt & such Troops as may be drawn forth under the Authority of Council for the Defence of the Frontiers. -- The amount of your yearly Purchases is limited to 816 Barrels Flour, 5000 Gallons Whiskey, 200,000 lbs. Beef or Pork, 1000 Bushels of Corn or 2000 Bushels of Oats, which you will purchase with as much oeconomy as possible, & at such Periods as will be most necessary & convenient. Untill next Harvest you are not to exceed the following Prices, viz.: Flour, 30s. per Ct., Wheat per Bushel, 10s., Indian Corn, 5s., Whiskey, 7s.6 per Gall., but to get them as much lower as possible.
            Apply to the late Commissioner & receive from him what Effects he has on Hand agreeable to a Return to be furnished you by Col. Morgan. If Mr. Perry makes any Difficulty of delivering up the Articles or if he has not the Articles the Money which in that Case he must have on Hand you will apply to the two eldest Magistrates of the County for their assistance agreeable to the Letter sent herewith. -- Whatever you receive from Mr. Perry on this Occasion is to be reckoned a Part of the yearly Purchases. In Purchase & Transportation we request you to use the utmost Frugality & Care & to send down your Monthly Returns with rigid Punctuality. Indorsed, March 17, 1781.
      Pg.97: David Duncan to Pres. Reed, 1781. Pittsburg, April 24, 1781. Sir, I have got home a few days ago after a long and Sore Ride. Bought Thirty Beeves, Twenty seven of which is stall fed. I found much Trouble in passing the State Money as I had to go to the south Branch and North River in the Back parts of Virginia before I could get any Cattle at all. On my way home I call'd at Colo. Cooks & presented him with the letter I recd. from you and sent Mr. Perrys letter to him; I can't Inform you yet what Mr. Perry has on hand, or how far he will Comply with your orders as I haven't seen him myself.
            On my Return home I found no whiskey at this place, and was Obliged to buy a small Quantity for an Immediate Supply until I can have the Matter Settld. with Mr. Perry, and as soon as that is done I will Inform you and send you my Return. I can assure you yt. Nothing can be done here without the ready Money, the public being already so much in Debt in this Departmt.
            I make no Doubt but you will have an opportunity before long of seeing a Petition that's going Down against Colo. Brodhead & me, wherein we are Charged of being Concerned in buying Manors & Mill-seats, and Speculating on Public Money. These are Charges I am Clear of in every particular, and Deny their having any truth in them, but from what I can learn finds my not getting Money to pay of the public debts is the principal reason of the Petition being sent against me. I am sorry to represent to you that I am now Tyr'd of public service, especially when my Character is at Stake, and when I have Resigned all my estate for the support of the public these two years past, and now to be Censured in this manner by Groundless suspicion In Men whose only Motive is Mercenary Design, (I mean the leaders,) for all I have done both for them and the Country, tho' all I will at present say is, every Man has his enemys and I have mine.
            I could wish on the receipt of this the governor & Counsell would appoint some other person for the Commissioner in my place in this County, as I do not wish to be the means of any uneasiness in this County, nor serve in the post or station I was thought unworthy off, as you may Rely on it that spite is the principal of the Petitioners' Motive, so hope you will appoint some other in my place, that will please the people in Genl.
            Colo. Brodhead is out on a Campaign against the Delaware Indians. I am not Certain of the Number of Men he has with him, some say when he started from Wheeling he had about four Hundred, but no Certainty. We have heard nothing of him since, but expect him here in the Course of six or eight days. I am with sincerity Yr. Obedient H'ble Servt., David Duncan. N.B. I will do every thing in my power to supply the Troops untill I have the Honor of receiving your ansr. D.D.
      Pg.141: Pres. Reed to Christopher Hayes, 1781. Sir, Inclosed I send you the News Papers from the last Week. It is probable you will feel the Effects of the late Resolution of Council in your County, publishing the Rate of Exchange between Continental & hard money at 175. I therefore inclose you our Reasons for that Measure which I am perswaded will be satisfactory, & you will make such use of them as you think proper.
            Mr. Duncan of Pittsburgh has already sent his Resignation of the Office, finding the Appointment obnoxious to a great Number of People. This is very unfortunate as we shall now have a second Account to settle. We request you will consult Mr. Scott, & nominate a Person to us who will continue in the Office & do the Duty with Fidelity. You must be sensible that the Support of the County depends much on it, as well as Supporting the credit of the Money. We are drawing fast to the Crisis in which we must know whether Paper Money shall or shall not be Money among us -- Should any Measure similar to those which took Place among you respecting our State Money last year again appear, it will be impossible for us to do any Thing for your Relief, or even to support the small Force now there -- Finding that the Season is too far advanced for making astronomical Observations for Settlemt. of the line, we have proposed to Virginia to run a Temporary Line for this Season & begin early in the Fall or next Spring with the other. The distressed Condition of Virginia also prevented their proceeding in the Matter so soon as we wish.
            You also have herewith a Letter to Gen. Clark, which we request you to forward to him by a safe Conveyance. The Members of Council present you their Complimts. & beg you to accept of mine. I am sir your Friend & Obed. Hbble Servt, Directed, To Christopher Hayes, Esqr., Member of Council. Indorsed, May 17th, 1781.
      Pg.141-149 (143): Pres. Reed to Gen. Washington, 1781. Sir, We have to acknowledge your Excellys. Favour of the [5th] Inst. ... to remove any Impressions which may arise from a misapprehension of Facts. The Late Instances of Col. Blaine and Col. Broadhead appeared to us to fall within this Description from your Excellys. Letter to Congress confirm your Favour of the (blank) Inst. In the first if there was not a false suggestion there was such a Concealment of Truth either accidental or designed, (Mr. Hazelwoods local Duty & other Circumstances considered) as gave your Excell'y a wrong Idea of the Board. Amidst your other Embarrassments, we do not chuse to trouble your Excelly. with Col. Blaine's Letter wrote to us on the Occasion; we are sufficiently humiliated by such Treatment, but we must take the Freedom to pronounce it equally unjust, indecent & impolitick. It may drive men of virtue & Spirit from the publick service, it will never provoke those Existing in it. In the latter Case we have the accounts of the Commissioners & the concurrent Testimony of Mr. Duncan, the Quarter Master at Fort Pitt, that except when the Mills could not grind last Fall, & that for a very little Time there never had been a want of Flour at Fort Pitt, or any other articles we were bound to furnish. .... Jos. Reed, Pres. Indorsed May 17, 1781.
      Pg.190: David Duncan to John Gibson, 1781. Pittsburg, June 3d, 1781. Sir, Within these few Months, I have been through almost every settlement on this side of the Aleghany Mountn. in Order to Procure provisions for the use of the Troops here, and having seriously Considered the Situation of the Department, both in regard of Beef & Flour, am of the Opinion, that with Genl. Clark, gets the Quantity of Flour and Beef he wants for his expedition, it will then be out of my power, to get the Quantity which I am Instructed to Purchase for the troops now here, & for those that may be ordered for this Department, and more especially if the Quantities of Provisions, that is now, and is to be purchased, be allowed to pass Down the River, I mean the provisions that is exclusive, of what is purchased for the use of the army; I am well assured there cannot a sufficient Quantity of Beef be Got, on this side the Mountains for the Troops, am of the Belief if some Speedy plan be not fallen on, in order to bring Beef from the other side the Mountains, the Troops here will very soon Suffer, as we Tender our own Happiness & the Public Weal, would therefore beg the Commandant, that he will not alow of any Provisions whatever, to pass Down the River, except such as he may judge Necessary to let pass to the falls of Ohio, Caintucky, for the use of Distressed familys. These are Matters of the Greatest Importance, and ought to be Considered with the greatest Deliberation and care.
            I flatter myself, that if there be no Stop put to the Transportation of Provisions Down the river and no plan be fallen on to get beef brought from below, after this notice from me, that if the Troops should come to Want provisions, I cannot be Blam'd, as I have and will do every thing in my power to have them supply'd in every respect.
            I am with the Greatest esteem and regard your Obt. Hbble Servt., David Duncan, Commisnr. for the Westd. County. John Gibson Esqr. Col. Comdt. Fort Pitt. (A Copy.)
      Pg.200-1: Extracts of Letter from D. Duncan to Pres. Reed, 1781. Pittsburg, June 9th, 1781. Sir, I am sorry that it is not in my power to make you Returns e'er now. Mr. Perry's purchases is so far Scattered that makes it out of my power to get them recd. as soon as I could wish. It appears to be hard to get Mr. Perry to Deliver any of the Stores; what his motive can be I can't say, but from what he has said, he thinks he will be put in his old place, on account of which he don't want to have the Delivery Compleated until his brother comes from Philada., who is now with Council. I am Sorry to trouble the Governor & Counsell with letters in place of my Returns and accounts of Money which I recd. at my appointment, but flatter my self when they see they will give Satisfaction in Genl., and they will be Convinced that I have made my study to save the one third in all my purchases more than Mr. Perry have done. I have bought stall fed beef at one Shilling per pound state Money. I have bought whiskey at Six, & from that to Seven Shillings per Galln., & have it Delivd. in the Store, & wheat at one Dollar, & Delivered in ye. Mills; these purchases I have made, but not since the exchange came to One Hundred & Seventy five, for now the People seems not to be willing to Sell their property for state money.
            I had men last week in the Glades trying to Purchase beef, but not one would sell without hard Money; from what I can learn, I fear the Troops will suffer e'er Long unless some relief be sent from the other side the Mountains in a short time. I assure you the Credit of the Money is interely lost within these few Weeks past, and puts it past my power to purchase as low as my Instructions Directs me.
            Should ye. Governer & Counsell Continue me any longer, I hope they will inform me as soon as in their power, how to act in regard to the money, and what prices I am to give for the articles I have to purchase. I Live at so great a Distance I am never on a Certainty of ye. prices of articles, nor ye. Value of our money one week at once; you may Depend on my Returns, when I can get all the Stores recd. from Mr. Perry, and shall make you all the Necessary Returns of Receiving Purchases and Deliveries; it's true that when Returns are made, we ha'nt still an oppertunity of sending them when done. I think it out of my power sending you Returns from here in Less than three Months, the Distance is so great; tho' shall do all in my power to remitt them to you every Month, but am afraid I can't Compleat it.
            Lt. Morrison, of the 9th. Virga. Regt., have been up French Creek as far as the Carrying place, to see if they could make any Discoveries of the Indians & English that was said to be there & Coming against us; he and his men made no Discovery of any kind, nor no signs at the Carrying place; so from that we may hope the report we had of it was false, and no truth in it. I am very much of the opinion genl. Clark's Campaign will fall through, as it seems he won't get any men worth while on this side the Mountains; it's thought one Hundred is the most he will get. Inclosed you will find my Representation to the Commanding officer, in regard of the provisions I am Instructed to purchase.
            I am, dear Sir, with great esteem, yr. Obedient and very Hb'le Servant, David Duncan. Directed, Excel'y Joseph Reed, Governor of Pennsya., Philadelphia.
      Pg.305-6: Pres. Reed to David Duncan, Sir, Your Letters of the 24th April & 9th June (See pages 97, 200.) have been duly received. The former, wherein you express a Desire to relinquish your Appointmt. of Commissioner of Purchases, would have been answered sooner but that we were in Expectation a Change of that System would take Place. This has since happened, Mr. Morris having undertaken to supply all the Continental Posts in this State, so that you will of course be relieved from that Appointmt. before this can reach you. That Gentleman has already advertised the Contract for Fort Pitt & its immediate Dependencies. With Respect to the Militia of Westmoreland, we must desire you to continue to supply them untill some Arrangement can take Place for them. We have received & laid before Congress the Petitions agt. Col. Broadhead & yourself, & are truly sorry for the Disposition which so manifestly prevail. It is much to be feared that the Desire of handling publick Money without Account has been too much the Cause of their Complaint, in which it is also to be regretted that the Distance of Witnesses & the Prevalence of Party in a great Measure prevents an Investigation of the Truth, which I hope whenever made will prove favourable to you. We have received a Letter from Mr. Perry, wherein he retracts a part of his Returns in which he had credited the State for Articles on Hand, alledging that the People will not deliver them. You must receive what you can from him & we must endeavour to call him to Account for the Remainder.
            Gen. Clark's Expedition seems to have met with such Encouragement from Westmoreland, that we hope it will be effectual for the Relief of the Frontiers. We must entreat you to give him all the Aid you possibly can without involving us in Expence. Col. Broadhead seems to be of Opinion that it will be of no Service to Pennsylvania, but we find the principal Inhabitants of Westmoreland think differently, as we ourselves do, & therefore hope all the Friends of this State will give it their utmost Weight & Support.
            I am, Sir, your Obed. Hbbl. Serv., Jos. Reed. Directed, -- To David Duncan, Esqr., Fort Pitt.
      Pg.380-1: David Duncan to Pres. Reed, 1781. Pittsburg, August 30th, 1781. Dear Sir, I am sorry to Inform you that its out of my power to come down as soon as I did expect to settle my accounts, I have been call'd on by Mr. Morgan to come down by the Twentieth of the Month. I should have sent them e'er now, but a few days after I was call'd on by Mr. Harris to come down by the fourth of Next Month to make a final Settlement of my accounts; and at the same time I was informed there was to be Contractors to be appointed to supply the Troops on this side the Mountains, as I must supply the Troops, untill the Contractors takes place makes it altogether out of my power to leave this place, till' he or they get a supply, and when that is done, I will soon be down to settle my accounts finally were the Distance less I would not think hard to go oftener, even before I be able to settle, but could wish to make one errand for all. I have been very hard set to furnish the Troops with provisions, the Beef is scarce, but not that alone, but no paper money will pass on this side the Mountain, at any rate at all, and for Flour its now getting scarce as the Mills have been Dry the most of the Summer, the people in General will not sell it without the Hard money, and that in hand; I assure you I have to give my own notes, for to get provisions to supply the Troops untill the Contractors take place. I hope that some person may be soon sent here to supply the Troops by Contract or otherwise as I want to Come down and make a final settlement with Council; I have some money in my hands yet, but cannot think of Letting it go, unless I get the Value of it. I mean to discharge some small debts on the Frontiers to those who will accept of it, but those are few, the most of them being in expectation of Getting Gold and Silver at a future day. I have drawn on you in favour of Mr. William Wilson for Four Hundred & forty seven Pounds, eleven & three pence in Specie, which I hope you will pay in Hard Money or the Exchange of it, you may think it is dear but Necessity obliged me to give the price for no other person would Trust the public at that time, and he then sold them at a Disadvantage they not being at their prime, but want obliged me to take them as they were, neither did I do it of myself, but was urged to it by the Commander of this place, who I am informed have wrote you on the same Matter, no one Man in this Side the Mountains besides himself had so Many Cattle to dispose of and they were all Delivered here without any expence accrueing to the Public, if you dont pay the draught, my Credit is Ruined and I must pay it myself if it would ruin me for ever, by this you may see how far it will serve me, and the Public in paying this Draught, and preserving both our Credits. I have the Honor to be, yr. Excellencys obedient and Most Hbbl. Servt. Davd. Duncan, Comissr. W. County. Public Service. Directed, His Excellency Joseph Reed Esqr., Philadelphia. Honor'd by Mr. Wilson.
      Pg.399: Proposals for Supplies to Pres. Reed, 1781. Philada. Sept. 12th, 1781. Sir, We propose to furnish the Militia and Ranging Company's for Bedford and Westmoreland County's with provisions on the following terms, each Ration to be compos'd of the following articles, one pound of Bread, made of good flour, one pound of Beef, or three quarters of pork, one Gill of Whiskey, three pounds of Candles, eight pounds of Soap, for every Seven hundred Rations, two quarts of Vinegar and one quart of Salt for every hundred Rations at eleven pence halfpenny for each Ration, if the Contractors should not be able to procure the small articles, by furnishing an equivalent in Bread and Meat, agreed to by such person as shall be authoriz'd by his Excellency the President & Supreme Executive Council to be sufficient, the Person so authoriz'd his orders & Receipts to be sufficient Vouchers for the Contractors, for settlement, that the Lieuts. of each County be authoriz'd to furnish necessary Escorts in time of danger, that the Contractors shall not be obliged to issue provisions at any other posts than Bedford and Hannas Town, that any provisions by lying in store longer than six Months be damag'd to be at the loss of the State and paid for as Rations issued and in case of Capture by the Enemy of any provision from an Escort or where Magazines shall be directed to be deposited to be at the loss of the state and paid for as Rations issued by having proper certificates from such person as shall be authorized by Council, that it shall be in the power of such person so authoriz'd together with the Contractors to alter the Ration as to the species and description of the Meat, so often as shall be deemed convenient by both parties, that the Contractors be furnished by Council in advance with three hundred pounds specie to be deducted out of the first settlement, that his Excellency the President & Supreme Executive Council settle with the said Contractors every three Months and pay such sums as may be due to them, that the said Contract shall continue for one year from the first day of October next.
            We have the Honor to be, your Excellencys most obt. Hble Servt. David Duncan, Mich. Huffnagle. Directed, His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esqr., President & Supreme Executive Council.

"PA Archives" Series 1, Vol.10, Secretary of the Commonwealth Papers, 1785 (from Florence Dyess 11/1990)
      Pg.704: Petition of Messrs. Duncan and Finley of Pittsburg, 1785. To his Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President, and the Honourable Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Council assembled:
            The Petition of David Duncan and John Finley, of the Town of Pittsburgh, Humbly sheweth,
            That your petitioners having been informed that Fort McIntosh is to be evacuated in the Spring, and they having engaged in business in the Indian Trade, would willingly undertake the care of the Garrison and Buildings at that place. That unless some person or persons are appointed to take care of the Garrison, it will be in danger of being destroyed by the Indians, or the burning of the Woods.
            Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honors would be pleased License them to Trade in the business aforesaid, at the place aforesaid, for such Time as your honours shall think proper during good behaviour, and your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will pray, &ca. David Duncan, John Finley. Pittsburgh, February 26, 1785.
 

"The Herald And Torch Light" Hagerstown [Washington Co.], Maryland, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1873 (transcription by and from Kathy Cawley 4/2003)
      A Will Suit Involving a Million Dollars ---- A letter from Marshall, Michigan says: "A contested will case, in which Bishop Simpson, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a legatee, is exciting much attention in this county. Nearly a million dollars is involved in this dispute. Thomas Duncan, his brother William and their father immigrated from Ireland to America in 1840. In Pittsburg [Allegheny Co. PA] the father pursued his calling as a surveyor, and Thomas became a clerk in the Novelty Works. A year or two afterwards Thomas invested three hundred dollars in the oil regions, but it was a bad investment, and he was about to re-enter the service of the Novelty Works, his brother William gave him the three hundred dollars and urged him again to bore for oil. In 1862 the oil began to flow, and Thomas made money rapidly. He subdivided his farm and sold much of it. The property fell into so many hands that affairs were complicated, and Thomas called his brother to his assistance. William conducted the business, receiving $5,000 a year, and at one time an unset diamond and at another a pair of gloves; but there were misunderstandings between the brothers, and they progressed slowly. The father died in 1862. Thomas took care of his mother and other members of the family. He became irritable and was capricious in his favors. The fortune that was thrust upon him was too much for his general equanimity. In the oil regions he received a serious injury about the head and after that was weak minded and vacillating. He joined the Methodist Church and was regarded as an exemplary member. In 1870 he went to Ireland to visit his old friends, and died there in 1871. His remains were brought to this country by his mother and a brother. In his last illness it is said that he signed three different wills within a few days of each other. "His last will makes numerous bequests and nominates Bishop Simpson and James Long, of Philadelphia, exectutors. The brother William decided to contest the will. Counsel of marked ability have been secured on both sides, and Bishop Simpson is daily in attendance. The contestants are trying to show that the testator had frequent spells of aberration, and that his brain must have been affected. They have arrayed the best medical testimony on their side."
      (MAD: ?? see 1850 Allegheny Co. PA census, Andrew Duncan 48 in Pittsburg Ward 3 pg.195, and J. Duncan 58 in Ward 6 pg.765, both born IRE, surveyors.)
 

"Weekly Gazette" Colorado Springs [El Paso Co.], Colorado, Saturday, February 21, 1891 (transcription by and from Kathy Cawley 1/2004)
      JAMES DUNCAN DEAD
      It will be with sorrow that the many friends of James Duncan will learn of his death, which occurred Monday evening about 8 o'clock. Mr. Duncan has been sick for some days with a bad cold and last Monday was compelled to take to his bed. Nothing serious was apprehended until Saturday, when he was attacked with pneumonia, which he was unable to withstand owing to his advanced age. The remains are in charge of Hallett & Baker, but arrangements for the burial have not been decided upon.
      Mr. Duncan was born in Belfast, Ireland, and was in his 77th year. He came to America when 14 years of age, and lived the greater portion of his life in Pennsylvania. In 1872 he came to Colorado Springs, being among the first to locate here. For years he was engaged in the stationery and book business in this city, being the pioneer in that line. His first store was located on Cascade avenue, about where the Colorado Springs Transfer company's barn is now situated. Of late years Mr. Duncan has conducted a small music store at 115 (?) East ?uerfano street, more that his time might be employed than for any necessary that he should engage in business, and was resting in the rear of the store at the time of his death. His son, James P. Duncan, was with him at the last, but his wife and two married daughters reside near Pittsburg [Allegheny Co.], Pa. Mr. Duncan was a kindly, genial gentleman, and there are many in this city to pay tribute to his noble qualities.
 

"The Arizona Republican" Phoenix, Arizona, Sunday Morning, October 10, 1897 (transcription by and from Kathy Cawley 6/2004; MAD: Carnegie, Allegheny Co. PA; Phoenix, Maricopa Co. AZ)
      CITY AND COUNTY IN BRIEF.
      James Duncan, a prominent glass manufacturer of Carnegie, Pa., arrived in town yesterday. This is, however, not his first visit. He came to the territory two years ago and became interested with W.E. Gray in mining properties in the Briggs district.
 

COURT RECORDS

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA Court Records
 

MILITARY RECORDS

JAMES DUNCAN, Rev. Pension Application S-37901, PA, NC, GA (MS) (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      Applied 19 Nov. 1827, age 74-5? in Feb. 1827, in Baldwin Co. GA; enlisted in 1776 for 2 years at Pittsburg (PA) under Capt. Andrew Waggoner, Col. James Wood; witnesses Benjamin Gilbert of Putnam Co. GA who served with James, Wm. Y?. Hansell of GA.
      Statement of James Duncan, son of James, 22 Jan. 1850; that James Sr. lived in Baldwin Co. GA 4-5 years before his death, before that he lived in NC; James Sr. d. 17 Feb. 1834 in Baldwin Co. GA, leaving no widow and only 4 children heard of in 4-5 years: James, John, Jane Harris, Edy Neely. Eady Nealy of Jasper Co. MS on 16 June 1851; John Duncan and Jane Harris of Pontotoc Co. MS on 26 July 1852; James Duncan Jr. still living 26 July 1852.
      Click here for a more extensive extract from the pension file.
 

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, John A., widow Duncan, Elizabeth A.; F 13 PA Cav.; 1891 June 22, Invalid Appl. #1033135, Cert. #804651, PA; 1926 June 12, Widow Appl. #1543242, Cert. #A-7-29-26, PA. (MAD: ? 1880 Cumberland Co. PA b.1842 PA; 1900 Allegheny Co. PA)
      Duncan, John C.; I 151 PA Inf.; 1890 Aug. 15, Invalid Appl. #871949, Cert. #635849, PA. (MAD: ? 1850 Allegheny Co. PA census)
      Dunken, Sidney, alias Duncan, Sidney Leroy; Pri. 1892-1897 Indian Wars, I & D 9 US Cav.; 1926 Nov. 5, Sur. Appl. #1560650, no cert., Act of March 4, 1917, PA; remarks C2308981.
      Duncan, Sidney Leroy, alias Dunken, Sydney; Indian Wars., Pri. 1892-1897, I & D 9 US Cav.; 1926 Nov. 5, Soldier Appl. #1560650?, no cert., Act. of March 4, 1917, PA; remarks C2308981. (MAD: ? Sidney L. Duncan, 1910 Allegheny Co. PA, b.1871 KY, wife ?? Lucy B.)
      Duncan, William J., widow Duncan, Hannah; Sergt. F 46 PA Inf.; 1879 May 24, Invalid Appl. #288064, Cert. #1089571; 1914 Dec. 18, Widow Appl. #1038557, Cert. #787183, Penna. (MAD: ? 1850 Allegheny Co. PA census)
 

"History of the Forty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 1861-1865" by The Comrads; ed. by Allen D. Albert; pub. Williamsport, Pa.: Grit Pub. Co., 1912, 589 pgs. (LH13180, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL book 974.8 M2pm and film 1,421,602 item 21 and fiche 6,083,992)
      Pg.439: Roster of Company B. Duncan, Enos, enlisted September 17, 1864; mustered out with company July 17, 1865; inmate Soldiers' Home, Erie, Pa. (MAD: ? Allegheny Co. PA 1860 census)
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER LOCALITIES

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA References from Other PA Counties

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA References from Other States
 

HISTORIES before 1923

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA References in Allegheny County Histories
 

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA References in County Histories of Other Localities
 

The Historic Pittsburgh Project. The University of Pittsburgh's Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh Full-Text Collection, is online for public access, at:
      http://digital.library.pitt.edu/pittsburgh
      There is a digital collection of western Pennsylvania books, including a full-text collection of over 400 books published prior to the 1920's.
      http://digital.library.pitt.edu:80/p/pitttext/
      Other information on this website includes:
      Searchable database of US census for Pittsburgh (1850-1880) and Allegheny city (1850-1870).
      About 900 historic land ownership maps of the Pittsburgh area.
      About 290 finding aids in archive collections on the greater Pittsburgh history.
      Searchable chronology of Pittsburgh history with over 3100 entries (1717-2001)
      Online catalog for Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania.
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER SOURCES

Go to the Allegheny Co. PA References from Other Sources
 

OTHER SOURCES FOR INFORMATION

"Records of Stark - Hamilton - Duncan - Crooks - McConnell - Freytag - Seaver - Brandt Families" by Evelyn Potter Freytag and Frederick Clark Freytag, 1973 (Los Angeles Public Library book R929.2 S7952-1, and from Alta Sue Duncan 1/1986)
      MAD: This book includes the descendants of James Duncan, born May 1766, died 11/11/1850, married 5/14/1795 to Rebecca Hamilton; he settled for a short time near Petersburg, VA, then moved to Allegheny Co. PA; he had a brother William Duncan. The book gives descendants of James and Rebecca.

"Champaign Co. (IL) Genealogical Society Quarterly" Vol.8#2 Sept. 1986 (FHL book 977.3 D25c)
      Pg.58: This issue of the periodical contains the Duncan family Bible record of James Duncan, born Oct. 31, 1815, married April 5, 1838, to Jane Wilson, born Nov. 8, 1817, and lists their children. (MAD: 1850 Allegheny Co. PA census; James the son of James Sr. d. 1851, of West Deer Twp)
 

END

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