Duncans in Spartanburg Co. SC County Histories

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

Last revised August 16, 2001

SPARTANBURG CO. SC
HISTORIES before 1923
 

1900 "History of Spartanburg County : embracing an account of many important events and biographical sketches of statesmen, divines and other public men and the names of many others worthy of record in the history of their county" by John Belton O'Neall Landrum (FHL book 975.729 H2L and FHL film 1,000,582 item 3)
      Pg.350: PROFESSOR DAVID DUNCAN. This eminent educator was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, in 1790, and was graduated from Glasgow University at eighteen years of age, after which he spent four years in the English navy. He was at St. Petersburg at the time Napoleon burned Moscow. He came to America in 1817 and landed in Norfolk, Va., and from that time until his death he devoted his attention to educational work. From 1817 to 1835, he was the principal of the Norfolk Academy, and from the latter date until 1854 he was professor of ancient languages in the Randolph-Macon College, and from 1854 to 1881, in which year he died, he was professor of ancient languages in the Wofford College at Spartanburg, being among the first of the faculty of that institution.
            He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Ann Shirley, who only lived one year after her marriage, leaving no children. His second marriage was to Miss Alice A. Peimont. She was reared in Norfolk, and was the daughter of Thomas and Alice (Robinson) Peimont. The latter .... By the marriage between Professor David Duncan and Alice A. Peimont seven children were born, viz.: Mary Elizabeth, who married Lucien H. Lomax; William Wallace, a sketch of whom we present in this volume; James Armstrong; Alice Amanda; David Robinson, who will receive further notice; Thomas C. and D'Arcy Paul. Only three of the above are living, viz.: David R., William W., and D'Arcy P.
            James Armstrong Duncan became a doctor of divinity, and was one of the most distinguished and eloquent Methodist divines in the country. At the time of his death he was president of Randolph-Macon College, Va. Thomas Carey Duncan was killed in battle, in the seven days fight in front of Richmond, a brave and gallant soldier, being a member of Co. K., Palmetto Sharpshooters. D'Arcy P. Duncan is a prominent citizen in the State, ...
      Pg.351: BISHOP WILLIAM WALLACE DUNCAN. This distinguished divine of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, now a resident of the city of Spartanburg, S.C., is the son of Professor David Duncan, a sketch of whom we present herein. He was born at Randolph-Macon College, Mecklenburg county, Va., December 20th, 1839, his father ... in 1854 ... Spartanburg. The son, the subject of this sketch, came with him. He entered the freshman class the year of his father's removal, graduating four years afterwards. Soon after his graduation .... In 1861 Bishop Duncan was married to Miss Medora, daughter of Hon. Ben Rice of Union, S.C., and they are the happy parents of three children: Colonel T.C. Duncan of Union, Mrs. Warren Du Pre, and Mrs. A.G. Rembert of Spartanburg. ....
      Pg.389: MAJOR DAVID ROBINSON DUNCAN, son of Professor David Duncan, ... was born at Randolph-Macon College, Mecklenburg county, Va., September 27, 1836. ... graduated in June, 1855. He at once came to Spartanburg, .... Major Duncan was married July 9th, 1856, to Miss Virginia, daughter of William and Martha Nelson, formerly of Mecklenburg county, Va. Mrs. Duncan is a descendant of Governor Thomas Nelson, of Virginia, ... The marriage of Major Duncan has resulted in the birth of four children, whose respective names are Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of John D. Garlington, of Laurens county; Martha Nelson, now the wife of John E. Wannamaker, of St. Matthews, Orangeburg county; William Nelson, a resident of Spartanburg county, and Carrie Virginia, whose home is with her parents. ....
      Pg.369-371: The Wood Family. In our efforts to gain some information concerning the Wood family we find among the same a prevailing tradition that two brothers emigrated from VA to SC before the Revolution, and during that struggle for American independence both entered the service of their country. At the close of the Rev. they separated; one returned to VA and the other removed to TN. The one who returned to VA, however, came back to SC, settling in the eastern portion of the present county of Spartanburg. It is supposed that he married in VA, and it is not known how many children he had, but William Wood was one of his sons who lived on Pacolet, near Easterwood Shoals. He was a prominent and highly respectable citizen in his day and time, and married Miss Nancy, dau. of the elder William Lipscomb (MAD: from Louisa Co. VA just after close of Rev., per next sketch). By this marriage he had seven children: Lucinda mar. Wm. Littlejohn (known as Wm. Kink); James mar. Harriet E. Wilkins; N. Lipscomb mar. Mary Austell; David mar. in AL (MAD: wife not given); Caroline mar. Daniel Draper; John mar. Agnes Lipscomb; and Thomas mar. Addie Lipscomb. Children of John Wood above were Sallie mar. Smith Lipscomb, Moses (wounded in Civil War) mar. J. Elma Meng (sic) of Union Co. SC, Adolphus N. mar. Millie Draper, Atlanta mar. W.F. Bryant of Pacolet SC, Lou H. mar. R.R. Brown of Cowpens SC, and Miss Terisa E. single.

1892 "Cyclopedia of eminent and representative men of the Carolinas of the nineteenth century : with a brief historical introduction of South Carolina by General Edward McCrady, Jr., and on North Carolina by Hon. Samuel A. Ashe" Vol.1, SC, pub. by Brant & Fuller (FHL film 22,502; Vol.2 is NC; typed by Evelyn Sigler)
      Pg.256-8: Major David R. Duncan - One of the leading members of the Spartanburg bar, born Randolph-Macon college, Mecklenburg Co. VA, Sept. 27, 1836. His father, Prof. David Duncan, was born in county Donigal, Ireland, in 1790. Prof. Duncan graduated from Glasgow university when 18, then spent four years in the English navy. He was at St. Petersburg at the time Napoleon burned Moscow. He came to America in 1817, and landed at Norfolk, VA, and from that time until his death, he devoted his attention to educational work. From 1817 to 1835, he was principal of the Norfolk academy. From the latter date until 1854, he was a professor of ancient languages in Randolph-Macon college, and from 1854 to 1881, in which year he died, he was professor of ancient languages in Wofford college at Spartanburg, SC. He was twice married, his first wife living only one year, and leaving no children. Both marriages took place in Norfolk. His first wife was Miss Ann Shirley, and his second, who was the mother of Maj. Duncan, was Alice A. Piedmont. She was reared in Norfolk, and was the daughter of Thomas and Alice (Robinson) Piedmont. The latter was a niece of John Robinson, who was a member of the Virginia house of burgesses, and its president at the time Patrick Henry made his celebrated speech. The Robinson family was of English descent, and the Piedmont of French. Maj. Duncan's descent is therefore from the English, Irish, Scotch and French. He was the fifth in the order of birth of a family of six sons and two daughters. Their respective names are as follows: Mary Elizabeth, William Wallace, James Armstrong, Alice Amanda, David Robinson and D'Arcy Paul. Only three of the above named are now living, namely, David R., the subject of this sketch, William W. and D'Arcy P. William Wallace Duncan is a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion, and is located at Spartanburg. D'Arcy is one of the railroad commissioners of SC. James Armstrong Duncan became a doctor of divinity, and was one of the most distinguished and eloquent Methodist divines in the country. At the time of his death he was president of Randolph-Macon college. Thomas Cary Duncan was killed in battle, in the seven days' fight in front of Richmond, being a member of the Palmetto sharpshooters. Maj. David Robinson Duncan received his early education at Randolph-Macon college, at which his father was a professor, and from which he, himself, graduated in June, 1855. He at once came to Spartanburg, whither his father had removed in 1854, and here, for one year, taught the Odd Fellows' high school, as its first teacher. At the same time, he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, having determined to qualify himself for practice in the legal profession. When he had arrived at the age of twenty-one, in 1857, he was admitted to the bar, and at once took up the practice of his profession in Spartanburg, where he has ever since practiced, with the exception of four years, during the Civil war. In August, 1861, he entered the service of the Confederate army, as first lieutenant of Company C, 13th SC volunteers. Upon the organization of the regiment he was made captain of his company, and was thus the junior captain of his regiment. He served in this capacity till the spring of 1864, when he was promoted to the rank of major. He was a brave soldier and a faithful and conscientious officer. He was in the battles before Richmond, at Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Second Manassas, Cold Harbor, Chancellorsvile, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, second Cold Harbor and the engagments about Petersburg, he being in McGowan's brigade, Hill's division and Jackson's corps. At the close of the war he resumed his law practice. In 1865 he was elected a member of the lower house of the state legislature, was re-elected in 1870, and in 1872 was elected a member of the sate senate, serving in that body four years. In Aug. 1875, he was elected president of the Spartanburg & Asheville Railroad company, and served as such four years, during which time the road was completed. This was the first railway built across the Blue Ridge in SC. In 1880, Maj. Duncan was elected solicitor of the seventh judicial circuit, and served eight years, being re-elected for a second term in 1884. His name has been favorably and prominently mentioned in connection with the candidacy for congress, upon different occasions, and he has hosts of warm friends throughout the district, who would be his enthusiastic supporters in the event of his nomination for that distinguished position. He is an assistant division counselor of the Richmond & Danville railroad. Both as an attorney and as a citizen, he holds an exalted rank. His law practice has been general in its character, and he is recognized as one of the ablest practitioners in the state. Whether viewed from a civil, military or legal standpoint, he holds an enviable position and one that does him great honor. Maj. Duncan was married July 9, 1856, to Miss Virginia, dau. of William and Martha Nelson, formerly of Mecklenburg Co. VA. Mrs. Duncan is a descendant of Gov. Thomas Nelson of VA, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The marriage of Maj. Duncan has resulted in the birth of four children, whose respective names are Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of John D. Garlington, of Laurens Co.; Martha Nelson, now the wife of John E. Wannamaker, of St. Matthews, Orange Co.; William Nelson, a resident of Spartanburg Co., and Carrie Virginia, whose home is with her parents. Maj. Duncan and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a democrat in politics of the true stamp and in the best sense of the word. He is a Royal Arch Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias and enjoys a high standing in society. He is a director of the Spartan Mills and of the Iron District Fire Insurance company, both of Spartanburg.

1920 "History of SC" by Yates Snowden, Vol.II (FHL book 975.7 H2s, and FHL film 1,320,649)
      Pg.666: P.E. Duncan (minor reference, not copied) (MAD: see Greenville Co. SC)
      Pg.1057: "W.W. Duncan also died during 1908". (MAD: see Spartanburg Co. SC)
      Pg.1177: Thomas C. Duncan (minor reference not copied)
      Pg.1183: Duncan Mills (not copied)

1920 "History of SC" by Yates Snowden, Vol.V (FHL book 975.7 H2s; typed by Evelyn Sigler; see Union Co. SC for more)
      Pg.17: Col. D'Arcy Paul Duncan. A youthful soldier during the last year of the war between the states, for many years a successful planter, public official of Union Co., a former member of the State Railroad Commission, president of the SC State Fair, these and other positions and services have made Col. D'Arcy P. Duncan of Columbia one of the best known citizens of the state.
      He comes of a family in which high and scholarly achievement is a tradition. He is a brother of the late Bishop William W. Duncan of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Another brother was James Armstrong Duncan, also a Methodist minister but best known as president of Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. Another brother was the late Maj. D.R. Duncan of Spartanburg, an ex-Confederate officer, prominent as a lawyer and railway president.
      These sons were children of David and Alice Amanda (Piedmont) Duncan. David Duncan was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1790, of Scotch parents. He was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. He served years in the British Navy, and while on a British boat was with the fleet at St. Petersburg when Napoleon and his army read their fate in the flames of Moscow. David Duncan came to American in 1817, and for nearly twenty years was principal of the Norfolk Academy in Virginia, and from 1835 to 1854 was professor of Ancient Languages in Randolph-Macon College. From 1854 to 1881, the year of his death, he was professor of Ancient Languages in Wofford College at Spartanburg, going to that institution the year it was founded. He died at the age of ninety-one. His son William Wallace Duncan had attended the first class of Wofford in 1854, after his graduation filled many pulpits in the Methodist Church and in 1875 was elected to the Chair of Philosophy at Wofford and made financial agent for the college. in 1886, at the General Conference at Richmond, he was elected bishop, a high office he filed with distinction until his death on March 2, 1908. Bishop Duncan is remembered as one of the most gifted, brilliant and scholarly men of the South.
      Col. D'Arcy P. Duncan was born in Mecklenburg Co. VA, in 1846, and was eight years old when his parents moved to Spartanburg. In 1864 he was enrolled in the Citadel, the South Carolina Military Academy at Charleston, and with the Charleston Cadets of State Troops he entered the Confederate Army of defense, serving on James Island and vicinity.

1920 "History of SC" Vol.IV, by Yates Snowden (FHL film 1,320,649)
      Pg.238-9: Hon. Thomas Carey Duncan, present member of the State Senate, built in 1893 the first cotton mill in Union Co. ... Senator Duncan is the only son of the late Bishop William Wallace Duncan. That distinguished scholar and leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church South was born at Boydston, VA, Dec. 20, 1839, at the time of his birth the seat of Randolph-Macon College. He was the son of Professor David and Alice (Piemont) Duncan; David Duncan was a Scotchman, was born at Moville, near Belfast, Ireland, and came to America after a period of service in the British navy. In 1854 he located at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC ... Bishop Duncan was educated at Randolph-Macon College until 1854 and in 1858 graduated from Wofford College ... death in 1908. Bishop Duncan married, March 19, 1861, Medora Rice, of Union Co. SC; her father B.H. Rice, also a native of Union Co., was a prominent planter and during a brief residence in Panola Co. MS, his daughter Dora was born. Thomas Carey Duncan was born in Bogansville Twp, Union Co. SC, July 5, 1862; graduated 1881 ... In 1885 he married Miss Fannie A. Merriman, of Greenwood; their three children are Dora, wife of J.T. Fitten, of Atlanta; Louisa, wife of D.M. Eaves of Union; and Miss Fannie Duncan.

1907 "Men of mark in South Carolina : ideals of American life ; a collection of biographies of leading men of the state" ed. by J.C. Hemphill, Vol.I (FHL film 1,000,581 item 1-4; typed by Evelyn Sigler)
      Pg.97-8: William Wallace Duncan ... D.D., LL.D., clergyman and bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was born December 20, 1839, at Boydton, Meckenburg Co. VA; the son of David Duncan and Alice Amanda Needler (Piedmont) Duncan. His father was a teacher, devoted to this work, not merely as a duty, but as a delight, and with those characteristics of personal habit and punctuality which are essential in that calling; while the mother had no less influence on the intellectual as well as the moral and spiritual training of the boy. He was a genuine boy, healthy in body, fond of the outdoor life of his country and village homes, but also a great reader, especially interested in literature, history, biography, and poetry, as well as in books on religion and morals.
      Under such conditions it was inevitable that he should have an education; and fortunately the way to one was not as hard as it is with some. He studied at the preparatory school of Randolph-Macon college, and entering Wofford college at Spartanburg, SC, he was graduated in June, 1858, at the age of eighteen. A strong sense of duty made him choose the ministry as his profession; and the year after graduation he was admitted to the Virginia annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was stationed at Elizabeth City, NC.
      During nearly all the time of the War between the States he served as chaplain in the Confederate army, and then returned to service in the pulpit. After occupying several stations in 1875 he was elected professor of metaphysics in Wofford college and remained there until 1886, when he was elected a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He received the degree of D.D. from Emory college, GA, and Central College, MO, in 1880, and that of LL.D. from Trinity college, North Carolina, in 1903. In politics he has always been a loyal member of the Democratic party.
      On March 19, 1861, he was married to Medora Rice, daughter of Benjamin Herndon and Caroline Wallace Rice, of Union, South Carolina. They have had three children, all of whom are (1907) living.
      Respect for the rights of others, strict attention to one's own duties, and constant maintenance of absolute trustworthiness, as taught by his parents, he commends to young men of the present day as, in his belief, the basis of true success in life.
      His present address is Number 155, North Church street, Spartanburg, SC.

1921 "History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography" by Thomas M. Owen, 4 Volumes (FHL fiche 6,048,243 to 6,048,246; Vol.III, pgs.516-519, from Donna Little)
      DUNCAN, JAMES ARMSTRONG, Methodist minister, was born March 8, ----, in Richmond, Va.; son of James Armstrong and Sallie Duke (Twitty) Duncan, the former editor of the Christian Advocate, Richmond, during the War of Secession, and president of Randolph-Macon college, Ashland, Va., 1868-77, at which date he died; grandson of David and Alice (Piedmont) Duncan, the former a native of Ireland, educated at Glasgow, and came to America in 1816 to take charge of Norfolk academy, professor of Greek at Wofford college, Spartanburg, S.C.., and of Thomas and Evelyn (Fitts) Twitty of Warren County, N.C. Dr. Duncan received his early education in a school for boys at Ashland, Va., ....

1889 "Biographical souvenir of the state of Texas : containing biographical sketches of the representative public and many early settled families" by F. Battey (FHL book 976.4 D3bs and films 547,587 and 599,230 and 1,000,596 item 2; and from Lucille Mehrkam and Evelyn Sigler)
      Pg.899-900: W.D. Wilkins, of Honey Grove, Fannin Co. TX, born Spartanburgh Co. SC on Nov. 5, 1845, son of W.T. and P.A. (Duncan) Wilkins. His father also b. Spartanburgh Co. SC, still lives there, a planter, age 70, son of William Wilkins native of the Palmetto State. His mother, daughter of Charles C. Duncan, born Spartanburgh Co., died 1858 age 41 or 42. W.D. Wilkins is third of 7 children now living: C.D., W.D., A.L., B.E., L.L., Mary E. and Alice. W.D. Wilkins in 1863 Conf. Army, Co. B, 1st SC cavalry; 1866 to Lamar Co. TX; 1873 to Honey Grove. ... In 1878 married Florence, dau. of Jap Barry of Clarksville, TX; 2 ch. (MAD: wife of Charles C. was Milly)
 

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