Duncans in Gonzales Co. TX

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

Last revised November 22, 2010

GONZALES CO. TX
Formed 1836 from Old Mexican Municipality
Comal formed 1846 from Bexar, Gonzales, Travis
DeWitt formed 1846 from Goliad, Gonzales, Victoria
Guadalupe formed 1846 from Bexar, Gonzales
Lavaca formed 1846 from Colorado, Victoria, Jackson, Gonzales
Caldwell formed 1848 from Gonzales
 

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 Gonzales Co. TX Census (and from Lucille Mehrkam 1983)
(two stamped page numbers on each page)
Peach Creek
Pg.325 (650), #14-14, T.I/J. SANDERS (m) 33 NC (blank) $100
                  Nancy 27 AL
                  Margaret 11 AL
                  Isaac 3 TX
                  James CANACHY 30 KY (blank)
                  Luiza (f) 17 TX (not m/in/year)
                  (MAD: see 1860 Fayette Co. TX census, Nancy Duncan b.1824 Jackson Co. AL, mar. 2nd William Adams 1861 Hays Co. TX)
Gaudalou.
Pg.333 (666), #153-153, John DUNCAN 30 LA blacksmith $50
                  Nancy 25 LA
                  Luizar (f) 1 TX
Gandies
Pg.334 (668), #175-175, Benjamin DUNCAN 57 MO -- $20,000
                  Amanda 16, Elizabeth 12 TX
                  Becky (f) 10, Benjamin 9 TX
                  (MAD: one Ben Duncan 21 TX in 1860 Medina Co. TX census)
 

1860 Gonzales Co. TX Census (and from Jean Walker 6/1984)
P.O. Gonzales, taken 6/21/1860
Pg.93, #337-311, Benj. DUNCAN 71 GA farmer $27,000-$9,000
                  Bettie 21 TX
                  Robt. 3 TX
                  Chas. T. RHODES 27 GA overseer $0-$200
                  Mary 37 GA
                  Nancy 8, Jno. T. 6 AL
                  Rebecca 4, Betsey 8/12 TX
P.O. Big Hill, taken 6/22/1860
Pg.97, #381-353, M.C. BLASSINGAME (f) 28 GA planter $3,500-$25,000
                  Nardia? (f) 5, Matty 4, Sally 3 TX
                  Jno. SIMMONS 22 MS planter $0-$18,000
                  P. AVANT (m) 24 TN overseer $0-$500
                  Jas. DUNCAN 53 SC farm hand $0-$300
                  J.K.P. BLACKBURN (m) 23 TN school teacher $0-$250
 

1870 Gonzales Co. TX Census
Precinct #1, The inner & outer town of Gonzales (first name first)
Pg.403, #50-50, Branett BADGER (m) 31 GA (white) druggist $2000-$500
                  Elizabeth M. 27 TX keeping house $2000-$0
                  Helen M. 8 TX $2500-$100
                  Walter H. 6 TX $2500-$120
                  Alice A. 1 TX $2500-$120
                  Ann DUNCKIN 50 MS BLACK cook
Precinct #1 (first name written first)
Pg.411, #156-156, Alexander DUNCKIN 65 TN BLACK laborer $0-$300
                  Phoebe 50 MO BLACK keeping house
Pg.414, #196-196, Green DUNCKIN (DUNEKIN?) 50 GA BLACK laborer $0-$50
                  Rachael 40 KY BLACK keeping house
                  Jane WILLIAMS 26 TX BLACK cook? $0-$75
                  William A. 10, Sarah 8 TX BLACKS
                  Lewis 6, Catherine 3 TX BLACKS
Precinct #2
Pg.437, #333-346, DUNCAN, Jordon (m) 43 KY BLACK farming $0-$469
                  Dilley (f) 33 KY BLACK keeping house
                  Mariah (f) 18 TX BLACK "help"
                  Coleman 15, America (f) 12 TX BLACKS "help"
                  Houston (m) 10 TX BLACK "help"
                  Jordon Jr. (m) 6 TX BLACK
                  Cally (f) 10 TX BLACK
Precinct #3
Pg.467, #476-476 indexed John Duncan, actually John RUINAN
 

ESTATE RECORDS

Gonzales Co. TX Probate records; Index to minutes A-B 1838-1916 (FHL film 1,310,956; SLC 6/2009)
      No Duncan through 1871, quit
 

LAND RECORDS

Gonzales Co. TX Deed Indexes 1848-1926 (SLC 6/19/2009; rechecked SLC 8/31/2010)
***Direct (grantor) C-H (FHL film 1,310,942); Grantor index, Du names on pg.146, 147, 149, 157 (some pages very faint)
      Book-Page: Grantor, Grantee, kind of instrument, date of instrument, date of filing, Description
      D-30: Duncan, Benj., Admr, to T.J. Devine et al, agreement, Mar. 31, 1840, May 20, 1844, agrt to furnish accounting Admr. estate of Jas. Alley
      D-100: Duncan, Benj. to Joseph S. Martin, B/S, Apr. 5, 1841, July 18, 1844, chattles
      D-258: Duncan, Benj. to Russell & Sophia Jones, deed, Nov. 11, 1844, Apr. 29, 1845, 1309a F. Tayler
      D-258: Same to Isham Jones & J.D. Anderson, same, same
      D-398: Same to A.H. Jones, same, 510a F. Taylers
      F-305: Duncan, B.F. to J.B. McMahan, deed, July 25, 1841, Apr. 16, 1846, Sch 1&2 B38 Inner Gonzales
      I-641: Duncan, Benj. to H.W. Monro, deed, Feby 28, 1854, Feb. 28, 1854, 1-2-3 & 3 Range 3 West
      I-660: Duncan, Benj. trustee to Edith Denman, B/S, Feby 22, 1854, mar. 8, 1854, chattels
      I-661: Same to same, deed, 1000a Salinas 4 Lea.
      K-567: Duncan, Benj. to E. John Prichett, deed, May 12, 1856, May 12, 1860, 100a Salinas 4 Lea, 10a B. Duncan
      L-182: Duncan, Benj. to John Prickett, B for T, Dec 16, 1856, Dec. 16, 1856, 100
      O-175: Duncan, Benj. to J.A. Lamkin, deed, May 4, 1861, May 6, 1861, 373a H.Chumney
      O-434: Duncan, Benj. to Nicholas Brown, deed, Feb 5, 1863, May 5, 1863, Lot 4&5, 6&7, B23 Inner Gonzalez
      P-434: Duncan, Benj. Jr. to J.G. & Amanda Boueder (Bouedin?), Aug. 22, 1867, Aug. 22, 1867, 3/4 lots 4 & 19, 1 & 19, Inner Gonzales
      P-434: same to same, Lot 1 Ben 19 Inner Gonzales
      V-39: Duncan, B. Benj. to J.G. Boueder, lease contract, Oct. 24, 1874, Oct. 24, 1874, 400a B. Duncan
      M2-378: Duncan, Benj. heirs to Rebecca & Thos. Wilson, Feb 16, 1867, May 15, 1888, 385a B. Duncan
      O2-636: Duncan, Ben. et al to Wm. E. Jones, deed, Aug. 14, 1890, Oct. 6, 1890, Lots 1,2,3 Ben 10 Inner Gonzal.
      T2-61: Duncan, Ben. et al to J.G. & Amanda Bouedinn, deed, Feb. 6, 1868, Jan. 9, 1892, lots 1,2,3, Ben 9 Inner Gonz.
      Next A-B was 1900, quit
      U-598: Duncan, Delsey to Wm. Harvall Esq., deed, Jul 29, 1874, July 30, 1874, 60a & 43a Adam Fumwalt
      P2-449: Dicy Duncan et al to Thomas Duncan, Jan. 24, 1890, Jan. 24, 1890, 440a Henderson
      P2-450: same to Jordon Duncan Jr., same, 440a Henderson
      P2-452: same to Coleman Duncan, same, 5a R. Ward
      Z2-41, Duncan, Dilley et al to Geo. Henderson, deed, Nov. 16, 1895, Dec. 7, 1895, 20a R. Ward
      I-307: Duncan?, Frank to John Lang, deed, July 8, 1852, Mar. 22, 1853, 984a Jno Oethkins
      I-148: Duncan, Jno. to W.J. Ledyard, deed, Jan. 27, 1848, Oct 4, 1852, 4428 Jesse Richards
      U-598: Duncan, Jorden et ux to M.J.L. Brelsford, deed, July 29, 1874, July 30, 1874, 60a & 43a Adam Furnwalt
      P2-452: Duncan, Jordan et al to Coleman Duncan, Jan. 24, 1890, Jan. 24, 1890, 5a Russell Ward
      P2-450: Duncan, Jordan to Jordan Duncan Jr., deed, Jan. 24, 1890, Jan. 24, 1890, 44a Henderson
      P2-449: Duncan, Jordan to Thomas Duncan, deed, Jan. 24, 1890, Jan. 24, 1890, 44a Henderson
      S2-365: Duncan, Jordan to Geo. Henderson & Thos. Duncan, deed, Sept. 25, 1891, Sept. 25, 1891, ?1/2a & 80a J&C. Henderson
      S2-366: Duncan, Jordon Jr. to Geo. Henderson & Thos. Duncan, deed, Sept. 25, 1891, Sept. 25, 1891, 400a Hendersons
***Reverse (grantee) A-D (FHL film 1,310,945 item 2-3); Grantee index, Du names on pg.146 (faint page), 149, 152, 155, 157
      Book-Page: Grantee, Grantor, kind of instrument, date of instrument, date of filing, (book-page originally here), Description
      B-114: Duncan, Benj., from W.H. Killen, deed, Feby 8, 1840, March 3, 1840, some lots on Seguin
      B-116: Duncan, Benj. from Elizabeth Taylor, deed, June 10, 1835, same, an int. in the F. Taylor Lea
      B-334: Duncan, Benj. (Trustee) from James Hodges Sr., July 11, 1840, Dec. 3, 1840, 1000 J.M. Salinas
      B-336: Duncan, Benj. (Trustee) from same, B/S, same, same, chattels
      C-362: Duncan, Benj. from James Egan, deed, Jany. 8, 1842, Jan. 9, 1842, some lots in Seguin
      D-31: Duncan, Benj. (admin), from Richard Allen, agreement, Mar. 23, 1844, Mch. 23, 1844, relating to the Jas Alley estate
      D-330: Duncan, Benj. from Edward Dickerson, deed, May 26, 1843, June 30, 1845, lot 1&2 Blk 38 Inner Gonzales
      G-185: Duncan, Benj. from C.S. Hinds, Apr. 15, 1848, Apr. 15, 1848, lots 1,2,3, Blk 3 Range 3 West
      I-63: Duncan, Benj. from Joel Hamilton, May 19, 1852, May 19, 1852, Lots 1, 2 & 3 Blk 10 Inner Gonzales
      I-155: Duncan, Benj. from C.P. & R. Connelly, Jany. 29, 1852, Oct. 7, 1852, 300a Salinas 4 Lea.
      I-692: Duncan, Benj. from Coahuila? Texas, grant, June 28, 1831, Jany. 2, 1854, 1107a B. Duncan 1/4 Lea
      J-479: Duncan, Benj. from Jno. & Eliza A. Read, deed, Jany. 6, 1855, May 18, 1855, 50a Salinas 4 Lea
      K-241: Duncan, Benj. from Eliza A. Reed by comr, deed, July 31, 1855, Nov. 29, 1855, 100a Salinas 4 Lea
      K-316: Duncan, Benj. from P.F. & S.B. Fly, deed, Jan. 1, 1856, Jan. 8, 1856, Lots 4 to 6, Bk 23 Inner Gonzales
      L-511: Duncan, Benj. from Lucinda & Jno. Pritchett, deed, July 16, 1857, July 25, 1857, 100a B. Duncan 1/4 Lea
      P-340: Duncan, Benj. et al, from Robt. Brodnax et al, deed, Oct. 16, 1867, Mar. 5, 1867, 385a B. Duncan 1/4 Lea
      P-433: Duncan, Benj. from W.A. Hall, deed, Feb. 22, 1867, Aug. 9, 1867, lot 1 Bk 9 Inner Gonzales
      N2-484: Duncan, A.S. from George & C.C. Burns, deed, Jan. 21, 1889, Feb. 7, 1889, 160a Jno Reed 312a (?512a), 68-1/2a Geo. Fly 68-1/2a
      W-294: Duncan, C. et al from B.W. Brothers, deed, Aug. 3, 1876, Aug. 3, 1876, 105a R. Ward 3/4 Lea
      P2-452: Duncan, C. from Dicy & Jordan Duncan, deed, Jan. 24, 1890, Jan. 24, 1890, 5a R. Ward
      Next C-D Duncan grantee deed was 1902, quit
      D-43: Duncan, Elizabeth from Frances & Sarah Berry, Feby 10, 1844, same, 600a F. Berry Sur, Inner Gonzales
      G-571: Duncan, Frances from John Oethkin, Nov. 8, 1850, Dec. 10, 1850, 1476a Jno Oethkin Lea 1/3
      Z-79: Duncan, Green from S.A. Dismukes, deed, June 13, 1879, June. 14, 1879, 80a Henderson L&L
      X2-34: Duncan, G. et al from G.H. King, deed, June 11, 1894, June 11, 1894, Lot 5 Kings 2nd addn. Gonz.
      Next G-H Duncan deed was 1906, quit
      I-147: Duncan, Jno. from C.S. Davenport, May 18, 1838, Oct. 4, 1852, 2214a Jesse Richards
      S-325: Duncan, Jordan from T.J. Morrison, Nov. 19, 1870, Nov. 19, 1870, 60a Adam Zumwalt Lea
      S-448: Duncan, Jno. from T.J. Morrison, Feb. 7, 1871, Feb. 7, 1871, 43a Adam Zumwalt Lea
      U-600: Duncan, Jordan et al from N.W. & M.J.L. Bielford (Bietford?), deed, July 29, 1874, July 30, 1874, 100a C.H. Jarger's Lea
      W-294: Duncan, J.&C from B. W. Brothers (Brathers?), Aug.3, 1876, Aug. 3, 1876, 105a R Ward 3/4 Lea
      Next J Duncan deed was 1889, quit
 

Gonzales Co. TX Deeds (SLC 6/2009; not all copied or looked for)
      D-30: 22 March 1844, Benjamin (X) Duncan of Gonzales Co., Republic of Texas, administrator of estate of James Alley decd, agree to ack. Thos. I. Devine and John D. Anderson of same as attorneys of Richard Alley who is next of kin and legal heir of James Alley decd. Wit. Michael Erskine. (FHL film 1,310,602)
      D-31: 23 March 1844, Richard Alley admits the settlements made by Duncan. (FHL film 1,310,602)
      D-42: 10 Feb. 1844, Frances Berry and wife Sarah (X) of Gonzales Co. TX for love and affection for Tilman Berry our son of same, and $100, tract on waters of Clan? (Clare?) Fork of Plum Creek, part of headwright survey of 24 labors of land #12 in Class 7 granted afsd Frances Berry as colonist of Green DeWitt's Colony, corner of land deeded to James Berry by Frances and Sarah Berry, 600 acres. Wit. A. Swift, Benjamin (X) Duncan. (FHL film 1,310,602)
      D-43: 10 Feb. 1844, Frances Berry and wife Sarah (X) of Gonzales Co. TX for love and affection for our daughter Elizabeth Duncan, wife of Benjamin Duncan, and $100, land on waters of Clare Fork of Plum Creek, part of headwright survey of 24 labors of land #12 in Class 7 granted afsd Frances Berry as colonist of Green DeWitt's Colony, adj. Frances Berry's line, 600 acres. Wit. A. Swift, Benjamin (X) Duncan. (FHL film 1,310,602)
      D-45: 10 Feb. 1844, same to son James Berry, love and affection and $100, 600 acres on "clear" fork of Plum Creek. (FHL film 1,310,602)
      D-46: 10 Feb. 1844, same to Louihanna Neal, our daughter, for love and affection and $100, 600 acres on "clear" fork of Plum Creek. (FHL film 1,310,602)
      G-571: Harris Co. TX, 8 Nov. 1850, John Octkin (Actkin?) of Harris Co. TX to Francis Duncan of Harris Co. TX, for $400, land in Gonzales Co. TX, 1/3 of a league on the Guadalupe River (St.Marcus-Colet and the 5 Mile Water Creek) 13 miles from Gonzales, being the headwright patent to said John Octkin. Ack. Harris Co. TX. (FHL film 1,310,604)
      I-147: 18 May 1838, Charles S. Davenport for $2000 to John Duncan, undivided half league of land between the Navidad and LaBaca Creeks and west of the LaBahia Road and north of the road leading to Gonzales (meets and bounds not copied), League is numbered 8 and was granted to Jesse Richards as a colonist in October 1835 and by said Jesse Richards the said undivided half league conveyed to me Charles S. Davenport 22 Feb. 1836. Ack. in Brassaria Co. TX. Filed for record 19 Dec. 1848 in Lavaca Co. TX. Filed for record 23 Aug. 1852 Fayette Co. TX. (FHL film 1,310,604)
      I-148: 27 June 1848, John Duncan of Matagorda Co. TX for $1 to William J. Ledyard, quit claim above land. Wit. D. Farrbass, Coms. Heyer, Alex H. Ledyard. John Duncan appeared before Jno. McD. Ross, NP, Mobile Co. AL, 29 June 1848, witness Alexander H. Ledyard in Fayette Co. TX. Recorded Fayette Co. TX. (FHL film 1,310,604)
      I-150: 1 Aug. 1852, William J. Ledyard of City of Mobile, Alabama, to Jane Balensuela; Joseph C. Lopez and Doraters Rosales of Fayette Co. TX, lease the above land. (MAD: quit) (FHL film 1,310,604)
      W-294: 3 Aug. 1876, B.W. Brothers of Gonzales Co. TX for 2 promissory notes by Jordan Duncan and Coleman Duncan of same, (1) Aug. 3, 1876, $100 due 1 Nov. 1876, and (2) Aug. 3, 1876, $162.50 due 1 Nov. 1877, 10% interest, 105 acres land, part of Russel Ward League about 9 miles from town of Gonzales on Mule Creek. (FHL film 1,310,612)
      M2-378/381: Gonzales Co. TX, 16 Feb. 1867. We, J.G. Bouldin and Amanda Bouldin who was Amanda Duncan and daughter of the late Benjamin Duncan decd of Caldwell Co. state afsd, Robert Brodnax and Bettie Brodnax who was Bettie Duncan and daughter of the said Benjamin Duncan decd of Gonzales Co. afsd, and Benjamin Duncan son of the said Benjamin Duncan decd of Medina Co., for $20, paid by Thomas Wilson and Rebecca Wilson who was Rebecca Duncan and also a daughter of said Benjamin Duncan decd, sell land in Gonzales Co. TX, beg. at upper corner of homestead of the late Benjamin Duncan decd at the river San Maresy, (meets & bounds not copied), to the river, then with the river to the beginning, being the upper third part of the homestead tract and containing 385 acres. /s/ Robt. Brodnax, Betty Brodnax, Ben Duncan, J.G. Bouldin, Amanda Bouldin. Robert and Betty Brodnax and Benjamin Duncan appeared in Gonzales Co. TX on 16 Feb. 1867. J.G. and Amanda Bouldin appeared in Caldwell Co. TX 18 Feb. 1867. Filed March 15, 1888; recorded March 17, 1888. (FHL film 1,994,300)
      P2-449: 24 Jan. 1890, Jordan (X) Duncan Sr. and wife Dilcy (X) Duncan of Gonzales Co. TX for $1 and love and affection for our son Thomas Duncan, W 1/2 tract of 80 acres, part of J.H.C. Henderson league conveyed to said Jordan Duncan Sr. by Benjamin Potts 9 March 1889, recorded Book N2 pages 596 and 597. Recorded 24 Jan. 1890. (FHL film 1,994,301)
      P2-450: 24 Jan. 1890, Jordan (X) Duncan Sr. and wife Dilcy (X) Duncan of Gonzales Co. TX for $1 and love and affection for our son Jordan Duncan Jr., E 1/2 tract of 80 acres, part of J.H.C. Henderson league conveyed to said Jordan Duncan Sr. by Benjamin Potts 9 March 1889, recorded Book N2 pages 596 and 597. Recorded 24 Jan. 1890. (FHL film 1,994,301)
      P2-452: 24 Jan. 1890, Jordan (X) Duncan Sr. and wife Dilcy (X) Duncan of Gonzales Co. TX for $25 to Coleman Duncan, part of Russell Ward League ... sold by B.W. Brothers to Jordan Duncan 3 Aug. 1876. (MAD: does not give relationship) (FHL film 1,994,301)
 

COURT RECORDS

Gonzales Co. TX District Court Records; index v.1-2 1838-1900 (FHL film 1,312,201 item 2-3; SLC 6/2009)
   Book 1, pg.25, Box #1 of the Republic, Primitive Case #3, Pltf. Duncan, Benj. vs. Deft. Felix Tayllor, 1-25
      v. Chas. Lockhart Senr?, 1-68, Final #1
      #165, Duncan, Benj. admin. v. John W. Nichols, 1-227, Final #203
      #166, Duncan, Benj. admin. v. James M. Day, 1-227, Final #204
      State #53, Deft. Duncan, Benj. et al ads. Pltf. H.G. Henderson admin, Book 11, pg.41, Final #6 (MAD: Looked at, not copied)
      Later not copied, lots more Benjamin Duncan
 

Gonzales Co. TX District Court Final Record Vol.A (FHL film 1,312,197 item 4?; SLC 6/2009)
      A-64/68: Case 13. Benjamin Duncan vs. Felix Taylor. Petition filed Oct. 3, 1839, Gonzales Co. Republic of Texas: Benjamin Duncan, citizen of said county, complains of one Felix Taylor also a citizen of said Republic and within the jurisdiction of the court, that heretofore on 10 June 1833 Felix Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor, before that time the wife of said Taylor and then separated and living separately and apart, appeared before a Judicial tribunal ... and the subject matter was the division of the property of Felix and Elizabeth Taylor as well as custody and maintainance of their children, which record was filed in this court. That maintainance and custody of the children were awarded to Elizabeth and also the lower half of a certain league of land in Gonzales Co. on the Guadalupe river on the east side and known as League No.2 in Class No.7 and deeded to Felix Taylor as his headright, which was adjudged to Elizabeth as her right, the said Taylor assenting. That Elizabeth has ever since remained separate and apart from said Taylor and without his providence and support and has ever since and still does maintain the children. Afterward on 13 June 1835 the petitioner purchased the land from Elizabeth, per deed 13 June 1835 of record, and that he became the purchaser ... he was led into the purchase by the acts of the said Taylor and purchased the same in good faith. Nevertheless, said Taylor disregards the promises ... and with intent to injure ... the petitioner, denies the promises and claims the land and thereby prevents the petitioner from selling it. Petition that Felix Taylor be cited to appear 1st Monday November next and all the proceedings be part of the record, and Taylor forever estopped from claiming the same; Sept. 30, 1839. (1839? does not look like earlier year). Whereupon issued a writ, Nov. term 1838, to Fayette Co. Sheriff to summon Felix Taylor to appear at the November term in Gonzales to answer the complaint of Benjamin Duncan, dated 3 Oct. 1839. The following copy from the Alcaldas? docket referred to in the above petition was filed: Elizabeth Taylor by Francis Berry her next friend vs. Felix Taylor, the parties appeared and referred their case to citizens who heard the evidence and ... verdict that the plaintiff Elizabeth Taylor shall keep the children for which she shall have the lower half of the league of land with its improvements ... except the corn which shall be divided, warrant issued August 13, 1833 ... certified true copy, 7 Nov. 1839. Defendant filed his answer, November 1839, and denies the existance of the said judgment of the Alcaldas? Court as alleged in the plaintiff's petition and further says that if the judgment as alledged the same is null and void from the beginning, and asks the plaintiff's petition be quashed. Both parties appeared, the Court gave judgment as follows ... Benjamin Duncan against Felix Taylor in Motion of a Sciere Facias. In this case it is considered and ordered by the court here that a perpetual injunction of estoppel be and is made against defendant.
 

MILITARY RECORDS

Index to TX Confederate Pension Records (from Lucille Mehrkam 10/1983)
      Application, Name, County, Book
      06121, Duncan, Ann Eliza, Gonzales, 1
 

HISTORIES before 1923

1914 "History of TX and Texans" by Frank W. Johnson, Vol.1-5 (SUTRO book F386 J66 1914, CA State Library, Sutro Branch; and FHL book 976.4 H2j)
      Vol.3 pg.1360: JOHN DUNCAN, now living in Columbus [Colorado Co.], TX; b. 28 Aug. 1838 in Matagorda Co. TX, son of Capt. John Duncan of KY and Julia (Coen) Duncan of CT. Both parents were brought to AL during childhood where they married; Capt. John Duncan operated boats on the Alabama River between Catawba, Mobile and Selma. Captain John Duncan came to Texas shortly before the TX Revolution, to the Caney Valley; he enlisted in Moseley Baker's Company, was in service until the end after the Battle at San Jacinto, then he returned to his lands in Alabama and returned to Texas with slaves. Capt. John Duncan & wife had five children, son John is now the only survivor. The others were Thomas (oldest), Samuel, Mrs. Dexter Walker, Mrs. John Reeves. John Duncan was in the Civil War, married 12 March 1885 Miss India Green of Gonzales Co., dau. of William Green who came from MS. John Duncan & wife had one child, John Green Duncan, who died in young manhood at the age of 24 (MAD: no wife mentioned for John Green Duncan). (MAD: ?? 1830 Mobile Co. AL census; ?? son of Samuel Duncan died 1826 Fayette Co. KY; 1850 Matagorda Co. TX census shows John Duncan b. 1795 PA)
 

"A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas" by William Barret Travis; pub. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1907, 1313 pgs. (LH11946, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL film 1,000,601 items 1-2)
      Vol.II, pg.205: BEN DUNCAN is not only one of the brave pioneers who did a bold and faithful part in snatching Texas from the hands of the Indians and desperadoes who infested its soil in the early days, but has brought himself to a substantial condition of prosperity, brightened with honor and affection. He was born in Gonzales county, this state, in 1838, was reared on the frontier and remained to be a large factor in the preservation of law and the development of the county into civilized and modern communities. In 1856, then eighteen years of age, he came to the vicinity of his present home in Frio county, and has therefore been a resident of his locality for more than half a century.
      Mr. Duncan is one of the small guard of old frontiersmen still living, and certainly none of that band have had a more typical experience. ... Ben Duncan has always been a stockman, but of late years has taken up such other interests as general farming and the raising of bees. He owns a fine ranch four miles north of Moore, Medina county, as well as other lands, and has a fine business block in town, where he lives and enjoys a still active life. At one time he had extensive cattle interests in Arizona, in addition to those in Texas. (MAD: nothing said about a wife and children)
 

OTHER RECORDS

"De Witt's colony" (Texas) by Ethel Zivley Rather; pub. Austin, Tex.: University of Texas, 1905, 115 pgs. (LH11947, HeritageQuest images 5/2007)
      Pg.70. List of the Original Settlers in DeWitt's Colony. Name, married or single, date of arrival, size of family, size of grant, date of title, reference to "Titles, DeWitt's Contract"
      *Duncan, Benjamin, single, Oct. 16, 1828, 1 person in family, 1/4 arpent size of grant, June 28, 1831, 297-300
      *(footnote: This table is compiled from "Titles, De Witt's Contract," two volumes, and "Titles to Special Grants," one volume, all three (manuscript) in the General Land Office of the State of Texas. Names marked with a star are those of colonists who were unable to write, and for whom others had to sign.)
 

Some early Duncans in Gonzales Co. TX:
      Benjamin Duncan, 28 June 1831, had patent to 1/4 league of land in Dewitt's Colony, Gonzales Co. TX (from "Index to Spanish and Mexican Land Grants in TX" by Virginia H. Taylor, originally published as "Spanish Archives of the General Land Office of TX" (by Glass?), FHL book 976.4 R2tv; Houston, TX, library book 976.4G 549; from Lucille Mehrkam and from Jean Walker 1984) Benjamine Duncan's title was listed on pg.600, "Abstract of Titled and Patented Lands Compiled From the Records of the General Land Office of the State of Texas" published in Austin in 1860, and indexed by Paul Campbell (published in Vol.3#2 "Texas Heritage Quarterly," from Lucille Mehrkam 2/1984 and CA State Library, Sutro Branch, book F385 T48) Benjamin Duncan arrived in TX 16 Oct. 1826, single, one person, had title 9 Feb. 1830 in DeWitt's Colony, and on 26 June 1831 as native of US, single. (pg.67, Titles in DeWitt's Colony, "1830 Citizens of TX" by Gifford White (from Ray Duncn 2/1995)
      --- Duncan, 30 June 1835, marriage bond to marry Benjamin Taylor (MAD: one Polly Ann Duncan mar. Benjamin B. Taylor 25 July 1835 in Bourbon Co. KY, parents Roger Duncan & Sally Redmon, from "Duncans of Bourbon Co. KY" by Ardery; ? probably no connection)
      Benjamin Duncan, 19 Aug. 1838, mar. Elizabeth Taylor
      Benjn. Duncan, 1840, on tax list, 1 white pole, Title under patent to 3321 acres, surveyed 369 acres based on grant, 4 tl Sequin, 10 cattle (pg.55, perhaps "1840 Citizens of TX; Tax Rolls" Vol.2, by Gifford White, FHL book 976.4 R2wge and fiche 6,100,365; from Lucille Mehrkam 1984)
      W.B. Duncan, 1840, on Harris' list of double tax not returned, 531 acres (pg.72, perhaps "1840 Citizens of TX; Tax Rolls" Vol.2, by Gifford White, FHL book 976.4 R2wge and fiche 6,100,365; from Lucille Mehrkam 1984)
      Benjamin F. Duncan, 24 Feb. 1845, mar. Mary Smith
      Benjamin F. Duncan, 1846, on tax list ("Republic of Texas: Poll Lists for 1846" by Marion Day Mullins, 1974; FHL book 976.4 R4m, from Lucille Mehrkam 1984 and Ruth Robertson 1983)
      B. Duncan, 1854, on scholastic list 1854-1855 with 1 male and 1 female, total 3; District 12, Gonzales Co. (pg.48, "Texas Scholastics 1854-1855" by Gifford White, 1979, from Lucille Mehrkam 3/1984; FHL book 976.4 J2w)
      Amanda Duncan, 19 Aug. 1857, mar. Joseph S. Bouldin
      Ashley S. Duncan, 1912, died; Ashley S. Duncan (father) 1831-1912 CSA; Sarah M. Duncan, 1847-1942, bur. Gonzales City Cemetery (pg.66-67, Vol.X#1, Sept. 1975, "Quarterly of the South" TX Gen. & Hist. Society; from Jean Walker 7/1984) (MAD: Ashley Summerfield Duncan; one A.S. Duncan mar. Sallie M. Pipkin 8/19/1869, said to be in Yalobusha Co. MS; 1850-1860 Hempstead Co. AR census)
 

END

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