Duncans in Berkeley Co. WV

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

Last revised August 26, 2003

BERKELEY CO. WV
Formed 1772 from Frederick Co. VA
Jefferson formed 1801 from Berkeley
Morgan formed 1820 from Berkeley, Hampshire
 

CENSUS RECORDS

1820 Berkeley Co. VA Census
Pg.100  William Dunken      000001 - 01001
   101  James Dunken        000010 - 00100
   143  Wesley Duncan       000010 - 00100

1830-1840 Berkeley Co. VA Census
      No Duncan indexed

1850 Berkeley Co. VA Census
Pg.365, #753-764, Charles BUTT 30 VA farmer $0
                  Catharin 40 VA
                  Bareack (f) 7, Jane 4 VA
                  (MAD: Charles Butt mar. Catherine Duncan 5/25/1850; census does not show "mar/in/year")
Pg.420, #1557, Zebulon MANOR 31 VA farmer
                  Mrs. 28 VA
                  Jane 8, Frances 4 VA
                  John 2 VA
                  Margaret DUNKAN 15 VA

1860 Berkeley Co. VA Census
      No Duncan indexed

1870-1880 Berkeley Co. WV Census
      No Duncan indexed
 

ESTATE RECORDS

Berkeley Co. WV Wills, Vol.1-2 (FHL film 831,169, includes index)
      1-488: Inventory of estate of Robert Lyle, 28 Sept. 1787, recorded 17 June 1788; appraisers James Adir (sic), James Miller, William Hannae. (FHL film 831,169) (MAD: his widow Eleanor mar. John Duncan; Robert Lyle Sr. had only son Jr. in deed.)
      2-22: 11 July 1787, will of Matthew Duncan, sick in body; to brother Thomas Duncan 150 acres in Berkeley Co. VA for the title of which land I have in the hands of my brother in law (Wm. Wilson) a bond due from my father Matthew Duncan which land I give him (sd. Thomas); my lands in KY laying in the hands of my brother James I give to my brother Joseph Duncan; to my brother Seth Duncan, my young sorrel stud horse; the note of hand which lays in the hand of Moses Hunter given me by John Melling, should be given up to Melling; the notes in the hand of my brother Thomas Duncan given me by John Copland should be given up to Copland. The other notes due me which are at home and with me, I wish to pay all my just debts and personal charges and the balance to be equally divided between my sister Sarah Green and Seth Duncan. Appoint brother Thos. Duncan and Thomas Hutchenson executors. Wit. Seten? W. Stead, Joel McLemore. Richland Co. [SC] certification, recorded Book B, pg. 5 & 6, 10 Oct. 1787; Rec. Berkeley Co. 22 April 1789. (FHL film 831,169) (MAD: definitely one hundred fifty acres to Thomas Duncan)
      2-191/3: Appraisal of estate of Matthew Duncan decd, includes farm animals, 2 beds, furniture, 25 acres wheat, etc. (no total). Recorded 17 Sept. 1793.
 

LAND RECORDS

Northern Neck Land Grants in Lower Valley (from Charles Gordon 1983 with permission to share with others)
      Dec. 10, 1791; to John Duncan, Berkeley Co., adj. Jones.

Northern Neck VA Land Grants in Lower Valley (index on FHL film 29,508)
      V-304: 10 Dec. 1791, to John Duncan, £2, 400 acres surveyed 11 May 1791 in Berkeley Co. adj. Samuel Jones, Chillneck's orchard, Michael Bitzer's field, William Jones line. (FHL film 29,522)

Berkeley Co. WV Deed Indexes 1772-1926 (grantors on FHL film 831,162; grantees on FHL film 831,165; date is date recorded)
      1-407: Duncan, Seth to Small, Adam, 1772
      2-324: Duncan, Matthew & wf. to Duncan, Jas., 1774
      5-43,44: Duncan, Wm. to Pope, Melchor, 1776
      5-143: Duncan, Matthew from Mellan, Jos. & wf, 1778
      5-145: Duncan, Matthew to Hartly, Thos., 1778
      5-349: Duncan, James to Tabb, Edwd, 9/21/1779
      6-32: Duncan, Wm. to Vincent, Wm., 1782
      6-297: Duncan, Matthew from Shaw, Wm., mortgage, 1784
      9-66: Duncan, Thos. from Verdier, Paul & wf, 1789
      9-317: Duncan, Thos. from Greer, Sarah, power of attorney, 1790
      11-478: Duncan, Jos. from Wilson, Wm. & wf, 1794
      11-483: Duncan, Jas. to Reed, Saml, Power of attorney, 2/19/1794
      11-603: Duncan, Jos. &c to Boyle, Patrick, 9/16/1794
      11-610: Duncan, Jos. to Duncan, Thos., 1794
      11-613: Duncan, Jos. &c to Bell, Wm., 1794
      13-71: Duncan, John from Reed, Samuel, B/S, 1796
      16-369: Duncan, Thomas to McDonald, Jas., 1800
      17-110: Duncan, Seth & wf. to Ransome, Mathew, 1801
      17-285: Duncan, Jos. & wf. to Duncan, Seth, 1801
      21-453: Duncan, Eleanor, dower, 7/17/1809
      21-459: Duncan, John & wf. to Lyle, Robert, 1809
      No Duncan from 1809 through at least 1850; quit

Berkeley Co. WV Deeds
      1-407: 18 Jan. 1772, Seth Duncan of Town of Buckwick? (Beriwick?) in York Co. PA, shopkeeper, and wife Ann, to Adam Small of same, lease & release, £400, 223-1/2 acres in Frederick Co. VA. Wit. Moses Hunter, William Boyle, Charles Bodden?. Land joins Nicholas Mercer, Capt. Richard Paris & Joshua Jones. (FHL film 829,879)
      2-324: 14 March 1774, Matthew Duncan and wife Sarah of Berkeley Co. VA to James Duncan of same, lease & release, £100, 234 acres near North Mountain, part of a grant to Lewis Burwell Esq. decd. 1753. Wit. Edmond Moran, Alice Pugh. (FHL film 829,879)
      5-43: 15 June 1778, William Duncan of Parish & Co. of Berkeley, to Melchor Pope of same, for £4 paid to Thomas Hubbard & wife Elizabeth, and exchange of property, 1/2 acre Lot #39, in town of Mecklenburg (MAD: not Martinburg), this parish and county. No wife. Wit. John Walter, Casper? Leven?, Wm. Hopkins?. (FHL film 829,881; writing very faint)
      5-44: 15 June 1778, William Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA to Melchore Pope, £20 & exchange of land, lot in town of Mecklenburg, etc. (not copied). No wife; witnesses not copied. (FHL film 829,881)
      5-143: 17 Nov. 1778, bond of Robert Carter? Willis, Matthew Duncan, William Withers and James Morrison; Robert Carter Willis appointed constable. (FHL film 829,881)
      5-143: 17 Nov. 1778, 17 Nov. 1778, John Mellan and wife Elizabeth to William Duncan, all Berkeley Co., £900, Lot #58 in town of Martinsburg. Wit. Robt. Cockburn. (FHL film 829,881)
      5-145: 16 Nov. 1778, Matthew Duncan and wife Sarah to Thomas Hartly, all Berkeley Co., £940, lease and release 435 acres near North Mountain, adj. James Duncan, part of grant. (MAD: no witnesses?) (FHL film 829,881)
      5-349: 26? Aug. 1779, James Duncan (also signed by Elizabeth Duncan) of Berkeley Co. to Edward Tabb and George Tabb, £376, lease and release 815? acres, part of grant of 3,173 acres to Lewis Bounvell/Bounwell. Witnesses not copied. (FHL film 829,881)
      6-32: 12 Aug. 1782, William Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA to William Vincent, £2?, lot #77 in Mecklenburg conveyed by Thomas Shepherd & wife by deed Oct. 1764, in Frederick Co. record book; William Vincent to build a dwelling. /s/ William Duncan; no wife. Wit. John Pearce, Adam (X) Bishop, John (X) Miller. (FHL film 829,882) (MAD: grantee deed not found)
      6-297: 17? Aug. 1784, William Shaw to Matthew Duncan, mortgage, land in He?ain Co. VA (He?air He?raid He?rais Hem Henn Hew ? Co.) on Tuscarawas River. No. Wit. (FHL film 829,882)
      9-66: 6 Jan. 1779, Paul Verdin and wife Sarah to Thomas Duncan, all Berkeley Co., £24?, 1/2 lot #70 in Martinburg. Witnesses not copied. (FHL film 829,883)
      9-317: 4 Feb. 1790, Sarah Grier, relict and admx. of Dr. Charles Greer decd, appoint Thomas Duncan, both Berkeley Co., attorney to recover debts due estate of said Charles Grier decd. Wit. Wm. Duncan, Jos. Harris, Paul Verdeir. (FHL film 829,883)
      11-478: 17 June 1793, William Wilson and wife Jane late Duncan of Berkeley Co. to Joseph Duncan of KY, £50, all their right etc. of their undivided part of the real estate of Mathew Duncan decd. which the said William Wilson claims an interest in right of his wife Jane Wilson late Duncan, dau. of above Mathew Duncan decd, who died intestate, wherever the real estate may be, and more particularly their undivided part of the land where said Mathew Duncan lived and died and the land adj. belonging to the said Mathew Duncan; also their right etc. to their part of the personal estate of said Mathew Duncan, all of which are to be received at the costs of said Joseph Duncan and at his risk. Wit. James McLintock, Sarah Wilson, Seth Duncan. (FHL film 829,884)
      11-483: 27 Aug. 1793, Joseph Duncan of State of KY appoint Samuel Reed Esq. attorney to receive anything due from any person, and give receipts. Wit. Alexr. W. Beall, Peter Lawson. Reg. on oath of wit. (FHL film 829,884)
      11-603: 29? Aug. 1794, Joseph Duncan and wife Ann; Sarah Duncan; William Bell and wife Sarah, and Thomas Duncan, all of Berkeley Co. VA, being heirs of Mathew Duncan decd; to Patrick Boyle of the county of (blank), Commonwealth of PA; £600 current money of VA paid to the said Joseph, Sarah, William and Thomas, one full moiety of land on waters of Dry Run, being 1/2 the undivided tract of land Mathew Duncan died possessed of, after taking from the whole tract claimed by the said Mathew Duncan the quantity of 243-1/2 acres & 11 poles which was conveyed by the several heirs of the said Mathew Duncan decd. to Seth Duncan by deed 25 Aug. 1794, whose tract of land was granted to the said Mathew Duncan decd; the said undivided half supposed to contain 120 acres. Wit. Elisha Boyd, Michl. McKewan, Moses Hunter, Ignatius O. Ferrall, G. Hayes. (FHL film 829,884)
      11-610: 25 Aug. 1794, Joseph Duncan and wife Ann of KY, Sarah Duncan, William Bell & wife Sarah of Berkeley Co. VA, being heirs of Mathew Duncan decd; to Thomas Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA, £400, lot #58? in Martinsburg, grant to John Miller by deed of Adam? Stephens 15 Aug. 1773 (D.B.3-39 in tiny writing) and afterward on 17 Nov. 1778 (D.B.3-143) by deed of said Miller & wife Elizabeth to Mathew Duncan decd. Wit. Elisha Boyd, Michael McKewan, Moses Hunter, G. Hayes, Ignatius O. Ferrall. (FHL film 829,884)
      11-613: 29 Aug. 1794, Joseph Duncan and wife Ann of Bourbon Co. KY, and Sarah Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA, to William Bell and Thomas Duncan, for £600, one full moiety of land on waters of Dry Run, being 1/2 the undivided part of land Mathew Duncan died possessed, after taking from the whole claimed by Mathew Duncan, the quantity of 243-1/2 acres & 11 poles conveyed by the several heirs of Mathew Duncan decd. to Seth Duncan by deed 25 Aug. 1794, which tract of land was granted to said Mathew Duncan; the undivided half supposed to contain 120 acres. Wit. Elisha Boyd, Michael McKewan, Moses Hunter, Ignatius O. Ferrall, G. Hayes. (FHL film 829,884)
      13-71: 25 Apr. 1796, Samuel Reed to John Dunkain, both Berkeley Co., £32, lease for 2 years & 8 months negro woman Sukey and her child Pate as a slave for life. No wit. (FHL film 829,885)
      16-369: 3 May 1800, Thomas Duncan of Berkeley Co. to James McDonald of Frederick Co., £800, lot #58 in Martinsburg, sold to Matthew Duncan decd, and conveyed to said Thomas Duncan by Joseph Duncan and Anne his wife, Sarah Duncan, William Bell and Sarah his wife, heirs & legatees of Matthew Duncan decd, by deed 25 Aug. 1794. No wife. Wit. Thober? N. Willis, Elisha Bays?, Matt Whiting. (FHL film 829,886)
      17-110: 22 Nov. 1800, Seth Duncan and wife Rhuamah and Sarah Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA, to Mathew Ransom of Martinsburg, $4374, part of land whereon late Mathew Duncan decd, father of said Seth, died possessed, and the same part of said Mathew's land described in a bond given him by said Seth bearing date 23 March 1792, conveyed to Seth after decease of said Matthew his father by deed of Joseph Duncan and wife Ann, Thomas Duncan, William Bell & wife Sarah, heirs and legal reps. of said Matthew (description not copied). Wit. not copied. (FHL film 829,887)
      17-285: 25 Aug. 1794, Joseph Duncan and Ann his wife of KY, Sarah Duncan, William Bell and wife Sarah, and Thomas Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA, heirs of Matthew Duncan decd, to Seth Duncan of Berkeley Co., $2000, 243 acres (above land). Wit. Elisha Boyd, Michael McKewan/Havan, Moses Hunter. Two justices sent to examine Sarah Bell. (FHL film 829,887)
      21-453: 24 June 1809, plot of land; land of Robert Lyle decd. & by consent of Robert Lyle, only son and heir of said Robert Lyle decd, assign land to Eleanor Dunkin, late Eleanor Lyle, widow and relict of said Robert Lyle, as her dower, 132 acres on Pitser's line, H. Bower's line. (FHL film 829,889)
      21-459: 27 June 1809, John Duncan and wife Elinor of Berkeley Co. to Robert Lyle of same, $185.10, all the dower right of said Eleanor Duncan late Eleanor Lyle, widow of Robert Lyle decd, to lands on which her late husband died siezed & possessed; ref. to above survey; retain life interest during life of Eleanor Duncan. Wit. John Alburts, James Wilson, Washington Erapes?. Justices sent to examine Eleanor who could not conveniently appear in court. (FHL film 829,889)
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER LOCALITIES

Richland Co. SC Probate Record (FHL film 24,335)
      B-5/8: 11 July 1787, will of Matthew Duncan; sick in body; to my brother Thomas Duncan 250 acres of land in Berkly Co. VA, for the titles of which land I have in the hands of my brother-in-law (Wm. Wilson) a bond due from my father Matthew Duncan which land I give to him ... forever; to my brother Seth Duncan my young sorrel stud horse; the note of hand which lays in the hands of Moses Hunter given me by John Milling it should be given up to Milling; the notes laying in the hands of my brother Thos. Duncan given me by John Copland should be given up to Copland; the other notes due me which are at home and with me I wish to pay all my just debts and funeral charge; the balance thereon to be equally divided between my sister Sarah Greear and Seth Duncan; appoint brother Thomas Duncan and Thomas Hutchinson executors. /s/ Matthew Duncan; wit. Seten W. Stedd and Joel McLemore. Produced in Richland Co. SC 20 Aug. 1787 and proved by oaths of Selen W. Stedd. Letters testamentary issued to Thomas Duncan and Thomas Hutchinson; exhibited inventory to be recorded on or before 13 Jan. next, dated 13 Oct. 1787; appraisers appointed. (MAD: definitely two hundred fifty acres to Thomas Duncan)

Frederick Co. VA Deed (FHL film 31,413)
      Superior Court of Law Deed 4-150: 3 May 1800, Thomas Duncan of Berkeley Co. VA to James McDonald of Frederick Co. VA, £1,000, 1/2 lot #70 in town of Martanburgh formerly conveyed to Adam Aldrige by Adam Stephens Esq. 10 Sept. 1787, reconveyed from Aldridge to said Stephens 3 Jan. 1789 and from Stephens to Paul Verdur 5 Jan. 1789, and from Paul Verdur & wife Sarah to Thomas Duncan 6 Jan. 1789; lot on Kings Street. no wife. /s/ Thos. Duncan. Wit. A. Willis, Elisha Boyd, Matt. Whiting. At Superior Court for District, 29 Sept. 1800 (Counties of Frederick, Berkeley & Shenandoah).

Barren Co. KY Equity Court Judgments (FHL film 209,800; see more in Barren Co. KY records)
      Bundle 380, #1827; J. Duncan heirs vs. Sarah Bell, filed March & June 1827.
      Bond of Sarah Greer, 19 Sept. 1788?, to Joseph Duncan of Bourbon Co.; she of Berkeley Co. Wit. Seth Duncan, Sarah Duncan. (not copied)
      7 Oct. 1789, bond of Sarah Grier and William Wilson, of Berkeley Co. VA, to William Grier of same, for 500 lbs; that Sarah Grier or her heirs ... will convey to William Grier, his heirs or assigns, 500 acres in State of VA and in the district set apart for the officers and soldiers of the said state, and on Barron River, part of a tract of 1714a grant to Sarah Grier by patent 10 Aug. 1789. Wit. Robt. Cockburn, John Kirney, Joseph Duncan, Thos. Duncan.

Barren Co. KY Deed from index (FHL film 209,721)
      D-360: 30 Jan. 1815, William Bell of Berkley Co. VA to Joseph Duncan of Barren Co. KY; that whereas said William Bell has this day been appointed attorney in fact by Seth Duncan and his wife Ruhama Duncan of Nelson Co. KY to receive claims due them from the estates of William Henshaw and Ann Henshaw decd. late of Berkley Co. VA; now if said William Bell as attorney should recover or receive any money or other property from the estate, in order to provide for the payment of 1/2 of such money or other property, for $1 paid by Joseph Duncan, grant to said Joseph Duncan a tract of 500 acres, being part of a tract belonging to Sarah Bell containing by patent 1714 acres at the mouth of Peters Creek on Big Barren River in Barren Co. KY, and which moiety of 500 acres was purchased by said William Bell from James Blue, and all houses, buildings, orchards, watercourses, profits, etc., in trust; that if William Bell shall fail to pay to Seth Duncan & Ruhama his wife or their heirs the 1/2 of such estate as he may recover as their attorney from the estates of William & Ann Henshaw, in a reasonable time or upon demand, then Joseph Duncan may sell the above land at public auction and pay Seth & Ruhama their money and the balance to William Bell; wit. Samuel Vittetow, Daniel Vittetow, M.J. Duncan.

Pendleton Co. KY Will, Deed Book Vol.B, 1803-1815 (FHL film 272,782; abstract also by Donna Thompson to Georgia Helderlein to MAD 9/1988)
      B-139: Will of Thomas Duncan of Pendleton Co. KY, weak of body, revoking all other wills. To my nephew Mathew Duncan son of Seth Duncan, 500 acres on Highland Creek, and all my right and title of what is coming to me from the estate of John Carney Decd, a suit being now instituted against said Carney's heirs in Berkley Co. VA, and all estate coming to me in Franklin Co. PA which Mathew Duncan has a power of attorney from me to collect, also my negro woman Lucy and all my personal estate. To Seth Duncan Junior son of Seth Duncan, 500 acres on Clay Creek, "Livington" Co. KY. To "the neice" Eliza Duncan of Seth Duncan, 660 acres in Nelson Co. Appoint my brother Seth Duncan with my friend John Mountjoy Sen. my execs. 19 June 1806. Wit. Alexander C. Lanier, Britain Clay. Proved July 1806 by Alex. C. Lanier, and at Oct. ensuing by Britain Clay. Recorded Oct. 14, 1806.

Lee Co. VA Marriage Records; 1830-35 minister's returns, 1850-54 marriage licenses, 1853-1916 mar. register, birth register 1854-77, death register 1853-1891 (FHL film 32,441)
      Record 2, 1853-1916 (page & line):
      9-51, 1/22/1861, Calvin Duncan, 26 single shoemaker b. "Barkly" Co. VA, par. W. & L. Duncan, to E.M. Parsons, 17 single b. Lee Co. VA, mother Annie Parsons, mar. by Robt. H. Wynn.
 

OTHER RECORDS

Calendar of Virginia State Papers (from Evelyn Sigler 12/1980 with permission to share with others)
      Vol.1, pg.575: Mar. 16, 1781. J.H. Brooke recommends to the consideration of the Executive, Joseph Duncan, experienced and skillful armorer, belonging to the western army under Col. Geo. Slaughter, but who prefers to be employed at the Frederickburg Factory. (MAD: Clark's IL Regiment)
 

HISTORIES before 1923

1890 "History of Lower Shenandoah Valley, Cos. of Frederick, Berkeley, Jefferson & Clarke" by J.E. Norris, pub. by A. Warner (FHL book 975.59 H2n; see more in Frederick Co. VA)
      Pg.227: Berkeley County. At this court, August, 1772, the first license ... As a matter for preservation the following "first grand jury" is copied: John Smith, foreman; Hezekiah Swearingen, Josiah Swearingen, Joseph Barnes, Martin Antler, Joseph Turner, Abraham Smith, John Taylor, Samuel Taylor, Jonathan Simmons, George Cunningham, William McConnell, Jacob Beller, Andrew McCormick, Matt Duncan, John Sewell, Thomas Lafferty and George Creamer.

1883 "History of Cass & Bates Co. MO" by National Historical Co. (Los Angeles Public Library book 977.81 C34Hi; see more in Cass Co. MO)
      Pg.685-686, Cass Co.; Dolan Twp: J.W. DUNCAN, farmer, section 22, is a native of Nelson Co. KY, and was born in 1829, being a son of Seth and Jane (Carter) Duncan. The former, originally from Martinsburgh [Berkeley Co.], VA, was born in February, 1800, and with his parents moved to KY in 1805. He died May 16, 1849. His wife was also born in Nelson Co. KY, in 1800. She died January 16, 1849. They were married in 1822 and had a family of seven children: Thomas, William H., M.J., J.W., Stephen, John and R.C.
 

END

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