Duncans in Northumberland Co. PA

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

Last revised November 21, 2010

NORTHUMBERLAND CO. PA
Formed 1772 from Lancaster, Bedford, Berks, Northampton
Luzerne formed 1786 from Northumberland
Mifflin formed 1789 from Cumberland, Northumberland
Lycoming formed 1795 from Northumberland
Centre formed 1800 from Lycoming, Mifflin, Northumberland, Huntingdon
Columbia formed 1813 from Northumberland
Union formed 1813 from Northumberland
 

CENSUS RECORDS

1800 Northumberland Co. PA Census
Pg.813  James Duncan             10010 - 10010         Haines Twp

1810 Northumberland Co. PA Census
Pg.217  Letitia Duncan, widow    20100 - 02010         Sunbury

1820-1850 Northumberland Co. PA Census
        No Duncan indexed

1860 Northumberland Co. PA Census
Mt. Carmel Twp.
Pg.431, #1195-1133, Bridget O'MARIAN 57 IRE widow $0-$0
                  Martin 20 IRE
                  Martin DURKINS 6 PA
Pg.431, #1198-1136, William MARRAN 65 IRE laborer $0-$20
                  Honora 65 IRE
                  Catherine 30 IRE
                  James 27 IRE miner
                  Mark 18 PA laborer
                  Mary MAHANRCH 9 PA
                  John MAHANRCH 7 PA
                  William REDDELS 30 IRE miner
                  James SHARPS 37 SCT miner
                  William PETEN 34 ENG miner
                  Patrick DUKEN 35 IRE miner
                  Robert FULLE 23 IRE miner
Shamoken Twp.
Pg.538, #1149-1148, Nicholas WILLETT 51 PA farmer $650-$180
                  Rachael 60 PA
                  David J. 23, Lucinda 18 PA
                  William DUNCAN 6 PA
 

1870 Northumberland Co. PA Census
Coal Twp.
Pg.79, #322-356, DUNCAN, John 32 ENG works in mines? $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
                  Mary 23 PA keeping house
                  Henry 4 PA, father of foreign birth
                  Lyzie (f) 2 PA, father of foreign birth
                  [DUNCAN,] Richard 30 ENG works in mines, parents of foreign birth
W.Ward Sunbury
Pg.494, #186-166, EYSTER, Jno?. 54 PA hotel keeper $18,000-$3,000
                  & wife & family
                  other men
                  DUNCAN, James 22 MD R.R. Breakman
 

LAND RECORDS

Northumberland Co. PA Deeds (indexes to 1913, grantors on FHL film 961,184; grantees on FHL film 961,188)
      A-6: 25 Aug. 1772, agreement, William Duncan of City of Philadelphia, PA, gentleman, to Daniel Long of Cumberland Co. PA, bond of Daniel Long to William Duncan 260 ($ or lbs?) for 247 acres sold by William Duncan to Daniel Long in Buffaloe Valley adj. John Harris. No wife, no wit. (FHL film 961,192)
      A-38: 20 Oct. 1773, Joseph Wheeler of Northumberland Co. to Wm. Duncan of City of Philadelphia, merchant, and Robt. Deshae (Deshea?) of said Co., yeoman, for £80, 300 acres entered 3 April 1769 on Mill Creek where Wyalusing path crosses said creek #27. Wit. William Maclay, Car. Weitzel, Joseph Huller. (FHL film 961,192)
      A-39: 4 June 1773, Daniel Long of Northumberland Co. release William Duncan from (bond? covenant? agreement?). Wit. John George Conrad. (FHL film 961,192)
      B-415: 20 March 1781, Mathew Duncan of City of Philadelphia, on 1 Feb. 1781 by deed poll to Thomas McCormick of Bucks Co.,; grant to Mathew Duncan 3 April 1769 #504; that when he executed the deed poll was under 21 and my mother Margaret Duncan on 4 Feb. 1781 delivered her bond to Hugh McCormick for $200 that Mathew Duncan within three months next after his attaining full age, or in case of his death, would make deed; Mathew Duncan, being now of full age, make deed to above land. Wit. Stephen? ??, Stephen Duncan, David Duncan. (FHL film 961,192; faint)
      B-419: 24 July 1782, Stephen Duncan deed poll to Henry Sterrett; to better enable Ruth McCosky to perform her covenant; William McCoskey 18 Dec. 1769 received land, he died intestate, the Orphans Court on 24 Nov. 1774 sold the land to Samuel Allen who on 26 Nov. 1774 conveyed it to Ruth McCosky who sold it to Henry Sterrett (Stephen Duncan is warranting title). Wit. Stephen Chambers, James Davis. (FHL film 961,192)
      C-63: 1 March 1785, Robert Campble of Cumberland Co. PA to Stephen Duncan of same, deed poll, £20, my right etc. to certain improvement made by my brother William Campble between Lacommick and Frone? Creek. Wit. George Thompson. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-81: 13 Dec. 1784, James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA, deed poll; that James Duncan had applied to land office for 400 acres on the headwaters of Bald Eagle Creek, a warrant was issued for surveying the land; sell for 5 shillings specie to Lewis Lewis (sic) of same County. Wit. Isaac Connely, John McCormick. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-132: (no day) June, 1785, Robert Campble to Stephen Duncan; Campble's brother William (no last name), late of Northumberland Co., died intestate owning 300 acres on N. side of W branch of Susquehana, adj. Love, Alexander Hamilton decd; sell for £25 to Stephen Duncan of town of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.]. Wit. William Dunn, Thomas Duncan. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-494: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to Mariana Duncan of City of Philadelphia, spinster, dau. of Isaac Duncan decd, rent? on time payments in Town of Northumberland. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-495: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to Elizabeth Duncan of City of Philadelphia, spinster, dau. of Robert (sic) Duncan, decd, land in town of "North". (FHL film 961,193)
      C-497: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to Wm. Duncan of City of Philadelphia, merchant, (does not say son/dau. of anyone) land in town of Northumberland. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-498: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to Esther Duncan of City of Philadelphia, spinster, dau. of Isaac Duncan decd, land in town of Northumberland. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-500: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to Mathew Duncan of City of Philadelphia, son of Isaac Duncan, decd, land in town of Northumberland. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-501: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to Isaac Duncan of City of Philadelphia, son of Isaac Duncan, decd, land in town of Northumberland. (FHL film 961,193)
      C-503: 28 Aug. 1772, John Lowdon of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., Esq., and William Patterson of same, Esq., and wife Esther Patterson, to David Duncan of City of Philadelphia, son of Isaac Duncan decd, land in town of Northumberland. (FHL film 961,193)
      D-10: 5 July 1787, Commissioner deed, land in Potters Twp said to be property now or late of David Duncan; sold for non payment of taxes 1776 to 1786 to Aaron Levey, the highest bidder, for £55, 100 acres on Elk Creek adj. David Sheakespeare, James Cash, Aaron Levi. (FHL film 961,193)
      D-119, 120: 26 June 1775, William Duncan of City of Philadelphia, Gent., to Joseph Wheeler and John Drake of Northumberland Co. PA, deed pole, 316-1/4 acres adj. Andrew Forster, warrant from John Smith to said William Duncan. Wit. Michl. Troy, Thomans? Ball. Release after payment of £300. (FHL film 961,193)
      D-232: 10 June 1774, John Smith to William Duncan, £10, 316-1/4 acres on Fishing Creek adj. Andrew Foster. Wit. R. Patterson, Isaac Duncan. (FHL film 961,193)
      D-232 (2nd): 25 July 1788, Honorable John Penn Younger, Esq., late son of Proprietors of PA, etc., to Margaret Duncan of City of Philadelphia, widow, for yearly rent, Lots 27, 152, and 280 in town of Sunbury in Northumberland Co. (FHL film 961,193)
      E-172: 5 May 1791, David Duncan of City of Philadelphia, merchant, to William Dondass of Washington Twp., Northumberland Co., L512.15, 293+ acres called Stewardstown in forks of White Deer Hole Creek, a patent to David Duncan 23 Sept. 1773, adj. Richard Stale?, Stephen McCosky's, Robert Long. Wit. John Campbell, Isaac Telfair, Saml. D. Hoge. (FHL film 961,194)
      E-223: 26 April 1791, John Duncan of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, merchant, and wife Sarah E., to Hugh Patton of same, £600, the patent 30 March 1791 to "Big Meadows" on Aby's Creek in Northumberland Co. adj. Patrick Moor, Henery Read, for 748 acres, recorded at Philadelphia in Book 18, pg. 63, surveyed 13 July 1785. Wit. James Postlethwait, Saml. Laird. (FHL film 961,194)
      E-236: 26 May 1791, John Lawrence and Thomas Duncan, Esq., Counsellors at law (no locality), to John Montgomery of Forbutt Twp., Northumberland Co., husbandman; £53, 232 acres that Lawrence and Duncan purchased from the sheriff at public auction 22 Aug. 1785 in Forbutt Twp adj. Robert Clark, originally the property of Chas. Clark. Wit. John Kidd, Martin Withington. (FHL film 961,194)
      F-93: 4 June 1777, William Duncan to John Buchanan (no locality), £3, location 3 April 1769 for 300 acres #295. Wit. Willm. Rodman, James Stone. (FHL film 961,194)
      F-120: 7 Feb. 1788, John Robison to Thomas Duncan, Esqr., (no locality), warrant 4 June 1785 for 400 acres, for 5 shillings. Wit. Thos. Robison, Andrew Barnett. (FHL film 961,194)
      F-228: 24 Sept. 1790, David Duncan of Monongalia Co. VA appoint James Duncan attorney to sell my land in Penns Valley, 335 acres, patent in name of David Duncan and William McMurry; also to get money due from John Smith son to widow Smith, Ludwick Darr, Moses Hood, William McCanles, William Orr, Michl. Agey, David Allen, Jno. McIlwain & others. Wit. Frances Warman, Saml. Hanway. (FHL film 961,194)
      F-228 (2nd): 7 May 1793, William Galbraith of Rie Twp, Cumberland Co. PA, and wife Sarah, to James Duncan of Buffaloe Twp, Northumberland Co., £115, undivided 1/2 of 335 acres in Haines Twp, Northumberland Co. Wit. Edward Magauran, John Jordan. (FHL film 961,194)
      F-368: 14 March 1789, Samuel Wallis of City of Philadelphia, gent., and wife Lydia, to Margaret Duncan of said city, widow, £150, land called "Longh Darrach" on E. side of Loyalsock in Muncy Twp., Northumberland Co. (neighbors not copied). Wit. L. Weiss, William Ellis. (FHL film 961,194)
      G-408: Indexed 9 June 1794, David and Elizabeth Duncan by attorney James Duncan to Jacob Hubler, land in Haines Twp. Pages 407 to 410 missing from deed book. (FHL film 961,195)
      H-70: 24 July 1795, Margaret Duncan of City of Philadelphia, widow, to Mary Hamilton, wife of John Hamilton, late of Co. of Tyrone, Kingdom of Ireland, now of City of Philadelphia, yeoman; for love of her kinswoman Mary Hamilton and Eleanor Hamilton dau. of said John and Mary, and 5 shillings, lot #121 in town of Northumberland. Wit. Samuel Park, James Humphreys. (FHL film 961,195)
      H-71: 30 May 1795, Margaret Duncan of City of Philadelphia, widow, to William Parke of Northumberland Co., £767.5, land called "Stewarts Town on Fishing Creek" in Fishing Creek Twp, 255-3/4 acres patented to Margaret Duncan 30 March 1795, rec. Book 24, pg. 302. Wit. Asheton Humphreys, James Humphreys. (FHL film 961,195)
      K-315: 12 Dec. 1798, William Hewitt of Chillisquaque Twp, Northumberland Co., to Thomas Duncan of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., for £2,226.8, several tracts; 2 patents recorded Book AA pg. 577 and 693 for 59 acres and 112 acres and land in Chilisquaque Twp, 100 acres. Wit. Jesse Funston, Jas. Duncan. (FHL film 961,196)
      L-3: 4 May 1799, Edmund Physick of City of Philadelphia, Esq., on behalf of John Penn, appoint Messrs John R. Coats of City of Philadelphia and Robert Duncan of Borough of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.], attorneys, to lease land of Penn in Cos. of York, Franklin, Dauphin, Cumberland, Bedford, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Lycoming, Northumberland and Luzerne. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-39: 3 Sept. 1799, Edmund Physick of City of Philadelphia, Esq., on behalf of John Penn, appoint Messrs. Robert Duncan and Samuel Duncan of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., to lease land on Rivers Susquehanna and Juniata in Counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Northumberland and Mifflin and a piece of land on Pine Creek in Berks. Co. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-180: 26 Nov. 1774, Ruth McCrosky, Stephen Duncan and William Lyon, admr. of Wm. M. McCroskey, decd, to Robert Allen ... (not copied) (FHL film 961,197)
      L-466: 9 Aug. 1800, Thomas Duncan and wife Martha of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, to Casper Arnold of Northumberland Co., $600, 200 acres in Mahontongo Twp. on River Susquehanah. Wit. Alexr. Nesbet, John Creigh. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-588: 25 Nov. 1801, Robert Duncan of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.], Esq., to Bernhard Everhard of Beaver Damp Twp, Northumberland Co., for £1,466.11, land in Beaver Dam Twp, 303 acres and 316 acres and 234-1/2 acres, total 854a. Wit. William Brown, James Duncan. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-589: 25 Nov. 1801, Robert Duncan of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.] to Jacob Yeater of Derry Twp, Mifflin Co., PA, for £573.8, 325 cresa in Beaver Dam Twp, Northumberland Co., patent to Thomas Duncan Esq. who sold to Robert Duncan. Wit. William Brown, Ja. Duncan. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-607: 7 Dec. 1801; patent 2 May 1793 to Joseph Park, surveyed to William Duncan 3 April 1769; Margaret Duncan recovered the land of said Joseph Park by ejectment in PA Supreme Court; Joseph Park for £29.11 to Margaret Duncan (desc. not copied). Wit. Martin Withington, Jno? Buyers. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-725: 5 Oct. 1793, Genl. William Irwin, Frances Reed and Mathias Slough, surviving exors of will of Robert Callendar late of "said" Co., Esq., decd; Robert owned land in Cos. of Northumberland and Mifflin (16 parcels, desc. not copied); deed to Thomas Duncan Esq. 16 tracts of land. Wit. Anne Gibson, Alexander Scott. (FHL film 961,197)
      L-726: 18 June 1794, Thomas Duncan and wife Martha of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.] to Robert Duncan Esq. of Mifflin Co., by above deed, convey 13 tracts. Wit. John Lyon, G. Huston. (FHL film 961,197)
      M-440: 5 Aug. 1804, Thomas Duncan of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.] to Simon Herold of Northumberland Co., £130, Island #2, 15-1/2 acres in Susquehanna, grant, "McKees Cow Island." Wit. John Creigh. (FHL film 961,198)
      N-47: 14 April 1777, Margaret Duncan of City of Philadelphia, widow, and David Duncan of same, merchant, to George Clymer, Esq., of said city, for £462.10 paid to Margaret Duncan, 325a called "Stramms Town?" on SW branch of Fishing Creek, grant to Margaret Duncan; and for £462.10 paid to David Duncan, 328 acres called "Duncans town" on SW branch of Fishing adj. 1st tract, grant in 1772 to David Duncan. Wit. John Laboyteaux, L. Weiss. (FHL film 961,198)
      N-102: 19 Aug. 1805, Thomas Duncan of Carlisle [Cumberland Co.] and wife Martha to Simon? Harold, £130, (blank acres) land on an Island in River Susquehanna. Wit. John Creigh. (FHL film 961,198)
      N-361: 28 Aug. 1801, Margaret Duncan of Philadelphia, gentlewoman, by Mathew Duncan of town of Northumberland, Northumberland Co., gentleman, her attorney, to John Drake of Bloom Twp, Northumberland Co., husbandman, 316-1/4 acres called "Duncans Fancy" on Fishing Creek about 5 miles from the mouth, from John Smith 10 June 1774 to William Duncan, 26 June 1775 to Joseph Wheeler and John Drake; William Duncan then died leaving will, Margaret Duncan got the patent, Joseph Wheeler and John Drake divided the land, John Drake died without will, moiety confirmed to John Drake Jr. by orphans court; deed to John Drake for $1. (FHL film 961,198)
      S-298: 9 Nov. 1813, John Mason Duncan of City of Baltimore, Baltimore Co. MD, "being seized in fee", land in town of Northumberland, appoint David T. Duncan of City of Philadelphia, attorney, to sell land. Wit. Omer? Dorsey. (FHL film 961,201)
      S-398: 12 Dec. 1813, David Telfair Duncan and John Mason Duncan by his attorney David T. Duncan of Sunbury, Northumberland Co. PA, to Samuel Jackson of Town of Northumberland; that Margaret Duncan by deed 9 Sept. 1774 from Reuben Haines of City of Philadelphia, who willed it to her son Mathew Duncan and his heirs or assignees; Mathew Duncan willed it on 7 April 1807 in City of Philadelphia to David T. Duncan and John M. Duncan, for $230, sell to Samuel Jackson. Wit. Jno. Buyers, George P. Buyers. (FHL film 961,201)
      T-90: 23 April 1816; controversy has arisen between the subscribers, exors of Stephen Duncan, and one Samuel Fisher now decd, respecting lands in Deer Twp, Union Co., and Thos. Duncan and James Duncan exors have agreed to release to William Dale and John Leany and the heirs aforesaid; interest that Stephen Duncan had in his lifetime to 304 acres adj. William McCordret?, a location in name of John Little, last will of Saml. Fisher, for $400 paid to Duncans, they release right of Stephen Duncan. /s/ Thos. Duncan, James Duncan by his atty. Thomas Duncan. (FHL film 961,202)
      T-356: 4 Aug. 1817, John Lambert of City of Philadelphia, merchant, atty in fact for William Williams Brown of Leeds, York Co., Great Britain, Esq., and wife Margaret Brockden, late Margaret Brockden Duncan (sic) of Philadelphia, North America, spinster, only surviving child of Isaac Duncan of Philadelphia, gentleman, decd, to Samuel Shannon of Northumberland Co. PA; whereas John Lowden and William Patterson and wife Ester sold 28 Aug. 1772 to Isaac (no last name) of City of Philadelphia, son of Isaac Duncan Senr, lot #105 for $40, sell lot to Samuel Shannon. (FHL film 961,202)
      U-231: (blurred) 11 May 1820, George Ely & wife Joanna of Northumberland Co., Esq., to Benjamin Duncan of Dist. of Southwark in Philadelphia Co. PA, $500, 423? acres in Mahoning Twp. Wit. William Montgomery, Sarah Logue, F. Mitchel, A.D. Cash. (FHL film 961,202)
      U-532: 3 Jan. 1822, Letitia Duncan of City of Philadelphia, widow, to Sarah Buyers of Borough of Sunbury, Northumberland Co., $1000, interest in lands and estate of which John Buyors late of Sunbury, Esq., died ... my father the said John Buyers. Wit. H. Donnel, Michael Quin. (FHL film 961,202)
      U-533: John Buyers to Sarah Buyers "my father" 1/6 part. (not copied) (FHL film 961,202)
      W-267: 29 Dec. 1827, Latitia Duncan of town of Sunbury, Northumberland Co. PA, to William Ellis and Adam Schyler of Northumberland Co. PA, by power of attorney from Thomas Duncan and William F. Duncan, devisees of Mathew Duncan decd, sell interest of Thomas C. (sic) Duncan and William F. Duncan and also all rights said Laetitia has to land in Turbut Twp, Northumberland Co., "(perhaps a part may be situated in Columbia Co.)", 10 acres, including in survey held by John Buyers decd, and the same which Geo. P. Buyers and Sarah Buyers, lawful heirs of John Buyers, decd, conveyed to William Ellis and Adam Schuyler afsd, but it appearing that the oldest survey was in the name of Mr. (sic) Duncan; for $40. (FHL film 961,203) (MAD: See St. Louis Co. MO)
      W-324: 29 Feb. 1828, Benjamin Duncan and wife Elizabeth (no locality) to Charles Warton Jr. of City of Philadelphia, merchant, $4,300, 423 acres in Mahony Twp. Wit. Sarah Connade, William Milnor?. Benjamin and Elizabeth appeared in Philadelphia, Elizabeth of full age. (FHL film 961,203)
      AA-291: Agreement 1 June 1838; William Wilson, one of sons and heirs of Gen. William Wilson late of Chillisquaque Twp, Northumberland Co., to O.P. Duncan of Lewisburg, Union Co., deed for Wilson's share of his father's estate for 6% paid to O.P. Duncan. (O.P. Duncan to collect Wilson's share and turn it over to Wilson; Wilson to pay O.P. Duncan 6% for his services.) Wit. James F. Linn of Union Co. PA. (FHL film 961,206)
 

COURT RECORDS

"Reports of cases adjudged in the Supreme court of Pennsylvania; with some select cases at nisi prius and in the circuit courts" by the Honorable Jasper Yeates, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; ("Yeates Reports") Vol.1, pgs.213 to 221 (California State Law Library, Sacramento, 1/2004)
      Lessee of STEPHEN DUNCAN against BENJAMIN WALKER; Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; 1 Yeates 213; January, 1793, Decided.
      Ejectment for 300 acres of land, in Pine Creek township, in Northumberland county, within the late Indian purchase. This cause had been tried at the last May assizes at Sunbury, before M'Kean Chief Justice, and Yeates Justice, when the facts given in evidence appeared as follow:
      One Alexander Donaldson settled on the lands in dispute, then within the Indian territory, in 1774, and made an improvement, as it is called, thereon, and continued there some time. Early in 1779, he sold his improvement to William Campbell for 300£. who afterwards worked on the land. Campbell was drowned in Muncey creek in the spring of 1781, and letters of administration were taken out on his estate by James Alexander, on the 14th August 1781, he being one of his creditors. An inventory was taken on the 1st September 1781, appraising the above improvement at 80£. state money, another improvement at 40£. and his personal property at 18£. 15s. On the 3d September following, James Alexander, the administrator, having advertised the premises for sale at least ten days, (but without any order of the Orphans' Court,) proceeded to sell the same by public vendue, in the town of Northumberland, and at a fair and open sale, sold the same to John Walker for 150£. and conveyed the same to him by deed poll of that date, with covenant of warranty.
      John Walker was shortly afterwards killed by the Indians. On the 13th September 1782, letters of administration issued on his estate to Jane Walker and Benjamin Walker, who, on the 3d March 1785, conveyed the premises as administrators to William Walker, in consideration of 63£. 10s.; who, on the same day, reconveys it to the said Benjamin Walker, the defendant, in consideration of 65£. 10s.
      On the 5th June 1785, Robert Campbell, brother and heir at law of William Campbell aforesaid, conveyed to Stephen Duncan, the lessor of the plaintiff, the lands in question, in consideration of 25£. who, on the 29th day of the same month, took out a warrant for the premises, reciting the first settlement of the land, the sale to William Campbell aforesaid, and the conveyance of his heir at law to said Duncan.
      On the 20th October 1785, the same Benjamin Walker also takes out a warrant for these lands.
      On the 11th November 1785, a survey is made containing 324 acres; and on the 1st November 1786, Duncan enters a caveat against the acceptance of Walker's survey or granting him a patent.
      In the interim, on the 26th September 1786, James Alexander settles his administration account on the estate of William Campbell, in the register's office of Northumberland county, wherein he charges himself with the amount of sales of the improvements contained in the inventory, and the personal estate, £279 and credits himself with several sums amounting to £84 15 11, Balance remaining in his hands £194 4 1.
      On these facts two exceptions were taken to the title of the defendant: 1st. That James Alexander, the administrator of William Campbell could not, consistently with the laws or usages of this state, sell this improvement without being empowered so to do, by an order of the Orphans' Court. 2d. That no right to the improvement attached until the 21st December 1784, when the law passed, amending the act of assembly for opening the land office, and consequently could not legally be transferred.
      It was admitted by the plaintiff's counsel, that should he recover in the suit, these lands were liable to the debts of William Campbell deceased, in case of a deficiency of personal assets.
      It was at length agreed, that the jury should find a verdict for the plaintiff, subject to the opinion of the court in bank, on the point reserved: whether the lands in question sold by James Alexander as administrator of William Campbell, were to be considered as governed by the rules of real or personal property? If the court on argument, should be of the former opinion, then judgment to be entered for the plaintiff; if otherwise, judgment to be entered for the defendant.
 

TAX RECORDS

"Pennsylvania Archives" Series Three, Vol.XIX, ed. by W.H. Egle; pub. 1897 (Google book, 4/20/2010)
      Proprietary, supply and state tax lists of the counties of Northampton and Northumberland for the years 1772 to 1787 (1788)
   Pg.416, State Tax, County of Northumberland 1778-1780, Buffaloe Township
      Duncan, David, 121.10.0 valuation
   Pg.448, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland 1781, Turbut Township
      Widow Duncan, 300 acres, 14.1.3 tax
   Pg.457, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland 1781, Buffaloe Township
      Duncan, David, 2 horses, 2 cattle, 8.9 tax
   Pg.464, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland, 1781, Mahoning Township
      Lots in Northumberland (New Town)
      Widow Duncan, 8.9 tax
   Pg.477, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland, 1781, Turbut Township
      Non-residents, Widow Duncan, 1,500 acres, 28.2.6 tax
   Pg.482, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland, 1781, Mahoning Township
      Non-residents, Widow Duncan, 600 acres, 17.10.0 tax
   Pg.486, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland, 1781, Muncy Township
      Non-residents, Duncan, Margaret, 1,800 acres, 60.0.0 tax
   Pg.488, Transcript of Assessment, County of Northumberland, 1781, Potters Township, Non-residents
      Duncan, David, & Co., 1,200 acres, 40.0.0 tax
      Margaret Duncan, 1,000 acres, 25.0.0 tax
      (Pg.492) Stephen Duncan, 464 acres, 11.12.0 tax
   Pg.530, Federal Supply Tax, County of Northumberland, 1782, Turbutt Township
      Margret Duncan, 1,500 acres, 43.2.6 tax
   Pg.531, Federal Supply Tax, County of Northumberland, 1782, Mahoning Township
      Margret Duncan, 1,200 acres, 23.8.9 tax
   Pg.535, Federal Supply Tax, County of Northumberland, 1782, Muncy Township
      Duncan, Margret, 1,800 acres, 41.5.0 tax
   Pg.537, Federal Supply Tax, County of Northumberland, 1782, Potters Township
      Duncan, David, 1,200 acres, 17.10.0 tax
   Pg.539, Federal Supply Tax, County of Northumberland, 1782, Assessed on the Return from Philadelphia County and Others
      Margret Duncan, 1,000 acres, 14.1.3 tax
      (pg.541) Stephen Duncan, 160 acres, 2.5.0 tax
      Stephen Duncan, 304 acres, 4.5.6 tax
   Pg.586, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1785, Turbutt Township
      Duncan, Stephen, 200 acres, 12.9 tax
      Duncan, Widow, 300 acres, 1.5.7 tax
      Duncan, Stephen & Co., 300 acres, 19.3 tax
   Pg.632, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1785, Potters Township
      Non-Residents, Duncan, David, 600 acres, 1.17.6 tax
   Pg.634, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1785, Mahoning Township
      Duncan, Widow, 600 acres, 2.2.0 tax
   Pg.675-676, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1786, Turbutt Township, Non-residents
      Duncan, Margaret, 800 acres, 2.16.8 tax
      Duncan & Lawrence, 300 acres, 16.0 tax
      Duncan, Stephen, 150 acres, 5.4 tax
   Pg.682, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1786, Mahoning Township, Non-residents
      Widow Duncan, 900 acres, 14.1 tax
   Pg.704, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1786, Potters Township, Non-Residents
      Duncan, David, 600 acres, 1.11.3 tax
   Pg.706, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1786, Muncy Township
      Duncan, Margaret, 900 acres, 2.16.3 tax
   Pg.750, State Tax, County of Northumberland 1787, Turbut Township, Non-residents
      Thos. Duncan & Lawrence, 250 acres, 8.5 tax
   Pg.759, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1787, Point Township, Non-residents
      Wm. Duncan, .4 tax
   Pg.762, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1787, Derry Township, Non-residents
      Margaret Duncan, 300 acres, 9.0 tax
      Isaac Duncan, 275 acres, 11.0 tax
   Pg.783, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1787, Muncy Township, Non-residents
      Widow Duncan, 900 acres, 1.8.0 tax
   Pg.803, State Tax, County of Northumberland, 1787, Potters Township, Non-residents
      Duncan, David, 600 acres, 1.2.6 tax
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER LOCALITIES

Cumberland Co. PA Deeds
      L-88: 10 June 1794, Jonathan Walker Esq. and wife Lucy Walker of Northumberland Co. PA; that Stephen Duncan by will devised one share of his estate to said Jonathan Walker and wife Lucy; now Jonathan Walker and wife Lucy for £600 deed to Thomas Duncan Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, all their part, shares and proportions of estate of late Stephen Duncan, except the specific bequest of £500, and also any part that may eventually be coming to said Lucy Walker, wife of Jonathan Walker, on the death of any of the legatees in the will under age and without issue. /s/ Jonathan Walker, Lucy Walker. Wit. William Alexander, Robt. Duncan.. (FHL film 21,051; Placerville FHL 7/22/2008 to 7/29/2008, on loan)
      S-53/55: 5 Dec. 1807, Samuel Robinson of PA, Practitionery of Physic, and wife Mary Serena to James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA, Attorney at Law, for $1, sell messuage and tract or parcel of land on the River Mississippi at or near the Tunica Village containing 500 acres more or less, being the same premises which Lucetta Pollock of City of Philadelphia and now decd. by her will devised to the said Mary Serena Robinson, and also all other lands etc. within the bounds of the Government of Baton Rouge or other dominions of his Catholic Majesty or within the Mississippi Territory or other Territorial Government of the US, and also all houses, lots of ground and tracts of land situate in the counties of Cumberland, Center, Northumberland, Lycoming, Bedford, Mifflin and Westmoreland in the State of Pennsylvania or in other parts of said state which James Pollock late of Borough of Carlisle devised to afsd Mary Serena and others and whereof a moiety became vested in said Mary Serena on the decease of the afsd Lucetta Pollock ... together with all improvements ... Samuel Robinson and wife Mary ... /s/ Saml. Robinson, Mary S. Robinson. Wit. Craven N. Luckett, James Green, for Samuel Robinson; Arch. Loudon and H.H. Brackenridge for Mary Serena Robinson. Recorded 16 Jan. 1808. (FHL film 21,055; SLC 9/9/2010; edges of pages very dark to very light)
 

Lycoming Co. PA Mortgage Book A, 1825-1840, 1853 (FHL film 1,023,980; SLC 6/17/2008)
      A-28: 12 May 1826, Thomas Duncan of city of Philadelphia, Esq., to Juliana Nicklin of same, gentlewoman; Duncan by obligation 6 April 1826 owes Nicklin $10,000 (ten thousand) in one year, mortgage for $5,000, 326 acres in W end of Nippenon valley formerly Berks Co. now Lycoming Co. PA (history of title given, not copied, assigned Michael Gray) and another adj. the same (acres not given) and 282 acres and 120 perches adj. above (title given, not copied), in the whole 808 acres and 120 perches, Michael Gray deeded 14 March 1771, recorded Northumberland Co. PA Deed Book C, pg.421, conveyed to (omitted some links) ... 6 Feb. 1794 from Robert Milligan, recorded Deed Book P, pg.329, conveyed said three tracts to Thomas Duncan. /s/ Thos. Duncan. Wit. Geo. W. Kline, Wm. Folghman. Satisfied 18 Sept. 1834. (FHL film 1,023,980)
 

Philadelphia Co. PA Will (FHL film 21,731)
      1-26 to 34, #110: 5 Dec. 1801, will of Margaret Duncan of City of Phila., widow, (lots of religious terms). .... (See Philadelphia Co. for complete) ... To my son Matthew Duncan in trust land in Northumberland (bottom line too dark to read). To my son Matthew Duncan in trust a tract of land in Northumberland Co. called Hemarte? Ferver? 300 acres per patent. To my son Matthew Duncan land now occupied by John Davidson in Northumberland Co., 168 acres by patent. To my son Matthew land in Northumberland now occupied by Jacob Seix? 221 acres not yet patented. ... To my son Matthew Duncan lot of ground in town and county of Northumberland Lot #47. To my grandson Isaac Bailey son of my dau. Mary Ann Bailey, lot in town & county of Northumberland #280. To my grandchildren Isabella Bailey and Ann Bailey, ch. of my dau. Mary Ann Bailey, lot in Sunbury #27. To my grandson William Bailey, son of my dau. Mary Ann Bailey, lot in Sunbury #152. To my son Matthew Duncan lot in Northumberland #116. ... Appoint son Matthew Duncan and son in law William Bailey as executors. Wit. Peter Lohra, Silas E. Writ?, Jas. Humphreys Jr. Rec. Dec. 1, 1820.
 

Fleming Co. KY Deed (FHL film 343,984)
      V-75: 9 Oct. 1837, William Moritz of Tarbut Twp, Northumberland Co. PA, and wife Mary Catharine, to Robert Hayes and O.P. Duncan of Lewisburg, Union Co. PA; that said William Moritz and wife for $1500 PA money paid by Robert & O.P. (no last names), their right to a large body of land containing about 7,335 acres in Mason formerly Fayette Co. KY, part of Duncans? 65, 72, 77, 91, 96, 99 and undivided ?(dark) of about 22,000 acres which became vested in George Reinhart of Philadelphia City decd; 1/3 part of which the said George by deed 25 Nov. 1803 granted & conveyed to David Moritz of Easton, said deed recorded in Frankfort KY Book H pg.305 &c; and David Moritz being so therefore seized by? deed, having first made his will whereby he vested the same as follows; of the land in KY amounting to 7335 acres, I bequeath to the youngest son of my brother John 1000 acres; the rest to be equally divided between my brothers John, Peter and William Moritz; deed all interest in law or equity to the land to the grantees as tenants in common. Wit. A. Jordan, Geo. Meiser; rec. on oath of wit. 9 Oct. 1837 in Northumberland Co. PA; rec. 9 Dec. 1838 in Fleming Co. KY.
 

HISTORIES before 1923

1888 "Allegheny County [PA]: its early history and subsequent development ; from the earliest period till 1790" by Allegheny County Centennial Committee (Pa.); pub. Pittsburgh, Pa. : Snowden Peterson, 1888. (University of Pittsburgh's Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh Full-Text Collection image 3/2007; LH7655, HeritageQuest image 8/2007)
      http://digital.library.pitt.edu:80/p/pitttext/
      Pg.115-116: Judiciary of Allegheny Co., US District Court. ... was established by Act of Congress of 20th May, 1818, and Jonathan Hoge Walker was appointed Judge by President Monroe. He held the first Court at Pittsburg, December 7, 1818. Judge Walker was born in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, PA, in 1756. He was of English descent. His grandfather, William Walker, was a Captain under the Duke of Marlborough in Queen Anne's wars. His mother was a daughter of John Hoge, of Hogestown, in Cumberland County. He graduated at Dickinson College in 1787, read law with Stephen Duncan, whose daughter he married, and moved to Northumberland County. March 1, 1806, he was appointed President Judge of the Fourth Judicial District, composed of Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Bedford counties, and presided in those courts for twelve years. In 1810 he moved to Bedford; in 1819 to Pittsburgh. He died in January, 1824, in Natchez [MAD: Adams Co.], Mississippi, while on a visit to his oldest son, Duncan S. Walker, who was residing there.
      While Judge Walker was on the Bench of the US District Court, his second son read law, and commenced practice in Pittsburgh in 1821. After his father's death, in 1826 he moved to Natchez. This was Robert J. Walker, who subsequently became a distinguished statesman and politician. Judge Walker was ... On his leaving the Fourth Judician District in 1818, he published a farewell address to the people of the district ... He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and in several expeditions against the Indians in Western Pennsylvania and west of the Ohio. This was one reason he gave for desiring to move west of the mountains.
 

OTHER SOURCES FOR INFORMATION

1889 "Biographical Annals of Deceased Residents of the West Branch Valley of the Susquehanna" by John F. Meginness (from Florence Dyess 9/1987)
      Plan of Town of Sunbury: Incl. lot #152 in name of Margt. Duncan, ret. 30 Aug. 1773; Lot #88 in name of Margt. Duncan ret. 11 June 1773; Lot #277 in name of David Duncan ret. 23 Apr. 1774, etc. [Northumberland Co.]

"Pennsylvania: Genealogies chiefly Scotch-Irish and German" by William Henry Egle, 1886; 2nd edition 1896 (Placerville book GEN REF 929.109748 E)
      Pg.44: Samuel Awl, b. 1773 Lancaster Co., PA; 1800 to Augusta Twp, Northumberland Co., PA.; d. there 1773. Married April 27, 1795, Mary Maclay. Son (5) Charles Samuel, b. Aug. 1, 1808, to Peoria Co., ILL; married Lucy Duncan of New Berlin, PA. Children Ellen, George, Harriet, Lucy, William, Samuel, and Robert Harris.

"Register of Marriages and Baptisms performed by Rev. John Cuthbertson, Covenant Minister" (1751-1791, Lancaster Co. PA) by Helen Fields, 1934 (FHL film 48,224, from Charles A. Duncan 10/1987)
      See this source for some references in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Northumberland and York Co. PA.

"DUNCAN FOLDER, Heber G. Gearhart Collection, Genealogical Society of PA" (FHL film 525,548)
      MAD: This collection has a lot of material on Duncans in PA; including the Family Bible record of Matthew Duncan, b. Dec. 25, 1756 in Ireland, married Dec. 2, 1800 in Sunbury [Northumberland Co. PA] to Latitia Buyers born June 17, 1777 in Sunbury, PA; and lists their children.
 

END

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