Duncans in Venango Co. PA

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

Last revised August 30, 2014

VENANGO CO. PA
Formed 1800 from Allegheny, Lycoming
Clarion formed 1839 from Venango, Armstrong
Forest formed 1848 from Jefferson, Venango

 

CENSUS RECORDS

1800-1830 Venango Co. PA Census
      No Duncan indexed

1840 Venango Co. PA Census
Plum Twp.
Pg.86  James Duncan      2000,1  -  1100,1

1850 Venango Co. PA Census
Oakland
Pg.83, #4, James DUNCAN 40 PA
                  Betsy 40 PA
                  Nancy 16, Elizabeth 15 PA
                  Robert C. 12, John 10 PA
                  William H. 5 PA
                  (MAD: b. Butler Co. PA per 1993 query by Toni Sallade)
 

1860 Venango Co. PA Census
Allegheny Twp.
Pg.32, #267-260, Wm. COOPER 30 NY oil miner $0-0
                  Cora GOODRICH (f) 21 NY
                  H.L. "WDKINS" (m) 44 NY oil miner
                  C. GOODRICH (m) 56 VT oil miner
                  Charles DUNCAN 21 NY (blank)
Pg.33, #268-261, Leonard SMITH 26 NY oil miner $2000-0
                  H. DUNCAN (m) 34 NY blacksmith
French Creek?
Pg.248, #341-332, George McCLEARY 33 SCT farmer $1000-400
                  Ellen 35 OH
                  Ellen 10, John 8 OH
                  William 6, George 1 OH
                  Joseph DUNCAN 19 PA farmer
Oakland Twp.
Pg.382, #80-84, James DUNCAN 48 PA farmer $0-0
                  Elizabeth 47 PA
                  Robert 21 PA (blank) $1500-400
                  John 20 PA (blank) $1500-400
                  Wm. H. 14, Mary J. 8 PA
Beaufort Twp.
Pg.577, #1405-1374, James DUNCAN 30 PA farmer $0-350 m/in/yr
                  Ann 30 PA m/in/yr
                  James MARTIN 10 PA
 

1870 Venango Co. PA Census
Cherrytree Twp.
Pg.85, #414-428, DUNCAN, Andrew 38 PA blacksmith $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
                  Margarett 30 PA keeping house, father of foreign birth
                  GRANT, Geo. 26 NY works at oil well
Complanter Twp.
Pg.154, #827-840, DUNCAN, James 27 PA engineer at oil wells $0-$250, mar. in Sept.
                  Ella 19 PA keeping house, mar. in Sept.
Pg.196-197, #1515-1514, DUNCAN, William A. 44 PA brick molder $0-$0
                  Luemma (f) 22 PA keeping house
                  David 2 PA
                  William S. 18 PA ap. to brick maker
                  George W. 16 PA works in brick yard
                  (MAD: David age 2 as written)
Pg.200, #1566?-1526, JOHNSTON, James 50 PA oil producer $0-$3000
                  Jane 45 IRE keeping house, parents of foreign birth
                  Nancy J. 23 PA, mother of foreign birth
                  James K. 21 PA oil well driller, mother of foreign birth
                  David K. 18 PA engineer at oil well, mother of foreign birth
                  Clark P?. 15 PA engineer at oil well, mother of foreign birth
                  George E. 15 PA engineer at oil well, mother of foreign birth
                  McCAMMOND?, Charles 63 NY oil producer $0-$5,000
                  William 30 NY oil producer $0-$5,000
                  HAYNES, Edward 50 ENG oil producer $0-$3,000, parents of foreign birth
                  DUNCAN, John 21 PA engineer at oil well
                  CALLAHAN, Patrick 25 IRE R.R. laborer, parents of foreign birth
                  GARRETY, Edward 57 IRE pork? pedlar, parents of foreign birth
Pg.201, #1877?-1802?, BARRETT, Edward 34 IRE R.R.laborer $0-$0, parents of foreign birth
                  and family and
                  many men, including
                  DUNCAN Patrick 15 IRE R.R. laborer, parents of foreign birth
Pg.201, #1879-1804?, DUNCAN, David 45 PA engineer at well $0-$600?
                  Sarah 33 PA keeping house
                  Mary 14 PA
                  Charles 12 PA at school
                  Jennie 6, John 3 PA
                  Eva 3/12 PA b.Feb.
                  (MAD: 1860 Armstrong Co. PA census)
Pg.215, #1783-1781, DUNCAN, George 35 NY farmer $0-$0
                  Mary 32 NY keeping house
                  John 1 PA
Pithole Borough
Pg.228, #52-48, DUNCAN, Charles 40 PA burgess oil $0-$0
                  Sarah 25 PA keeping house
Venango City Borough
Pg.265, #118-115, DUNKEN, Robert 60 PA oil operator $300-$300
                  Jane 48 PA keeping house
Irwin Twp.
Pg.333, #203-206, DUNCAN, Samuel 35 PA labor $0-$0
                  Nancy 30 PA keeping house
Oakland Twp.
Pg.355, #45-45, DUNCAN, Robert 32 PA farmer $500-$350
                  Elizabeth 32 PA keeping house
                  Ellda J. (f) 5 PA
Pg.362, #126-126, DUNCAN, John 29 PA farmer $1500-$1000
                  Sarah J. 29 PA keeping house
                  Jasper M. 3 PA
Pg.362, #132-132, HAMPSON, Elizabeth 58 PA keeping house $3000-$0
                  William 30 PA farmer
                  Sarah 26 PA at home
                  John 23 PA works on farm
                  DUNCAN, Phebe 21 PA at home
                  Elizabeth 1 PA
Oil Creek Twp.
Pg.389, #303-301, MABB, Henry 33 MI landlord $0-$5000
                  Shamburgh House - written sideways
                  (many people, including)
                  DUNCAN, R.A. (m) 28 PA book keeper
Pg.398, #530-429, WLILLIALL?, Edward 38 NY resturant $0-$600
                  & family & others, including
                  DUNCAN, George 28 MD hardware $0-$1000
                  (MAD: indexed George Duncan 28 MD)
Pg.402, #479-474, SMALEY, John 34 PA teamster $5000-$700
                  & family & oil miners including
                  DUNCAN, (no first name) 28 CANada oil miner, parents of foreign birth
Pg.426, #818-812, COLLINS, William 44 PA carpenter $0-$200
                  Hannah 30 PA keeping house
                  William 10, Charles 8 PA
                  Baby (m) 2/12 PA b. Apr.
                  DUNCAN, Effie (m) 40 PA carpenter
                  WORK, Robert 28 PA carpenter
Oil City Twp.
Pg.433, #27-33, DUNCAN, W.H. (m) 40 NY oil producer $0-$0, father of foreign birth
                  Ann 35 NY housekeeping
                  Henrietta 12 NJ
                  William 8 NJ
                  Fredrick 5 NJ
                  BURLOCK, Mary 25 NY domestic, parents of foreign birth
                  (MAD: indexed W.H. Duncan 40 PA; 1860 Essex Co. NJ census)
Pg.440, #117-134, DUNCAN, Alem (m) 37 PA oil producer $2500-$2000
                  Emma 25 PA keeping house
Scrubgrass Twp.
Pg.561, #87-80, EAKIN, Samuel 63 PA farming $2780-$910, father of foreign birth
                  Margaret J. 62 PA keeping house
                  Margaret J. 24 PA
                  William A. 22 PA farming
                  A. Fargusson 20 PA carpenter
                  James N. 18 PA at home
                  DUNCAN, Elwood (m) 7 PA
Sugar Creek Twp.
Pg.597, #293-290, LAWRENCE, Mary 34 PA keeping boarding house $0-$240
                  & laborers including
                  DUNCAN, Clement (m) 18 PA laborer
 

LAND RECORDS

Go to the Venango Co. PA Land Records
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER LOCALITIES

Clarion Co. PA Deeds (SLC 7/25/2014)
   Deeds from Venango Co. PA, v.1, 1834-1841 (FHL film 1,315,290)
      VC1-85/86: 13 Aug. 1824, James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA to Stephen Duncan of State of MS, that James Duncan by two several bonds bearing even date herewith is bound to said Stephen Duncan for $13,000 conditioned for the payment of $8,000 as follows, viz, by one of the said obligations for the payment of $2,000 with interest from 1 Jan. next and by one other of said obligations conditioned for the payment of $1,000 with interest from 1 Jan. next ... now this indenture that the said James Duncan in consideration of the foregoing debt or sums of money, $8,000, and for the better securing the payment thereof with the interest, to the said Stephen Duncan in the said obligations and for $1 paid, has sold to said Stephen Duncan 3 tracts or parcels of land, one in Indiana Co. PA containing 1,210 acres and 1/2, which was surveyed 23 July 1773 for the use of the late proprietors of PA and called Chevyhill "Manor" the title of which became vested in said James Duncan by virtue of conveyances and allowances in the law, two other tracts of land in Jefferson and Venango Co. PA, each containing 1000 acres more or less, one in Jefferson Co. surveyed pursuant to warrant dated 13 Dec. 1792 granted to Harman?? LeRoy and John Linchlaen? No.3201 and patent to Paul Birch 20 Oct. 1803, and the other tract in Venango Co. surveyed on warrant granted to Wilham Willink and dated 13 Dec. 1792 No.2780 for which letters patent issued 2 Sept. 1802, which last mentioned tract conveyances were executed to said James Duncan 2 Dec. 1816, together with appurtenances, which is granted to Stephen Duncan, provided if James Duncan pays to said Stephen Duncan the afsd debt or sum of $8,000 with interest from 1 Jan. next, this present indenture shall become void. /s/ James Duncan. Wit. Thos. Duncan, David Mahon. Ack. on the date of the indenture by James Duncan before Thos. Duncan Esq. one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court in the state afsd, 13 Aug. 1824, Indiana Co. Recorded in the office for recording deeds for counties of Indiana and Jefferson in Book No.5 pg.474 and 480? (?&c). /s/ 27 Aug. 1824, Alexander Taylor, Recorder. Recorded in Venango Co. 13 Oct. 1824, Book D, pg.30 &c. (FHL film 1,315,290)
      VC1-111: 16 Oct. 1826, James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA to Doctor Stephen Duncan of Natchez, MS, for $7,000 paid, sell lands, lots or real estate, 90 acres of out lots in Borough of Carlisle lying North of said Borough and adj. the heirs of Robert Blaine decd, and the other a lot of ground on the Canodoquindle? (Canodoquinette?) Creek in North Middleton Twp containing 4 acres more or less purchased of the late David Williams and undivided moity or half part of a tract of land in North and South Middleton Twp. lying on both sides of the Turnpike about 2? miles from Carlisle containing in the whole 225 acres more or less and sometimes called Duffeys Tract, one town lot with a small tenement thereon in the Borough of Caches? and situate on the old College Alley or lot of woodland lying on the North Mountain adj. Nicholas Unek? and others purchased of the late Dr. James Gustine containing 10 acres more or less, one other lot of woodland in Hopewell Twp. purchased of Walter Bell and containing 35 acres more or less, a tract of land in Indiana Co. containing 1600 acres more or less purchased of Colonel Arther P. Haynes, a tract of land in Venango Co. containing 1,000 acres more or less and one other tract in Jefferson Co. containing 1,000 acres more or less, both tracts purchased of the Holland Company, the first being distinguished as tract No.91? (191?) and the latter as tract No.231, together with all buildings, improvements, ... and appurtenances, warrant title. /s/ James Duncan. Wit. Jno. F. Bingaman, Rob. J. Dunbar. Recd on above date from Stephen Duncan $17,000, payment in full, /s/ James Duncan. Cumberland Co., John D. Mahon is acquainted with John F. Bingamon and Robert J. Dunbar who are citizens of MS and is acquainted with the handwriting of James Duncan, and that James Duncan signed the within deed, /s/ John D. Mahan, 8 Dec. 1826 before Elisha Doyle. Recorded in Venango Co. Sept. 25, 1828, Book D, page 399. (FHL film 1,315,290)
      VC1-112/113: 27 July 1829, John Galbraith (Gallraith?) of Venango Co., counsellor at law, and Annie Ayers Galbraith? his wife, to Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natchez, that Hugh McClelland Esq. late Treasurer of Venango Co. by deed poll dated 24 Nov. 1828 and ack. in open court of ?? Pleas in said county on 28 Nov. 1828, sold to said John Galbraith all that tract of unseated land in Elk Twp, Venango Co., No.2780, with all appurtenances ..., now ... John Galbraith? and Any his wife for $25 paid by said Doctor Stephen Duncan, sell to said Doctor Stephen Duncan all the above tract of land, with appurtenances ... /s/ John Gallraith?, Ann A. Gallraith?. Wit. James Thompson, James R. Snowden. Received on the date of the foregoing instrument, the money in full, /s/ John Ballraith?, wit. James R. Thompson. Ack. 27 July 1829 by John Galbraith?, Councellor at law, and Amy Ayers Galbraith his wife, before Wm. Kinnnier?. Recorded in Venango Co. 7 Aug. 1829, Book E Pages 78 &c. (FHL film 1,315,290)
      VC1-114/115: Power of Attorney. Stephen Duncan and Catherine A. Duncan his wife of Adams Co. MS have constituted and appointed George A. Lyon Esq. of Carlisle in Cumberland Co. PA to be our sufficient and lawful attorney to sell to such person for such sum of money or other considerations in such parcels in fee simple or for any less estate, as ... to our attorney shall seem most to our advantage, the right ... we have to any tract or parcel of land in the limits of the State of PA, and upon sale, make deeds ... and receive the sums of money ... and to sell all or any part of our personal property in the State of PA ... /s/ at City of Natchez this day of August 1828. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catherine A. Duncan. Ack. (blank) day of Nov. 1828 before Saml. Poslethwaite, one of the Justices of the Peace for county afsd and Chief Magistrate of City of Natchez, /s/ Saml. Poslethwaite, First Selectman of City of Natchez. Cert. by Gerard E. Branden, Governor of State of MS, for Samuel Poslethwaite Esq., 9 Dec. 1829, Jackson (MS). Recorded June 17, 1830? in Venango Co. Book E, pg.150 &c. (FHL film 1,315,290)
   Clarion Co. PA Deeds Vol.1-2, 1840-1846 (FHL film 1,315,441 part 2)
      1-28/29: Power of Attorney, Dr. Stephen Duncan & wife to John Duncan. We, Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. Duncan his wife of Adams Co. MS but now sojourning in City of Philadelphia, PA, appoint John Duncan of Southampton Twp, Cumberland Co., PA, our attorney to sell our lands in Cos. of Cumberland, Perry, Venango, Indiana, and Jefferson in state of PA, and make deeds etc. and receive money ... and pay debts ... or recover possession ... /s/ 1 Oct. 1839 at City of Philadelphia, Stephen Duncan, Catharine A. Duncan. Ack. before one of the Alderman for city of Philadelphia, John Brimsall?, 2 Oct. 1839. Recorded 16 Jan. 1845. (FHL film 1,315,441 part 2)
 

Cumberland Co. PA Deeds
      KK-110/111: 16 Oct. 1826, James Duncan Esq. of Cumberland Co. PA to Doctor Stephen Duncan of Natchez, MS, for $17,000, lands: 90 acres of out lots in Borough of Carlisle laying North of said Borough and adj. heirs of Robert Bleane decd & others; a lot of ground on Conedoguinette Creek in north Middleton Township containing 10 acres purchased of the late David Williamson; undivided moiety or half part of tract in North and South Middleton townships lying on both sides of the turnpike road about 2 miles from Carlisle, containing in the whole 225 acres more or less and sometimes called "Duffy's tract"; one town lot with a small tenement thereon in the Borough of Carlisle and situate on the Old College Alley; a lot of woodland lying on the North Mountain adj. Nicholas Ulerich & others purchased of the late Dr. James Gustine containing 10 acres more or less; one other lot of woodland in Hopewell Twp. purchased of Walter Bell containing 35 acres more or less; tract of land in Indiana County containing 1600 (MAD: sixteen hundred) acres more or less purchased of Colonel Arthur P. Hayne; a tract of land in Venango County containing 1,000 acres more or less and one other tract in Jefferson County containing 1000 acres more or less both tracts purchased of the Howard Company one part being tract number 91 and the latter as tract No.230. /s/ James Duncan. Wit. Jno. T. Bingaman, Robt. T. Dunbar. Statement by Jno. D. Mahon who is acquainted with John T. Bingaman and Robert T. Dunbar, and with the handwriting of James Duncan. Recorded 8 Dec. 1826. (FHL film 21,061; SLC 9/9/2010; rechecked 6/2/2011)
 

Indiana Co. PA Mortgage index 1803-1969; mortgagors C-E (FHL film 863,912; SLC 6/17/2008)
      Original format: Sat[isfied], Mortgagor, mortgagee, Vol-pg., record date, amount, location
      My format below: Vol-pg, Mortgagor, to mortgagee, record date, amount, location, Satisfied?
      5-479: Duncan, James, mtg. to Stephen Duncan, Aug. 27, 1824, $8,000, -Indiana, Venango & Jefferson Cos.
 

Indiana Co. PA Deeds (SLC 6/13/2008, 6/19/2009 and 6/20/2009)
      5-479/481: #620, James Duncan to Stephen Duncan. 13 Aug. 1824, James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA to Stephen Duncan of State of Mississippi, that afsd James Duncan by two bonds bearing even date stands bound to the said Stephen Duncan for $16,000 conditioned for the payment of $8,000, by one obligation for payment of $2,000 with interest from 1 Jan. next and by one other of said obligations for payment of $6,000 with interest from the same 1 Jan. next, NOW this indenture that said James Duncan in consideration of aforesaid debt or sum of $8,000 to secure payment with interest to said Stephen Duncan, and $1, sell three tracts of land, one in the Co. of Indiana, PA, containing 1202 acres and a half surveyed 23 July 1773, title vested in said James Duncan, two other tracts of land in the Counties of Jefferson and Venango in said State of PA, each containing 1000 acres, one in Jefferson Co. surveyed per warrant dated 13 Dec. 1792 granted to Herman L. Roy and John Sinklair, #3201 and patented to Paul Fuste 20 Oct. 1813, and the other tract in Venango Co. surveyed on warrant granted to Williem? (Wilhem?) Willent & others dated 13 Dec. 1792 and numbered 2780 for which patent issued 20 Sept. 1802, for which last mentioned tracts conveyances were executed by said James Duncan 2 Dec. 1816. Provided the debt be paid to said Stephen Duncan by first day of January next, the present indenture shall cease. /s/ James Duncan. Wit. Tho. Duncan, David N?. Mahon. James Duncan ack. before Thomas Duncan Esq. one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court for PA, 13 Aug. 1824. Recorded 27 Aug. 1824. (FHL film 862,680)
      6-573/575: 16 Oct. 1826, James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA to Doctor Stephen Duncan of Natches, Mississippi, for $17,000, sell following lots, to wit, 90 acres of out lots in Borough of Carlisle lying North of said Borough and adj. heirs of Robert Blaine decd and others, a lot of ground on the Conedoginuette? Creek in North Middleton Twp. containing 10 acres purchased of the late David Williamson, an undivided moiety or half part of a tract in North & South Middleton Twp. &c lying on both sides of the Turnpike road about two miles from Carlisle containing in the whole 225 acres, sometimes called "Duffs's" tract, one town lot with a small tenement thereon in the Borough of Carlisle on the old College Alley, a lot of Woodland on the North Mountain adj. Nicholas Ulrick & others purchased of the late Dr. James Gustine? (Gartine?) containing 10 acres, one other lot of Woodland in Hopewell Twp. purchased of Walter Bell containing 35 acres, and a tract in Indiana Co. containing 1,600 acres purchased of Colonel Arthur P. Hayne, a tract of land in Venango County containing 1,000 acres and one other tract in Jefferson Co. containing 1,000 acres, both tracts purchased of the Holland Company, the first being distinguished as tract Number 91 and the latter as tract no. 281, together with buildings etc. /s/ James Duncan (no wife). Wit. John F. Benjamin, Robert F. Dunbar. Statement by John D. Mahan who knows the witnesses that he is also acquainted with the handwriting of James Duncan, 8 Dec. 1826. Rec. 27 Sept. 1828. (FHL film 862,680)
      7-274/276: Dr. Stephen Duncan & wife to Frances Hughes. 29 Sept. 1830, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natchez, Adams Co. MS, and wife Catharine A. by James H. Devor? Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, to Francis Hughes of Derry Twp, Westmoreland Co. PA, that James Duncan Esquire late of borough of Carlisle in Cumberland Co. PA by deed 16 Oct. 1826 recorded in Indiana Record Book 4? page 573, for consideration mentioned therein, conveyed to afsd Doctor Stephen Duncan a parcel of land containing 1,502 acres in Green Twp in Indiana Co. PA called "Cherry hill manor" and Doctor Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. his wife by letter or power of attorney (blank) day of August 1828 recorded in Indiana Co. Record Book 7 pg.190 &c appointed George Lyon Esquire of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney to sell and dispose of their land in PA and make deed, and said George Lyon on 21 Aug. 1830 ack. and recorded Indiana Co. appointed the said James H. Devor to convey for him etc. all the lands of the said Doctor Stephen Duncan in Counties of Indiana, Jefferson and Venango in PA, now the said Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. his wife for $892.25 paid, sell to Francis Hughes the tract of land part of aforesaid larger tract beg. in a line of land of John Evans Esq., and by the same ... thence by part of the original tract, to ... the beginning, together with appurtenances, warrant title. Recorded 29 Sept. 1830. (FHL film 862,681; SLC 6/19/2009, rechecked SLC 5/30/2011)
      7-292/294: 6 Oct. 1830, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natches, Adams Co. MS, and wife Catharine A., by James H. Devore attorney, Esq., of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, to Thomas Barr of Green Twp., Indiana Co. PA, that James Duncan Esq. late of borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, by deed 16 Oct. 1826 recorded in Indiana Co. PA Record Book No.5 page 573 granted afsd Doctor Stephen Duncan a parcel of land containing 1202-1/2 acres in Green Township, Indiana Co. PA, called Cherryhill Manor, and said Doctor Stephen Duncan and Catharine his wife by letter or power of attorney dated (blank) August 1828 recorded Indiana Co. Record Book No.7, page 400&, appointed George Lyon Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney to sell all their lands in PA and make deeds, and said George Lyon by letter or power of attorney 21 Aug. 1830 recorded Indiana Co. PA, appointed James H. Devor to sell and convey all the lands of the said Doctor Stephen Duncan in counties of Indiana, Jefferson and Venango, in PA, and make deeds, now for $392.25 paid, this a deed to Thomas Barr for part of a larger tract, beg. ... by land of William Stevens, then ... heirs of Charles Gibson?, then ... to the beginning, containing 112 acres and 11 perches, warrant title. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catharine A. Duncan, by their attorney Jas. H. Devor. Wit. Samuel Gibson, Josias Lee. James H. Devor Esquire appeared 6 Oct. 1830 before Thos?. Morgan, J.P., Indiana Co. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catharine Duncan by their attorney in fact James H. Devor Esqr. Wit. William Leard, Wm. Rinter. James H. Devor Esqr. attorney in fact for Doctor Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. Duncan, appeared 29 Sept. 1830 before Garvin? Sutton. Recorded Nov. 1, 1830. (FHL film 862,681; SLC 6/19/2009, rechecked SLC 5/30/2011 and 9/28/2011)
      7-677/679: #813. 20 Oct. 1831, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natches, Adams Co. MS, and wife Catharine A., by James H. Devore Esquire of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, to John Over of (blank) Township, Bedford Co. PA; that James Duncan Esqr. late of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, by deed 15 Oct. 1826, recorded Indiana Co. PA Book 6 pg.573, deeded tract of 1202 acres in Green Twp., Indiana Co. PA, called Cherry hill manor; and said Doctor Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. his wife by power of attorney (blank) August 1828 recorded Indiana Co. Record Book Vol. page appointed George Lyon Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney to sell all their lands in PA and make deeds, and said George Lyon by letter or power of attorney 21 Aug. 1830 recorded Indiana Co. PA, appointed James H. Devor to sell and convey all the lands of the said Doctor Stephen Duncan in counties of Indiana, Jefferson and Venango, in PA, and make deeds; now for $645 paid, sell to John Over a tract or parcel of land part of aforesaid larger tract, beg. at corner of land now of Francis Hughes, formerly part of the same larger tract, then to ... corner of land now of Jacob Patt formerly part of the same tract, then ... land of Simon and John Duck also formerly part of the same tract and by the same and part of lot No.5 ... corner of land of the afsd Francis Hughes, then ... to the beginning, containing 172 acres, warrant title. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catharine A. Duncan, by their attorney Jas. H. Devor. Wit. John Evans, Meed Rally. James H. Devor Esquire appeared 6 Oct. 1830 before Thos?. Morgan, J.P., Indiana Co. Recorded Nov. 1, 1830. (FHL film 862,681; SLC 6/19/2009, rechecked SLC 5/30/2011)
      7-679: 20 Oct. 1831, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natchez, Adams Co. MS, and wife Catharine A., by James H. Devor Esq. of Borough of Carlisle in Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, to Simon Dick of Green Twp, Indiana Co. PA; that James Duncan Esq. late of borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, by deed on 16 Oct. 1826 recorded in Book 6 pg.573, conveyed to said Dr. Stephen Duncan 1202 acres in Green Twp. in Indiana Co. PA, and Dr. Stephen Duncan and wife Catharine A., by power of attorney Aug. 1828 recorded Book 7 pg.190, appointed George A. Lyon Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, who appointed ... lands of Doctor Stephen Duncan in the counties of Indiana, Jefferson and Venango; now Dr. Stephen Duncan and wife Catharine for $420, deed to Simon Dick land part of a larger tract, adj. lands of Jacob Patt, John Over, James Lydick, John Dick, 112 acres 11 pence. /s/ by Attorney. (FHL film 862,681)
      11-195/196: Deed No.218. 18 May 1832, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natchez, Adams Co. MS, and wife Catharine A., by James H. Dever of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, to James Lydick of Given? Twp., Indiana Co. PA; that James Duncan Esq. late of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, by deed 16 Oct. 1826, rec. Indiana Co. Record Book 6, pg.573, conveyed to said Doctor Stephen Duncan land containing 1202 acres in Green Twp, Indiana Co. PA, called Cherryhill Maner, and the said Doctor Stephen Duncan and wife Catharine by their letter of attorney dated (blank) August 1828 recorded Book 7 pg.190, appointed George A. Lyon Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney to sell and dispose of their lands in PA and make deeds, and that George A. Lyons by his letter of attorney dated 21 Aug. 1830 appointed said James H. Devor to sell the lands of said Doctor Stephen Duncan in the counties of Indiana, Jefferson & Venango in PA; NOW the said Stephen Duncan and wife Catharine A. for $448.28 sell to James Lydick the tract beg. at a post corner of land of John Dick and Simon Dick and John Over and Frances Hughes and Thomas Barr and Simpsons heirs, containing 112 and 11/160 acres, together with buildings, etc. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catharine A. Duncan, by their attorney in fact Jas. H. Dever. Wit. John Barr, Simon Dick. Ack. Indiana Co. PA by James H. Devor, Esquire, 18 May 1832. Rec. 23 June 1840. (FHL film 862,683)
 

Jefferson Co. PA Deeds (SLC 9/17/2012)
      1-15/16: 16 Oct. 1826, James Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA to Dr. Stephen Duncan of Natches, MS, for $17,000 paid, sell lands, lots or real estate, to wit, 90 acres of out lots in the Borough of Carlisle lying north in said borough and adj. heirs of Robert Blaine, Duncan & others, a lot of ground on the Conandaganette? Creek in North Middleton Twp. containing 600? acres more or less purchased of the late David Williamson, an undivided moiety or half part of a tract of land situated in North & South Middleton Twps. and lying on both sides of the Chespeke? Road about 2 miles from Carlisle containing in the whole 225 acres more or less, ... called "Duffies" tract, one town lot with a small tenement in the Borough of Carlisle on the old College Alley, a lot of woodland on the North Mountain adj. Nicholas Ulrich and others purchased of the late Dr. James Gastin containing 10 acres more or less, one other lot of woodland in Hopewell Twp. purchased of Walter Bell and containing 30 acres more or less, a tract of land in Indiana Co. containing 1600 acres more or less purchased of Col. Arthur P. Hayne, a tract of land in Venango Co. containing 1,000 acres more or less, one other tract in Jefferson Co. containing 1,000 acres more or less, both tracts purchased of the Holland Co., the first being distinguished as tract No.91 and the other as tract No.231, together with buildings, improvements, ... and appurtenances, warrant title. /s/ James Duncan. Wit. John F. Burgainar?, Robert F. Dunbar. Proved in Cumberland Co. PA on oath of John D. Mahon who is acquainted with John F. Benganour? and Robert F. Dunbar who are citizens of State of MS and acquainted with handwriting of James Duncan, 8 Dec. 1826, before Elisha Doyle. Recorded 27 Sept. 1828. (FHL film 923,839)
      1-176/178: 25 May 1832, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natchez, Adams Co. MS, and wife Catharine by James H. Devor Esqr. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, to James Shields of Jefferson Co. PA, that whereas James Duncan Esq. late of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, by deed 16 Oct. 1826, recorded in Jefferson Co. Book No.1 pg.15&c conveyed to Doctor Stephen Duncan a parcel of land containing 1,000 acres in Rose Twp, Jefferson Co. PA, surveyed on a warrant to the Holland Co. No.3201, and Doctor Stephen Duncan and wife Catharine A. by power of attorney Aug. 1828 recorded Record Book 1 pg.58&c appointed George A. Lyon Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney to dispose of all their land in PA, AND George A. Lyon by his power of attorney dated 21 Aug. 1830 recorded in Jefferson Co. appointed James H. Devor to sell the lands of said Doctor Stephen Duncan in the counties of Indiana, Jefferson and Venango, PA, NOW Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. his wife for $436.25 paid, sell to James Shields the piece of land, part of the larger tract, beg. at the corner of tracts No. 232, 206, 231, of which the last tract ... Division Lot 5 or the original tract, by Lot No.4, ... containing 183 acres and 60 perches neat or strict measure, together with ... appurtenances, warrant title. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catharine A. Duncan, by their Attorney in fact, Jas. H. Devor. Wit. Thos. Lucas, John Shields. James H. Devor Esquire, Attorney in fact for Doctor Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. Duncan, ack. deed 21 May 1832 before Thos. Lucas, Jefferson Co. PA. Recorded 21 May 1832. (FHL film 923,839; SLC 9/17/2012 and 5/1/2013)
      3-90/91: 1 Oct. 1839, Stephen Duncan of Adams Co. MS and Catharine A. Duncan his wife of Adams Co. MS but now ?? in City of Philadelphia, PA, appoint John Duncan of Southampton Twp, Cumberland Co. PA, to be our lawful attorney to sell lands, collect money, etc. ... in Cos. of Cumberland, Perry, Venango, Indiana and Jefferson in PA, ... Stephen Duncan ack. before John Binns, Aldr, Cumberland Co. PA, Oct. 7, 1839, Recorded 27 Nov. 1839 in Book 1 Pg.1437. Rec. 27 April 1840 (Jefferson Co. PA). (FHL film 923,840)
      4-138/140: 27 Sept. 1832, Doctor Stephen Duncan of City of Natchez, Adams Co. MS, and Catharine A. his wife, by James H. Devor, Esq., of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, to Darius and Hiram Carrier of Rose Twp, Jefferson Co. PA, that James Duncan Esq. late of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, by deed 16 Oct. 1826 recorded Jefferson Co. Book 1 pg.15 &c granted to Doctor Stephen Duncan 1,000 acres in Rose Twp, Jefferson Co. PA, surveyed on warrant No.3201, and Doctor Stehen Duncan and Catharine A. his wife by letter or power of attorney (blank day) August 1828 recorded Book 1, pg.58 &c, appointed George A. Lyon Esq. of Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland Co. PA, their attorney, and George A. Lyon by his letter or power of attorney on 21 Aug. 1830 recorded, appointed James H. Devor to sell and convey ... lands of said Doctor Stephen Duncan in Counties of Indiana, Jefferson and Venango, PA; NOW Stephen Duncan and Catharine A. his wife for $349 paid, sell to said Hiram and Darius Carrier the parcel of land, part of afsd larger tract, beg. corner of Lot No.3 of larger tract, corner of Lots Nos. 3-4-5&6, then by Lot No.6 ... Being Lot No.5, containing 174-1/2 acres. /s/ Stephen Duncan, Catharine A. Duncan, by their attorney James H. Dever. Wit. John Patrick, John R. Buell. Ack. before Thos. Lucas, J.P., Jefferson Co.
         15 Sept. 1835, Hiram and Derias Carrier of Rose Twp, Jefferson Co. PA, for $348 paid, sell George Eckler our interest to the land in the within deed. /s/ Derius Carrier, Hiram Carrier. Wit. Alexander McNight. Ack. 15 Sept. 1835 before Alexander McKnight, J.P. Recorded May 24, 1844. (FHL film 923,841)
 

Mercer Co. PA Deed (SLC 6/2/2011)
      M1-263/264: 16 April 1827, William Duncan of City of Philadelphia, merchant, appoint my brother James Duncan of Mercer Co. PA, merchant, my attorney to sell all my lands in the counties of Beaver, Mercer, Venango, Crawford and Erie in PA and make deeds. /s/ Wm. Duncan. Wit. James Alreck, Hamilton Alrick. Dauphin Co., Wm. Duncan appeared before James Ulrick, JP, 16 April 1827. Recorded April 18, 1834. (FHL Film 889,521; SLC 6/2/2011)
 

MILITARY RECORDS

Pension Index Card File, alphabetical; of the Veterans Administrative Contact and Administration Services, Admin. Operations Services, 1861-1934; Duff to A-J Duncan (negative FHL film 540,888, some cards very faint); Joseph Duncan to Dunn (positive FHL film 540,889, some cards very dark)
      Cataloged under Civil War, 1861-1865, pensions, indexes; does not say if Confederate or Federal, but probably Federal. Negative film, some cards much too faint or dark to read, some cards blurred or faded, particularly the service unit and the dates of application. Most of the very faint or dark cards were in a slightly different format, with space for years enlisted and discharged which were sometimes filled in. Many of these were for service in later years, although one or two were for service ca 1866.
      Name of soldier, alias, name of dependent widow or minor, service (military unit or units), date of filing, class (invalid or widow or minor or other), Application #, Certificate #, state from which filed (sometimes blank), attorney (sometimes blank, MAD: did not usually copy), remarks. Sometimes the "Invalid" or "Widow" class had an "s" added to it before the application #; occasionally the area for the service information included a circled "S". The minor's name was frequently that of the guardian rather than the minor.
      The military unit was frequently the Company Letter, the Regiment Number, sometimes US Vet Vol Inf. (US Veteran Volunteer Infantry), L.A. (Light Artillery), H.A. (Heavy Artillery), US C Inf (US Colored? Infantry), Cav. (Cavalry), Mil. Guards, V.R.C. (?Volunteer Reserve Corps?), etc. Sometimes there were several service units given.
      Cards appear to be arranged by the last name, first name, middle initial if any, and state (including "US") of service.
      Duncan, John, widow Duncan, Sarah J.; Guthries Co. A Unattached PA Drftd Mil. Inf.; 1889 Aug. 29, Invalid Appl. #725988, Cert. #811104, PA; 1917 Aug. 3, Widow Appl. #1105027, Cert. #842696, PA. (MAD: ?? 1870-1880 Venango Co. PA)
 

HISTORIES before 1923

"History of Venango County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, including its aboriginal history, the French and British occupation of the country, its early settlement and subsequent growth, a description of its historic and interesting localities, its rich oil deposits and their development, sketches of its cities, boroughs, townships, and villages, neighborhood and family history, portraits and biographies of pioneers and representative citizens, statistics, etc., etc." by Charles H. Heydrick; pub. Chicago, Ill.: Brown, Runk & Co., 1890, 1175 pgs. (LH6862, HeritageQuest images 6/2007; FHL 1,000,574 item 1)
      Pg.134: In 1865 Venango was united with Warren in one district, and during the continuance of this arrangement the representatives elected from this county were ... A.P. Duncan, ...
      Pg.136: County Commissioners ... James Duncan, October, 1865, to October, 1869; ...
      Pg.291: Civil War. Sixty-Fourth Regiment - Fourth Cavalry. Company L - Captains: Alender S. Duncan (MAD: spelling as given)
      Pg.306: One Hundred and Sixty-First Regiment - Sixteenth Cavalry. Company E - Privates ... James Duncan ...
      Pg.438: Oil City. 1871 -- council ... William H. Duncan. 1875, 1876, 1881 - council: ... C.H. Duncan.
      Pg.468: The Oil City Tube Company is a corporation of recent date. It began in 1887 ... C.H. Duncan, secretary; directors ... C.H. Duncan.
      Pg.577: French Creek Township. The United Presbyterian Church of Utica was organized ... on the 18th of April, 1859. The following are the names of constituent members ... Benjamin Duncan, Margaret Duncan, ...
      Pg.654: Cornplanter Township. The National Bank, in which the Prather brothers and Thomas Duncan were principally interested, was removed to Sharon, Mercer county, in 1868. ...
            Pg.673: Plumer Methodist Episcopal Church - the church building at this place was erected in 1865 by an organization formed in that year. The ground was given by Thomas Duncan and George C. Prather. ...
                  Pithole City Methodist Episcopal Church is the only public building of that remarkable city that has not been removed or destroyed. This is largely due to the munificence of Thomas Duncan, by whom a legacy amply sufficient to keep the building in repair was given. ...
      Pg.979: Clinton. THE PHIPPS FAMILY - Among the pioneers of Venango county, who deserve prominent mention in its history is John Phipps, who came from Westmoreland county, PA, in 1797, ... Samuel Phipps, Sr., born in Chester county, in 1735, was a man of remarkable vigor, and lived to the age of one hundred and three. He had eight children: John, a pioneer of Clinton township, Venango county; Sarah, who married William Wise; Samuel, who served under General Wayne and lost his life on the Maumee in the last campaign against the Indians; Rachel, who died unmarried; Joseph, who was accidentally killed; Mary, married to John Duncan; Robert, who married Miss Halferday, and Nathan, who married Edith Updegraff. Prior to the time when Joseph Phipps embarked with the Quakers for the proprietaries in PA ...
 

1913 "Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley, Pennsylvania; under the editorial supervision of John W. Jordan" Vol.1-3; by John W. Jordan, 1840-1921; pub. New York : Lewis Historical Pub. Co., 1913. (University of Pittsburgh's Digital Research Library, Historic Pittsburgh Full-Text Collection image 3/2007; FHL book 974.885 D2g v.1,3 and film 1,000,540 items 3-5)
      http://digital.library.pitt.edu:80/p/pitttext/
      Vol.1, pg.357: McKINLY. ... (II) John G., second son of Andrew and Margaret (Sproul) McKinly, was born in New York City, August 15, 1837, died in Oil City [MAD: Venango Co.], Pennsylvania, April 27, 1886. He was educated in the public schools of Pontiac, Michigan, and engaged with his brothers in the banking business of McKinly Brothers until 1861, when attracted by the oil discoveries in Pennsylvania he came to Oil City. ... He married, April 9, 1868, Carrie, daughter of John and Caroline Moore, and granddaughter of George and Margaret Moore, of London, England. Children: 1. Maud, married E.Z. Duncan. 2. J.A. Livingston, (born Pontiac MI). 3. George, married Josephine Naggette ... 4. Louis, married Flora Justice .. 5. Grace. 6. Carroll, married Nellie Miller. ...
 

OTHER RECORDS

"Hornellsville Weekly Tribune" Hornellsville, Steuben County, New York, February 6, 1885 (transcription by and from Kathy Cawley 2/2004)
      Last Relic of Pithole.
      BRADFORD, PA: Feb.1. -- When the oil gave out in the Pithole region twenty years ago, and a city of 15,000 was deserted within a week and left to become a heap of ruins, one of the splendid hotels that had been built on the place, the Duncan House was purchased by Oil City [Venango Co.] parties and removed to that city. For years it was the principal hotel in the oil regions. Others, more modern and greater capacity were subsequently built, and the once famous Duncan House was finally abandoned. It went to ruin. It was recently ordered to be torn down, and the last relic of the palmy (?) days of Pithole has been sold for firewood.
      The house was originally built by C.B. Duncan, a Scotch oil speculator, It cost $40,000. Duncan, in the fall of 1864, before any oil had been found on Pithole Creek, invested $6,250, every cent borrowed, in a one-quarter interest in the Holmden farm. A wildcat oil company was putting down a well on land that it had leased in one corner of the farm. No one interested in the land had any faith in its value as oil territory. They were putting it on the market on its prospects. The wildcat well struck oil in november, and the region went wild. Duncan and one of his partners were in Philadelphia when the news of the strike reached them. They were in the act of closing a sale on their property for $100,000. A day later they sold one-sixteenth of it for $125,000. Duncan sold his interest in the land for $1,000.000 and returned to Scotland. In less than six months after he went away the collapse came that ruined Pithole. Duncan never heard of the great downfall of the place. Besides the hotel he had built, a $23,000 Presbyterian church in Pithole. He died in 1868 and left $23,000 to this church. The foundation stones, hidden by briar and under brush, were all that was left of the church then. No one representing it could be found and the $23,000 reverted to the estate. Duncan's partners, the Prather brothers, who had been poor country store keepers, left Pithole with $3,000,000 each. They all died bankrupt owing to bad investments and speculation.
 

END

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