Duncans in Milam Co. TX

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

Last revised November 2, 2007

MILAM CO. TX
Formed 1836 from Old Mexican Municipality
Robertson formed 1837 from Milam
Burleson formed 1842 from Milam, Washington
Williamson formed 1848 from Milam
Bell, McLennan formed 1850 from Milam
Falls formed 1850 from Limestone, Milam
Bosque formed 1854 from McLennan, Milam Dist.
Haskell formed 1858 from Fannin, Milam
 

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 Milam Co. TX Census
      No Duncan indexed

1860 Milam Co. TX Census
Western District, Port Sullivan
Pg.49, #344-344, W.W. DUNCAN (m) 46 TN hotel keeper $700-$3665
                  M. (f) 41 TN
                  Sarah Ann 14, Harriet 12 AR
                  Emma 12, Susan 10 AR
                  Melvina 5, Dora 3, Wm. 1/12 TX
                  (MAD: 1850 Sevier Co. AR census, William Duncan and Musidora)
San Anders P.O.
Pg.63, #538-538, C.R. DUNCAN (m) 42 KY farmer $1058-534
                  Prisilla T. 29 KY
                  Wm. 3 TX
                  Charles 8 TX
                  (MAD: Charles Reed Duncan mar. Priscilla Dallas; 1850 Washington Co. TX census)

1870 Milam Co. TX Census
P.O. Port Sullivan
Pg.223, #213-214, CRUNK, Lydia 74 E.VA BLACK (blank) $0-$0
                  DUNCAN, Martha 35 AL BLACK
                  Ann 10 TX BLACK
                  CRUNK, James 8 TX BLACK
                  Jane 5 TX BLACK
                  Irena 4 TX MULATTO
P.O. San Anders
Pg.327, #1751-1659, DUNCAN, Charles R. 46 KY farmer $4000-$1500
                  Pressey? (f) 36 TX keeping house
                  William 14 TX working on farm
                  Mary 1 TX
                  PAYSOY?, Sidney (m) 3 TX MULATTO
 

HISTORIES before 1923

1892 "A Memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill Counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas, together with glimpses of its future prospects : also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time and full page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section" pub. by Lewis Pub. Co. (FHL film 1,000,604 item 6; Houston, TX, library book 976.43M from Lucille Mehrkam 1984; and from Kit Smith 1983, and from Evelyn Sigler 1983)
      Pg.367-8: W.G. DUNCAN, County Clerk, Hill Co. TX. He is a son of William W. and Dora Duncan, both natives of Tennessee, in which State they were reared and married, and from which they removed to Texas in 1854, settling in Burleson County. There they made their home until 1860 when they moved to Port Sullivan, Milam County, where the father died in 1864, on the sixth day after his return home from the war. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan had nine children, seven daughters and two sons, and the eldest Charles D., died at Bremond, Texas, in 1879. He was also in the Confederate service. The daughters all reside in Hill County, as does W.D. Duncan (subject) who was the youngest member of the family. He was born in Burleson County, December 23, 1859, and was reared in that county and in Waco, where his mother moved in 1870. He came to Hillsboro on the 1st of January, 1887, ... He was married in this county June 23, 1883 to Laura J., daughter of William L. Long. Mrs. Duncan was born in Missouri but was reared in Hill County. (MAD: William W. Duncan's wife was Musidora Davis also known as Musidora MAY, per Carolyn Frame's info 5/2002)
 

1894 "Memorial and genealogical record of southwest Texas : containing biographical histories and genealogical records of many leading men and prominent families" pub. by Goodspeed Brothers (Houston, TX, library book 976.4 M533; from Lucille Mehrkam 2/1984; and FHL book 976.4 D3mg)
      Pg.301-2: J.T. DUNCAN. Among the leading attorneys of La Grange, TX, is J.T. Duncan, a man of unquestioned integrity, and competent in his profession. To a thorough knowledge of the legal science, he joins the general culture derived from a varied and extended course of reading, and is skillful in the presentation of the most involved or intricate facts, and forcible in his manner of dealing with difficult and entangled subjects. He was born in Washington Co. TX in 1854, and is the son of George J. and Elizabeth (Dallas) Duncan, natives of Kentucky. This family was one of the earliest and most prominent ones of Virginia. The grandmother of our subject on the paternal side was a native of North Carolina, but the maternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania. The latter came to the Lone Star State in 1833, and settled near Independence, Washington Co. TX. In 1839 the father of our subject came to Washington County, and engaged in farming. He was a single man then, but married Miss Dallas in 1851, afterward residing in Washington County until 1880, when he moved to Milam County, where he died in 1893. He was in Summersville's campaign against the Mexicans in 1840, and proceeded as far as Laredo. This expedition was for the purpose of forever settling the boundary line between Mexico and Texas, and this body of hardy Texans suffered many hardships on this trip. At one time Mr. Duncan got lost from his command, and before reaching the main army suffered greatly. To his marriage were born five children. J.T. Duncan was educated in Baylor University, of Independence, graduating from that institution in 1877, and immediately afterward he came to La Grange, TX, where he entered the law office of Timmons & Brown. In June 1878, he was admitted to the practice of law in this state, and subsequently formed a partnership with R.J. Andrews, the same continuing until 1881, and was then elected to the office, his term expiring in 1882. Since that time he has not aspired to public positions. Mr. Duncan is attorney for the San Antonio and Arkansas Pass Railway Company, a position he fills to the entire satisfaction of all the people interested. Jan. 1, 1885, Mr. Duncan formed a partnership with Judge L.W. Moore, the style of the firm being Moore & Duncan. Judge Moore is one of the oldest and best known attorneys in the state, being ex-member of Congress and ex-judge of this profession, and is remarkably well adapted to the requirements of the same, and his strength lies in his great fairness and liberality, coupled with a keen discernment of motives behind actions.
 

1914 "History of TX and Texans" by Frank W. Johnson, Vol.1-5 (SUTRO book F386 J66 1914, CA State Library, Sutro Branch; and FHL book 976.4 H2j; and from Jeannine Wright 2/1992)
      Vol.4 pg.1823: JOHN T. DUNCAN, practiced law in Texas more than 35 years, home at La Grange. His great-grandfather Coleman Duncan from Loudon Co. VA to Nelson Co. KY in 1792, the ancestor of the branch now living in TX. John T. Duncan was born in Washington Co. TX in 1854; his parents were George J. and Elizabeth (Dallas) Duncan. His father was born 1810 near Louisville, KY, came to TX 1839, settled Washington Co. in March 1851; in 1880 moved to Milam Co. where he resided until his death in 1893. Elizabeth Dallas, born 1829 KY, died 1906; her parents were natives of PA, went from there to KY, then to TX in 1833 near Independence, Washington Co.; her father died in 1834 (MAD: her parents never named). In 1878 John T. Duncan was mayor of La Grange. On 11 Jan. 1881 he married Miss Genelle Harris, daughter of Ben T. Harris of Belleville, TX. The Duncans have three children: Josephine who married Leonard H. Dyer, a lawyer of New York City; Frankie who lives at home; Douglas Duncan, a lawyer at Belleville, married. (MAD: same article on pgs. 2283-2285 in 1916 edition)

1916 "History of TX and Texans" by Frank W. Johnson, Vol.1-5 (SUTRO film 69 reel 2 & 3; CA State Library, Sutro Branch)
      Vol.5 pg.2283: JOHN T. DUNCAN -- see pg.1823 of the 1914 edition; same article.
 

"Who's Who in Arizona." by Harry Welsh, John F Myers, R J Young, Joseph H Gray, et al; pub. unknown: J. Connors, 1913, 824 pgs. (LH11648, HeritageQuest images 4/2007; FHL book 979.1 D3c and film 934,828 item 2)
      Pg.569-570: W.G. DUNCAN, Assessor of Gila County, was born in Burleson County, Texas, in 1859; he was left an orphan at an early age, and was the support of his widowed mother and his sisters. The Civil War having reduced the fortune of the family greatly, he secured a position as bookkeeper, and by his efficiency won the confidence and esteem of his employers, and became known as a sterling, competent and honest man. He was elected County Clerk and succeeded himself without opposition, because of his excellent record. Mr. Duncan moved to Arizona in 1896 with his family, composed of his wife, four boys and one girl. One of his sons is at present his chief deputy in the assessor's office. Soon after his arrival he became associated with J.N. Porter in the mercantile business at Fort Thomas. He moved to Globe in 1901, and was associated with different firms until 1903, when he went to San Carlos and engaged in the business of post trader. In 1907 he returned to Globe, served as Deputy Sheriff and Constable, and resigned the latter position to enter the campaign for the office of Assessor, to which he was elected ... Jeff A. Duncan, Chief Deputy Assessor, like his father, is a Texas Democrat. He received an excellent education in the common schools, and from an early age was employed in the butcher business in Globe, until appointed Deputy Assessor. Wallace A. Duncan, another son, received a good business training, and at present is Chief Clerk for the Hayden Mercantile Company, at Hayden, Arizona. John A. Duncan, the third son, is Agent of the Arizona Eastern Railroad Company at Fort Thomas. The youngest of the four boys is Clarence C. Duncan, a jeweler, who holds a good position in Phoenix. The Duncan family ... Democratic majority. (photo of W.G. Duncan and of Jeff Duncan). (MAD: nothing said of the wives) (MAD: 1860 Milam Co. TX census)
 

OTHER RECORDS

Some early Duncans in Milam Co. TX:
      Brice P. Duncan, 1836-1837, immigrated to TX between 3/1/1836 and 10/1/1837, had 2nd class grant for land in Milam Co. TX (listed on pg.1093, "Abstract of Titled and Patented Lands Compiled From the Records of the General Land Office of the State of Texas" published in Austin in 1860, and indexed by Paul Campbell; published in Vol.3#2 "Texas Heritage Quarterly," from Lucille Mehrkam 2/1984 and CA State Library, Sutro Branch, book F385 T48) (MAD: 1850 Washington Co. TX census)
      Charles R. Duncan, 1836-1837, had Bounty Grant for land in Colorado Co. TX and in Lavaca Co. TX, and 2nd Class Grant for land in McMullen Co. TX for immigrating between 3/1/1836 and 10/1/1837 (listed on pg.332, 924, and 1054, "Abstract of Titled and Patented Lands Compiled From the Records of the General Land Office of the State of Texas" published in Austin in 1860, and indexed by Paul Campbell; published in Vol.3#2 "Texas Heritage Quarterly," from Lucille Mehrkam 2/1984 and CA State Library, Sutro Branch, book F385 T48). Charles R. Duncan received bounty warrant #7090 for 640 acres on 30 Jan. 1839 for service from 6/10 to 12/10/1836, 640 acres were patented to him on 25 May 1847; Patent #134 Vol.1 Abstract 180, GLO file ? 40 ("Bounty and Donation Land Grants of Texas 1835-1888" by Thomas Lloyd Miller, 1967, for service between 1835 and 1846, from records of the TX General Land Office; from Lucille Mehrkam 1984). (MAD: 1850 Washington Co. TX census)
      Charles R. Duncan, 20 June 1874, of Milam Co., had TX Pension approved, age 57; in May 1836 he joined Capt. Price's company at Jefferson Co. KY, and was afterwards attached to Gen. Rusk's command; received bounty warrant for 640 acres patented in 1841; J.B. Robertson, Milam Co., knew applicant as a soldier in the service; George J. Duncan, Washington Co., a brother of applicant, affirmed his service; from TX Pension Application file in Box 304-52. (pg.106, "Republic of TX Pension Application Abstracts" by John C. Barron (Chairman, Abstracting Committee, Austin Gen. Society), Nan Polk Brady, Emma Gene Seale Gentry, Barbara Langham Goudreau, Iris Higgins Zimmerman; FHL fiche 6,101,694 and book 976.4 M2bj)
      C.R. Duncan, 3 Oct. 1899, of Milam Co. gave power of attorney to DeCordova and Son dated 3 Oct. 1899 and 1 Jan. 1900 witnessed by R.W. Jennress and C.W. Baggett; from TX Pension Application file in Box 304-52. (pg.106, "Republic of TX Pension Application Abstracts" by John C. Barron (Chairman, Abstracting Committee, Austin Gen. Society), Nan Polk Brady, Emma Gene Seale Gentry, Barbara Langham Goudreau, Iris Higgins Zimmerman; FHL fiche 6,101,694 and book 976.4 M2bj)
 

"The Handbook of Texas" ed. by Walter Prescott Webb and others, 1952-1976 (from Lucille Mehrkam 10/1984; FHL book 976.4 A5ht)
      DUNCAN, TEXAS. Duncan (Milam County), twelve miles from Rockdale, was named for H. Duncan, an early settler. The agricultural community was once the location of a school.
      Comments by Jeannine Wright 11/1991: This community was named for G. Duncan; George J. Duncan gave the land for the school with the stipulation that when there ceased to be a school, the land would go back to him and his heirs; the second building was built ca 1916, according to Floyd Duncan (born 1910, uncle of Jeannine Wright), son of William F. Duncan who was son of George J. Duncan and wife Mary Elizabeth Dallas (see 1894 "Memorial and Gen. Record of Southwest TX" by Goodspeed p.301). The school ceased in late 1930's; in the 1940's the building was moved to Sharp, TX, about five miles from where the Duncans lived, which was first called the Duncan community and now called the Duncan-Sharp community, where Jeannine Wright grew up.

"The Handbook of Texas" ed. by Walter Prescott Webb and others, 1952-1976 (from Lucille Mehrkam 10/1984; FHL book 976.4 A5ht; Internet reference from Barbara West 2/2001)
      The articles in this book are available on the Internet at the following website:
      http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/index.new.html
 

"Tale of Mid Cities (TX)" Vol.1#4, July 1980 (FHL book 976.4531 D25t)
      Pg.94-95 of this periodical contain an article on the Duncans of Milam Co. TX contributed by Georgianne Teague. This article is part of a family history dated 1902 on the family of Charles Duncan as given by his son, C.R. Duncan. Mrs. Teague believes the information was collected by John T. Duncan of LaGrange, Texas, who was the son of George J. Duncan, born 30 Sept. 1808 Jefferson Co. KY, 4th child of Charles Duncan; George J. Duncan to TX 1839, mar. to Elizabeth Dallas Jr. 6 March 1851 Washington Co. TX, died 24 March 1893. The article includes information on the movements and family of George J. Duncan, and also on the movements and family of his brother Charles Reed Duncan, born 31 May 1818 KY, 6th son and last child of Charles Duncan; Charles R. Duncan to TX 1836, mar. 6 March 1851 to Priscilla J. Dallas.
 

END

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