Duncans in Russell Co. VA

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

Last revised June 30, 2015

RUSSELL CO. VA
Formed 1785 from Washington
Lee formed 1792-3 from Russell
Tazewell formed 1799 from Russell, Wythe
Scott formed 1814 from Lee, Russell, Washington
Part of Scott returned to Lee 1820-1830
Wise formed 1856 from Lee, Russell, Scott
Buchanan formed 1858 from Russell, Tazewell
Dickenson formed 1880 from Buchanan, Russell, Wise
See Lee Co. VA
 

CENSUS RECORDS

1820 Russell Co. VA Census
Dickensonville
Pg.139  Duncken, David       200010  - 21010
          (MAD: 1830 Washington Co. VA census)


1830 Russell Co. VA Census
Pg.145  Welcome Dinkins      1000,1  - 0200,1
          (MAD: 1840, 1860 Washington Co. VA census)

1840 Russell Co. VA Census
      No Duncan indexed
 

1850 Russell Co. VA Census
Pg.224, #86, William DUNCAN 32 Russell VA laborer
                  Lucinda 28 Russell VA
                  Alexander 12 Washington VA
                  James 10 TN
                  David 8 Smythe VA
                  John 3, Elihu 5/12 Russell VA
Pg.251, #441, George McCLANAHAN 24 Russell VA laborer
                  Martha 23 Russell VA
                  David 1 Russell VA
                  Jane DUNCAN 5, Washington 4 Russell VA
Pg.254, #477, George BREEDING 47 Russell VA farmer $240
                  Rebecca 28, Alex 19 Russell VA
                  Rachel 15, Frances M. (m) 15 Russell VA
                  Nancy 13, James M. 11 Russell VA
                  James 5 KY
                  James 53 Russell VA
                  Susan DUNCAN 66 Russell VA
                  (MAD: widow of ? David, 1830-1840 Washington Co. VA census)
Pg.276, #784, John COUNTS 59 Russell VA farmer $1340
                  Phoeba 53 Russell VA
                  John 17, Phoebe 16 Russell VA
                  Rachel 13 Russell VA
                  James DUNCAN 17 Russell VA laborer
Pg.263, #604, John DUNCAN 29 Patrick VA laborer
                  Leah 27 NC
                  James H. 12 Washington VA
                  Joseph H. 6 Patrick VA
                  John D. 3, William T. 1 Russell VA
                  (MAD: 1860 Floyd Co. KY census)
Pg.343, #1727, William MOORE 52 TN laborer
                  Polly 64 Grayson Co. NC
                  Lydia DINKINS 52 Grayson Co. NC
 

1860 Russell Co. VA Census
Lebanon
Pg.68, #442, Cynthia JESSEE (f) 46 VA farming $0-$150
                  John L. 25 VA farming $1000-$0
                  Mary E. 21 VA $500-$0
                  Ephraim K. 16, Sylvesta (f) 13 VA $500-$0 each
                  Eliza 11, Eunice (f) 9 VA $500-$0 each
                  John DUNCAN 3 NC
New Garden
Pg.124-5, #838, William DUNCAN 44 VA farmer $200-$0
                  Lucinda 39 VA
                  Alexander N. 21, James P. 19 VA
                  David C. 17, Joseph Wm. 15 VA
                  John T. 13, Elihu M. 10 VA
                  Archer J?. 8, Thomas J. 3 VA
                  Henry H. 2, William 6 VA
                  Jackson 4 VA
                  (MAD: 1870 Scioto Co. OH census)
 

1870 Russell Co. VA Census (also from Kathy Cawley 2/2006)
Castle Woods
Pg.325, #253, DUNCAN, James 25 VA farm laborer $0-$0; married in Oct.
                  Eliza 22 VA keeping house
Lebanon
Pg.389, #199-199, CLOUD, Mary 59 VA keeping house $200-$125
                  DUNCAN, Alice 8 VA at home
                  YATES, Joseph 16 VA at home
Pg.390, #213-213, HESS, James 45 VA farmer $1000-$300
                  Margaret 25 VA keeping house
                  Leah (f) 17, Mary 15, Milly 13 VA at home
                  Darthlola? (f) 10, Matilda 5 VA at home
                  DUNCAN, Elihu 22 VA works on farm
                  Rachel 19 VA asst. house keeper
                  Henry 1/12 b. Apr. VA at home
Pg.396, #303-303, JESSEE, George 71 VA farmer $2000-$300
                  Elizabeth 70 VA keeping house
                  James 26 VA works on farm
                  DUNCAN, John 13 VA works on farm
                  STINSON, Mary 11 VA at home
 

MARRIAGE RECORDS

Russell Co. VA Marriage Records Vol.2 (FHL film 33,850)
   Vol.2 pg.29 line 59
      8/11/1869, Elihu Duncan, 21 single b. Russell Co. par. Boyd and Nancy, to Rachael Hess, 18 single b. Russell Co., par. George & Rebecca, 29-59
 

Russell Co. VA Marriage Index and copies of licenses (from Doris Duncan 1986 & 1993 with permission to share with others)
      Aug. 8, 1860, Alexander Duncan, 22, Russell Co. VA, occup. "Ainflw" (farmer), to Martha McCloud, 22, Russell Co. VA; he son of William and Lucinda Duncan, she dau. of Henry and Polly McCloud; 2-11; mar. by William Gilmer.
      Oct. 23, 1869, James M. Duncan, 25 OH, to Eliza Musick, 21 Russell Co. VA; he son of Thos. Cassady Duncan and Rebecca Duncan, she dau. of David Music; 2-29; mar. 23 Oct. 1869 by Wm. H. Grizzle
      April 3, 1867, Joseph Duncan, 45 Wash. Co. VA, widow, to Louisa Price, 23 Russell Co. VA; his parents "unknown", she dau. of John Price (mother unknown); 2-22; mar. by G.W. Griffith
 

ESTATE RECORDS

Russell Co. VA Wills 1803-1899 (FHL film 33,825 index)
      4-342: 29 Nov. 1827, David Duncan to John Williams, both Russell Co., VA, mortgage of household furniture for $1, pay by 1 Nov. 1828 to James Barnett, $24 which he owes him. (FHL film 33,826)
 

LAND RECORDS

Russell Co. VA Deed Index (FHL film 33,828; copied 6/5/2015 by CVD)
   General Index to Deeds, Grantors, A-J, 1787-1917
      Bill of sale from Susannah Duncan to Joseph Blackman, 1791 - not found 6/5/2015
      P/A from John Duncan to George Bentley, 1798 - not found 6/5/2015
      Deed from Nathaniel Atkins by James Duncan, 1833 - not found 6/5/2015

Russell Co. VA Deed Index (FHL film 33,829; copied 6/5/2015 by CVD)
   General Index to Deeds, Grantees, A-J, 1787-1917 - above 3 items not found 6/5/2015
   Russell Co. VA Deeds Book 1-2, 1787-1798 (FHL film 33,830) - above deeds not indexed at front of book
   Russell Co. VA Deeds Book 3-4, 1798-1813 (FHL film 33,831) - above deeds not indexed at front of book
   Russell Co. VA Deeds Book 7-9, 1824-1839 (FHL film 33,833) - above deeds not indexed at front of book
   Russell Co. VA Deeds Book 10, 1835-1839 (FHL film 33,834) - above deeds not indexed at front of book
 

Russell Co. VA Deeds, 1787-1917
      Grantor index, pg.291; next grantor deed 1881 (FHL film 33,828; 9/2/1982)
      Grantee index, pg.238; next grantee deed 1883 (FHL film 33,829; 9/2/1982)
 

Russell Co. VA Deed Books
      2-529: 28 Aug. 1798, John Duncan and wife Elizabeth (both signed) of Greenbrier Co. to Samuel Stalliard of Russell Co., for £31, land known by the name of Big Island "on (or in) Clinch River", containing 11 acres, part of tract of 326 acres granted Roleigh Duncan 26 June 1786, this part an island. No wit. (FHL film 33,830)
      4-202: 4 Oct. 1808, Dance Brown and wife Keziah to Jesse Duncan, all Russell Co., for £70, 40 acres on south side Copper Ridge. No Wit. (FHL film 33,831)
      4-569: 2 March 1813, William Stone and wife Frances to David Duncan, all Russell Co., for $30, 30 acres on Clinch River, mouth of Tuness? Camp Branch, up a ridge. No Wit. (FHL film 33,831)
      5-2: 1 Feb. 1814, Jesse Duncan to John Elliott, for £70, 40 acres on south side Copper Ridge, conveyed from Shadrack Munk and wife Mary in Aug., 1799. No Wit. (FHL film 33,832)
      6-396: 2 April 1821, David Duncan and wife Susannah (both signed) of Russell Co. to Thomas Bradford, for $50, 30 acres on Clinch River, Turner's Camp Branch. No Wit. (FHL film 33,832)
 

Russell Co. VA Deeds (FHL film 33,830)
      No deed recorded ca 1/18/1791 (Court 1-222), bill of sale from Susannah Duncan to Joseph Blackmore.
      No power of attorney recorded ca 8/28/1798 for Deed 2-529, 8/28/1798, John Duncan and wife Elizabeth, power of attorney from John Duncan to George Bentley ack. in court at same time deed was ack. (Court 2-492)
      No deed recorded from Nathaniel & Nancy Atkins by James Duncan their attorney; see Smyth Co. VA Power of Attorney for James Duncan of Russell Co. KY.
 

Russell Co. VA Deeds (grantor Index on FHL film 33,828)
      No Oyler, Iler, Eyeler
      1-171: 22 Sept. 1791, William McClain and wife Mary (X) of Russell Co. to Jeremiah Hurel, for £25, 25 acres on North side of Clinch River. Recorded 27 Sept. 1795; appeared in court. No wit. (FHL film 33,830)
      2-66: 26 Jan. 1796, William McClayn and Mary his wife of Lee Co. VA to Simon Cockrell of Russell Co. VA, for £80 current money, 125 acres in Russell Co., part of a larger tract of land granted to Benjamin Nicholson by patent 26 June 1786, "on both sides of Clinch River and bounded as followeth to wit Beginning on the bank of the river at the mouth of a branch at an ash sugar tree and dogwood sapling corner to Rawley Duncans land and with a line thereof north 138 poles to a poplar white oak and dogwood sapling on the south side of a ridge and along the same north 60 degrees east 234 poles to a white oak and sourwood on the west side of Bustards run near the bank of the river, thence down the several courses thereof 334 poles on the north bank, thence south 52 deg. west 106 poles crossing the river to a beech and lynn at the foot of a knobb, south 72 west 186 poles to a buckeye near the foot of the said knobb, north 10 poles to two walnuts on the south bank of the River, thence north 62 deg. east 243 poles crossing the river to the beginning," (which contains 150 acres whereof 25 acres part thereof which was conveyed to Jeremiah Herral by a deed ... 27 Sept. 1791 is excepted) together with ... /s/ Wm. McClane, Mary McClane. Rec. Feb. 1796, both appeared in court. No wit. (FHL film 33,830)
 

TAX RECORDS

Russell Co. VA Personal property tax lists, 1787-1850 (SLC 10/2008 and 12/2008)
   Personal property tax lists 1787-1819 (FHL film 1,905,718)
      Date of Receiving list; Name of person chargeable with tax; name of white male over 21; whites 16-21; blacks over 16; blacks under 16; horses and mules; cattle, stud horses
1787, Samuel Ritchie's District
      June 27, Hannah Duncan, x, xxx, 1 horse, 8 cattle, 4 blacks under 16 (pg.5)
      May 14, James Duncan, James Duncan, xx1, 3 horses, 8 cattle (pg.6)
      July 3, Townsen Duncan, x, 1, x, x, 1, 1 (pg.7)
1788, Samuel Ritchie's List
      March 12, John Duncan, 1 white, 1 horse
      March 22, James Duncan, 1 white, 3 horses
      March 22, Townsend Duncan, 1 white, 1 horse
      May 12, Hannah Duncan, 1 horse
1789, Samuel Ritchie's List
      July 29, Townsend Duncan, 1 white, 2 horses
      March 19, James Duncan, 1 white, 4 horses
      March 20, John Duncan, 1 white, 4 horses
      March 23, Hannah Duncan, 1 horse
1790, (list title missing)
      March 16?, Hannah Duncan, 2 horses
      March 19, Susannah Duncan, wife of John, 2 horses
      Aug. 2, Townsend Duncan, 1 white, 1 horse
1791 (only one list, no Duncan)
1792, John Carter's list
      (no date), Hannah Duncan, 4 horses
1793, no Duncan on either list
1794, no Duncan on either list
1795, Robert Tate Junr. Dist.
      March 13, Townsend Duncan, 1 white, 2 horses
1795, Will Webb's list
      (no date), Duncan, Jesse, 1 white, 0 horses
1796, Will Webb's list
      (no date), Duncan, Jesse 1 white, 0 horses
1796, Robert Tate Jr.'s list
      March 14, Duncan, Townsand, 1 white, 1 horse
1797, (list title missing)
      Duncan, Jesse 1 white, 0 horses
1797, Robert Tate's list - no Duncan
1798, Will Webb's list
      Duncan, Jesse 1 white, 0 horses
1799, Will Webb's list
      Duncan, Jesse 1 white, 0 horses
1800, no Duncan on either list
1801: Harry Smith's list
      Duncan, Jessie, 1 white, 0 horses
1802, Jesse Browning's list
      Duncken, Jesse, 1 white, 1 horse
1803, Jas. Smith's lists
      Duncan, Joseph, 3 whites, 2 horses
1803, Jesse Browning's list
      Dunken, Jesse, 2 whites, 1 horse
1804, Jonathan Wood's list, Lower Dist.
      Duncan, Joseph, 1 white, 1 horse
      Duncan, John, 1 white, 1 horse
1804, Andrew Hebron's list
      Duncan, Jesse 2 whites, 2 horses
1805, Neville Wayland's list
      Duncan, John, 1 white, 1 horse
      Duncan, Joseph, 1 white, 1 horse
1805, Andrew Weburn's list
      Duncan, Jesse 2 whites, 2 horses
1806, 1st list (list title missing)
      Duncan, John, 1 white, 2 horses
      Duncan, Joseph, 1 white, 1 horse
1806, Andrew Hebron's lists
      Duncan, Jesse 2 whites, 3 horses
1807, James Smyth's list
      Duncan, John, 1 white, 2 horses
1808 - no lists
1809, Andrew Heburn's list
      Duncan, David, 1 white, 0 horses
      Dunkan, Jessey, 1 white, 1 horse
1809, James Smith's list
      Duncan, Joseph, 1 white, 0 blacks over 16, 1 black 12-16, 1 horse
1810, Wilson Vermillion's list
      March 3, Duncan, David, 1 white, 0 horses
      March 5, Duncan, Jesse 2 whites, 2 horses
1811, James Smyth's list
      Duncan, Joseph, 1 white, 2 horses
1811: White tithables; blacks over age 16; blacks over age 12 and under 16; horses, mares, colts & mules; stud horses & jack ases; Rate of Covering in ? season; L Tax amount $ - cents. (MAD: ?? date may be the date the tithable paid the tax)
1811, District of Wilson Vermillion:
      March 5, Duncan, Jesse, 2 tithables
      March 6, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 2 horses
1811, Robert Fugate's list:
      April 19, Dunkin, John, 1 tithable, 3 horses
1812, John Chandler's list
      Dunkin, Jesse, 2 tithables, 2 horses
1812, Henry Wood's list
      March 18, Duncan, John, 1 tithable, 4 horses
      April 2, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1813, John Chandler's list
      Dunking, Jessee, 2 tithables, 3 horses
      Dunking, David, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1813, Henry Wood's list
      Duncan, John, 1 tithable, 4 horses
1814, John Cranston? list
      Duncan, Jessee, 1 tithable, 2 horses
      Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 2 horses
1814B, (name not given)
      Dunken, John, (no tithables), 3 horses
1815, John Chandler's list
      March 25, Dunkin, Jessee (Sr.?), 1 tithable, 1 horse
      April 30, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 2 horses
1816, John Chandler's list
      Feb. 21, Dunkin, David, 1 tithable, 3 horses
1817, Wilson Browning list
      Feb. 26, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 2 horses
1818, Wilson Browning list
      Feb. 23, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 3 horses
1819, John Chandler's list
      Feb. 27, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 3 horses
   Personal property tax lists 1820-1832 (FHL film 1,905,719) (MAD: lists white males over age 16 as tithables)
1820, John Chandler's list
      Feb. 25, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 3 horses
1821, James P. Strother list
      Feb. 8, Duncan, David, (does not list tithables), 2 horses
1822, Wilson Browning list
      Feb. 22, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 2 horses
1823, J.P. Strother's list
      April 1, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1824, Benjamin Sewell's list
      March 13, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 1 horse
   (MAD: quit copying name of tax commissioner, usually only one list per year)
1825, no Duncan
1826, Feb. 1, Duncan, David, 1 tithable (no horses)
1827, March 6, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1828, Feb. 26, Duncan, Jesse, 1 tithable
      May 8, Duncan, David, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1829-1832, no Duncan
   Personal property tax lists 1833-1850 (FHL film 1,905,720)
1833, no Duncan
1834, March 7, Duncan, Archer, 1 tithable
1835, April 24, Duncan, David, 2 tithables
      April 24, Duncan, Archer J., 1 tithable, 1 horse
1836, May 13, Duncan, David, 2 tithables
      Feb. 12, Duncan, Jesse, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1837, May 16, Duncan, David, 1 tithable
      May 16, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable
1838-1842, no Duncan
1843, May 16, Duncan, William, 1 tithable
1844, Duncan, William, 1 tithable
1845, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable
1846, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable
1846, Duncan, John W., 1 tithable (separate list)
1847, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable
1847, Duncan, John W., 1 tithable
1848, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable, 1 horse
1849, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable, 1 horse
1849, Duncan, John, 1 tithable, 1 horse
1850, Duncan, William P., 1 tithable
1850, Duncan, John, 1 tithable, 1 horse
 

COURT RECORDS

Russell Co. VA County Court Law Order Books 1786-1904
   Index to Plaintiffs, 1786-1904, A-D (FHL film 33,839)
   Index to Defendants, 1786-1904, A-D (FHL film 33,840)
      No Duncan
   Plaintiff Index, Commonwealth vs. ... (FHL film 33,841)
      1805, Commonwealth vs. Joseph Duncan, for contempt of court. Fined and put in prison. 3-390
      1812, vs. John Dunkin, Recognizance discharged, 4-421
      1851/52, vs. John Duncan, Indictment for Perjury, 12-456, 362, 378, 395, 416, 437, 451 (not looked at)
      Next case 1878, Alexander Duncan, Indictment for violating Revenue Laws
 

   Order Books 1 & 2 (FHL film 33,844)
      1-12: 9 Aug. 1786, "On motion of Hannah Duncan Certificate for obtaining administration on the Estate of William Duncan decd. is granted her whereupon she together with John Duncan and Joseph Blakemore her securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of five hundred pounds with contion as the law directs for the faithful administration of the said decedants estate."
      1-23: 14 Nov. 1786, an inventory and appraisement of the estate of William Duncan, deceased, was exhibited in Court and ordered to be recorded.
      1-63: 19 Sept. 1787, "On motion of Hannah Duncan it is ordered that she be exempted from paying poll tax and county levy for her husband for the year 1786 he being dead before the tenth day of April in said same year." (MAD: Hannah mar. 2nd Mr. Bird; see will in Lee Co. VA)
      1-85: 22 Nov. 1787, James Duncan ... be recommended for Lieut. in Militia.
      1-90: 15 April 1788, Ordered that David Dunnan (not Duncan) be also enrolled as above (to practice as an attorney).
      1-98: 17 April 1788, On the motion of the County Lieutenant ordered that ... John Duncan (be recommended to his Excellency the governor as a fit and proper person for) Lieutenant (of a company of hoss troopers for this county).
      1-174: 7 Sept. 1789, Ordered that ... Charles Duncan (be allowed) 12/6 for killing one old wolf.
      1-221: 17 Nov. 1790 (reference to various court cases), Hannah Duncan against Gray and Blakemore reinstated on the rule dockett.
      1-222: 18 Jan. 1791, A bill of sale from Susannah Duncan to Joseph Blackmore was produced in Court and proven by the oath of Samuel Ritchie and ordered to be recorded. (MAD Note: No deed indexed or in deed books this date)
      1-232: 28 June 1791, Duncan against Gray sent back to the rules.
      1-247: 23 Nov. 1791, Duncan against Gray dismissed.
 
      2-183: 25 Sept. 1794, Ordered that ... be recommended to Henry Lee Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth and the Honorable privy council as fit and capable persons for ... in the 2nd Battalion of the 72nd Regiment of Militia in this county, ... and Townsend Duncan for Ensign.
      2-200: 28 April 1795, Thomas Ferguson & Townsend Duncan produced commissions from Robert Brooke Esqr. appointing them Ensigns, the former in the first, and the latter in the 2nd Battalion of the 72nd Regiment of Militia in this County ... whereupon they severally took the oath prescribed by Law.
      2-492: 28 Aug. 1798, An Indenture of Bargain and Sale of land from John Duncan and Elizabeth his wife to Samuel Stallard was acknowledged in Court by the said John and was thereupon ordered to be recorded.
            (next entry) A Power of Attorney from John Duncan to George Bentley was acknowledged in Court by the said John and Ordered to be recorded.
 
   Order books 3 and later
      4-413: 6 Oct. 1812, Ordered that it be certified to the Auditor of Public Accts that John Duncan ... were legally impossed and served as a guard two days each for the safe keeping in custody of William Yeats & others arrested for a felony. (FHL film 33,845)
      5-70: 1 Feb. 1814, An indenture of bargain and sale from Jesse Duncan to John Elliott was acknowledged in court by the sd. Jesse and ordered to be recorded. (FHL film 33,845)
      6-29: 5 May 1818, "John Hackney, who resides in the County of Russell in this State, wishing to become a pensioner pursuant to the provisions of an Act of the Congress of the United States, passed on the 18th day of March 1818, entitled 'An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war,' personally appeared in Court, and upon oath declares, That he enlisted with the Delaware Blues as a fifer in the third year of the revolutionary war, Colo. Hall and Joseph Vaughan being Commanders of the Regiment and Captain John Rhodes being his first Captain; said Rhodes was killed at Gates(?) defeat. That he the said Hackney afterwards served under Peter Tequit? until the end of the war; that he the said Hackney served at Gates' defeat and was with General Morgan at the battle of the Cow Pens -- He was in two engagements under General Green at Guilford, and one at Camlin. He was also at the seige of Ninety Six and at the Battle of Eutaw Spring and was discharged at New Castle in the State of Delaware by Colo. Vaughan, having been in the service about the term of six years." ... All which is ordered to be certified to the Secretary of the Department of War. (FHL film 33,845)
      NOTE: several other similar requests for pension.
      6-31: "Jesse Duncan who resides in the County of Russell in the State of Virginia, wishing to become a pensioner pursuant to the provisions of an Act of the Congress of the United States, passed on the 18th day of March 1818, entitled 'An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war,' personally appeared in Court, and declared on oath that he enlisted with the Troops of the State of North Carolina as a private soldier in the United States service about the year 1778 under Colo. James Sanders and Captain Robert Moore, he was enlisted for nine months; but served about eleven, He was in the service and at the battle fought on Briar? Creek, General Ash commanded; He was at the seige of Charleston where General Rutherford sometimes commanded. He was discharged in the state of South Carolina, but by what officer he dis (sic) not recollect. The said Jesse Duncan also produced in Court, and which was read as evidence to his claim for a pension under the act aforesaid an affidavit of an aged and infirm person who was unable personally to come into Court in the following words and figures, to wit: 'Russell County Virginia, May the 5, 1818, came William Paskel before me Frances Browning a justice for said County and made oath that Jesse Duncan enlisted in the service of the United States in the Troops of North Carolina for the term of nine months, and was in the service the year that the battle was at Brian Creek in Georgia and did serve his time out, and that said Duncan is in low circumstance and has no living to support him, and further saith not. Given under my hand this 5 day of May 1818. Frances Browning.' which said affiant the court believes to be a person of truth. And from the knowledge which some of the members of the Court themselves have as well as from the satisfactory evidence, the Court are unanimously of opinion, and do hereby certify, that the said Jesse Duncan is a person of credit as a witness; that it was generlly understood in the nieghborhood of the residence of the said Jesse Duncan previous to the passage of the said Act of Congress that the said Jesse Duncan had served in the revolutionary War; and that the said Jesse Duncan is in such reduced circumstances in life, as to need assistance from his country for support. All which is ordered to be certified to the Secretary of the Department of War. (MAD: See Caswell Co. NC to Rush Co. IN)
      6-348: 1 May 1821, David Duncan and wife Susannah to Thomas Brafford, proof of deed (extract).
      6-435+: 1821, 1822, David Duncan vs. George Cowan, In case for slander; 1823 Qualifies to preach in Christian Church. (from index)
      12-236: 1849, John Duncan paid by county for taking care of prisoner. (from index)
 

MILITARY RECORDS

JESSE DUNCAN, Rev. Pension Application S-16774 (FHL film 970,863; from National Archives)
      Born 1754 (78 yrs old in 1832), died 9 Feb. 1848, Park Co. IN. Entered service 1778 in Caswell Co. NC, a pvt under Capt. Robt. Moore, Gen. Lincoln, and Maj. Donaho and Col. Lytle; wit. John Price Sr. of Green Co. TN. Muster rolls show Jesse a private in Capt. Reid's Co. 1st Reg, May 1776, discharged 28 May 1779. (MAD: Russell Co. VA County Court Law Order Book 6-31, 5 May 1818; wit. William Paskel, Jesse served ca 1778 under Col. James Sanders, Capt. Robert Moore, Gen. Ash.) Declaration 17/19 Feb. 1829 in Washington Co. VA, age 74; reference ca 1829 to Thomas Paskill of Pulaski Co. KY; declaration 2 Sept. 1832 in Rush Co. IN, age ca 78; declaration 2 May 1833 in Parke Co. IN where he had two children; declaration 29 Dec. 1835 in Russell Co. VA where he also had children, wit. James Lynch; declaration 13 April 1839 in Floyd Co. KY where he had grandchildren living, wit. Jesse Hall; declaration 15 Feb. 1840 in Parke Co. IN where he had daughter living, wit. Lewis Noel; administrator of estate Addison L. Roache, Jesse d. 9 Feb. 1848 in Parke Co. IN; no widow; children: Nancy Lark; Phoebe Lynch; Sally McCoy; Amy Collins; Hannah Green.
      Click here for more from the pension application file.
 

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, David D., mother Duncan, Lucinda, father Duncan, William; L 4 KY Cav.; 1880 July 2, Mother Appl. #275429, Cert. #248785; 1900 Sept. 19, Father Appl. #727084, Cert. #522633, Ohio. (MAD: mustered in at Louisville, Jefferson Co. KY) (MAD: ? 1850 Russell Co. VA)
 

Copy of Pension Application #6539 for J.M. Duncan (from Joyce Colliflower 1989 with permission to share with others; see complete in Hawkins Co. TN)
      3 Sept. 1904, Soldier's Application for Pension (filled in form). J.M. Duncan, native of State of TN, resident at Persia, Hawkins Co. TN, who was a soldier from State of TN in war between the US & the Confederate States, apply for a pension ... served in Co. H., contracted rheumatism in feet and legs, by reason of which wound or disability I am entitled to receive pension. Born in Ohio 1845, enlisted in 1863, Prentises Command, Capt. Richard Hager, Col. Prentis; precise nature of wound or disability was rheumatism in legs; rheumatism contracted while in the service and said disability is permanent; I am incapacitated; I was not discharged by reason of said wound or disability; I got out of the army ... I came home sick, not able for service in 1865 four or five days before the surrender. I took the oath of allegiance soon after the surrender, thought I had to because all other confederate soldiers was setting? the oath. Married; family consists of myself, wife and four children; wife age 56; children 16, 18, 21? and 23, one male and 3 females; children not able to support me; business of farming, I earn a scanty living; have estate of 20 acres of land valued at $50, one horse, 2 cows; wife has no estate; supported for last five years by farming; do not use intoxicants to any extent; resided in TN for 8 years; no attorney. Wit. R.D. Keller MD, Wm. H. Sutherland, Thomas Musick. (Doctor's statement re rheumatism; witnesses' statements in Russell Co. VA that they served with him.)
      16 Sept. 1907, statement by John W. Kerr, Notary Public for Dickenson Co. VA; R.M. Hager appeared, made oath he was Captain of Co. H, 7th Confederate Cavalry, and that J.M. Duncan was a soldier under him for 2 years. That the said Duncan enlisted at Wise Court House, and served under him the last two years of the war. That Duncan never was a deserter, and was a faithful and true Soldier during the 2 years that he was under him, until the close of the Civil war. (Handwritten statement by J.M. Duncan ... if this does not satisfy you write about me ...)
 

TN Confederate Pension Application (copy from Joyce Colliflower 1989 with permission to share with others; see Hawkins Co. TN for more documents)
      Indexed: 6539 Duncan, J.M., Hawkins, 7th KY. Cav.
      #6539, J.M. Duncan, filed 3 Sept. 1904; J.M. Duncan, native of TN, resident at Persia, Hawkins Co. TN; Co.H; contracted rheumatism in feet and legs; b. OH 1845, enl. 1863, Prentises Command, Capt. Richard Hager, Col. Prentis; came home sick, not able for service in 1865 four or five days before the surrender; took oath of allegiance soon after the surrender, thought I had to because all other confederate soldiers was setting? the oath; Married; family consists of myself, wife and four children; wife age 56; children 16, 18, 21? and 23, one male and 3 females; children not able to support me; business of farming, I earn a scanty living; have estate of 20 acres of land valued at $50, one horse, 2 cows; wife has no estate; supported for last five years by farming; do not use intoxicants to any extent; resided in TN for 8 years; no attorney. Wit. R.D. Keller MD, Wm. H. Sutherland, Thomas Musick. (Doctor's statement re rheumatism; witnesses' statements in Russell Co. VA that they served with him.)
 

REFERENCES FROM OTHER LOCALITIES

Culpeper Co. VA Deed (FHL film 30,949)
      P-492: 21 May 1790, agreement between Joseph (+) Duncan of Culpeper Co. and John Duncan, son and heir-at-law to Rawley Duncan, decd, of Russell Co. Whereas Rice Duncan, decd, late of Russell Co., having property in Culpeper Co. but not recorded, wherein he devised to said Joseph Duncan his brother all his estate ... Several years after, the said Rice Duncan removes to Settlement of Clinch in Russell Co., and soon after departed this life. Now dispute has arisen between said Joseph Duncan and John Duncan ... Joseph Duncan doth quit claim unto said John Duncan ... Estate ... which said Rice Duncan died seized in Russell Co.; John Duncan doth quit claim unto Joseph Duncan all right ... (as heir to his father Rawley Duncan who was eldest brother of said Rice Duncan) to estate ... which said Rice Duncan died seized in Culpeper Co. Wit. James Pendleton and James B. Pendleton.
 

Greenbrier Co. WV Deeds
      1-396: 25 May 1795, John Duncan of Greenbrier Co. VA to my brother Townsend Duncan of Russell Co. VA, power of attorney to defend my right to land in Russell Co. which I claim as heir of my father Rawley Duncan decd. No wit. (FHL film 593,544)
      2-22: 9 April 1798, John Duncan of Greenbrier Co. VA appoint George Bently of same, attorney to act to defend a certain tract of land on Clinch River, Russell Co., formerly the property of Rawley Duncan, and to recover the land, it being the property of said Bently when recovered. Wit. John Hutchison, Charles Arbuckle; rec. May 1798 on oath of wits. (FHL film 593,545)
 

"Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in VA - Augusta Co., Vol.I, II & III, 1745-1800" by Lyman Chalkley, c1912-13
      Vol.II, pg.74-75: Judgements: (no date) Simon Cockrell vs. John Duncan filed 18 May 1796. In 1770 Wm. Herbert made a settlement upon waste and unappropriated land on Cubb creek in Washington Co. & occupied it until 1776, when his overseer was killed by the Indians, when Rawley Duncan took possession. Herbert d. testate in 1776, which was proved 3 Sept. 1776 in Fincastle Co. leaving Wm. Herbert as his heir-at-law. Rawley Duncan obtained a certificate of settlement in 1773. Rawley d. intestate, leaving John Duncan, his only son and heir. Townshend Duncan is now in possession. Benjamin Nicholson deposes in Clarke Co., KY, 16 May 1798, that in May, 1775, he knew Rawley Duncan to purchase the tract from James Nolle. Peter Hutchinson in Russell Co. said that ca June 1775 he was frequently in company with Robert Elson who told him that he lived on land that was Herbert's. In the same year he heard a dispute between Rawley Duncan and John Duncan's widow about the plantation at the ford of the Clinch, where they both lived and understood that Rawley and his bro. John were to go halves in the plantation .... more testimony. (MAD: see Augusta Co. VA for more)
 

"The Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: 1745 to 1800" by Lyman Chalkley is available online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/~chalkley/
 

"Report on the Chalkley manuscripts, 21st Congress, the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution" (Augusta Co. VA) by Thomas Forsythe Nelson; pub. unknown: unknown, 1912, 28 pgs. (LH 199, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL fiche 6,015,411)
      (Book pg.14) 17 Feb. 1748. p.99. ... Robt. Christian vs. Andrew Mitchell - Deed Wm. Sayers to John Paterson proved by Andrew Duncan.
      (Book pg.14) p.100. Deed Wm. Sayers to Andrew Duncan proved by John Patison.
      MAD: Mr. Nelson concludes that the original records should be examined instead of Judge Chalkley's very brief extracts.
 

Carter Co. KY Vital Statistics: Births 1852-53, 1855-59, 1861-62; marriages, and deaths, 1853-55, 1857, 1859-1862 (FHL film 216,819; SLC 9/25/1981; rechecked SLC 9/27/2011)
      Lewis Duncan, son of Griffith Duncan and Rosanna Duncan, b. Russel Co., VA, aged 36 yrs, m, d. 10 June 1852.
 

Floyd Co. KY Deed (SLC 10/4/2011)
      C-227/228: Indenture 2 Nov. 1830, between Jonathan Hall of Floyd Co. KY of the one part & Peter Dunken of Russel Co. VA of the other part. That the said Peter Duncan for $150 paid him, sold to said Jonathan Hall, all the rite title & claim I the said Peter Dunken have to a certain tract of land in Floyd Co. KY lying on the left hand fork of Beaver Creek, beg. on a maple at the mouth of the Muddy Gut Branch, it being a conditional line that was made between David Burks & Jermier Collyer, Shadorick Estep Wittenness to said line, then ... it being 25 acres more or less, a part of a tract of land granted to David Burk 23 Dec. 1818, and Peter Dunken warrants title. /s/ Peter Dunken. Wit. William Quillen, Joel Estep, Teague Quillen. 15 Nov. 1830, proven by William Quillen & Joel Estep, two of the subscribing witnesses. (typed deed book; FHL film 836,821; SLC 10/4/2011)
 

HISTORIES before 1923

"Hancock's diary, or, A history of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry : with sketches of First and Seventh battalions, also, portraits and biographical sketches." by R.R. Hancock; pub. Nashville, Tenn.: Brandon Print. Co., 1887, 663 pgs. (LH12688, HeritageQuest images 5/2007; FHL fiche 6,082,669)
      Pg.33: June 1861. ... Muster roll of Captain E.D. Payne's Company (D): Duncan, J.H., d.
      Pg.38: September, 1861. ... Monday, 9th ... It was about this time that Captain Payne left the battalion, and Duncan was made Captain of Company D.
      Pg.176: Seventh Battalion, Company A., ... Duncan (MAD: no first name), Fourth Sergeant. Captured at Medon, West Tennessee, and mortally wounded July 15, 1864.
      Pg.584: E.O. Elliott served as quartermaster of the Second Tennessee until it and Wilson's Regiment were consolidated, about February, 1865. He was then sent into West Tennessee with a detachment under Captain William Duncan, in search of absentees from Forrest's command. ...
      Pg.599-601: CAPTAIN JAMES HARVEY DUNCAN. J.H. DUNCAN, second son of Alexander C. and Hannah Duncan, was born March 10th, 1817, in Pulaski County, Kentucky. His grandfather, James Duncan, who was born at Culpepper Court House, in Culpepper County, Virginia, July 18th, 1764, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was at the siege and capture of Yorktown, Virginia, when Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington on the 18th of October, 1781; and in 1790 he settled in Kentucky, where he was killed the next year by the Indians, leaving a widow and three small children. The oldest was the Captain's father, who was born in Russell County, Virginia, June 30th, 1788; the other two, William and Sallie (the latter became Mrs. McGee), were twins, and born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, in 1790. After the war of 1812, William settled in Hickman County, Tennessee, where, after raising a large family, he died in 1869.
            The Honorable Ralph Williams, the captain's grandfather on his mother's side, also served in the Revolutionary War under General Greene and the famous Marion.
            The subject of this sketch, who was educated in the common country schools, learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, and was a very successful contractor for ten or twelve years in Lancaster, the county seat of Garrard County, Kentucky.
            In 1843 he married Mrs. Fannie Dawson, who died in 1847, leaving no children. He was married again in 1848 to Miss Louisa B. Hudson, who was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, in 1830. He left Kentucky in 1849, and settled in Davidson County, Tennessee, where he was engaged in farming and trading in horses, mules, and cattle when the war broke out.
            J.H. Duncan enlisted in the Confederate service as a private in Captain E.D. Payne's company, which, about the first week in July, 1861, became Company D of the First Battalion of Tennessee Cavalry. About September following he was, much against his own will, unanimously elected captain of Company D, Captain Payne having resigned. Captain Duncan served at the head of his company with the First Battallion during the two campaigns into Kentucky under General Zollicoffer, who was warmly attached to the captain. It has been said that the latter was the only man who could make the former laugh.
      Pg.600. R.R. Hancock's Diary.
            After the action and defeat at Fishing Creek, Kentucky, the captain fell back with the Confederate army through Middle Tennessee to North Mississippi, where, in May, 1862, the First Battalion re-enlisted and reorganized and Companies B and D were consolidated, and Captain William Parrish commanded the consolidated company.
            Captain Duncan now returned to Middle Tennessee, and soon after joined Wheeler's Cavalry,* (*He raised and commanded an independent company of scouts, but reported to Wheeler.) with which he did valiant service until wounded in the foot at Chickamauga September 20th, 1863, where he was captured and sent to prison on Johnson's Island. He was exchanged in time to take part in General Hood's campaign against Nashville on the staff of General Granberry. He served on faithfullly to the close of the war; surrendered to General James Wilson near Selma, Alabama, and was soon after with loved ones at home in the northern portion of Wilson County, Tennessee, to which place his family had removed in 1863. His occupation after the war was farming and trading in stock.
            Captain Duncan was very lively - always had an anecdote to suit the occasion, and was a favorite with all soldiers. He was a warm partisan in all elections, and was always a States' Rights Democrat. He was a devoted husband and a kind and affectionate father. His last wife bore him three daughters - Cora (now Mrs. Birthright), Eudora (now Mrs. Buchanan, of Nashville, Tennessee), and Lizzie (who died in 1880), and two sons - James McAfee, of Saundersville, Sumner County, Tennessee, and Mongolia (of Texas).
            In reference to her father's death Eudora says, in a letter to her uncle, S.M. Duncan:
            "Pa's death was caused by taking an overdose of morphine through mistake. He was in wretched health, and went himself to Starkes' store in Saundersville, Sumner County,* (*The captain lived in Wilson County and had crossed the Cumberland River to attend church as above named.) and purchased a bottle of morphine, THINKING it was quinine. .... (MAD: elipses theirs) He took it at ten o'clock A.M. and lived until ten at night, October 15th, 1873. Everthing that could be done was administered for his recovery, but all of no avail. Brother Jesse Sewell was carrying on a protracted meeting at Saundersville at the time. Pa was so anxious to hear the discourse through, as he was a strict member of the Christian Church, and had been one year previous to his death, he took the quinine, as he thought, as a stimulant. .... (MAD: elipses theirs) We never knew until after services that he had taken anything, as ma did not attend church that day. Brother Sewell assisted him home. He never spoke but once after returning. He said: 'Ma, I cannot be with you long; I am almost gone,' then fell asleep in Jesus, never to wake with us in this old, unreligious world."
            The remains of the gallant captain were interred at the McLean graveyard, in the first district of Wilson County. The captain's widow is still (1887) living.
 

MISC. RECORDS

Russell Co. VA Wills (Index 1803 & later on FHL film 33,825)
      No McLane
 

Shelby Co. KY Wills (from Index to KY Wills to 1851 for William McClane, McLane, etc.; see Russell Co. VA records)
      12-257: Will of Mary McLain, prob. 1837 - no connection to Russell Co. Wm. & Mary (FHL film 259,254)
      18-93: Will of William McLain, prob. 1847; to brothers and sisters (FHL film 259,256)
 

Russell Co. VA -- William McClain, wife Mary, 1793,
neighbor to Rawley Duncan:
   1800 KY Tax List:
      Wm. McLain    Montgomery Co.
      Wm. McClain   Nelson Co.
      Wm. McClean   Jefferson Co.
   1810 KY census
      McClain, William     Montgomery   362   00101 - 00001
      McClain, William     Montgomery   354   00101 - 00001
      McClain, William     Nelson        39   00201 - 10101
      McClain, William     Nelson        39   00201 - 00101
      McClain, William     Shelby       201   30110 - 10100
      McLain, Polly        Montgomery   367   40000 - 10200
   None Jessamine or Lincoln Co. KY
 

"Wayne Co. KY Vital Records" Vol.3 by June Baldwin Bork, ca 1972 (FHL book 976.964 V2b from Vivian Biddle 1981)
      Pg.124 has a transcript of the Baylis Washington Duncan Family Bible, contributed by James B. Duncan of Taylor, Michigan, starting with:
      Alexander C. Duncan was born in Russell Co., Virginia 8 June 1787 (MAD: 1840 Jessamine Co. KY)
      Hannah A. Duncan was born in Rowan Co., North Carolina 1793, married in 1809 (MAD: mar. 12/17/1809 Pulaski Co. KY)
      James Duncan, grandfather of B.W. Duncan was born in Culpeper Co., Virginia on 19 January 1757. He was the eldest son of Raleigh Duncan a native of Perthshire, Scotland who married Nancy Chowning of Culpeper Co., Va.
      (later generations)
      James Duncan was murdered by the Indians in 1790. He married Mary Crockett of Virginia in 1785. (MAD: Mary [Crockett] Duncan mar. William Carver 8/27/1799 Madison Co. KY, to Cass Co. IL)
      Townsend Duncan the ancestor of B.W. Duncan came to Virginia in 1730.
 

"The Kentucky Genealogist" Vol.15#1, Jan. 1973 (from Evelyn Sigler 4/1982)
      Pg.7-8 has a transcript of the same Bible of B.W. Duncan of Wayne Co. KY, and the note that "The entries of births, marriages and deaths were copied by James B. Duncan exactly as they appear, without alterations, clarification of nicknames or corrections of misspellings." It includes:
      Alexander C. Duncan was born in Rupell County, Virginia June 8, 1787
      Hannah A. Duncan was born in Rowan County North Carolina 1793
      James Duncan the grandfather of B.W. Duncan was born in Culpeper Co. Virginia January 19, 1757. He was the eldest son of Raleigh Duncan who was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, who married Nancy Chowning of Culpeper Co. Virginia
      Townsend Duncan the ancestor of B.W. Duncan came to Virginia in 1703
      (and under DEATHS) James Duncan was murdered by Indians in 1790. He married Nancy Crockett of Virginia in 1785.
 

END

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