David Duncan's biography appears in the History of Gratiot Co., Michigan. Historical Biographical, Statistical, By Willard D. Tucker published in 1913; pages 1084-1085 (actual images of the two pages; a transcription of his biography is also online on the Gratiot County GenWeb Project.
David Duncan, was born in Scotland in about 1822 and died on 10 October 1860 in Gratiot County, Michigan at age 39 years. David married Christina Mortimore or Mortimor, she was born in about 1821 in Scotland and died on 31 March 1890 at the age of 69. They are both buried in Collier Cemetery (photos), in Washington Township. According to his son's biography, David Duncan, the father, left Scotland for Canada on the ship Jane Boyd in 1853 (for a great account of the Jane Boyd's 1855 journey from Scotland to Quebec, read the journal of Gordon Michie Ewing). His wife, Christina and her three children (if she did leave Scotland in 1854, there would have been four children--David, about age 10; Peter, about age 7; Christina, about age 6 and Margaret about age 3--unless Margaret was actually born in Canada) left one year later in 1854, on the same ship for Quebec, Canada. The biography continues and also stated that the family remained in Canada until the spring of 1858, when they moved to Detroit. By December 1858 they must have made it to Gratiot County, their son George died on 6 December 1858 and is buried there. A quick look through the 1860 Federal Census of Washington Township, Post Office Pompei, Gratiot County, Michigan, page 79 (note--the previous page is numbered 181 and the proceeding page is numbered 183, so it may be indexed as page 182) confirmed that the early Duncan family was indeed living there in 1860:
Ten years after the death of her husband, David Duncan, Christina was listed in the 1870 Federal Census of Washington Township, Gratiot County household #55 of 56 (notice that she had aged 17 years from the 1860 census):
Duncan, Christina, age 49, Keeping House, 1500 245, born in ScotlandIn the 1880 Federal Census of Washington Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, page 645C, "Christie" Duncan, age 58, widowed, was listed as the head of household, her son James, age 19, was the only child left at home.
David, age 24, Farmer, born in Scotland
English, Margaret, age 18, Domestic, born in Scotland
Elizabeth Duncan, age 13, at home, born in Canada
James and Mary Duncan, both age 9, born in Michigan [twins]
David Duncan's Civil War marker in
Collier Cemetery, photo taken in 2002.
David and Emma Jane (Whitney) Duncan
1. David
Duncan 
was born on 3 June 1844, in Aberdeen, Scotland. David served during
the Civil War in A Company, 23rd Michigan Infantry Regiment. About
ten years after he returned from the war, David married Emma Jane Whitney,
the daughter of Joshua
and Mabel (Head) Whitney on 22 April 1874. Their marriage was
recorded in Gratiot County, Michigan, Book B, on page 73:
"In St. Louis Village- David Duncan age 29 born in Scotland occupation farmerIn the 1880 Federal Census, of Washington Township, Gratiot County, page 651D, enumerated on 21 June, the Duncan household listed (David stated that his parents were both born in Scotland, Emma stated that her parents were both born in "NY"; George E. had attended school that year):
Emma Whitney age 16 born in OhioJoseph T. Willett, Minister of the Gospel
Witnessed by Mr. John Whitney and Mrs. Elizabeth Duncan
Recorded on 11 December 1874"
#173 173 Duncan, David
m 36
Farmer
Scotland
Emma J. f 23
Wife Keeping House
Ohio
George E. m 5
Son
Michigan
Mary f 3
Daughter
Michigan
Caroline f 4/12
Feb. Daughter
Michigan
Twenty years later in the 1900 Federal Census of Washington Township, ED# 61, household #117 of 117, sheet 6A, enumerated on 1 June, their household consisted of: David, age 56, born in June 1844, occupation farmer, year of immigration to the U.S. 1854; Emma, age 52, born in August 1857, she also stated that she had bore 5 children and all 5 were still living. The children still living in the home were: George E., age 25; Blanch, age 17 and Whitney, age 12. Also living in the Duncan household was Mabel Whitney, his mother-in-law, age 76, her birth month is unreadable, year of birth 1824, widowed, place of birth New York, father's place of birth New York and mother's place of birth Connecticut; and Henry Chapple, grandson, age 3, birth month unreadable, year of birth 1897, place of birth Michigan, parents both born in Michigan (this was their daughter Caroline's son, from her first marriage).
In 1910, the last census taken before his death, David and Emma were found living in Elba Township, Ashley Village, ED# 66, sheet 2B, Park St., enumerated on 21 April. David was now age 65, listed his occupation as the "township clerk", and his year of immigration to the U.S. as 1857. Emma J. was now age 61, they both stated that they had been married for 35 years. Also living in their household was their grandson, Henry Chappell, now age 13 (Caroline's son from her first marriage).
David Duncan died on 10 March 1918. His death was recorded in Gratiot County, Book B, page 377. His death record stated that he was 73 years 10 months and 7 days old; death was caused by chronic nephritis; his birthplace was listed as Scotland; parents listed as David and Christina Mortimer; residence shown as Ashley; date of record 23 September 1918.
Emma Jane Duncan died many years later in 1940, her death was recorded in Gratiot County, Liber 1940, page 119. Her death record stated that she was born on 13 August 1855 in Lorraine [sic, Lorain] County, Ohio; her parents were shown as Joshua Duncan [sic, should read "Joshua Whitney"] birthplace New York and "Mable" Head, birthplace Pennsylvania; the informant was Mrs. Simon Linley [sic, should read Simeon Lindley] of Ashley, Michigan. Cause of death was “myocardial failure; age at death was 81 years 9 months and 29 days; burial on 15 June 1940 in Washington Township, Washington Cemetery (Collier).
David and Emma are both buried near their parents in Collier Cemetery, in Washington Township, Gratiot County, Michigan (photos).
2. Peter Duncan, was born on 4 February 1847 in Scotland and died a young man on 24 September 1863 in Gratiot County, Michigan. Peter is buried in Collier Cemetery next to his parents, his name appears on the opposite side of the same marker.
Christian (Duncan) English, photo contributed by Trent English.
3. Christian Duncan, was born on 1 March 1849 in Aberdeen, Scotland (her name our her marker in Collister Cemetery is spelled "Christian"). She married George English on 1 March 1861 (according to his biography) and lived in Washington Township, Gratiot County. The biography of George English appears in the History of Gratiot Co., Michigan. Historical Biographical, Statistical, By Willard D. Tucker published in 1913.
The 1870 Federal Census of Washington Township, Gratiot County, household #51 of 51 listed: George England, age 28, occupation farmer; birthplace England; Christina, age 21, keeping house, born in Scotland; Elizabeth, age 2, born in Michigan and George, 7 months, born in Michigan.
Their 1880 household in Washington Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, ED# 108, page 648A, enumerated on the 14th of June, listed:
#113 113 English, George
38
Farmer
England Engl
Eng
Christina 31 Wife
Keeping house Scotland Scotland
Scot
Elizabeth 12 Daugh
At School
Michigan
Henry 16 Son
At School
Michigan
Mary 8
Daugh
Michigan
Martha 6
Daugh
Michigan
John 4
Son
Michigan
Agness 3 Daugh
Michigan
No Name 11/12 Son
Jul
Michigan
[he would later be named Samuel]
In the 1900 Federal Census of Washington Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, ED# 61, household #95 of 95, consisted of: George, age 59, occupation Farmer; Christina, age 52, stated that she had bore 14 children, 12 of which were still living, and that they had been married for 32 years. She gave the year of immigration to the United States as 1855. The children still at home were: Willie, age 18, born in September 1881; Irvin, age 15, born in September 1884; Homer, age 14, born in August 1885; Lattie, age 11; born in October 1888; Nancy, age 9, born in October 1890 and Leon, age 5, born in July 1894.
In the 1910 Federal Census of Washington Township, ED# 80, George was now 67, Christina was age 61, they stated that they had been married 41 years, she stated that 12 of her 14 children were still living. Still in the home were William, age 28; Lottie V., age 21; Nancy G., age 19 and Leon, age 15. Also in the home was Lloyd Murray, age 8 months, a grandson.
4. Margaret Duncan, was born on 23 September 1851 in Canada; she married Henry English who afterward was killed by his team running away in the Township of Elba. Henry's death record does appear in the Michigan Death Index, his date of death was recorded as 10 March 1870, in Gratiot County, cause of death "killed by his team", place of birth England, age at death 26 years, his father was listed as John English of Washington [Township]. John English, age 59, farmer, born in England and wife, Elizabeth, age 49, born in England are listed in Washington Township in the 1860 and 1870 Federal Census of Gratiot County, Michigan. Henry and George were brothers as stated in George's biography however, his date of death is listed as 14 February 1870 in the biography.
Margaret married (2nd) Burton Bradley. Her father's biography stated that they were residing in Pasadena, California in 1913. The biography of George English, her brother-in-law, lists Margaret's date of death as 1909.
Margaret and Burton Bradley were enumerated in the 1880 Federal Census of Fulton Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, ED# 94, page 507B, their household listed (indexed as "Bralley"):
#244 250 Bradley, Burton 30 Farmer
Ohio Mass Ohio
Margaret 28 Wife Keeps house Scotland Scot
Scot
Hattie 5 Daugh at school
Michigan Ohio Scot
Leslie 2 Son
Michigan Ohio Scot
In the 1900 Federal Census of Riverside, Riverside County, California, ED# 210, sheet 4A, their household listed (both Margaret and Burton stated that they had been married for 26 years; Margaret also stated that she had given birth to 2 living children):
#69 75 Bradley, Burton Head
July 1849 50 Ohio Massachusetts Vermont Farmer
Margaret Wife Sept 1851 48 Scotland Scotland
Scotland 1853 47
Leslie D. Son Mar 1878 22 Michigan
Ohio Scotland Farm Laborer
In the 1910 Federal Census of Riverside, Riverside County, California, ED# 83, sheet 1B, Burton P. Bradley, age 60, was a widower, he was the head of household consisting of his son, Leslie D., age 28, divorced and Burton's sister, Sarah E. Starr, age 58 a widow. Burton listed his occupation as a fruit farmer, Leslie listed his occupation as a street car conductor. They had two children:
4.1 Hattie Bradley, was born in about 1875 in Michigan. In the California Death Index, she is listed as Hattie Belle Pequegnat, date of birth listed as 10 August 1874 in Michigan, date of death listed as 17 October 1954 in Riverside, California. Her mother's maiden name is listed as "Duncan", her father's last name listed as "Bradley".Hattie married Edward L. Pequegnat, in about 1895, he was the son of Frank and Pauline Pequegnat, this family also lived in Gratiot County, Michigan in 1880. I have not located them in the 1900 census.
In the 1910 Federal Census of Riverside, 2nd Ward, Riverside County, California, ED# 75, sheet 4B, their household listed (Hattie and E.L. both stated that they had been married for 15 years; Hattie also stated that she had given birth to 4 living children):
#93 107 Pequegnat, E.L. Head 38 Illinois Switz French Switz French Merchant [?] Store
Hattie Wife 35 Michigan Ohio Scotland None
Alice Daughter 13 Michigan Illinois Michigan
Edward Son 11 California Illinois Michigan
Helen Daughter 13 California Illinois Michigan
Paul Son 11/12 California Illinois MichiganIn the 1920 Federal Census of Riverside, 5th Ward, Riverside County, Michigan, ED# 115, sheet 3A, their household listed:
#55 60 Pequegnat, Edward L. Head 48 Illinois Switzerland Switzerland Merchant Sporting goods
Hattie Wife 45 Michigan Ohio Scotland None
Alice H. Daughter 22 Michigan Illinois Michigan None
Edward M. Son 21 California Illinois Michigan [?] Store
Helen M. Daughter 13 California Illinois Michigan
Paul A. Son 10 California Illinois MichiganIn the 1930 Federal Census of Riverside, 1st Ward, Riverside County, California, ED# 34, sheet 10B, Hattie, age 55 and Edward, age 58, occupation real estate agent, headed a household consisting of their two youngest children: Helen, age 23, employed as a stenographer in a law office and Paul, age 20. Their four children were:
4.1.1 Alice H. Pequegnat, was born in about 1896 in Michigan. Alice married Raymond C. Bott in about 1922. In the 1930 Federal Census of Riverside, Part of 7th Ward, Riverside County, California, ED# 59, sheet 10A, their household listed (street address listed as 4755 Dewey Ave.):#269 269 Bott, Harrey, T. Head 59 W. Virginia Pennsylvania Michigan Printer Job
Margaret Wife 55 Indiana Indiana Ohio None
Ray C. Son 31 Indiana W. Virginia Indiana Rancher General
Alice H. Wife 34 Michigan Illinois Illinois None
Walter M. Grandson 5 California Indiana Michigan
Jeanne Granddaughter 4 California Indiana MichiganRaymond C. Bott is listed in the California Death Index, date and place of birth listed as 17 August 1898 in Indiana, date and place of death listed as 14 January 1966 in Santa Barbara. His mother's maiden name is listed as Benjamin.
4.1.2 Edward M. Pequegnat, was born in about 1899 in California. There is a marriage record listed in Ventura County:
YETCHKEE, Martha Clara and PEQUEGNAT, Edward Mortimer 05 Aug 1922 Bk 13:480The California Death Index lists Edward Mortimor Pequegnat, date and place of birth as 13 July 1898 in California, date and place of death as 5 March 1978 in Los Angeles, California. "Martha Clare Pequegnat", is also listed in the California Death Index, date and place of birth listed as 3 February 1895 in Iowa, date and place of death listed as 27 June 1952 in Los Angeles. Her father's surname is listed as Yetchkee, her mother's maiden name is listed as Neuhaus.In the 1930 Federal Census of Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, ED# 1075, sheet 9B, Edward, age 31, listed his occupation as a mechanic in the oil fields, Martha was age 35, in 1930 they had no children.
4.1.3 Helen L. Pequegnat, was born on 27 May 1906 in Riverside County, California (California Birth Index 1905-1910).
4.1.4 Paul Arthur Pequegnat, was born on 5 May 1909 in Riverside, California and died on 26 August 1986 in Riverside, California (California Birth and Death Index).
4.2 Leslie D. Bradley, was born in March 1878 in Michigan.
5. Elizabeth Duncan, was born in on 15 April 1857 in Canada and died in 1932. She married married James Welch, in about 1885 (1900 and 1910 censuses). James was born in May 1856 in Michigan and died in 1928. James Welch was born in 1856 and died in 1928.
i have not located Elizabeth in the 1880 census. Although James stated in 1910 that he had only been married once, I believe that he was married and living in Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan in the 1880 census.
Census records indicate that James Welch was the son of Richard and Mary Welch, the Welch family was living in Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan in 1850 and in Mendon, St. Joseph County, Michigan in 1860 and 1870. By 1880 they were living in Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan.
Spelled "Walsh" in the 1900 Federal Census they were recorded living in 5th Ward, Owosso City, Shiawassee County, Michigan ED# 92, sheet 14A. His brother Richard Welch, age 62, born in Michigan in October 1838 was was also listed in the household. Elizabeth stated that she immigrated to the US in 1859, also of note on the same page was the household of Walt and Etta "Walsh", Walt was born in February 1863 in Michigan. James and Richard both listed their occupation as a mason, Walt listed his occupation as a brick mason.
In the 1910 Federal Census James and Elizabeth were living in 5th Ward of Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan ED# 76 sheet 4B. Elizabeth stated that she became a citizen in 1889, James listed his occupation as an outside brick mason.
Her father's biography stated that the Welch's were living in Detroit in 1913. I did locate them in the 1920 Federal Census of Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, ED# 173, sheet 25A, address 1350 Rivard St., enumerated on 22 January (Elizabeth gave her year of immigration to the U.S. as 1860; James Whitley gave his year of immigration as 1906; I could not make out the years of immigration for Annie, Jack or Emma):
#269 412 Welch, James Head
m 63 Michigan Ireland Canada bricklayer
self
Elizabeth Wife f 61
Canada Scotland Scotland none
269 413 Whitley, James Head
m 35 England England England
consulting self
Annie Wife f 30
England England England none
Jack Son m
3 6/12 England England England none
Deshire, Emma Mother
in law f 67 wd England England
England none
Chappell, Henry D. Nephew
m 23 Michigan Michigan Michigan draftsman
factory
In the 1930 Federal Census, Elizabeth was living alone in Detroit, she was shown as as age 72, marital status, widowed. Elizabeth and James are both buried in Collier Cemetery, directly behind her parents (census records indicate that they had no children).
6. George Duncan was born on 21 August 1855 probably in Canada and died on 6 December 1858, at age 3, in Gratiot County, Michigan. He is also buried in Collier Cemetery next to his parents, his name appears on the opposite side of the same marker.
7. James Duncan, a twin, was born on 26 April 1861 in Gratiot County, Michigan and died before 1920 in California. James was living at home with his mother in the 1880 census of Washington Township, Gratiot County. James married Lillie Gray, on 12 March 1882, their marriage was recorded in Gratiot County, Book B, page 151:
"North Star- James Duncan age 21 born in Gratiot County occupation farmerAccording to his father's biography, James and Lillie Duncan lived in California in 1913. In the 1900 Federal Census, James and "Sarah L." were living in Black Hawk Town, Eighth Precinct, Gilpin County, Colorado, ED# 178, sheet 8B, enumerated on the 9th and 18th of June (James and Sarah both stated that they had been married for 18 years; Sarah stated that she had given birth to 4 children, 3 of whom were still living):
Lillian Gray age 19C.S. Wood, Minister
Witnessed by Daniel Gray and Violet Holmes"
#168 184 Duncan, James Head
Apr 1861 39 Michigan Scotland Scotland
Miner (Ore)
Sarah L. Wife Nov 1863 37 Michigan
New York New York
Melville Son May 1883 17 Michigan
At School
Claude Son Aug 1889 10 Colorado
At School
Winifred Daughter Dec 1896 3 Colorado
By the 1910 Federal Census James and Sarah had made it to California. They were enumerated in Riverside Township, Riverside County, California, ED# 83, sheet 8B, on 27 April (James and Sarah both stated that they had been married for 27 years; Sarah stated that she had given birth to 4 children, 3 of whom were still living):
#182 188 Duncan, James A. head 48
Michigan Scot English Scot English Farmer Fruit
Sarah E. wife 46 Michigan New York
New York none
Claude J. son 20 Colorado
Plumber Homes
Winifred A. daughter 13 Colorado
none
Sarah was widowed, age 56 and working in the home of John and Mattia Hammer in the 1920 Federal Census of Temescal, Riverside County, California, ED# 134, sheet 13A. The children of James and Sarah Duncan were:
7.1 Melville Duncan, was born in May 1883 in Michigan. Although Melville isn't listed with the family in the 1910 census, he did make it to California and was listed in the 1920 Federal Census living in Vallejo City, Solono County, ED# 210, sheet 14B:#Apt 2 371 Duncan, Melville Head 36 Michigan Michigan Michigan [unreadable] Own shop
Treva Wife 34 Indiana New Jersey Ohio noneMelville and Thera were living in Eden Township, Alameda County, California, ED# 246, 5B in the 1930 Federal Census:
#140 140 Duncan, Melville Head 46 Michigan Operator Service Station
Treva Wife 44 Indiana
Lloyd A. Son 9 California noneMelville and Thera had at least one son:
7.1.1 Lloyd C. Duncan, was born in about 1921 in California.
7.2 Claude J. Duncan, was born in August 1889 in Colorado. I could not locate Claude in the 1920 census, in the 1930 Federal Census of San Rafael City, Marin County, ED# 16, sheet 12A his household listed (the street address was listed as 21 Prospect Avenue; Claude stated that he was married at age 33; Evelyn stated that she was married at age 27, making their year of marriage in about 1924):
#249 261 Duncan, Claude J. Head 39 Colorado Michigan Michigan Plumber Plumbing Co.
Evelyn Wife 33 Wyoming Utah Utah none
Lillian L. Daughter 3 3/12 California noneClaude and Evelyn had at least one daughter:7.2.1 Lillian L. Duncan, was born in about 1927.
7.3 Winifred A. Duncan, was born in December 1896 in Colorado. There is a Winifred A. Powers listed in the California Death Index, date of birth 17 December 1897, place of birth Colorado, date of death 11 September 1984 in Calaveras County, age at death 86 years, father's last name Duncan, mother's maiden name Gray.
8. Mary Duncan, a twin, was born on 26 April 1861 in Gratiot County, Michigan. Mary married George Miller and according to her father's biography lived in California in 1913. I was able to locate Mary and George Miller in the 1900 Federal Census of Riverside Township/City, Riverside County, California, ED# 211, sheet 6A, enumerated on 13 June (George and Mary both stated that they had been married for 22 years; Mary stated that she had given birth to 3 children, 3 of whom were still living):
#130 137 Miller, Geo. E. Head
m May 1853 47 NY NY
NY day Laborer
Mary Wife f Apr
1861 39 Mich Scotland Scotland
Leo D. son m Apr
1881 19 Mich NY Mich day
Laborer
Fay son m Dec
1883 16 Mich NY Mich day
Laborer
Hattie daughter f Dec
1892 7 Mich NY Mich
From the 1900 census their children were:
8.1 Leo Duncan Miller, born in April 1881 in Michigan. The California Death Index and his WW I draft registration card both list Leo's date of birth as 7 April 1881 in Michigan. The death index also lists his mother's maiden name as Duncan, and gives his full name as "Leo Duncan Miller". His date of death is shown as 18 March 1954 in Los Angeles, California. In 1910, Leo and his wife, were enumerated in 1st Ward, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California, ED# 116, sheet 9B (both Leo and Matie stated that they had been married for 7 years; Matie also stated that she had given birth to 2 living children):#184 201 Miller, Leo D. Head 29 Michigan Michigan Michigan Gas Maker
Matie B. Wife 28 Ohio Ohio Ohio None
George H. Son 6 California Michigan Ohio
Leo B. Son 3 California Michigan OhioMatie and the boys, G. Henry, age 15 and L. Bradley, age 12, were living in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, California in 1920 (ED# 544, sheets 9B and 10A). Matie listed her marital status as married and listed no occupation, I have not located Leo in the 1920 census.
In the 1930 Federal Census of Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, California, ED# 1295, sheet 5B, enumerated on 8 April, address 418 Gertruda their household listed (Leo stated that he was age 23 at the time of marriage; Matie stated that she was 21):
#135 137 Miller, Leo D. Head m 49 Michigan United States United States pipe fitter Gas Co.
Matie B. Wife f 48 Ohio Ohio Ohio none
Bradley Son m 22 California Michigan Ohio laborer odd jobs
Bradley, Joseph H. Father-in law m 72 wd Ohio Massachusetts Connecticut noneMatie B. Miller is also listed in the California Death Index, date of birth is listed as 8 October 1881 in Ohio, date of death listed as 31 December 1944 in Los Angeles, California, her mother's maiden name is shown as Dyer. Their two sons were:
8.1.1 George Henry Miller, was born in about 1904 in California.8.1.2 Leo Bradley Miller, was born in about 1908 in California. Leo Bradley Miller is listed in the California Death Index, date of birth shown as 5 May 1907 in California, date of death listed as 29 November 1983 in Alameda, California, his mother's maiden name is listed as Bradley.
8.2 "Fay" Miller, was born in December 1883 in Michigan. I believe that his name was actually Floyd Miller and "Fay" may have been a nickname. Floyd Miller is listed in the California Death Index, date of birth listed as 29 December 1883 in Michigan, date of death 17 February 1968 in Riverside, California, mother's maiden name shown as Duncan. Floyd and his wife Lillian B. Miller, are listed in both the 1920 and 1930 Federal Censuses of Riverside County, California. For brevity I have only included the 1930 census data--from the 1930 Federal Census of Riverside City, Riverside County, California, ED# 56, sheet 4B:
#60 64 Miller, Floyd H. Head m 45 Michigan New York Michigan Secretary/Treas. Feed Mill
Lillian B. Wife f 51 Connecticut Michigan Maine None
Ruth J. Daughter f 18 California Michigan Connecticut None
Frederick G. Son m 12 California Michigan Connecticut NoneThe two children of Floyd and Lillian Miller were:
8.2.1 Ruth J. Miller, born in about 1912 in California.
8.2.2 Frederick G. Miller, born in about 1918 in California.
8.3 Hattie Miller, was born in December 1892 In Michigan.
