Research of Mary (Duncan) Dobson
"ELIJAH DUNCAN, S-3309, VA, NC, TN (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863; Declarations in Smith Co. TN very blotted and difficult to read):Elijah Duncan, W. TN, of Smith Co. TN, who was a private in the Com. commanded by Capt. Wilson of the Regt. commanded by Col. Lytle in NC line for 1 year and 6 months; Inscribed on Roll of W. TN at rate of $60 per annum to commence 4 March 1831; Certificate of Pension issued 5 Feb. 1834 (sent) to Jonathan Pickett, Carthage.Declaration 6 Sept. 1832 by Elijah (V on its side) Duncan, age 76 next April, resident of Smith Co. TN, before Justices of Court of Smith Co.; in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act 7 June 1832; that he enlisted? (blotted) in the army of the US in 1776 he thinks but has no ... remembrance of the year it being so long since, with Capt. James Wilson and served in the 10th Regiment of NC Line of Regular troops for three years, the Regt. commanded by Col. Arch. Lytle; he enlisted in Caswell Co. NC and marched with Genl. Rutherfords army to Peytonsburg in VA, then back to Halifax in NC, thence to Wilmington; he was then transferred to the 9th Regt. under Capt. Tayler and after that to the 5th Regt. under Capt. Donoho; he was marched to SC and was there discharged on Savanah River after serving himself about 18 months and furnishing a man named John McKinly to serve the balance of his enlistment, (blotted) was for three years he got a written discharge but has since lost it; he received a land warrant from the State of NC; he hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present ...
Certification by William Hill, NC Secretary of State's Office, 23 April 1833, that it appears from the musterrolls of the continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, that Elijah Duncan a private soldier in Capt. Taylor's Company of the 10th Regiment was mustered February 1779, deserted April 1779, that he obtained a warrant for 3 years service on 23 October 1783, on the certificate of a Field Officer.
Amendment to Declaration, 15 Oct. 1833, Elijah Duncan appeared in Smith Co. Circuit Court; that he served the term of 18 months as a private soldier in the Rev. ... aforesaid ... original declaration; applicant has no documentary evidence and he knows of no person whose testimony he can now produce ... can testify to his service except the testimony herewith and he hereby relinquishes any claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present ... (1) Where and in what year was you born? I was born in Fairfax Co. VA but I do not know in what year. (2) Have you any record of your age if so where is it? I have none but it is recorded on the Bible primarily? (formerly?) the property of John Davis of VA. (3) Where were you living when called into the service, where have you lived since the Rev. War and where do you live now? I lived in Caswell Co. NC when I enlisted; I lived in the same State and Co. of Rutherford for some time; I then removed to the State of TN & Co. of Smith where I now reside and have resided here about 26 years. (4) How were you entered into the service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, were you a substitute and if a substitute, for whom? I enlisted as stated in my declaration. (5) ... persons to whom you are known who can testify to your ... and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Rev. Refer to Col. David Fite and Leonard File, John File & Augustine Robinson Esq.
Certification by Jacob Fite, Augustin Robinson and John J? Bennett who are acquainted with Elijah Duncan that they believe him to be about 76 years of age, that he is reputed in the neighbourhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the Rev. and we concur in that opinion.
The applicant has not obtained the ... of a clergyman since he resides in a remote part of the county and is principally confined at home and his acquaintance with the clergy very limited; his acquaintance being generally with eterimant? since? .. home. /s/ Elijah (V upside down) Duncan.
Statement by Thomas Terry? that he had some acquaintance with Elijah Duncan; he remembers distinctly of hearing it reported that the applicant enlisted as a soldier in the army of the Rev. in the regular service & never heard the report contradicted.
Statement by A.B?. Caruthers, Judge of the court, that after investigation of the matter and after taking? the interrogatories prescribed, that the applicant was a soldier of the Rev. and served as he states, and the court further testifies that it appears to them that John J. Bennett who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in Smith Co., and that Jacob Fite and Augustine Robinson and Thomas Terry who has signed the foregoing certificates are also resident citizens of said county and that they are all credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Revolutionary Claim, 5 Feb. 1834, In conformity with the law of the US of 7 June 1832, Elijah Duncan of State of TN who was a private in the Army of the Rev. is entitled to receive $60 per annum during his natural life, commencing 4 March 1831 ... Oath of Johnathan Fuson, 6 July 1846, before DeKalb Co. TN JP, that he is administrator of Elijah Duncan, the identical person who was a pensioner and is now deceased (quote of Cert. of Pension); that the deceased pensioner resided in DeKalb Co. TN for the space of about 30 years before his death and that previous thereto he resided in NC.
Appointment 6 July 1846 by Jonathan Fuson, Administrator of Elijah Duncan a Rev. Pensioner, of Jubal Richardson as attorney to receive from agents of US for paying pensions in Nashville, the balance of said pension from 4 Sept. 1840 the time to which he was last paid to 14 Dec. 1840 the day of his death.
Statement 9 July 1846 by Jubal Richardson, the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, that the same was not given him by reason of my sale transfer or mortgage of the pension or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
Statement by Clerk of County Court of DeKalb Co. TN held at the court house in the Town of Smithville, 6 July 1846, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Elijah Duncan was a pensioner of the US at the rate of $60 per annum, was a resident of the Co. of DeKalb in TN and died in Co. of DeKalb in TN in the year 1840 on the 14th day of Dec., that he left no widow but the following children and only heirs, viz, Elijah Duncan, Jane Kimbil formerly Jane Duncan, Nancy Ban formerly Nancy Duncan, Catharine Oweing formerly Catharine Duncan, Abby Davis formerly Abby Duncan and Richard Duncan and that Johnathan Fuson is the administrator of said Elijah Duncan deceased duly qualified as such; ...
Letter from Jubal Richardson, 4 Aug. 1846, South Harpeth, TN. Enclosed you will receive the application of Jonathan Fuson administrator of Elijah Duncan a Rev. Pensioner for the arrearages of his pension up to the day of his death. The amount you will please remit to me at South Harpeth, Davidson Co., TN.
Letter from Treasury Department, 14 August 1846, to the administrator of Elijah Duncan, Pen. on Nashville TN Roll for Act 7 June 1832: For his pension from 4 Sept. 1840 to 14 Dec. 1840 the day he died, being 102 days at $60 per annum, as per vouchers filed herewith, $14.88."
Cate Cloe 'Catherine' Cole was born May 2, 1755 Goochland Co., Virgina and died between 1834/40 Smith Co., Tennessee. She and Elijah Duncan were were married about 1780 Morgan District, Lincoln Co., North Carolina.
Cole Family
Catherine was the daughter of James Cole (born about 1725 Warwick County, Colonial Virginia - died about 1767 Goochland Co., Virginia) and Mary Wills (born about 1723 Warwick County, Colonial Virginia - died July 1770 Goochland Co., Virginia). Her parents married December 19, 1746.
William And Mary College Quarterly.
Vol 15. No 1. Pages 24-36 July 1906.
REGISTER OF ST. JAMES NORTHAM PARISH,
GOOCHLAND COUNTY. VIRGINIA
(This register, which was kept by Rev. William Douglas, Is the property of R. Lee Traylor, Esq;. of Memphis, Tennessee, and the following notes were taken by I came to Goochland Dec 12, 1750. Preached 1st. at Dover Church Sept 15, 1750.
Received by the vestry as parish minister by the then vestry following viz; Step
List of the Vestry for the year 1756 when I got this book;Births: Capt. James Cole & Mary Wills
- Mary b. Dec.19, 1747
- Janey b Sept.26, 1751,
- William b. May 31,1753
- Catharine b. May 2, 1755
- Susannah, b. Mch. 23. 1760
- Roscow b. Mar. 9, 1762
The parents of James Cole were William Cole (1692-1729) and Mary Roscow (1694-175) who married October 1, 1710. They lived in Warwick, Colonial Virginia. The Cole and Roscow families were originally from England.
Mary (Wills) Cole was the daughter of Matthew Wills (1696-1760) and Frances George. They also lived in Colonial Virginia.
Elijah's Rev. War Papers in National Archivesbirth was recorded in a Bible in the possession of John Davis of VA.
Elijah Duncan enlisted from Caswell Co, NC (formerly Orange County) and served in 10th,9th and 5th regiments of NC Continental line of regular troops for 18 months
Peter Johnston of Mecklenburg Co NC bequeath to friend John Duncan of Orange Co NC 350a on Nobbs Creek of Broad River
Lincoln Co., NC 1 male 16+, 1 male <16, and 5 females in the household
Robert Duncan of Orange Co NC is selling this land, the land that Peter Johnston had bequeathed to John Duncan. Robert is brother to John Duncan, who is deceased. He is settling John's estate
William Killen to Elijah Duncan 150a on long Branch of Nobb Creek
Date SNDX L Name F Name NARS StR Pg# Family Grp. 1800 D525 DUNCAN Elijah M-32 033 107 10010-13010-00 1800 D120 DAVIS John M-32 033 107 10010-20010-00
Elijah sells the land he purchased in 1799 in Rutherford Co., NC
Rutherford Co., NC Deed Index
Grantor- Grantee 1779-1917 By W. D. Floyd Duncan, Elijah Finley, John / Deed/22-23/348/1805Note: When he sold his property, Elijah used a letter "A" lying on its side for his mark. Elijah may have had Quaker roots as the custom of laying down your mark when selling property was a practice utilized by many Quakers.
Elijah Duncan, 4875, 100a, 7/13/1813, Smith, G-96, General"G-96: Grant #4875, 13 July 1813, in consideration of military service performed by Abram Milin, private to the State of NC, Warrant #5088 dated 6 Dec. 1797, and entered 20 Sept. 1810 by No. 5151 as an occupant claim, grant to Elijah Duncan, assignee of the heirs of the said Abram Milen, 100 acres, part of said warrant lying in Smith Co. in the 1st District on both sides of a branch of Cedar Bluff Creek of Smith's fork of Caney fork of Cumberland river, ... including his improvement. Surveyed 22 March 1810 by Patrick MacEachim?. (FHL film 1,012,946)"
Elijah Duncan 000001 - 00001
*It is water-stained and difficult to read. The below is the closest transcription that this author was able to produce.
Elijah (his mark) Dunkin
Signed sealed published and declared by Elijah Dunkin to be his last will and testament in present of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator.
Attest.
Elijah Duncan, 12786, 25a, 3/18/1836, Smith, 15-554, Middle)
A-76: 1 Aug. 1836, Thomas Lawrence, guardian of Elijah Duncan, came into court and reported that said Duncan has recovered his proper mind and wishes to take charge of his estate and effects again; court appointed John Reynolds and Peter Reynolds as commissioners to settle with said Lawrence and report to the next or succeeding term of the court.
A-93: Sept. 1836, Peter Reynolds and John Reynolds commissioners appointed at the last term of this court to settle with Thomas Lawrence, guardian of Elijah Duncan, have made report which was received by the court and ordered to be spread upon record in the Guardians Book, and the original filed in the office; and on motion of said Thomas Lawrence, he was released of his guardianship for the said Elijah Duncan, holding himself accountable for all arrearages in his hands of the said Duncan's effects.
A-94: Sept. 1836, On motion and upon the application of John Davis, ordered that the Sheriff summon twelve men, to wit, James Tabb, William Williams, Reuben Evans, James Baly (Baty?), Peter Reynolds, Faris Lawrence, Jonathan Fuson, John Tate (Fate?), Thomas Evans, John Reynolds, Abner Self and James Pistoll to proseed to Elijah Duncan's and examine said Duncan with regard to the state of his mind and see whether or not in their opinion he is capable of taking care of his own estate as also his person, and report to the next term of court.
A-114 to 115: Oct. 1836, John Davis represents to the court that one Elijah Duncan of this county is very much in the decline of life and impaired in mind and in his opinion incapable of taking care of his person or estate; the court ordered that the sheriff summon a jury of 12 men to ascertain from the best means in their power the true state and condition of said Duncan and report to the present term of this court; which being done, the jury of inquist reports as follows: the undersigned after hearing all the testimony in our power to collect, believe that said Duncan is incapable of either taking care of his person or property; we also understand from the witnesses that the said Duncan has the following property, that is to say, about four acres of corn, one horse, 6 head of cattle and between 20 and 30 head of sheep, some 15 or 20 head of hogs, two beds and some other household furniture, and 124 (last digit in fold of book) acres of land, /s/ Joseph Clark, David D. Hipp, Jacob Berger, Moses Cummings, John Eddings, William F. George, Arthur Warren, Thos. Cavatt, Daniel M. Stewart, James Smith, and Robert Baily, jury of inquest. Whereupon the court ordered that John Davis be appointed guardian of the said Elijah Duncan with power to sell (by Giving the legal notice) the whole or so much of the perishable property of said Duncan as he thinks necessary; whereupon the said John Davis together with his securities Soloman Davis and Joseph Davis, gave bond for $1,000.
A-152: Feb. 1837, John Davis, guardian of Elijah Duncan, returned at account of his guardianship and qualified same; the court ordered the same do spread upon accord in the proper Book.
A-317: Oct. 1838, Saml. J. Garrison, clerk of the court, presented to the court a statement of settlement made by himself with John Davis, Guardian of Elijah Duncan, from 3 Oct. 1836 up to 3 Oct. 1837
ELIJAH DUNCAN, Rev. Pension Application S-3309 (FHL film 970,863)
Born April 1757 in Fairfax Co. VA; died 14 Dec. 1840 Smith Co. TN. Lived in Caswell Co. NC in 1777. He was a pvt in the Continental Army commanded by Capt. Wilson of 10th Regt., under Co. Lytle, NC. Enlisted in Caswell Co. NC for 3 yrs served 18 mo's himself and the balance of time served by a substitute. Heirs, living in 1840: no widow, Elijah Duncan, Jane Kimbil, Nancy Ban, Catherine Oweing, Abby Davis, Richard Duncan. John Davis of Virginia had the family Bible giving age of Elijah Duncan. Elijah "lived in Caswell Co. NC when he enlisted in 1777, lived in Rutherford Co. NC for some time, thence to Smith Co. TN for about 26 yrs" statement 15 Oct. 1833. Witnesses Jacob Fite, Augustine Robinson, Rev. John J. Bennett, Thomas Terry. Jonathan Fuson adm. of estate.
DeKalb Co., TN Will Book A, page 23
I Elijah Dunkun of Smith County state of Tennessee being of sound mind-------- do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following: first I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Cate? my land and all my stock of any kind horses cattle hogs and sheep and household and kitchen furniture and farming tools and everything that I have, only she shall pay all my lawful debts and she shall have all liberty to occupy as she shall think best, and after her decease the property that remains shall be sold by the executors. My three daughters Nancy Barr, Abby Davis, Jane Vanatta to have fifty dollars each and Caty Owens to have one dollar and my two sons Richard, Elijah one dollar each and the balance to be equally divided between my two sons three daughters Nancy Barr, Abby Davis, and Jane Vanata and I do appoint Jacob Fite and Thomas Lawrence executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal this the 8th day of December 1833.
John Reynolds, Moses Fletcher
Tennessee Land Grants Index
15-554: Grant #12786 to Elijah Duncan, 18 March 1835, Smith Co., entered 18 June 1827 #1085, 25 acres surveyed 20 June? 1827, on waters of Hammons Creek, beg. .. southeast corner of 100 acres. (FHL film 1,012,999)
Duncan research files of Mary Ann (Duncan) Dobson
-Cannon Co. TN County Court Minutes
FHL film 898,444; also extracts of some pages from Steven Fiser 12/1992)
- Book A, 1836-1841 (from index from Steven Fiser 12/1992; no index in book)
A-29: 6 June 1836, Thomas Lawrence appointed guardian of Elijah Duncan who it has been represented to this court is so far impaired with old age that he is not capable of taking care of his estate; Laurence posted bond with securities John Davis and Soloman Davis for $500.
A later document found in the archives states that Elijah's wife, while living when the will was written, was deceased at the time of his death.
It states that Elijah died in the year 1840 on the 14th day of December. That he left no widow but the following children and only heirs viz Elijah Duncan, Jane Gambel formerly Jane Duncan, Nancy Barr formerly Nancy Duncan, Catharine Owing formerly Catherine Duncan, Abby Davis formerly Abbey Duncan and Richard Duncan.
--Census of the Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services, Act of Sixth Census (1840)" pub. 1841. (CA State Library, Sacramento)
Elijah Duncan of DeKalb Co., Middle Tennessee, age 90, head of family.
Elijah's willw as proved in court on first Monday in January 1841
