Husb: ALEXANDER DUNCAN

born: 05 Jul 1826 Callaway co, Mo
marr: 15 Mar 1849 Nodaway co, Mo
died: 05 Oct 1924 near New Market, Taylor co, Ia
buri: Memory Cemetery, East River twp, Taylor co, Ia
father: John Duncan
mother: Elizabeth Wayne
 notes:
photos:

Wife: MARY JANE DILLEN

born: 09 Jan 1831 Johnson co, Mo
died: 21 Jul 1923 near New Market, Taylor co, Ia
buri: Memory Cemetery, East River twp, Page co, Ia
father: Harvey Dillen
mother: Nancy Tomlin
notes:
photos:

CHILDREN:

(1)
name:  AMANDA ELLEN DUNCAN
born: 20 May 1850 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 11 Nov 1871 Clarinda, Page co, Ia (or 15 Nov 1871)
died: 31 May 1915 Arkansas City, Cowley co, Kans
buri:
spouse: Benjamin Brewer ( Benjamin Brewer's obit )
notes:
photos:

(2)
name: ELIZABETH 'BETTY' JANE DUNCAN
born: 03 Oct 1851 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
died: 05 Apr 1926
buri: Memory Cemetery, East River twp, Taylor co, Ia

(3)
name:  MARTHA ANN MILLER
born: 28 Jan 1853 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 03 Aug 1878
died: 03 Apr 1929 Stillwater, Payne co, Okla
buri: IOOF Cemetery, Mermac, Okla
spouse: Riley Wilburn Miller
notes:
photos:

(4)
name: JOHN HARVEY DUNCAN
born: 19 Sep 1856 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 24 Jan 1889
died: 22 Nov 1926
buri: Memory Cemetery, East River twp, Page co, Ia
spouse: Clara Kelley
notes:
photos:

(5)
name: NANCY 'EMMA' EMELINE DUNCAN
born: 10 Sep 1858 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 24 Dec 1882
died: 21 Jan 1935 Ogallala, Keith co, Ne
buri: Sutherland, Lincoln co, Ne
spouse: Orlando Fast
notes:
photos:

(6)
name: LAURA ELDORA DUNCAN
born: 27 Apr 1861 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 04 Oct 1882 Taylor Co, Ia
died: 10 Sep 1929 Alfalfa co, Okla?
buri: Square Cedar Cem, Cleo Springs, Major Co, Okla
spouse: William Hiatt
notes:
photos:

(7)
name: WILLIAM GRANT DUNCAN
born: 06 Mar 1863 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 20 Mar 1892 Bedford, Taylor co, Ia
died: 26 Jun 1949 Pawnee, Pawnee co, Okla
buri: Highland Cemetery, Pawnee, Okla
spouse: Fannie Rosalia Garner
notes:
photos:

(8)
name: SILAS 'PORTERFIELD' DUNCAN
born: 18 Jun 1866 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
died: 12 Mar 1925 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
buried: Memory Cemetery, East River twp, Page co, Ia
notes:
photos:

(9)
name: ARIZONA 'MAY' DUNCAN
born: 19 May 1868 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
died: -- --- 1963 Clarinda, Page co, Ia
buri: Memory Cemetery, East River twp, Page co, Ia
notes:
photos:

(10)
name: CORA ARMILDA DUNCAN
born: 14 Mar 1872 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr: 09 Dec 1903 Clarinda, Page co, Ia
died: 14 Jul 1965 Clarinda, Page co, Ia
buri: Dallas Center Cemetery, Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
spouse: John David Mankle
notes:
photos:

(11)
name: MAUDE ALICE DUNCAN
born: 13 Apr 1874 Dallas twp, Taylor co, Ia
marr:
died: 06 Feb 1843 Woodward, Dallas co, Ia
buri:
spouse: J.H. Beveridge
notes:
photos:

RESEARCHERS ON FAMILY:
(1)
Mimi Stang
1290 Valley View NW
Salem, Or 97304

(2)
Nellie Duncan Devin
208 Kansas St
Pawnee, Okla 74058

(3)
Cheryl Mankle
Billings, Mont

(4)
Maxine Brewer Campbell (deceased)
PO Box 763
Vacaville, Calif 95688


~Notes on ALEXANDER DUNCAN:

~obituary: New Market Herald, Oct 9, 1924
Alex Duncan Called - Sunday morning between the hours of ten and eleven o'clock the grim reaper snuffed out the life of Alexander Duncan at his home northwest of town, the home where for seventy-five years he had lived. Here it was he brought his bride and together they traveled life's journey, knowing no other place for home than this. When they settled here it was almost a trackless forest, but with indomitable pluck they cleared the land and lived to enjoy its fruits for many years. Here their children were born, grew to manhood and womanhood, and went forth to do for themselves. But the old folks were content: to remain in the old home until gathered to their home eternal.
It is something unusual for a family to occupy one home all their lives, and few attain this distinction. This home also has another distinction. Mr Duncan entered the land from the government, and it has never been transferred or been incumbered by a mortgage.
Funeral services were held at his late home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Revs. Douglass and Dezell, and interment was in Memory Cemetery beside the wife who preceded him some fifteen months ago.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral services were V.A. Brewer of Lookeba, Okla., Harley Brewer of Arkansas City, Ark., Mrs Ada Smith of Arkansas City, Ark., grandchildren, W.G. Duncan of Casey, Okla., Mrs Martha Miller of Tulsa, Okla., and J.H. Beveridge and family of Woodward, Ia.
Alexander Duncan was born in Callaway county, Mo., July, 5th, 1826, and continued to live there until the spring of 1845 when he moved with his parents, John and Elizabeth Wayne Duncan, to Iowa and settled on a farm near Siam. He was married March 15, 1849, to Mary Jane Dillon, another of Iowa's early pioneers. To this union eleven children were born. He was a true soldier during the civil war, serving three years under General Prentice; ten months of the time in prison. He was honorably discharged the 23d of May, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa.
In the passing on of Alexander Duncan, Taylor county lost her oldest pioneer; the citizens lost a well known and highly respected citizen; the family lost a father who for seventy-five consecutive years had lived on the same farm. The old, old house on the hill is still, and the big stillness is accentuated by here and there something to remind us of one of the most precious things on earth -- Father. Since the passing on of his aged wife fifteen months ago he has been fast fading, altho surrounding by his family and friends he seemed to have but one wish
-- "To go home." The giver of all good gifts granted his wish, and when the sun was almost kissing the noon day his spirit took its flight. Let us hope that their spirits were united in the beautiful home of the soul. He was converted in the late sixties under the preaching of Revs. Smith and Farlow at a camp meeting which was then called the Wamsley Grove. While he was not eminently a religious man, he had traits of character that but few men could boast.
Like Abon-Ben, he loved his fellow men. He was of Scotch Irish decent and a true westerner in style. He was Scotch enough to make him noble, and Irish enough to see the sunny side of life. Cause, his long stay on earth.
Placing a high estimate upon honesty he was pained when those whom he trusted fell beneath his standard.
~Card of Thanks
We the brothers and sisters of our beloved deceased father wish to sincerely express our appreciation for the kind help and sympathy shown toward us from our many dear neighbors and friends during these trying hours. The Family.
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~ 60th Wedding Anniversary, Bedford Free Press, Mar 25, 1909
~ 65th Wedding Anniversary, Bedford Free Press, Mar 24, 1914
~ 68th Wedding Anniversary, Bedford Times Republican Mar 29, 1917
~ 70th Wedding Anniversary, Bedford Times Republican Mar 20, 1919
~ 71st Wedding Anniversary, New Market Herald Mar 18, 1920
~ 73rd Wedding Anniversary, New Market Herald Mar 16, 1922
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~Interest Article about Alexander Duncan, New Market Herald, May 16, 1918
~ Alexander Duncan an old resident of Taylor county visiting Lincoln co, Ks and D.R. Hammer. Taylor County Republican, Aug 8, 1878
~Alexander Duncan, 88th birthday, Bedford Free Press, July 14, 1914, Sep 22, 1914
~ Alexander Duncan, 98th birthday, New Market Herald, Jul 10, 1924
~Alex Duncan said to be oldest Civil War soldier in state. BTR Aug 08, 1922
~ Alex Duncan talks about pioneer life. BFP Apr 4, 1917
~Alex Duncan family reunion. BFP Sep 21, 1915
~Alex Duncan reunion of families of members of Co F 29th Ia Inf. NKT Oct 26, 1922
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~New Market Herald, Jul 8, 1915
In County 70 Years -- Same Place Since '49
Alex Duncan, who celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday last Monday and who came to this county in 1845 says nothing would suit him better than to go into a new country, such as this was in '45, and start over. This is not possible and Mr Duncan will continue to live on the same place where he settled in 1849.
Mr Duncan was born in Calloway county, Missouri, July 5, 1826. He lived in that county until 1842 when the family moved to Buchanan county. In 1845 Mr Duncan came to Taylor county and settled about ten miles south of New Market. He thought he had moved to Iowa yet later when the state line was established he found he was yet in Missouri. It was here that Mr Duncan met Miss Mary Jane Dillion. They were united in marriage March 15, 1849.
In September of 1849, Mr and Mrs Duncan moved to Dallas township and settled on section thirty, where they have made their home ever since.
When they first came to their new home, among the Indians and wolves, Mr Duncan put up a cabin made of six inch poles. This cabin served as their home for ten years when a new hewed log house with a brick chimney was built. This brick chimney was quite a curiousity in those days. People would come for miles to see this new fangled smoke-stack. At that time the Pottawatamie Indians were rather numerous in this locality. They were friendly, however. Wolves were more troublesome than the Indians at that time.
Mr and Mrs Duncan were the parents of the first white baby girl born in Dallas township. The birth occured May 20, 1850. The little lady was christened Mandy Ellen. This daughter grew to womanhood and married Benjamin Brewer. She passed away April 31, 1915, at her home in Arkansas City, Kans. She was the eldest of a family of eleven children and the first to leave this world. The children living are: Elizabeth, May and Porterfield, who live at home; Martha Ann Miller, of Oklahoma; Corrie Mankle, who lives north of New Market; Maude Alice Beverage, Woodard, Iowa; John Harvey, who lives near New Market; Emmaline Fast, Nebraska; William Grant, Oklahoma, and Laurie Hyatt, Oklahoma.
Mr Duncan enlisted in the (paper torn) 1862. He returned home March 7, 1865. In May he was ordered back to the front. He went as far as St Louis when was sent back to Davenport and received his discharge, May 23, 1865.
When Mr Duncan enlisted both himself and wife had their pictures taken. Mrs Duncan yet retains the picture of Mr Duncan. It is an odd little picture in a case and shows Mr Duncan as he was when he enlisted. He wore a suit of home-spuns made from the wool of sheep Mr Duncan had raised. Mrs Duncan had washed the wool, carded it and spun it. She made the suit complete. Maybe it did not have any extras on it and it might not have been according to the styles of 1915, yet it was a good warm suit and, as Mr. Duncan says, it would out-wear three suits like we buy today.
Mr Duncan was captured by the rebels after the battle of Saline, while helping take the wounded from the field. When he was put in the prison the officer who searched him found the little case which contained the picture of Mrs Duncan. He threw the case on the floor and then ground it with the heel of his boot. Mr Duncan has had a world of experiences.
But to go back to the most interesting part of the story. Through the courtesy of Dr W.L. Trawver, the writer was permitted to visit the Duncan home last Saturday, where he met the family and found the reason or one of the reasons that Mr Duncan is yet so strong and hearty - we remained for dinner and here we found the secret, when Mr Duncan married he selected a girl who knew how to cook. She has passed from the (paper torn) hood days now but she (paper torn) remembers (paper torn) celebrated her eight-eighth birhday January 9. She is in very good health and with the exception of being troubled with rheumatism, is free from the ills that people of her age usually have to contend with.
These people were taught in the old-school. They are genuine all the way through. Their friendship is strong and lasting. Long may they live and enjoy the prosperity they have rightfully earned.
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~The Clarinda Journal, Jul 16, 1925
TAYLOR COUNTY IOWA FAMILY AND CHILDREN
Descendants of Late Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan of Near New Market--Famous Pioneers, Honored the Almost Seventy-five Years They Helped in the Making of Iowa--Their Children, Some of Their Grandchildren, and Others -- Brewer Family -- Widely Scattered Relatives and Their Activities -- Nephew of Ex-Senator Beveridge on Duncan Home Farm -- Details Learned in Arkansas City, Kans., and Elsewhere.
- 318 North Third Street, Arkansas City, Kansas, July 10, 1925. -- If one were setting out to obtain information concerning the late Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan and their descendants the natural idea would be to first go to the Duncan farm two and one-half miles northwest of New Market, Taylor county, Iowa. At least under ordinary circumstances a Clarinda man likely would consider New Market the point from which  to sescure the details for the story.
But here in Arkansas City, Kans., where I am visiting at the home of my sister, Mrs Frances A. Shirley, I have found a descendant of the famous Duncn pioneers, Mrs Ada E. Smith wife of C.T. Smith, who has given me considerable Duncan family history.
Mrs Smith lives in the black across the street west from the home of my sister. Having learned that Mrs Smith was a Duncan descendant my sister and I recently called to see her at her home, 310 North Fourth street.
While I was interviewing Mrs Smith for this story in The Journal she showed her visitors a photograph of her maternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan, enlarged pictures of her father and mother -- four who have passed to their eternal reward -- and refered to Duncan stories contained in clippings in her possession that had been taken from The Clarinda Journal, the New Market Herald and the Shenandoah Sentinel-Post.
Pioneers in Taylor County~
Mrs Smith's recollection and printed records combine to furnish the information that Alex Duncan and Mary Jane Dillon were married March 15, 1849. Mr Duncan was born in Callaway county, Mo., July 5, 1826. His wife was a native of Missouri. She was born Jan. 9, 1831.
In 1849 they located on the farm near New Market which was their home for almost three quarters of a century of married life. Mr Duncan died in October, 1924, at the age of 98 years an three months. His wife preceded him in death the 23rd of July in 1923, at the age of 92 years. Their graves are in that well known beautiful resting plae for the dead -- Old Memory cemetery near New Market.
A Soldier in the Civil War~
Home life on the Duncan farm was interrupted for four years' service by Alex Duncan in the Civil War, in defense of the Union.
As Mr and Mrs Duncan advanced in years they not only held their long popularity but grew in the favor of the public. They were noted for their high character and were famous for their grasps on live matters as the years they were living continued to creep far toward those of a century.
Their farm home was much sought by friendly visitors. Alex Duncan was a distinguished character often visited by admiring men friends to the last.
Eleven Children in Family~
Of the eleven children born to Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan there are nine now living. Three of these are at the old home farm: Miss Elizabeth Duncan, Miss May Duncan, their sister, Mrs Maude Beveridge, wife of Rev J.H. Beveridge. Mr and Mrs Beveridge are on the home farm due to the deaths of the aged parents and of Porter Duncan, a son.
Rev J.H. Beveridge is the nephew of Former United States Senator Albert J. Beveridge of Indiana.
Porter Duncan, a son of Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan, died at the home place near New Market in March, 1925. Porter's sisters, Mrs Amanda Ellen Brewer, died May 31, 1915, at her home, 220 North Fourth Street, Arkansas City, Kans. Her husband preceded her in death, June 29, 1908, at the same home in Arkansas City where she later passed away.
The six living children of Mrand Mrs Alex Duncan, in addition to the three previously mentioned, and their respective places of residence, are:
W.G. Duncan, farmer, Pawnee, Okla.
Mrs Laura Hiatt, wife of William Hiatt, farmer, Alfalfa co, Okla.
Mrs Emma Fast, wife of Orin Fast, Nebraska.
Mrs Cora Mankle, wife of J.D. Mankle, near New Market, Iowa, (seven miles northeast of the Alex Duncan estate farm.)
Mrs Martha Miller, widow of Riley Miller, Tulsa, Okla.
John Harvey Duncan of near New Market, Iowa, (about five miles from the Alex Duncan estate farm.)
Brewer Descendants, Duncan family.
Amanda Ellen Duncan, the eldest child of Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan, was married at the home farm of her parents two and one-half miles from New Market, Iowa, in Novemeber, 1871, to Benjamin Brewer, a native of Henry county, Iowa. They went to Lincoln county, Kansas., in April, 1872, where they lived for theirty years. Then, after spending five years in Oklahoma, the Brewer family moved to a farm four miles north of Arkansas City, Kans., in September, 1900. Mr and Mrs Benjamin Brewer's children and their place of residence each, are:
Mrs Eva Madison, wife of C.O. Madison, 220 North Fourth street, Arkansas City, Kans., who is employed as a boiler maker in the oil business at Salina, Kans.
V.A. Brewer, Lookeba, Okla., farmer.
MrsClara Dellaplain, wife of Rev E.C. Dellaplain, San Fernando, Calif.,who was formerly a member of the Oklahoma Methodist (paper torn)...Conference and now has a pastorate in that denomination at San Fernando.
John Harley  Brewer, farmer in Kay county, Oklahoma, nine miles southeast of Arkansas City, Kans.; post-office address, R.F.D. 5, Arkansas City, Kans.
Mrs Ada E. Smith, wife of C.T. Smith, barber in Rex shop, Home National Bank building, Arkansas City, Kans.
Benjamin Brewer, farmer, four miles north of Arkansas City, Kans.
Mrs Ivynett Wilson, wife of C.W. Wilson, dairyman, Burbank, Calif.
Mrs Mamie Amanda Guffey, wife of J.O. Guffey, locomotive engineer, Santa Fe switchman, 709 South A. street, Arkansas City, Kans.
Royal Clinton Brewer, Geuda Springs, Kans., caser at oil well.
Duncan Family Miscellanies.
V.A. Brewer and J.H. Brewer, both previously referred to, of Oklahoma, have spent considerable time at the home of their grandparents, Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan, near New Market, in the past twenty years.
J.H. Brewer of near Arkansas City, Kans., and sister, Mrs C.T. Smith, Arkansas City, attended the Alex Duncan funeral at New Market in October, 1924.
Mrs J.O. Guffey and Mrs C.O. Madison of Arkansas City, and J.H. Brewer of near Arkansas City, attended the funeral of Porter Duncan at New Market in Marcy, 1925.
It will be of interest to Clarinda and Shenandoah people to note that Omar Duncan, a former letter carrier in Clarinda, and G.W. Duncan, with business headquarters in Shenandoah, are second cousins of the Brewer children (grandchildren of Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan) mentioned in this letter.
Paul Beveridge, son of Rev and Mrs J.H. Bevreidge of near New Market, lived in Clarinda, in the employ of Swift & Company there, Mrs C.T. Smith told me, according to the latest information she had concerning him.
A great grandson of Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan, Chester Gould, grandson of Mrs Martha Miller, Tulsa, Okla., has done cartoon work of the high character which has resulted in it being carried in the Chicago Tribune. Chester Gould's father, Gilbert Gould, is in the job printing business at Tulsa, Okla., and formerly conducted a newspaper at Pawnee, Okla.
Rev J.H. Beveridge, son-in-law of the late Mr and Mrs Alex Duncan, was a former school teacher in territory familiar to Page and Taylor county people. He also formerly was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Shambaugh, Iowa.
C.W. Kelley, whose farm is near the Brummett bridge over the Nodaway river just east of Clarinda, and J.H. Duncan of near New Market, are brothers-in-law, Mr Duncan having married Clara Kelley, sister of Mr Kelley.
Mrs C.T. Smith has reminded me that while her grandparent's farm--the Alex Duncan place--was part in Taylor county and part in Page county, Iowa, the Alex Duncan county seat town was Bedford. Although his county seat was in Taylor county he was widely known in Page county. Edwin C. Lane.

IN MEMORIAM
AMANDA BREWER
Amanda Ellen, daughter of Alexander and Mary Jane Duncan, was born in Taylor county, Iowa, May 20, 1850 and passed away May 31, 1915 at her home in this city, aged 65 years and eleven days.
Of eleven children, she was the oldest and the first to be called home.
She was the first white girl born in Taylor county.
Her aged father and mother are still living on the old homestead where they began their married life more than sixty-six years ago.
She became a Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in early girlhood and has ever walked in His light and trusted in the fulfillment of His promises.
On Nov 16, 1871, she was united in marriage to Benjamin Brewer who preceded her to the better world several years ago. This union was blessed with ten children, nine of whom survive her and were all here to attend the funeral, notwithstanding the fact that one journeyed from the Atlantic and another from the Pacific to be present. Five of her brothers and sisters were also here.
Mrs Brewer was always faithful and devoted to the church of her choice. In recent years she has been deprived of the benefits of the public service, by reason of loss of hearing. She was a noble Christian woman, true to all the best in life, devoted to her home and family, bringing them up in the Christian faith. Her life was filled with kindly acts. None knew her but to love her.
She passed away as quietly and beautifully  as she had lived, fully trusting in a Savior's love.
The father of Mrs Brewer is 89 years of age and the mother 85. The aged mother picked flowers from her own garden and with her own hands wrote the note telling us these are for Amanda.

IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE
Benjamin Brewer was born in Henry county, Iowa, May 20, 1849, and died at his home in Arkansas City, Kansas, June 29, 1908 at the age of 59 years 1 month and 9 days.
While a small boy, he moved with his parents to Page county, Iowa where he grew to manhood. He was united in marriage to Amanda E. Duncan November 16, 1871, by Rev A.E. Lovejoy of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The following spring he moved with his wife to Lincoln county, Kansas. To this union were born ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are living except the eldest son who died in his fifteenth year. Mr Brewer moved with his family to Kay county, Oklahoma, in 1895, where he lived until the fall of 1900 when he moved to his farm a few miles northeast of Arkansas City, where he resided until less than a year ago when he moved to his late residence in this city.
Mr Brewer was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal church in March, 1877 and remained an active and faithful member until his death. He was an ardent advocate of temperance and civic righteousness. He helped to purchase the plant and start the Searchlight", a temperance organ of this city, and was at one time its editor. By this means and as president of the local and county Civic leagues, with his money and by personal effort, he was one of the prime movers in getting good men into office and in securing a better enforcement of law in both city and county.
He passed away peacefully, trusting in the Savious whom he had served for many years.

MRS MARTHA ANN MILLER
Mrs Martha Ann Miller, 75, widow of the late R.W. Miller of Pawnee died in Stillwater, Ok., Wednesday morning, April 3, 1929, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G.R. Gould, Stillwater. She had been in ill health about two months.
Funeral services were held at Maramec at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Burial was in the Maramec cemetery.
With her husband, Mrs Miller lived at Perkins prior to the opening of the Cherokee strip. At the opening, they homesteaded a claim nine miles east of Pawnee, where Mrs Miller has lived except for the last few years when she spent winters....