JESSE DUNCAN
VETERAN’S RECORDS FROM NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WASHINGTON, DC with this
notation: Dear Patron, We regret that the enclosed photocopies are the best we were
able to obtain using our normal reproduction process. This is caused primarily by
the aged and faded conditions of some of the documents from which these copies
were made.
(Note: The Rockville Public Library had this file also, which they copied for me. There
were several more pages in their collection than I received from the National Archives
when I ordered the file. I have combined the two files and put them in chronological
order to better follow the migration pattern of Jesse Duncan.)
Cover page: Service Name Number
N.C. Jesse Duncan S 16,774
State of North Carolina, Secretary’s Office, 21st Feby 1825
I, William Hill, Secretary of State in and for the state aforeaid, do certify that it appears from muster rolls of the continental line of this state in the Revolutionary War, that JESSE DUNCAN, a private soldier in Capt Reid’s Company of the first Regiment was mustered in ___ 1776 for 2 ½ years, that he was discharged on the 28th May 1779, and that this is the only place where the name of JESSE DUNCAN is found on said rolls.
Given under my hand at office in Raleigh the date above. Wm. Hill
State of North Carolina Secretary’s Office
I, William Hill, Secretary of State in and for the state aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears from the muster rolls of the continental line of this state that Jesse Duncan, a private in Capt. Reed’s Company of the first Regiment enlisted on the day of May 1776 for 2 ½ years, and was discharged on the 28th day of May 1779. This is the only place where the name of Jesse Duncan is found on said rolls. Given under my hand at office
in Raleigh this 31st May 1826. Wm. Hill
Thomas Donoho was commissioned Capt on the 10th Sept 1776, Major 13th Oct 1781, and deranged (?) 1st Jany. 1783. I do not find the name of Robt. Moore as an officer of the revolutionary Army on the rolls. Dempsey Moore was Lt. in Capt. Donoho’s compy.
of the 6th Regt. commissioned 28th Octr 1776. John Moore Lt of 7th Regt 28th Nov 1776
in Capt Elis’ compy. Elijah Moore was Lt 12th Octr 1777.
Given 31st May 1826. Wm. Hill
State of Tennessee, Greene County
This day personally appeared before me Hugh Malony…..an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, John Price Senr. of said county who being of lawful age and first duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth and said that he has been acquainted with one, JESSE DUNCAN, formerly of the State of North Carolina, but who many years ago returned to Virginia, that the said JESSE DUNCAN enlisted in the North Carolina line of nine months new lines? during the Revolutionary War, he thinks in the year 1778 under Captain William Lytle in the 7th Regiment, commanded by Colo. Thaxton and Lieutenant Archibald Lytle, that the said Duncan served for the space of nine months, and longer as this deponent thinks, that he saw the said Duncan get an honorable discharge signed by Colo. Lytle, which discharge was given in some part of the state of South Carolina, but where this deponent does not at
present recollect. John Price, Senr. Taken and subscribed before me in the county of Greene aforesaid on the 28th day of February 1828 and I do certify that the said deponent (John Price) is well know to me, and that he is a creditable person as a witness. Hugh Malony, Justice of the Peace, Greene County
State of Tennessee,
I, Hudson Patterson, Clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions of Greene County in said state do hereby certify that the signature of Hugh Malony to the foregoing affidavit is genuine, that the said Hugh Malony at the time of such signature was, and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such agreeably to the laws of said state and competent to administer such oath. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at office
Greenville, the 28th day of February 1828. H. Patterson, C.G.C. (?)
Virginia, Washington County
On this 19th day of February 1829 personally appeared in open court, being a court of record for the said county of Washington in the state of Virginia, JESSE DUNCAN, now
a resident of said county, aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn, according
to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, and the 1st of May 1820 that he, the said JESSE DUNCAN enlisted for the term of nine months……….in the month of
April 1778 in the State of North Carolina in a company commanded by Captain William Lytle in the 7th Regiment of the North Carolina line commanded by Colo. Thaxton on Continental establishment, that he continues to serve in the said corps and in other corps until some time in 1779 when he was discharged by Colo. Lytle in the state of South Carolina from service, that he was in the battle of Stono and in sundry skirmishes in South Carolina, that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, that his name is not on the roll of any state, except North Carolina, and that the following are the reasons for his application for a pension at this late period: Until within about four years past he was able to labour, and although extremely poor was enabled by that labour to obtain a support. When he became unable to support himself by labour, he made various attempts to procure proof of his service and to make such a declaration in form as the law required, but from his own ignorance and the want of skill in those to whom he applied, he has hitherto been unable to succeed. After walking many hundreds of miles, he at last found John Price,
the sergeant who commanded him and from him obtained the affidavit which accompanies this declaration. And in pursuance of the Act of the first of May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, myself within the provisions of the act of Congress entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of
March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me, nor have I any income whatever; That since the 18th of March 1818 no change has taken place in my circumstances having had then no property, except my little wearing apparel and all I have been able to make since has not been sufficient to cloth me. Jesse X Duncan
I, David Campbell, clerk of the court of Washington County in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the said JESSE DUNCAN did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the proceeding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the Continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath there being no schedule of property is truly copied from the records of said court and I do further certify that the said court were satisfied that the said JESSE DUNCAN had no property.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court on this 19th day of February 1829. David Campbell, Clerk of the court of Washington County
Raleigh, N.C., 4th April 1829
Sir, I have carefully examined the muster rolls in the office of Secretary of State for the
name of Jesse Duncan, a revolutionary soldier, and find that a soldier of that name enlisted in May 1776 for 2 ½ years and was discharged in May 1779. He was of Capt.
Reed’s Company of the 1st Regiment. This differs very materially from the declaration
of Jesse Duncan accompanying your letter of the 31st ______, but from his having sold and conveyed the warrant issued for his services to Colo. Thos. Robeson of Washington
Co, then in this state, but now of the state of Tennessee and whom I believe joins
Washington Co. in VA. I am induced to think he is the same person, and that his memory being bad, he has been led into error by the deposition of John Price. The name of Jesse Duncan is found but once on the rolls in this office. Very respectfully
your obt. servt. W. Hill Jas. L. Edwards, Esqr, Chief Clk Pension Office
In the margin: I find that ______ gave a certificate for Jesse Duncan and he may now
be a pensioner. W.H.
Sir, JESSE DUNCAN, who has made a declaration in order to obtain a pension is now with me. He is not the soldier of the No. Carolina line to whom bounty land was granted. He says that his service on Continental establishment was only about nine months and that therefore he could not have received bounty land. His memory tho is so bad, that he cannot give very correct information about his service. I learn from him that he served a considerable time in the militia as well as on Continental establishment. He says that he served under Capt Moore in a regiment commanded by Colo. or Major Donnahoe and that he also served under a Colo. James Sanders – Genl.
Ash and Genl. Rutherford. How it is that his name does not appear on the roll of Capt.
Lytle’s company he cannot tell.
Mr. Price whose affidavit you have and whose character is very fair, has proved his service. He being a sergeant in the company cannot be mistaken. Is his name on the
roll? If it is, ought not that proof with Duncan’s declaration _________ sufficient?
(other page with signature missing)
#20895
Jesse Duncan
Revo. VA
Surpd.(?) ___ letters May 14
1829 to David Campbell,
do July 2, 1829; also Sept.
30, 1829; do to S. F. Hunt
31 March 1831; do to H.
J. McCarty Apl. 27, 1832
Cincinnati, March 3rd, 1831
Sir, An old soldier who calls himself JESSE DUNCAN, an applicant for pension for
Revolutionary services, this morning called upon me at my office and exhibited to me his declarations and sundry letters in relation to his claim, and asked my aid to assist
him in getting him name placed on the pension list. Upon inspection of the papers presented, I
find that he wants proof of his service or rather that which he has is deemed
insufficient by the War Department. He
informs me that some time before he
left Virginia last spring that he had procured the deposition of John Price which he
had placed in your hands which you forwarded on to the War Department, where it now remains on file. What the deposition contains I am unable to say, but if I had it before me to compare it with the testimony he has here, I could at once form an opinion whether his claim was made or not or to see what further testimony was wanting. I deem it therefore material to the successful prosecution of his claim that he should have it here. I have therefore in his behalf and at his request to ask the favour of you to procure the said deposition from the Department and to forward it by mail to Rushville,
Rush Co, State of Indiana, the place of Mr. Duncans residence. I am very respectfully
Sir, your most ____ servant, James F. Hunt, for JESSE DUNCAN
(to) Col. David Campbell, Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon, VA, March 23, 1831
Sir, Not knowing any better mode of complying with the wishes of the old soldier, Jesse
Duncan, I here send you the enclosed letter addressed to me. Most respectfully,
D. Campbell
Sir, I have seen and conversed with JESSE DUNCAN, a soldier of the North Carolina line on Continental establishment whose papers you have on file being an applicant for a pension. This man is not of the common grade of those who are applicants. His character is excellent.
I have said this much, because I am strongly impressed with the belief that this is the
identical individual, whose bounty land has been obtained – but probably not by himself. It is well known to the Secretary of War, how many frauds were practiced upon the soldiers of the No. Carolina line, as he is a native of that state and has for many years been a resident of Tennessee where the warrants were located. Hundreds of them were deprived of their land by forged transfers. The truth is that Duncans memory is now so bad that he can recollect nothing scarcely about his service. There are several persons in the country who know that Duncan was a soldier, but they cannot give the names of his officers.
He continues to say that he obtained no bounty land – and that he did not know he was entitled to any. If there is however no other Jesse Duncan on the pension roll of the line of No. Carolina, he must be the man.
I hope you will submit this communication to the Secretary of War & believe me to be
most respectfully your obt. servt. David Campbell
(This letter not dated & 2nd page with signature appears to be missing)
JESSE DUNCAN informs me that some time in the spring of the year 1829 – at the county of Russell and state of Virginia, he obtained the affidavit of John Price as proof of his service, and it was sent to Washington City by James P. Carroll, clerk of the court of Russell County aforesaid; and that he understood from General Morgan of Rush Co, Indiana that there was a man by the name of JESSE DUNCAN whose name was known at the department and that he drew land; and which he says is not him, for he never was entitled to any land until he had served during the _____, and that he has sent to the War Department the affidavit of WILLIAM PASKILL & THOMAS PASKILL as to the proof of his service which he thinks was returned because they were not sworn to before more than ____ justice, and that some time after they were sent back, David Campbell,
Clerk of the court of Washington County, Virginia, sent a correct form to THOMAS
PASKILL of Pulaski Co, KY for him to be sworn to and to send the same to Washington
City and whether it was done or not he does not know; ___ which he thinks was in 1826
or 1827. However he cannot say positively when it was. If these things enter (?) the
Department knows it and may possibly find proof of his services. I can ___________
(can’t read the rest of this line, which is the last line on page one)
State of Indiana, Rush County: In the Rush Circuit Court September term A. D. 1832 On this 22nd (?) day of September A. D. 1832, personally appeared before the Judges of the said Rush Circuit Court now sitting in & for the County aforesaid in the sixth Judicial Circuit of the state aforesaid, Jesse Duncan, a resident of Noble Township in the said County of Rush and state of Indiana, aged about seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1778 as he thinks in the month of April in the company commanded by Capt. Robert Moore; and served in the seventh Regiment of the North Carolina line under the following named officers towit: after he was enlisted by the said Capt Moore, he (Moore) marched the company to South Carolina, to the main army commanded by Genl. Lincoln. That Col. Saunders, he thinks, commanded the regiment in North Carolina; he however thinks Col. Saunders, was only a militia officer, or at least took no further command than to superintend the enlistments. That Major (afterwards Col) Donouho was Major of the regiment to which this applicant was attached in South Carolina. That the Colonel was Archibald Lytle. That Capt. Moore as soon as he marched their company to the army under the command of Genl. Lincoln, returned and this applicant states that according to the best of his recollection, the company was put under the command of a Capt. Moore, not however the Capt. Moore under whom he enlisted, and that Rutherford was the Lieutenant of said company. That he enlisted in Caswell County in the state of North Carolina. That he was marched into Halifax, Virginia for the purpose of joining the Northern Army under the command of Genl. Washington, but were ordered back to South Carolina, and marched thither by the way of Caswell County, to the Widow Jesee’s mill on Deep River, North Carolina to what was called the ten mile house, ten miles from Charleston, South Carolina, from thence to Augusta, and crossed the Savannah River. That he was in the Battle of Brier Creek under the command of Genl. Ash in Georgia. That afterwards he returned to South Carolina, and was in the battle of Stono under the command of Genl. Lincoln. That he enlisted for nine months, but served according to the best of his recollection about two months over his time. That he was discharged in South Carolina – Col. Lytle discharged the Regiment. He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to pension or an annuity, accept the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Jesse X Duncan Sworn and subscribed to in open court before me, Robert Thompson, Clerk
(Rush Co, Indiana, 19 Nov 1832)
And the said court do hereby declare there opinion that the above named applicant was
a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
I Robert Thompson, Clerk of the said Rush Circuit Court, do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of JESSE DUNCAN for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this 19th day of November A.D. 1832. Robert Thompson, Clerk
On this 20th day of May 1833 personally came JESSE DUNCAN before Lewis Noel,
Probate Judge in and for the county aforesaid in open court and made the following
additional statements in relation to his application for a pension, and since he made
other (?) declaration in the county of Rush and state of Indiana he has moved into
the county of Parke where he has two children living and that from his age and situation in life, he has no shame and is compelled to live wherever he can find
subsistence and shelter for his body and that he came to the county of Parke to live with his children. And he further states that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection, he said not less than eleven months commencing on the
(blank) day of April 1778 and continuing untill some time in March 1779 and he further
states that in the ____ estimate of the time he served he is certain that he does not include several small towns (?) against the ____ ____ before and after the time mentioned above. JESSE X DUNCAN Signed and subscribed to in open court 20 May 1833. John G. Davis, Clk
____ the said court do hereby declare his opinion that the said JESSE DUNCAN was a
Revolutionary soldier and served in the states and that from what he can learn from the said JESSE DUNCAN and his neighbors that his memory has in a great degree failed, but that he is a man of truth and veracity and is believed to have been a soldier of the
Revolutionary War ___ by those who have had any acquaintance with the said JESSE
DUNCAN. Signed _______ (copy cut off)
WAR DEPARTMENT. Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,
JESSE DUNCAN of the state of Indiana who was a private in the army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive thirty six dollars and sixty-six cents per annum, during his natural
life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 28th day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
___________, Secretary of War. Examined and countersigned. Geo. Wm. Crump,
Commissioner of Pensions.
INDIANA; 19379; Jesse Duncan
Rush Co. in the state of Inda., who _____ in the ____, by Captain Moore of the regt.,
by Col. Lyle in the N.C. line for 11 Mar (?) Kentucky (marked through)
Inscribed on the Roll of Ind. at the rate of $36 Dollars 66 Cents to commence on the
4th day of March 1831. Certificate of Penson issued the 23 day of Augt (?) 1833 and _______. J. McCarty
Arrears to the 4th of March 3.32
_____ allowance ending 4 Sept 8.23
$11.65
Revolutionary Claim, Act 7 June 1832
Recorded by Danl. Boyd (?), Clerk,
Book E, Vol. 70, p. 103 (?)
On this twenty ninth day of December 1835, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Russell, personally appeared JESSE DUNCAN, who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Robert Moore, in the Regiment of Colonel James Saunders, in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Indiana, from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the state of Virginia where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Indiana to Virginia: that preferring Virginia to Indiana for his residence and having children as well in Virginia as in Indiana, he has determined remaining in the state of Virginia.
JESSE X DUNCAN
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid. John Sewell, J. P.
State of Virginia, Russell County
On the twenty ninth day of December, 1835, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the
Peace of said county, personally appeared JAMES LYNCH, who is a person of veracity, and, being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that JESSE DUNCAN who has taken the
above oath, is the same person described in the above affidavit. JAMES X LYNCH
State of Virginia, Russell County
I, James P. Carroll, Clerk of the county court of said county, do certify that John Sewell,
before whom the preceding affidavits are certified to have been made, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine. In testimony
where I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the said court this 29th day of December 1835. James P. Carroll, Clerk of Russell County
Let. to Hon G. Hopkin
12 1835 (Dec 1835?) or _____ ?
Jan 9, 1836 ___________
Virginia from 4 Sept 36 (?)
7 Feb 1836 _________
to Hon. G. W. Hopkins, __
Let. to Hon. JnoWhite, ___ Mar
1838 (?)
As to pension agt. 26 June 1839
to Kentucky from 4th March
1837 – 8th day July 1839. Notified
__________________ Brandonsburg
Floyd County, Ky
Letter to Hon. T. A. Howard
16 Dec 1839
Letter to same person ____ to
Pen. agt 27 Feb 1840
Date of death
not on ___
H of R, Jany. 7th, 1836
____ L. Edwards Esquire, Commissioner of Pension
Dear Sir, I herewith transmit to you the application of JESSE DUNCAN, prepared
according to instructions with which you furnished me ________ . I hope you will give your attention to this _____ it as early as may be consistent with your engagements(?),
in order that the pension of the old man may be hereafter made payable at Richmond,
Virginia. Very respectfully, I am yours, G. W. Hopkins
Branch of State Bank of Indiana
Richmond, 2 mo. 13, 1836
J. L. Edwards, Esq, Commissioner
Respd.(?) pd. th_ _______ of 9th _____ to Samuel Merrell, Esq, President of our State Bank and Pension Agent of Indiana has been forwarded to me for reply.
I have the pleasure to state that JESSE DUNCAN, private, a pensioner under Act
June 7, 1832 at $36.66 per annum, has received his pension up to the 4th day of
September 1835 firm and after which time no further payment will be made at this office. I am very respectfully thy friend, Elijah Coffin(?), Compr(?), Acting for
Samuel Merrell, Pension Agent in Indiana.
Application for Transfer
State of Kentucky, Floyd County to wit: On this 13 day of April 1839 before me the
subscriber, a Justice of the peace for the said county of Floyd. Personally appeared
Jesse Duncan, who on his oath declared that he is the same person who formerly
belonged to the company commanded by Captain Moore, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Archibald Lytle in the service of the United States. That his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Indiana from whence he removed to the state of Virginia. He produces a transfer to that office bearing date 27th February 1836 to take effect from _____ after the 4th September 1835, that he now resides in the
state of Kentucky where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there
______ _____. In future the following are his reasons for removing from Indiana to
Virginia, his children residing there and wishing to be with them. The following are
his reasons to removing from Virginia to Kentucky: that he has grand children in Kentucky with whom he wishes to live, that he has removed to Kentucky where he now
resides, and intends to remain during his natural life, that he has not drawn any
money due since 4th March 1837. Jesse X Duncan
Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above written.
John B. Burnett, J.P.
_______ ____________ appeared JESSE HALL of Floyd County and State of Kentucky who being of lawful age before me, a Justice of the Peace for the county and state
aforesaid, and made oath that the man Jesse (?) was present, and named JESSE DUNCAN is the same person as mentioned in the foregoing affidavit and that he has
been personally acquainted with him for many years before he was placed on the
pension roll. Given under my hand this 13 day of April 1839. John B. Burnett, J.P.
State of Kentucky, Floyd County, towit: John B. Burnett, a Justice of the Peace in
and for the county of Floyd and State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing
oath of JESSE HALL was taken before me and that he is a man of varasity and truth,
that his oath has never been doubted in this country to the best of my knowledge
given under my hand this 13 day of April 1839. John B. Burnett, J. P.
State of Kentucky, Floyd County
I, Jacob Mays, Clerk of the court of Floyd County certify that John B. Burnett is a
magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name
this 15th day of May 1839. Att. Jacob Mays, Clerk of the Court of Floyd County
Bank of Virginia, 27 June 1839
Sir, The last payment to Jesse Duncan, a pensioner under the act of the 7 June 1832 at $36.66 cents per annum, was on the 4 day of Mar 1837. I am very respectfully your
obedt. servt. _______ Robinson for J. Breckenbrough.
J. L. Edwards, Esqr, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington
Application For A Transfer:
On this fifteenth day of February 1840 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Parke, personally appeared JESSE DUNCAN who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Moore in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Archibald Littel in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Kentucky from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of Indiana where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in
future. The following are his reasons for removing from Kentucky to Indiana. He has a daughter living in this county with whom he wishes to reside. JESSE X DUNCAN
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid. Jonathan P. Goble,
Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Park, Indiana
State of Indiana, County of Parke, ___
Before me, Jonathan P. Goble, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally
came Lewis Noel (or Noll?), who being by me duly sworn, upon his oath says that he is personally acquainted with the above named JESSE DUNCAN, and that he is the same person that has __________ (rest of page cut off)
(page two)
___ in the foregoing affidavit. Lewis Noel (Noll?)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of February 1840. J. P. Goble, J.P.
State of Indiana, Parke County
I Jonthan P. Goble, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that
I am personally acquainted with the above named Lewis Noel (Noll?), and that he is a person of respectability and verasity. Winess my hand this 15th day of February 1840.
J. P. Goble, J.P.
State of Indiana, County of Parke
I, John G. Davis, Clerk of the circuit court of said county do hereby certify that Jonathan P. Goble, Esquire, before whom the preceding affidavit was made, was on the day of the date of his certificate sworn, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly elected, commissioned, and qualified, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of law court at Rockville the 15 day of February Anno Domini 1840.
John G. Davis, Clerk
Lexington, Ky, March 7, 1840
Sir, In reply to your letter of the ____ I have to inform you that JESSE DUNCAN, a
pensioner in the roll of this Agency, under Act of 7 June 1832 at $36.66 per annum, was last paid on 4th September 1839 and will not be paid again at this agency.
Esq. I am your obt. svt., Jas. A. Gemstead (?), Pension Agent
___ L. Edwards Esq.
Comr. of Pensions
No. 20565
JESSE DUNCAN
_____ Feby 1843
___________ 5
________________
from 1778 private
11 months $36.66
Hon T. McCarty(?)
Indiana _______
Madison June 21, 1848
WAR DEPARTMENT – Pension Office, 27 Feb 1836
Sir, In conformity with the regulations of this Department, you have this day been transferred from the Roll’s of Indiana to that of Virginia to take effect from and after
the 4th September 1835. I am sir, respectfully your obedient servant, J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
Mr. Jesse Duncan, U. S. Pensioner, Care of Hon. G. W. Hopkins, House of
Representative.
Rockville, Ind
26 April 1846
Hon. James L. Edwards
The name of JESSE DUNCAN of Indiana is on the pension roll of this state drawing
$36.00 per year. I wish to know if you ___ can, when the amount received is not sufficient to support the pensioner then is any mode of relief _____________.
He is very old & ____ and is greatly supported by the county of Parke. Is there any
method of increasing his pay? He is an _____ of charity and has been supported by
the courts & friends.
I wish you would examine his original application to see in what length of time he is
allowed, for how much is the Revolutionary
Joseph A. Wright
Jesse Duncan
Indiana Agency
State of Indiana, County of Parke
Be it known that before me, Scott Noel, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorized by Law to administer oaths, personally appeared Addison L. Roache and made oath in due form of law that he is administrator in the estate of JESSE
DUNCAN, decd, the identical person who was a Pensioner and is now dead, and to whom a Certificate of Pension was issued, which is herewith surrendered.
That the deceased Pensioner resided in Parke County in the State of Indiana for the
space of sixteen years before his death, and that previous thereto he resided in the state of Virginia. Sworn & subscribed this 15th day of June 1848. Addison L. Roache
Witness: John G. Davis Before me, Scott Noel, J. P.
Know all men by these presents that I, Addison L. Roache, of the county of Parke, State of Indiana, administrator of the estate of JESSE DUNCAN – who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Wm. Hendricks Jr. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in Madison, State of Indiana, the balance of said pension from the 4th day of Sept 1847 to this 9th day of February 1848, being the day of his death. Witness my hand and seal this 15th day of June 1848. Addison L. Roache
Sealed and delivered in presence of John G. Davis
State of Indiana, Parke County
Be it known that on the 15th day of June 1848 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Addison S. Roache, above named and acknowledge the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned. Scott Noel, J. P.
State of Indiana, Jefferson County
Be it known that on the 21st day of June 1848 before the subscriber, a notary public duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for said county, personally appeared Wm. Hendricks Jr, the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney and made oath that he has no interest whatever in the money he is authorized to receive by virtue of the foregoing power of attorney whether by ____, pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment
or transfer and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of
to any person whatever. W. Hendrick Jr. Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me: Isaac E. Lea, Notary Public
State of Indiana, County of Parke
I, John G. Davis, Clerk of the Circuit Court holden at
Rockville, in and for the county of Parke in the state of Indiana, do hereby
certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said court that JESSE
DUNCAN was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty Six 66/100
dollars per annum, was a resident of the county of Parke in the State of
Indiana, and died in the county of
Parke, in the sate of Indiana in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty
eight on the 9th day of February, that he left no widow, but left five children whose names are Nancy Lark,
Phebe Lynch,
Sally McCoy, Amey Collins and Hannah Green, and I do further certify hereby that Scott Noel, esqr. is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and state, duly com- missioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the fifteenth day of April 1848, and will expire on the fifteenth day of Apr 1853, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said county this 15th day of June AD 1848 John G. Davis, Clerk
(This document not dated – would have to be after 1848 when Jesse Duncan died)
Received of J. F. D. Lanier, Agent for paying Pensions, Fifteen 78/100
Dollars, being for 5 5/30 months Pension due to Jesse Duncan, deceased
from the 4th day of Sept 1837 to the 9th day of Feb 1838 for which I have
signed Duplicated Receipts.
Witness Addison L. Roache
Adm. of Jesse Duncan, decd.
15 Dollars 78 Cents by W. Hendricks Jr his atty.
Brief in the case of JESSE DUNCAN of Rush County in the State Indiana (Act 7th June 1832)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or Judge?
a court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? (blank)
3. How old is he?
78 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Duration of Service Names of General & Field Officer
Period yrs mos days Rank under whom he served
1778 enlist for 9 mos Priv. Capt. Robt. Moore, Genl. Lincoln
(served abt 2 months Maj. Donaho, Col. Archd Lytle
over his time)
5. In what battles was he engaged?
Brier Creek – Stono (?)
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
Caswell County, North Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by tradi-
tionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
(blank)
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
no
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. B. F. H________, Examining Clerk
#19370
Indiana, Madison
To Indiana from 4th
Sept 1839 – 10 April 1840
notification to Hon T.
A. Howard, H. Reps(?)
State of Indiana, County of Parke
I, John G. Davis, Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the County and State aforesaid,
do hereby certify, that administration of the Goods, Chattels, Rights, Credits, Moneys, and Effects, which were of JESSE DUNCAN, state of Ind, Parke County, deceased; who died intestate, is granted to Addison L. Roache having _________ and given bond as such
administrator as duly authorized to take upon himself the administration of such estate, according to law. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, this 15th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
John G. Davis, Clerk
To: William Green
1848. To boarding, nursing and attending dec’d in his last sickness - $14.50
Received the above of A. L. Roache, admr. of said dec’d in full December 13, 1850
Wm. X Green Attest: John G. Davis
State of Indiana, Parke County
In the Parke County Probate Court, December tern 1850
The undersigned admr. of JESSE DUNCAN dec’d, respectfully reports to said court that
he received from the pension agent at madison, Indiand the sum of fourteen dollars &
fifty cents balance due the deceased as a Revolutionary Soldier at the time of his death,
which sum he has paid over to WILLIAM GREEN for account allowed for boarding, nursing deceased at the time of his death at the present term. The decedent has no other property at the time of his death or any kind whatever. He charges nothing for his services as administrator nor does the clerk make any charge for his services. He prays that this report be confirmed and that he may be hence discharged. Respectfully
_________, A. L. Roache, December 12, 1850
The said Addison L. Roache being duly sworn in open court says that the foregoing report is correct and true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Attest: John G. Davis, Clk
Brazil, Indiana, Aug 11, 1925
(to) Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
In the beautiful cemetery at Rockville, the county seat of Parke county, Indiana at the east end of lot 147 is the grave of Jesse Duncan, who it is believed was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and fought at Guilford Courthouse. Nothing is known of his family nor of his birth place and home before he came to Rockville. Have you an record that shows he was a soldier and had a military record?
I thank you in advance for any information you may give about Jesse Duncan.
Yours sincerely,
George Branson
October 2, 1925
George Branson
Brazil, Indiana
Sir, I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S-16744, it appears that Jesse Duncan was a native of North Carolina and enlisted from Caswell County, North Carolina.
He was allowed pension for eleven months service as a private in the North Carolina Line, War of the Revolution, on his application executed September 22, 1832 while residing in Noble Township, Rush County, Indiana, aged about seventy-eight years.
He had children but their names and that of his wife are not on record.
Respectfully
E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
(hand written note at the bottom)
Names of officers given in this letter as the soldier gives two entirely different sets of officers and neither of these agrees with the report of the State of N.C. & one of the…
(rest missing)
February 10, 1936
Veterans Administration Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: Will you please give me all the information available concerning the following persons who served in the Revolutionary War? The date and place of birth;
the names of their wives – their enlistment or enlistment dates – length of service; date
of death if recorded in government records; and any other records you have concerning
the soldiers? Jesse Duncan & John Martin – the latter died in Parke County, Indiana.
Thanking you in advance for the favor, I am, very truly yours, Mrs. A. O. Benson,
Lock Box 17, Bridgeton, Ind.
March 12, 1936 Jesse Duncan – S16774
Mrs. A. O. Benson BA-J/AWF
Bridgeton, Lock Box 17
Indiana
Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary
War records of Jesse Duncan and John Martin, both of whom lived in Parke County,
Indiana.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request for Revolutionary War data.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim S.16774, based upon the service of Jesse Duncan in the war of the Revolution.
Jesse Duncan was a native of the state of North Carolina, date of birth not give, nor are the names of his parents shown.
He enlisted in Caswell County, North Carolina, sometime in the year 1778, served eleven months as a private in Captain William Lytle’s company and in Colonel Thackston’s North Carolina regiment, and was in the battles of Brier Creek and Stono. He also served in Captain Robert Moore’s company and in Colonels Archibald Lytle’s and James Sanders’ North Carolina regiments, length of this service not stated.
He was living in 1829 in Washington County, Virginia.
The soldier, Jesse Duncan, was allowed pension on his application executed September 2, 1832, at which time he was about seventy-eight years of age and living in Noble Twp,
Rush County, Indiana.
He had moved in 1833 to Parke County, Indiana to live with two of his children. He
returned to the state of Virginia in 1835 to live with children in that state; he stated that he had children living in both Virginia and Indiana. He had moved in 1839 to Kentucky having grandchildren there, with whom he wished to live; this statement was made in Floyd County, Kentucky. He had returned in 1840 to Parke County, Indiana to live with a daughter in that county.
He did not give the names of children and grandchildren, nor is the name of his wife stated.
If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the pensioner, Jesse Duncan, you should write The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C. and give the following:
Jesse Duncan Very truly yours
Certificate #19370 G. H. Sweet
Issued April 28, 1833 Acting Executive Assistant
Rate 36.66 per annum to the Administrator
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Indiana Agency
Coeburn, Virginia
Feb 3, 1937
Veterans Administration
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Very dear Sir: I am anxious to find the official record of “Jere” or Jeremiah Compton who served in the revolutionary army from Virginia and was pensioned from Sevier Co,
Tennessee. Other than the mere record of his name I have very little other data to furnish you – would appreciate as much detailed information as you can furnish me
about him – his parents – brothers, sisters, and children.
Also, I am anxious to know more about the Revolutionary records of JESSE DUNCAN who served according to tradition in the Revolutionary Army from Virginia and moved in his old age to Parke Co, Indiana and lived in his declining years with his son-in-law
William Green.
I wish to thank you for as much information as you can give me about the above name
Revolutionary soldiers.
Sincerely yours,
Miss Leora Compton
19 Feb 1937 Jesse Duncan
Miss Leora Compton S. 16774
Coeburn, VA BA-J/AWF
Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jeremiah Compton from Virginia and Tennessee, and of Jessee Duncan from Virginia and Indiana.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical
force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request for Revolutionary War data.
The record of Jesse Duncan is furnished herein as found in pension claim, S. 16774, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Jesse Duncan was a native of the state of North Carolina, date of birth not given, nor
were the names of his parents stated.
Jesse Duncan enlisted in Caswell County, North Carolina, sometime in the year 1778,
served eleven months as private in Captain William Lytle’s company and in Colonel
Thackston’s North Carolina regiment, was in the battles of Brier Creek and Stono. He
served in Captain Robert Moore’s company and in Colonels Archibald Lytle’s and James
Sander’s North Carolina regiments, length of this service not stated.
He was living in 1829 in Washington County, Virginia.
The soldier, Jesse Duncan, was allowed pension on his application executed, September
2, 1832, at which time he was about seventy-eight years of age, and living in Noble Twp,
Rush County, Indiana.
He had moved in 1833 to Parke Co, Indiana to live with two of his children. He returned to the state of Virginia in 1835 to live with children in that state. He had moved in 1839 to Kentucky, having grandchildren there with whom he wished to live;
this statement was made in Floyd County, Kentucky. He had returned in 1840 to Parke
County, Indiana to live with a daughter in that county. He did not give the names of
children and grandchildren, nor was the name of his wife stated.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of the person
paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C.
and give all of the following –
Jesse Duncan
Certificate # 19370
Issued April 28, 1833
Rate $36.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1838
Indiana Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
OTHER RECORDS RECEIVED FROM ROCKVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, PARKE CO, IN:
1840 Parke Co, IN Census Index
William Green 290
Jesse Duncan 291
Jesse Duncan, a Revolutionary War Soldier aged 85, living in the household of William
Green
p. 290, line 6, William Green 10010010001- (too dim to read female side)
291, line 6, total in household 8, Jesse Duncan, 85
History of Parke & Vermillion Co, Indiana, p. 169 & 170
Cemetery at Rockville:
The cemetery at Rockville has been in use since 1824. Up to 1883 there had been buried within this sacred enclosure over two thousand persons. The land consisted of
a six-acre tract. The first to buried there was a child of Pioneer Hann; she was buried on her father’s own land, a part of his estate, and of which he soon gave the public an acre, including the spot where the dear one was interred, thus making a start towards the present cemetery. The grounds are just to the southeast of the city proper. Up to 1826 there had been only five burials there, in the two years of use. No record is found back of 1839. John Alexander commenced his duties as sexton of this cemetery in 1843 and up to 1883 nine hundred graves had been dug by him. There the strong man and the frail woman, the infant and the aged, had been put beneath the sod. Civilian and soldier had there been buried, including many of the Civil war soldiers, and one continental soldier – Jesse Duncan – who fought at Guilford Court House, whose remains lay on the east end of lot No. 147. Many beautiful family monuments and memorial piles now grace this cemetery, which is kept in fine condition. With the return of each spring time, and Memorial Day, the graves are visited and the green carpeting moistened by the tear-drops of the friends of those who lie there, sleeping their last sleep. Of recent years many improvements have been made on these lots and today the passerby recognizes a Christian community, for no other so carefully watches the resting places of their departed dead. There have been at least three additions made to this “Silent City,” but in all only about eleven acres are platted, and but about eight of this has been occupied with graves.
History of Parke County, p. 75 & 76
Rockville Cemetery:
In this “green encampment of eternity” lie many of the original settlers; and the place is consecrated to patriotic remembrance by the graves of brave and true men, who have gone on in advance to where celestial bugles “shall sound reveille.”
Aaron Hand first gave the town an acre of ground for a burial lot; later additions by purchase have increased it to five acres and more. The earliest interments were in 1824 or 1825; the first four were children of Aaron Hand, Thomas Scott, Andrew Ray and Solomon Simmons. the resting-place of the fifth is the oldest one designated by a tablet bearing an inscription. This is the grave of Sarah, wife of Caleb Williams, who died June 2, 1826. The sixth was a stranger who came into the neighborhood sick, and died at the house of James Waters, after a week’s illness. He gave his name as Lockwood, which was all the information that could be obtained from him. His appearance was that of a beggar, though he carried in his pocket $175 in coin. Probably there are no fewer than 2,000 graves in this cemetery. In the ground are several costly and beautiful family monuments; among these is one each to Gen. Steele, Mrs. John H. Lindley, James W. Beadle, Alexander Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Joseph L. Boyd, George Harvey, Andrew S. Alden, Mrs. Isaac G. Coffin, and the wife and daughter of Dr. George P. Daly. The sexton, Mr. John Alexander, has filled this post since April 30, 1843. He has given sepulture to over 900 of the dead in this inclosure, and in this long period of service has been singularly faithful, both to dead and living. There are 42 soldiers’ graves. One soldier of the revolution lies here -–JESSE DUNCAN, who fought at Guilford Court-house. This grave, on the east end of lot No. 147, is unmarked, and all trace of it would long since have disappeared had not Mr. Alexander taken pains to preserve its identity. Prominent among the soldiers buried here are Maj. George Harvey, who was killed at Pittsburgh Landing; Lieut. John Baker, who lost a leg at the battle of Antietam, and came home and died of dropsy; and Jackson W. Whitted, scalded to death on the steamer Eclipse. Following are the names of the nation’s defenders sepulchered in this cemetery: JESSE DUNCAN, Wm. P. Bryant Sr., Henry Slaven, George K. Steele, James McEwen Sr., Andrew Ray, Alexander Kirkpatrick, James H. McEwen, Nathan Adamson, Charles E. Adamson, James Adamson, John Coleman, Richard Irvin, James M. Phelon, Robert E. Craig, Jackson W. Whitted, E. M. Foote, Andrew S. Alden Jr, Levi Alden, Samuel Sidwell, George Harvey, Ezra Reeder, B. W. Jones, Samuel Strain, Hugh Wilson, Samuel Smith, Elisha Baker, Milton H. Vance, Edward Beadle, Joseph Craft, William Painter, Jefferson Bishop, William P. Smith, Lewis Hayes, Calvin Richey, WILLIAM GREENE SR, John Pike, _____ Bryant, Nelson W. V. Burns, James S. Bowman, Thomas
Bowman, David Boston.
VETERAN’S RECORDS:
County: Parke
City or Twp: (blank) Cemetery: Rockville (Old)
Name: Duncan, Jesse
Field Check:
Grave No: 3 Lot No: 29 Block No: Sec. N
Marker: Flat: (blank) Upright: (blank) None: none (marked through)
Information on marker (copy exactly): U.S.A. (gov’t) 1960 by Estabrook Chapter – DAR
Field Foreman: Alexander
Cemetery Record Data:
Grave No: 3 Lot No: 29 Block No: Sec. N
Date of Burial: (blank) Remarks: no marker on grave; buried in Lot 147, Rockville
Book No: (blank) Page No: (blank)
Granted pension Sept. 22, 1832 at Noble Twp, Rush Co, Ind. Came to Parke Co. prior
to 1840.
Clerk: Andrew
Death Certificate Data:
Certificate No: (blank)
Address: Rockville, Ind
Date of Death: Feb. 10, 1848 Place: Rockville Cause: (blank)
Date of Birth: 1755 Place: Caswell Co, N.C.
Next of Kin: THEODORE WHITTED (G-Grandson), Rockville
Clerk: Andrew
Service Record:
Date Enlisted: 1778 – Caswell Co Date Discharged: (blank) Serial No: (blank)
Branch of Service: Army War: Revolution Rank: Pvt.
Company, Outfit or Ship: 11 mos. in North Carolina line – Battle of Guilford Courthouse
Sources: Indiana History
Clerk: Andrew
ROCKVILLE CEMETERY LISTING, PARK CO, IND
Name Place of Birth Late Residence Age Date of Death Remarks
Wm. Green Sr. (blank) (blank) (blank) 1863 (blank)
Mary Green Russell Co, VA Rockville 71 6-4-1863 (blank)
Jesse Duncan (blank) (blank) (blank) 1848 Soldier of Rev
INDIANA HISTORY BULLETIN, Vol IV, Extra No. 4, August 1927: Archeological and Historical Survey of Parke County by George Branson, p. 135
WAR ACTIVITIES, Soldiers of the Revolution.
JESSE DUNCAN was born in North Carolina in 1755, and enlisted from Caswell County in that state. He was engaged in the battle fo Guilford Courthouse. For eleven months’ service as a private in the North Carolina Line he was granted a pension on his own application, September 22, 1832, while residing in Noble Township, Rush County,
Indiana. The names of his wife and children are not recorded. He came to Parke County prior to 1840, lived with WILLIAM GREENE near Rockville, and was buried on the east end of lot 147 in Rockville Cemetery. No monument marks his grave.
compiled by Mrs. Roscoe C. O’Byrne, Chairman; published by Indiana DAR in 1938
p. 130 DUNCAN, JESSE Parke County
Born – About 1754, N.C.
Service – Enlisted in Caswell Co, N.C. in 1778; served 11 mos. as a pri. in Capt.
William Lytle’s Co. and in Col. Thackston’s N.C. Regt, and was in battles of
Brier Creek and Stono. Also served in Capt. Robert Moore’s Co, Col. Archibald
Lytle’s and James Sander’s N.C. Regt.
Proof – Pension claim S. 16774. Moved to Parke Co, Ind, 1840 to live with a daughter.
Died – Feb. 10, 1848. Buried in Rockville Cemetery.
Had children living in Virginia and Indiana. Theodore Whitted is a great-grandson.