My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

MICHAEL DUNCAN, Justice of the Peace; P. O. Fletcher; was born April 8, 1822, near the St. John River, New Brunswick, a few miles from Fredericton. Mr. Duncan is a son of John Duncan, whose name will be seen under the sketch of T. P. Duncan in some part of this volume. Michael is one of twelve brothers and sisters, of whom seven are now living, of which he is the oldest; he was raised to agricultural pursuits and obtained a medium education; his farm duties were continued until 1840, at which time he engaged in saw-milling; ten years later, he commenced to clear a farm of 40 acres in Brown Township; this work was continued until 1852, when he engaged in general merchandising in Fletcher, Miami Co.; this was continued until four years ago; during this time his attention was directed to the buying and handling of grain. Mr. Duncan, since 1876, has been called upon by his friends to fill many of the public offices in his township. The marriage of Mr. Duncan and Lydia C. Howland was celebrated Dec. 25, 1845; Lydia was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 1825; the children of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are Caroline H., now Mrs. John Bobbins; John, and Hannah J., now Mrs. William W. Hobart. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have for over one and a half score of years been consistent members of the Baptist Church. The father and mother of Mrs. Duncan were both natives of New Jersey; they emigrated to Ohio soon after the war of 1812, locating in Warren Co.; afterward came to Brown Township, Miami Co., where they both passed away, Mrs. Howland Jan. 20, 1860, in the 56th year of her age; Mr. Howland May 3, 1873, in his 76th year.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.