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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania published in 1905 by The Genealogical Publishing Company.  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.

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JAMES M. DUNCAN, a prominent representative of one of the old Cumberland county families, is a successful farmer and stock raiser of Newton township. He was born on a farm known as the old Duncan homestead in West Pennsboro township.

Daniel G. Duncan, father of James M., married Miss Griselda Linn, who was born in Franklin county, in 1825, and who died in 1899, being buried in the Presbyterian graveyard at Newville. Both parents were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the father was an elder for a number of years. In politics he was a Democrat, but did not aspire to be an office holder. During a long and useful life, he accumulated considerable property, and was a man highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. The children born to himself and wife were: William Linn, of Newton township; Mary G.; Samuel A.; Emma J.; Glenn, deceased; John K., of Nebraska; Elizabeth; Sarah P.; James M.; Flora G.; Eva.

James M. Duncan commenced his education at the district school known as the Oak Flat schoolhouse, continued it at the high school at Newville, and completed it at Springfield, West Pennsboro township. Upon leaving school, he returned to the farm and assisted his father until he attained his majority. He then began farming on his own account on the Duncan homestead, and after the death of his father, when the estate was settled. Mr. Duncan purchased the McCullough farm of eighty-nine acres, upon which are a good bank barn, a comfortable dwelling, and all necessary sheds. As yet he has not married, but carries on his farm himself. and has made it into one of the best in this locality. Mr. Duncan, himself, is very popular and has proven himself an excellent farmer and public spirited citizen.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania published in 1905 by The Genealogical Publishing Company. 

View additional Cumberland County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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