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William Duncan

William Duncan

1835-1887

William Duncan was born in 1835 to parents James (1797-23 Aug 1880) and Mary (1802 -27 Feb 1890) in Irishtown, Antim, Ireland. 

William arrived in the US through Ellis Island, NY, on June 2, 1852, with his parents and the following siblings: Thomas (14), Alexander (5), Lenora (3), and Robert (infant).

Family appears on the 1854 Bucks County Tax Records for Lower Makefield Township. 

William’s father was a farmer, and William is listed as a laborer.

William fought in the Civil War (Union) as Private, 35th Regt. NJ Volunteers, Co. K.
Mustered in on 23 Sep 1864 for one year’s service but served 9 months because the  war ended.
Mustered out on 30 May 1865 in Washington, DC.

At the end of the war, William likely participated in the 23 May 1865 Grand Review military procession and celebration in Washington, DC.

He suffered from rheumatism, and he put this in his pension claim along with notes from a doctor.

William died on 12 Aug 1887 at the age of 45. He’s buried at Slate Hill Cemetery with both of his parents and a few siblings: 

  • Robert (died 3 Feb 1858 when he was 6). 

  • Andrew (died 17 Feb 1858)

  • Alexander (1845-1883 died when he was 38). 

Inscription on his gravestone: 

GREEN MOUNDS ARE THICKENING
WHERE SLEEP THE TRUE AND BRAVE
AND OVER ONE A BIRD KEEPS WATCH
IT IS OUR SOLDIERS GRAVE.

William was a Private in the 35th Regt. NJ Volunteers, Co K. which was organized by Captain John T. Rowell at Flemington, NJ with volunteers throughout the state. 

Battles William may have been involved with during the Civil War:

  • 4 Oct 1864: At Eastpoint, attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps

  • 4-26 Oct 1864: Pursuit of Hood into Alabama

  • 15 Nov-10 Dec 1864: March to the sea 

  • 10-21 Dec 1864: Siege of Savannah 

  • Jan-Apr 1865: Campaign of the Carolinas

  • 20 Jan, 1865: Reconnaissance to Salkehatchie River

  • 2 Feb, 1865: River's and Broxton Bridges, Salkehatchie River, S. C.

  • 3 Feb, 1865: River's Bridge

  • 9 Feb, 1865: South Edisto River

  • 11-12 Feb, 1865: North Edisto River

  • 15-17 Feb, 1865: Columbia

  • 3-4 Mar, 1865: Cheraw 

  • 20-21 Mar, 1865: Battle of Bentonville, N. C.

  • 24 Mar, 1865: Occupation of Goldsboro

  • Apr 10-24 1865: Advance on Raleigh 

  • Apr 14 1865: Occupation of Raleigh 

  • 26 Apr 1865: Bennett's House in Durham, N. C.

  • 29 Apr-19 May 1865: Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Va. This was the last surrender of a major Confederate army in the Civil War, when Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to William T. Sherman.

  • 23 May 1865: Grand Review (military procession and celebration)