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discover where he was buried. I was informed he could have hailed from
Carnie (parish of Ruthven & Botarie in earlier times). I have no idea how to
progress this information further. This is an area I lack and any help or
assistance would be appreciated. Living near Stafford in the Midlands does
not help either.
His wife’s name was Jean Webster.
John Duncan (1776-1856), Robert’s first son was born in Gibston. His
daughter Elspet (1785-?) was born at Robieston. I have no information on
her.
Since establishing their home at Robieston, the family’s impact on the local
community was immense. Three generations later James Duncan (son of James
Duncan and Margaret Gordon) was to marry Annie Barclay Paul, eldest daughter
of Mr Alexander Paul, late post runner of Rothiemay, who was himself a
well-known and respected member of the local community. On the 7th July
1911, his daughter’s Wedding day was recorded in the local newspaper as a
‘unique family gathering’.
An article in the local Huntly paper read:
‘Their whole family (Duncan’s) of thirteen were present – seven sons and six
daughters, one daughter having travelled from Hull in order to be present,
another came from Glasgow. With two married daughter’s husbands and their
three children, it would be interesting (adds our correspondent) in these
days of declining population, to see if any of your many correspondents
could let us hear of anything to beat this record’.
Concerning my first known relative Robert Duncan I desire to know whether
Robert was a tenant farmer at Gibston before moving to Robieston? Who was
his father? Had he any brothers and/or sisters? Are there any distance
relatives of mine still living? On and on the questions go.
My uncle, James Gordon Duncan, used to be perplexed by peoples interest in
the past, yet maybe one can be, when they have the knowledge of what has
gone before at their fingertips and thus one’s inquisitive self is at peace.
This is a luxury that I do not have and I strive to know more of my family,
their history, their way of live.
I already hold relatively early documents and information on my family it is
the information on Robert Duncan I desire and his parents and family. My
desire, my quest, is to go as far back as possible into the history of the
Duncan’s. There is still so much to uncover.
Were the early Duncans’ involved at Culloden? Did we change our name from
Robertson, as so many did to avoid persecution after the 45th?
The Mystery of the Missing Memorial Plaque?
The other very important aspect of my quest is to uncover the mystery of the
missing Memorial Tablet commemorating the service of my Great Uncle William
Duncan of Robieston, and several of his fellow Gordon Highlanders, who took
part in the Boer War. Again, I have been searching for this tablet for more
than 3 years. I have personally contact Councillors, Aberdeenshire council
employees, Architects, The Gordon Highlanders Museum, and various other
people. All have been very helpful but so far too no avail.
From an obituary of Mr William Duncan in the Huntly Express dated 22nd
November 1912. It stated, “He was an ardent volunteer and during the time of
the hostilities in South Africa he was among the first when the call came to
sign on for active service. Remaining in that country for over a year, while
his name, with others, is inscribed upon a Memorial Tablet erected in the
Drill Hall to those of our locality who took part in the campaign”. About 40
territorials attended the funeral including Lieut. Welsh, Lieut. FC
Mitchell, and Colour Sergeant J B Summers etc.
Additional information
My Great Uncle, 8089 Private William Duncan, served as a volunteer with the
4th Volunteer Battalion Gordon Highlanders, served with the 1st Volunteer
Company of the Regiment attached to the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders,
the regulars, who arrived at Cape Town in November 1899, proceeding through
the Cape Province northwards into the Orange Free State where the 1st
Volunteer Company joined the 'regulars' at Bloemfontein in April 1900, soon
after their arrival from home.
Surely, someone must know where the memorial plaque is hiding? I believe it
is still somewhere in the Huntly area. The memorial plaque is an important
part of the history of Huntly and must be returned to its rightful place on
display for all to see. Can anyone please help find this significant part of
my own but more importantly Huntly's historic past?
If anyone can help me in my quests / my hunger for knowledge in going
further back in my family’s history or uncover the missing memorial plaque,
it would be fantastic