Emily J. Duncan (1819-1877) and her husband, Benjamin F. Slater

The second known child of James Duncan and Elizabeth McKee was their daughter, Emily J. Duncan, who was born 27 November 1817 in Pennsylvania (probably in Westmoreland or Somerset County).

Emily was probably with the family in Highland, Madison Co., Illinois, when her father was shown on the 1840 census.  Her father, James, died 2 August 1841. 

We know from the Duncan family bible, as well as various Illinois marriage indexes, that she was in Madison Co., Illinois by 22 May 1842, when she married Dr. Benjamin Franklin Slater.  They were married by the Rev. William P. Jones.  Emily was 24 and Benjamin was 27.

Benjamin Franklin Slater was a son of Jonathan Slater and his wife, Abigail Holmes.  He was born 10 January 1815 in Champlain, Clinton Co., New York.

Shortly after Emily and Benjamin were married, Emily's mother, Elizabeth died.  This was on 24 August 1842.  Benjamin was named administrator of Elizabeth's estate on 2 September 1842 in Edwardsville, Madison Co., Illinois.  On 22 May 1843, he presented an estate inventory of Elizabeth's estate to the court.  And on 9 August 1843, Benjamin was named guardian of his sisters-in-law, Anne Maria Duncan (who was 17) and Amanda Louisa Duncan (who was 13).  Benjamin filed additional accounting with the court in Edwardsville on 23 April 1844 and 10 November 1846, at which time the estate was closed.

I have not yet found Emily and Benjamin on the 1850 census.  I find them in 1860, however, on the census for the 5th Ward, Racine, Racine Co., Wisconsin.  Benjamin was 45 and a dentist.  Emily was 39. 

California Voter Lists indicate that by 1863, Benjamin was in California, and apparently so was Emily.  The 1870 census shows them in Liberty Township, San Joaquin Co., California.  Benjamin was still shown as a dentist.

I have not found any records of children for Emily and Benjamin. 

On 3 September 1877, Emily died in Oakland, Alemeda Co., California.  She was 59 years old.
Emily was buried at Liberty Cemetery, Acampo, California.

A little more than a year later, on 19 December 1878, Benjamin married the widow, Mary (Lanfear) Cummings, in San Joaquin Co., California. 

But only 9 days later, on 28 December 1878, Benjamin Franklin Slater died in Liberty Township, San Joaquin Co., California.  He was 63 years old.  Benjamin was buried at Liberty Cemetery, Acampo, California.

I have not found photos or obituaries for Benjamin or Emily.