Duncow

   DUNCOW, a village, in the parish of Kirkmahoe, county of Dumfries, 1¼ mile (N.) from Kirkmahoe; containing 121 inhabitants. It is seated intermediately between the Nith and Lochar rivers, and on a small stream, bearing its own name, that falls into the former a short distance from the village of Kirkmahoe. The barony of Duncow once belonged to the family of Cumin, but was forfeited by them on the accession of Bruce, and bestowed upon the Boyds; it subsequently passed to the Maxwell and Nithsdale families, and remained with the latter until about fifty years ago, when it was divided among various purchasers. The village is one of five, and the largest, in the parish. At Duncow mills has lately been erected a manufactory for coarse woollen-cloth, wrought both by water and steam. One of the parochial schools is situated here, of which the master has a free-rent dwelling, and besides his salary and fees, an annual payment of £5, arising from a bequest of the late Mr. Allan, of Newlands, for teaching fatherless children.