My Genealogy Hound

JOHN HUFF. A close observer in studying the history of the advancement and development of the State of Michigan will find golden threads running through the web and woof of events of the past years. These are indicative of the lives of those men whose active career and untiring energy have made her first among the States and given her a conspicuous place among the agricultural regions of the globe. A true representative of such men is found in one whose career inspires this brief notice.

John Huff, who is one of the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of Cass County, Mich., is a product of the Buckeye State, born in Springfield on the 3d of August, 1833, He has inherited all the thrift and energy of his Teutonic ancestors, and in every walk of life his career has been upright and honorable. His parents, Amos and Margaret (Case) Huff, were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. The mother’s birth occurred in 1800, she being the daughter of John Case. Mr. and Mrs. Huff were married in Butler County, Ohio, whither they had moved at an early date, but subsequently moved to Springfield, that State. The father came to Michigan in 1833, purchased land in Volinia Township, Cass County, on section 17, and the next year moved his family here. This county was a wilderness at that time, and the same year the township was organized.

Although sparsely settled then, the township soon began to grow in population, new settlers poured in, houses were erected and pioneer days were over. Mr. Huff took an active part in promoting the interests of the county and township, and became one of the foremost tillers of the soil. He built one of the first frame houses here. For a number of years he was Township Treasurer. He and his worthy companion, who had supported him in all his enterprises, passed away to the silent majority in the year 1881. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are now living: James A., John, Newton, Sarah J., Jay and Clark. Mr. Huff took an active interest in religious matters and was one of the prominent pillars of the Methodist Church, of which he was a member.

The original of this notice was but an infant when brought to Michigan by his parents, and amid the rude surroundings of pioneer life he grew to mature years. As might naturally be supposed, his educational facilities were not of the best at that early day, but he improved every shining moment and fitted himself for teaching. When twenty years of age he started out as an educator in his home district, and his experience lasted for about twelve terms, all but one term in that county.

In the month of May, 1872, Mr. Huff was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. Wright, daughter of James M. and Sarah (Griffis) Wright, both natives of Ohio. Mrs. Huff’s uncle was the first one married by old Squire Ferrel and her parents the last couple he married. Following his marriage Mr. Wright located in Violinia Township, and there he and his worthy wife reside at the present time. They are the parents of five children, all of whom are living. Mrs. Huff was born January 24, 1847, in this township, and supplemented a common-school education received in the same by a course in Dowagiac College. After this she taught school for five terms and met with fair success.

After marriage our subject settled on his present farm and has made his home here ever since. He has two hundred and sixty acres of good land, one hundred and sixty-five acres under cultivation, and has cleared the most of it himself. Three children blessed his union, two of whom are living, Amy and Otis. His children have all had good educational advantages and are bright and quick at their books. He has been a member of the school board for years and is a member of the Farmers’ Club, of which he has been Vice-President. A member of the Anti-Horse Thief Society, of which he has been Secretary for years, he is also a member of the Lyceum, of which he has been President and Secretary, and in which he takes an active part.

Mr. Huff has ever been active in politics and has been a stanch Republican since the organization of that party. For ten years he has been School Inspector of Volinia Township, and for four years Township Treasurer. He was elected Supervisor in 1868 and held that position continuously for fifteen years. He was again elected to that position in 1878, and has done a vast amount of township work in his time. In 1882 he built his fine residence at a cost of $2,500, and he is still engaged in conducting his large farm.