HistoryHuff Township was organized in 1837, and named for Aquilla Huff.[ GeographyAccording to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 43.16 square miles (111.8 km2), of which 42.36 square miles (109.7 km2) (or 98.15%) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km2) (or 1.85%) is water.[3] Unincorperated towns
Evanston
Maxville
New Boston
Schley
BIOGRAPHIESHUFF TOWNSHIP JOSEPH B. BRADLEY,farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Somerset County, Md., his birth occurring September 11, 1837. He is the third son in the following list of children born to Jesse A. D. and Sarah (Taylor) Bradley, who were also natives of Maryland, where they were raised, married and died in the Protestant Methodist faith: Christopher C., L. M., Elizabeth P., Sarah A., Joseph B. and Flavius J. Joseph B. Bradley was reared by his parents to years of maturity, securing to himself a liberal education. In 1857 he came to the Hoosier State, and for eight years was employed as steamboat clerk on the river. In 1865 he began clerking for Solomon Salm, also holding the office of postmaster during the time. In 1868 and 1869 he was in the employ of a \ Louisville house as traveling salesman, and since that time has principally been engaged in farming. October 8, 1868, he married Miss Amanda Daniel, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wright) Daniel, whose respective births occurred December 23, 1793, in Kentucky, and February 27, 1803, in Maryland, and whose respective deaths occurred January 29, 1840, and December 30, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of no religious organization, but are Protestant in belief. Mr. Bradley is a Democrat and Mason, and Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Eastern Star of that order.
JAMES M. BUTLER, M. D.,was born December 20, 1835, in Perry County, Ind., being one of the following named children born to the marriage of Able Butler and Milbern Litherland, who were natives of North Carolina and Indiana: John, George W., Joel, William F., Elizabeth, Jonathan, Lydia A., Nancy, Nathan, James M., Ira, Thomas M., Cynthia C. The parents were of the Regular Baptist faith in religion, and are now sleeping their last sleep in the village cemetery at New Boston. Dr. James M. Butler, subject of this sketch, remained with his parents on the home farm until twenty-one years of age, receiving in the meantime a good common school education. Until the breaking out of the Rebellion he followed school teaching with marked success, and also produce dealing. October 28, 1862, he enlisted in company M, Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, serving faithfully until September 7, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Returning to Indiana he read medicine at Troy, and during the time served two years as county surveyor. In 1871 he graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and March 23, of the same year, wedded Miss Mary H. Huff, who was born February 10, 1852, the daughter of Henderson and Mary (Morgan) Huff. Four children have been born to them, named James M., Mary E., Albert L, and Ira Everet. Dr. Butler is a prosperous farmer, owning 200 acres of fertile land, and enjoys a lucrative practice in his profession. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity.
THOMAS J. CUTLER,a prominent citizen of Huff Township, was born November 19, 1820, in Essex County, N. Y., being one of five children born to the marriage of Thomas Cutler and Jane Steel, who were natives of New York State and Vermont respectively. These parents were married in the former State about the year 1814, and in 1839 moved to a farm in Anderson Township, Perry Co., Ind. They died in 1850 and 1874 respectively. Thomas J. Cutler was reared and educated by his parents with whom he resided until his marriage May 22, 1852, with Mary W., daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Hyde) Connor, his wife's father having participated in the battle of Tippecanoe and settled in Perry County, this State, in 1804. Seven children have been born to them, these six yet living: Samuel M., Edward B., Flora (now Mrs. Jacob V. Rust), Millie, Minnie and James T. The one deceased is May Belle. Mr. Cutler is one of the old and time-honored citizens of the community in which he resides, and since 1856' has been a resident of Spencer County. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is the owner of a good farm of 180 acres. Mrs. Cutler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SIMON EGER,a prominent German citizen of the village of Maxville, was born in Wurtemberg October 27, 1822, and is one of nine children : Anthony, Joseph, Gottfried, Simon, Michael, Philip, Andrew, Matthias and Helena, born to Michael and Agries (Herrkorn) Eger. With the exception of Gottfried, Matthias and Helena, who are in Germany, and those dead, all are in America. Simon crossed the ocean in 1847, and June 21 of that year landed in New York City. Until 1854 he resided at Louisville, Ky., then moving to Spencer County, Ind., wag engaged in farming until 1865, when he settled in Maxville, which has since been his home. By trade he is a stone and brick mason, and hat made that his occupation for years, also contracting and building. From 1863 to 1871 he was a justice of the peace, and since 1871 has acted in the capacity of agent for the Etna, German-American and Union Insurance Companies, and also the Connecticut Life Insurance Company. For some time he has operated a warehouse on the river and dealt in produce. Mr. Eger is a successful business man, and by hard labor and frugality has secured a farm and village property. He is a Democrat and a Catholic as is also his wife. April 27, 1847, he married Cresence Schlotter, who died of cholera in 1850, after bearing three children, only one, George, now living. February 2, 1851, Mr. Eger married Miss Mary Wanderlain, his present wife.
SAMUEL B. GILMAN,born June 9, 1834, in Pike County. Ill., is a son of David T. Gilman, whose marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Williams was fruitful in the birth of five children : Samuel B., Lucinda M„, Susan M., Rachel E. and Sophia J. By her first husband, Ahab Williams, Mrs. Gilman was the mother of two daughters: Mary C. and Ruth E. The father of our subject died in Pike County, Ill., in 1857, and there his widow is yet living. Samuel B. Gilman was raised on a farm, and in youth secured only a common education. June 10, 1857, he wedded Miss Sarah M. Hutchinson, who was born August 24, 1837, a daughter of David and Mary (Mason) Hutchinson, of Cannelton, Ind. Nine children were born to this marriage, and were named: David (deceased), Ida, Richard M., Mary Elizabeth (deceased), Nancy Jane (deceased), Phebe Isadore, Rachel Emaline, Ruby (deceased), and Willie (deceased). The mother died December 14, 1874, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gilman located in Spencer County, Ind., in 1858, and is a prosperous farmer now owning 200 acres of good land. He is a self-made man, securing what he now has by his own exertions, is a Republican, and he and his present wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married March 18, 1875, to Louisa M., daughter of Richard and Drusilla (Rhodes) Jones, his present wife, and five children have been born to them : Barbara S., Samuel F. (deceased), Benjamin A. (deceased), Lottie E. and Della G. Mrs. Gilman was born March 5, 1856.
RICHARD H. HOPKINS,one of the well-known and well-to-do farmers of this township, was born in Henderson County, Ky., March 9, 1827, being one of three children, Alfred, Alcha and Richard H., born to Richard and Elizabeth (Ellis) Hopkins. The parents were natives of the Old Dominion, and were married in Kentucky. The father dying in 1829 the mother, together with her children, moved to Warrick County, Ind., in 1830, where she reared her family, and died in 1870, aged seventy-eight years. She belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject, owing to the many inconveniences existing during his boyhood days, had but very limited educational, or other advantages. At ten years he began life's battle on his own responsibility, and until thirty years old was engaged in farming and teaming. August 23, 1860, he wedded Margaret E. Davis, daughter of James and Mary (Elder) Davis, by whom he became the father of five children, all being dead but one, James A., born October 18, 1862. His first wife dying August 3,1868, he married a widow lady, Ellen M., daughter of James L. and Eleanor (Taylor) Porter, October 15, 1869, and seven children have been born to their union, four now living, viz.: Ollie, Samuetta, Lula and Richard H. Mrs. Hopkins was born March 17, 1842, and by her first husband, Albeit M. Largent, had one daughter, Clara E. Mr. Largent died February 10, 1865, in his country's cause, during the late war, at Florence Prison. He was orderly sergeant of Company C, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Hopkins is a Republican, and a prosperous farmer, now owning 300 acres of excellent land.
HON. WILSON HUFF.The history of Spencer County, particularly Huff Township, could not be written correctly without more than a mere passing notice of the family for whom the township was named. At an early period in the history of this country, members of this family settled on the eastern shore of Maryland, where they were known as law-abiding and industrious people. John Huff and wife, formerly Elizabeth Dodderidge, emigrated West about the year 1784, and while on their way stopped to rest near the present city of Pittsburgh. Mr. Huff, while hunting game, was attacked and killed by the Indians. Mrs. Huff, with her children and other emigrants, continued on down the Ohio River, and settled in Breckenridge County, Ky., where they erected forts to protect them from the Indians. The children of John Huff were Benjamin, Reuben, Jesse, John, Aaron, Aquila, Priscilla and Dorcas. It was in one of the forts above spoken of that Aquila Huff, the old pioneer of this county, was raised from five to twenty-one years of age. He married Mary, daughter of Stephen Rawlins, in 1807, and in 1815 settled in what is now Spencer County, Indiana, being one of the very first to settle in what is now Huff Township, which was named after him. He resided within the county until his death, in 1857, and was an honor and credit to his county and State. To him and wife eight children were born as follows: Henderson, Wilson, John D., William, Rebecca, Abigail, Sallie and Jane. Wilson Huff, the next oldest of these, and the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Breckenridge County, Ky., February 14, 1812, and in 1815 came to this county with his parents and has since here resided. Notwithstanding his limited educational advantages, he secured a good practical knowledge of books by much private study, and a fair knowledge of surveying. For ten or twelve years he has served Spencer County as surveyor, and to his credit can be said no one has filled the requirements of that office more satisfactorily. In 1844 Elizabeth, daughter of Silas Garrett, became his wife, and by him the mother of eight children : Mary F., John Q., Aquila C., Annetta, Wilson K., Rebecca F., and F. W. Of these only the following are now living: Mary (Mrs. W. H. Protsman), Aquila, Wilson and Ford W. Mr. Huff is a gentleman of an abundance of good practical sense, and although his own education is limited, he has taken great pains and spared no reasonable expense in the schooling of his children. His son Aquila is a graduate of the State University, and the fall of 1885 is to assume charge of the Troy schools. Another son passed two years at the same university as his brother, and is now at Danville. In 1845-46 and 1881 Mr. Huff was elected from Spencer County to the Lower House of the State Legislature, and besides this has filled other positions of honor and trust. In 1871 he was bereft, by death, of his companion and wife.. A farmer by occupation, he has made life a financial success. He is one of the few men who have had strength and genius to rise above the ordinary circumstances of life, to acquire knowledge, though opposed by difficulties, to elevate his character above reproach, and to secure for himself integrity and eminent usefulness.
FRANKLIN H. HURST,a native of the township and county in which he yet resides, was born November 26, 1841, and is one of the following named children born to James and Caroline (Hills) Hurst: Samuel L. (deceased), Mary J. (deceased), Franklin H., Martha J. and James R. The parents were married at Newport, Ky., October 21,1835, and in 1837 settled in Spencer County, Ind. The father was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 8, 1810, and died April 7, 1847. The mother was born in Lower Canada, October 18.1808, and died September 29, 1884. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Hurst was a member of the Masonic brotherhood, and a carpenter by trade. Franklin H. Hurst remained at home until the Rebellion, and August 2, 1862, enlisted in Company K, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Term., July 3, 1865. He received a severe gun shot wound at Chiekamauga. January 7, 1866, he married Mary A. Lutz, daughter of Frederick and Catharine Lutz, and five children have been born to them: Mattie C., Cora A., Laura A., Mary C. and Emma C. The first two were twins and are now dead. The mother was born September 18. 1840. Mr. Hurst is a Republican, » the owner of seventy-five acres of valuable land, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are worthy and highly esteemed citizens.
JAMES JACKSONis a native Hoosier, his birth occurring in Perry County, August 9, 1844. He is a son of Greenberry and Elizabeth (Spencer) Jackson, who were parents of this family : James, subject of this sketch, Louisa, (now Mrs. William Cassidy), Mary (Mrs. J. A. Miller), Isaac J. (deceased), Nancy (Mrs. Baxter Hammock), Jarrett, John, Ellen (now Mrs. Samuel B. Basinger), Henry L. and Susan. The father was a native of Kentucky, as was also his wife, and they were married in Perry County, this State. He served his country in the late war as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died in 1865, at Indianapolis. Mrs. Jackson died m 1878, and both were of the Roman Catholic faith. James Jackson is of English-Irish and German descent. Receiving a limited education, he was raised by his parents on a farm, and November 20, 1870, united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of John and L. E. (Riddle) Cassady. Eight children have been born to their union as follows: John, Isaac, Martin G., William M., Elizabeth M., Henry, Josephine and an infant that died unnamed. The mother was born November 17, 1848. Mr. Jackson began life's-battle with but little or no means, and with only a strong heart and willing hands to depend upon. Until within the past few years he was engaged in various pursuits, but is now a prosperous farmer owning 250 acres of land and other property. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are of the same religious faith as his parents.
BENJAMIN F. JORDAN,a native of Brown County, Ohio, was born November 12, 1846, being the fourth son in a family of eight children, three yet living, Grant L., George W. and Benjamin F., born to the marriage of B. W. Jordan and Mary Lindsey. These parents were also natives of Brown County, Ohio, where they were married and from whence they removed to Spencer County, Ind., in April, 1849. The father who became prominent in the public affairs of the county, died April 20, 1876, but his widow is yet living, a member of the Christian Church. Benjamin F. is one of the prominent and successful farmers of his township. Reared to man's estate in this county, he secured a fair education in youth, and February 3, 1865, enlisted in Company B., One Hundred and Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged September 12, 1865. Miss Nancy J. Jackson, daughter of Milton and Margaret (Harris) Jackson, became his wife October 21, 1869, and six children have cemented their union, viz.: John M. (deceased), Mary M., Clarence N., Tryphena C., Elizabeth H. and Rhoda R. The mother was born April 25, 1847, and is a member f the Christian Church. Mr. Jordan is the owner of a well improved farm of 120 acres, is a Democrat and a member of the F. & A. M. fraternity. He has served three terms as assessor of his township, has also represented his township in congressional convention, and for five years was chairman of the Democratic township central committee. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace, and is now acceptably filling the requirements of that office.
ROBERT E. KENNEDY,ex-trustee of Huff Township, and a prosperous farmer, was born December 10, 1853, in Spencer County, nd., being the youngest but two, in a family of eight children, born to John and Nancy Kennedy. These parents were natives of Ireland, where they were married, and in 1848 they immigrated to the United States, and for three years resided at Wheeling, W. Va. They then moved to Spencer County, Ind., where the father is yet living. The mother died in 1856. Robert E. has always made his home in the county of his birth, and by industry has secured a valuable tract of land, comprising 360 acres. He received a good practical education in youth, is a Republican in politics, and in 1882 was elected township trustee, an office he held with credit to himself, and satisfaction to constituents. February 9, 1875, Mary C., daughter of John H. and Clarinda (Stapleton) Huffman became his wife, and by him the mother of five children : Valloria, Nancy E., William H., Eva A. and Louis E. Mrs. Kennedy was born March 27, 1856, and is a member of the Christian Church.
ZACHARIAH KLAHN,a progressive and enterprising citizen of Huff Township, was born June 17, 1836, in Denmark, Europe, and is the third son in a family of ten children, three now living in the United States, born to Henry and Anna (Staker) Klahn, who were natives and residents of Hohenstein, Germany. In 1852 Zachariah Klahn immigrated to the United States, and after landing at New Orleans went to Davenport, Iowa, residing there one year. He then lived at Moline, Ill., five years, one year at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in 1858 located at Tell City, Ind., where he remained one year. He then moved to New Boston, Huff Township, Spencer Co., Ind., where for twelve years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, also officiating as postmaster a part of the time. In 1870 he was elected county commissioner, and later re-elected by a majority of 862 votes, being the largest majority ever given a candidate in Spencer County. He served in all six years, and his official record is without blemish. In politics he is a Republican, and as a farmer is a success, now owning 200 acres of good land. May 5, 1863, he wedded Anna Filler, who was born October 20, 1844, daughter of Christopher and Anna Filler. Ten children have been born to them, these yet living: Charles W., Zachariah L., Pauline, Alvina, Emma, Louisa and Amelia. Mr. and Mrs. Klahn belong to the German Lutheran Church.
TRUSTEN LAMAR,farmer, P. O., Santa Claus, was born in Spencer County, Ind., February 16, 1832, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Lamar, who were among the oldest and best known pioneers of Spencer County. Until manhood, Trusten made his home with his widowed mother, and during youth received a limited education. For a helpmate through life he selected an estimable lady, who died after bearing five children, these four yet living : Clarinda, Cordelia, Quincy and George T. January 20, 1868, he married Mm. Sarah Cannier, who was born February 28, 1842, and by her he is the father of seven children, six yet living, named Ulysses S., Elias E., Millie, Ferd F., Lola J. and Robert A. By her first husband, Mrs. Lamar became the mother of three children, two now living, named John K. and Henry R. Mr. Lamar is the possessor of a good farm of 120 acres, is a Republican in politics, and has served as constable of his township. He is an unassuming, unpretentious citizen, and is regarded with respect and esteem by his surrounding neighbors.
FREDERICK MUELLER,a prominent German resident of Huff Township and merchant at Maxville, was born March 30,1826, in Prussia. He is the eldest son in a family of eight children born to Gotlieb G. and Louisa (Brier) Mueller, who were born, raised, married and died in Germany. Frederick Mueller is the only one of his father's family who immigrated to the United States. At seventeen years of age he left home, and shipping as sailor on board a merchant vessel, was for eight years engaged in that capacity, during which time he traveled all over the civilized world, seeing many strange and wonderful sights. He passed eight years teaming and in the gold fields of Australia, where he accumulated considerable of this world's goods. In 1857 he left South Australia for the United States via Liverpool, landing at New York city, August 6, 1857. After visiting at Chicago and Indianapolis he returned to New York State, and from there moved to Spencer County, Ind., where for seven years he was engaged in farming. In 1864 he began hotel keeping at Troy, Ind., which he continued until his property was destroyed by fire in 1869. In December, 1871, he moved to his present home, and began merchandising. In 1875 he began farming, but four years later he again embarked in mercantile pursuits at Maxville, where he has since continued the business. His is the principal store of the place, and he is doing a good business. Mr. Mueller is a Democrat, and Lutheran in religious belief. He was married November 7, 1857, to Miss P. Lengauge, who was born August 1, 1840, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Maltaher) Lengauge. These children have been born to them: Jacob G., John F., Michael P., Henry G., Louisa T., Matilda C., Philomena M., Francis B. M. and Frederick W. J. All are living but the first and fourth named. Mrs. Mueller and family are Catholics.
C. C. PURCELL,farmer and stock-raiser, was born in the township and county where he now resides March 4, 1842, being the youngest of four children, who lived to years of maturity, born to Augustus and Susan (Blocher) Purcell, who were natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, respectively. These parents were married in this county, where the father died January 10, 1860, and where the mother is yet living, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Christopher C. Purcell, subject of this notice, was reared on his parents' farm to years of discretion, during which time he received a liberal education. He enlisted August 15, 1862, in Company K, Eighty-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faithfully until the close of the war, being honorably discharged in June, 1865. Returning to his native township he again resumed farming, at which he has since continued with fair success, now owning 160 acres of fertile land. In politics he is a Republican, and is one of Huff Township's best citizens. He was married April 12, 1868, to Katie, the daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Bay less) Dentinger, and by her is the father of one daughter, Lola Estelle, born March 11, 1870. Mrs. Purcell was born June 19, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell are. members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY RACINE,an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Huff Township, was born in Spencer County, Ind., August 15, 1845, being the only son in a family of three children—Louisa, Henry and Margaret —born to Henry F. W. and Magdalin (Bower) Racine, who were natives of Holland and Germany, respectively. These parents were married in Spencer County, Ind., where the father died in 1847, aged thirty-five years. His widow yet survives him. Henry Racine, subject of this sketch, was raised by his mother in this county. April 29, 1869, he united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of John and Caroline (Slicht) Lottes, by whom he is the father of seven children: Magdalina, George W., Anna M. B., John F., Anna C., John W. and Amelia. The mother was born January 13, 1847. Mr. Racine represents a self-made man, as he began life poor and with but little means at his command. He now has a happy home and a farm of 162 acres, is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Racine is the trustee of Huff Township, having been elected by his party in 1884 by a majority of sixty-one votes.
JACOB V. RUST,a prominent citizen and farmer of Huff Township, was born in the county of which he is yet a resident, May 4, 1858, and is a son of Vincent and Rebecca (Huff) Rust, who were natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. These parents were married in Spencer County, Ind., and resided many years in this township, where they both died. Jacob V. Rust was raised to manhood on his parents' land, and after their deaths, which occurred while he was yet in his teens, he still continued on the old homestead where he is now located. He secured a good practical education in youth, and November 16, 1879, united in marriage with Flora I, daughter of Thomas J. and Mary W. Cutler, by whom he is the father of three children, these two, Rena and Millie, yet living. Mrs. Rust was born April 3, 1860, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rust is a Republican in politics, a successful farmer, now owning 240 acres of valuable land, and he and wife are descended from among the oldest and most honorable families of Spencer County. The children born to Vincent and Rebecca (Huff) Rust were Sarah H. (who married C. C. Butler), and Jacob V. and Wilson D., twins.
FREDERICK SEIM,born November 2,1829, in Rensselaer County, N. Y., is the eldest of two children, Frederick and William, deceased, born to John and Walburga (Fehr) Seim, who were natives respectively of Hesse Darmstadt and Baden, Germany. They were married in New York, in 1827, and ten years later started for Evansville, Ind., expecting to make that their future home. Embarking at Cincinnati on board the steamer "Moselle" they continued on their journey as far as Columbia, when the boat's boiler exploded, killing many of the passengers among them being John Seim and his youngest son William. Their remains were recovered near Madison, Ind., and were given proper burial. Mrs. Seim and the subject of this sketch were rescued by parties in a skiff after narrowly escaping death. They returned to Cincinnati, where Frederick was reared to manhood. After serving a four years' apprenticeship in the furniture factory of Smith & Hawley he was made foreman, and continued in that capacity until 1857, when he moved with his family to Huff Township, Spencer Co., Ind., where he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 180 acres of good land, and although a Republican in politics was an advocate of the election of Cleveland and Hendricks. Mr. Seim was married February 19, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Eiden, who was born in Germany November 22, 1834, a daughter of Henry and Catharine (Kiebel) Eiden. Nine children have been born to their union as follows: Anna E. (Mrs. Charles Reif), Charles F., Mary L., Amelia (Mrs. M. P. Greathouse), Susan, John B., Henry M., Ferdinand and Charles W., deceased.
Source:History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Published by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. 1885