Duff, William 1843-1899

DUFF, PROBERT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/13/2013 at 19:23:52

Elgin Echo, Thur., 9 February 1899. From the Elkader Register.

A sad affair happened near Volga City on Sunday evening, Jan. 29, says the Elkader Register, in which Wm. Duff, one of the oldest settlers of Highland twp., lost his life. In the evening he and his youngest son, Albert, started to do their chores, and as they were driving the bull into a shed and when the animal was part way in he turned and started to come out. As Mr. Duff saw him he said "look out he is going for us". They started for a feed rack in the yard, the son getting into it, but Mr. Duff just got hold of it when he was struck by the bull. Albert tried to drive him away with a fork but could not, he struck him again and the third time he threw Mr. Duff over into the rack. He laid there, and when his wife came told her to look out. They went for help as it was not safe for anyone to go near him and the bull was still trying to get to his victim. When help came they got Mr. Duff to the fence and put him over. The rack was against the fence on one side, so by moving him carefully and not exciting the bull, they got him to the house but the bull followed along the fence as long as he could see them.

Dr. Craig was called as soon as possible but he only lived twenty minutes after the doctor arrived.

NOTE: WPA records indicate William Duff 1843 / 01-29-1899 as buried in Hillcrest cemetery in Sperry twp. There is a postem note attached to this record that will give further info. The IGPP shows a photo of his gravestone.

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Added by S. Ferrall 4/9/2015:

The Elkader Register printed essentially the same obit that was in the Elgin paper, above, but added more details:

... His two boys John and Robert were attending school at the U.I.U. at Fayette, but did not get there until after his death, all the rest of the family were at his side when he passed away.

In the death of Mr. Duff we lose one of the best men in the community, always ready to help those that needed help in any manner, a good neighbor, one of the kindest men in the family, beloved by all especially the young folks. Whenever there was any gathering at Wm. Duff's, all the young folks were sure to be there as they knew there was to be a good time and "Uncle Will the youngest of them all." He was a great lover of music and the weather had to be very bad when he would not take the children to a musical entertainment.

Mr. Duff was an old soldier, having served in the 16th Iowa Infantry during the Rebellion.

William Duff was born Feb. 11th, 1843 and came to this country from Scotland when a child, his father dying the first night they landed in Cleveland, Ohio, of the cholera, which was prevailing at that time. From there the family went to Pittsburg, Pa., and after residing there about a year, came to Iowa.

He was united by marriage with Miss Probert, May 1st, 1868, and to them nine children were born, the two oldest boys dying, leaving three boys and four daughters living, John, Robert, Albert, Jennette, Mamie, Isabelle and Mary, who with the bereaved wife mourn the loss of a beloved husband and father.

Two brothers, Robert, of Highland, and John, of Morrow, Kans., also mourn his untimely death.

The funeral was held Wednesday from the late residence of the deceased, Rev. Mr. McClusky offficiating, and was largely attended by sorrowing friends and relatives. The interment was in the Volga City Cemetery.

~The Elkader Register, Thurs. evening, February 2, 1899