Robert Duff

ALEXANDER, ATCHISON, BAST, DONNELLY, DUFF, HAWKENBERRY, MELTON, ROGAN, WIGHT

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/3/2004 at 10:41:54

Among the many progressive and energetic farmers in this country is Robert Duff, residing on section 15, Jackson township. He was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, October 5, 1842, of the marriage of James and Elinor (Donnelly) Duff, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The father removed to the Buckeye state, where he carried on general farming until 1859, when, with his family of four daughters and one son, he came overland to this country. He purchased land, a part of which is now in the possession of our subject, from a man by the name of Clark, who had received a patent for it from the government. When Mr. Duff settled here there were but few houses in the country and almost all of the work of development and improvement remained to be done. He at once set out trees and strove continually to make his home comfortable and attractive. He remained in this county until his death and took an active part in establishing schools and churches here. He was a charter member of the Presbyterian Church near his home and assisted materially in the erection of the house of worship. The church, however, was moved to Pitzer a number of years ago. Mr. Duff died when seventy-three years of age and his wife when she was seventy-one years old. Three of their children still live in this county, those beside our subject being Elizabeth and Margaret, who beside on part of the father's original homestead.

Robert Duff was seventeen years of age when he accompanied the family on their removal to this county, and most of his education was acquired in Ohio. However, he attended school one year in this county. He remained at home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he enlisted at Winterset in Company D, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and served for eight months under Captain Fabrin and Colonel Pomootz. The regiment first went to Davenport, thence to Chattanooga and later joined Sherman on his march to the sea. Mr. Duff was mustered out at Washington, D. C., in 1865 and subsequently returned to this county and began farming the tract of land which he has operated continuously for the last fifty years. In that time the changes in the county have been but little short of marvelous, and it is a source of satisfaction to him that he has done his part in bringing about the rapid development of this locality. He has made many improvements upon his farm and as he manages his work well he has accumulated a competence. He specializes in the raising of sheep and Poland China hogs and as his stock is of good grade and is in excellent condition when sold it brings good prices upon the market. He has a good orchard and raises a certain kind of apple that is not found elsewhere in this county, the seed of which was brought from Ohio.

In 1870 Mr. Duff married Miss Josephine Melton, who was born in Knox County, Illinois, July 20, 1853, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Wight) Melton, the former born on the 4th of May, 1827, and the latter on the 1st of July, 1830. They were married in 1846 and resided upon a farm in Illinois until 1858, when they removed to Adair County, Iowa, locating on land just across the road from Madison County. Mr. Melton took a lively interest in public affairs and was widely known and highly esteemed. His last years were spent at the home of our subject, and he passed away on the 21st of February, 1899, having survived his wife since the 26th of March, 1890.

To Mr. and Mrs. Duff have been born five cildren. Newton V., born on the 30th of December, 1872, married Miss Mary Alexander, a daughter of a veteran of the Civil War, living in Earlham, and to them has been born a son Russell. Myrtle M., born October 18, 1874, is the wife of William Hawkenberry, a carpenter of Earlham, and they have two children, Mackelvy and Leo. Milton C., born on the 24th of March, 1877, owns land in South Dakota and is following agricultural pursuits. He married Miss Tillie Bast and they have four children, Orland, Robert Earl, Lyman and Raymond. Ella E., born on the 13th of July, 1880, is the wife of Charles Rogan, the manager of the Dexter Mutual Telephone Company. Velma G., whose natal day was the 21sst of October, 1882, gave her hand in marriage to Arthur Aitchison, a farmer, and the make their home with our subject.

Mr. Duff is a democrat politically and has for many years been one of those men who take the lead in bettering conditions. He had much to do with building the good roads of the county, and in the early days aided materially in the establishing of schools and churches, although he is not a member of any church. He has been elected to a number of township offices but has failed to qualify, as he prefers to perform his public duties as a private citizen. He is widely known throughout the county and his friends are legion, as his character and personality are such as command the warm regard of all who know him.

Taken from the book, "The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915."