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Alexander Duff
Alexander
Duff, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Scranton township, was
born in Delaware county, New York, February 27, 1851, and is a son of
John and Caroline (Warren) Duff, both natives of New York. On coming
west the father located in Wisconsin, where he was engaged in
agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. There were nine
children in his family, eight of whom are now living.
Alexander Duff's early education was acquired in the schools of the
county where he lived, but being one of a large family was obliged to
spend many hours working in the fields on his father’s farm. This
practical training started him in the pursuit which he has followed all
his life. He came to this county from Wisconsin in 1875 and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Scranton township. from John
Emerline. Only sixteen acres of this farm were broken and Mr. Duff
began the hard labor of breaking the remaining acres and bringing the
land to a state where it would yield him abundant crops. He erected a
small house sixteen feet by twenty-two feet and only twelve feet high
and was contented to live in this until he could pay for a better one.
So successfully did he conduct this farm and so frugally did he live
that he was able in 1900 to build a splendid ten-room house with every
comfort and convenience. He enjoyed it the more because he knew that he
had the money to pay for it and was glad that he had not gone into debt
for a finer house than he could afiord when he first moved upon his
farm. He has erected a horse barn twenty four feet by thirty-six feet;
a stock barn forty by seventy feet; double corn cribs four feet by
thirty feet; and has fenced and tiled his farm and has brought it to a
condition which makes it one of the best farms in this county. Little
by little he has been able to add to his original purchase. He bought
one hundred and sixty acres of Lewis Williams on section 25, Scranton
township, and one hundred and sixty more on sections 25 and 26. On this
latter he is building a fine new home for his son. When one travels
past these attractive farms and enjoys the cool shade of the large
maple trees which line the road and surround the home, it may be
interesting to know that Mr. Duff bought his maple seed at Coon river
and raised these trees. In consequence they seem almost like his
children and he has given them the care which has brought them to their
fine present condition. He has lately added the enterprise of stock
raising to that of his general farming and raises shorthorn cattle,
Poland China hogs and draft horses. Though his sons are with him on the
farm, he has entire charge of his farming interests.
In 1875 Mr. Duff was united in wedlock to Margaret Johnson, a native of
New York state, who died February 14, 1903. This union has been blessed
with five sons and two daughters: John, of Warren, Scranton township;
Joseph, Allie, William and Carrie, who are at home; Minnie, the wife of
Mr. Maher; and Charles, of Scranton township.
All his life Mr. Duff has given his active support to the men and
measures of the republican party and has served as trustee of the
township and as road supervisor for seven years. He has the
satisfaction of feeling that his present position is the result of his
own work, for Mr. Duff is a self-made man in every respect. As such he
has acquired the enviable characteristics which come to the man who is
obliged to make his own way in the world and he is highly respected by
a large circle of admiring friends.
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