Charles H Duff biography

Text:
Charles H. Duff, a resident of this county for a length of time sufficient to give him a wide and extended acquaintance, was born in Cass county, Indiana, September 5, 1854, the son of David L. amd Mary (McBride) Duff, whose marriage was consummated January 8, 1851.  The former was born in Huntingdon county, Pa., December 19, 1821, his wife's birth occurring in Newark, N.J., May 14, 1830. Only one child beside Charles was given them, John A., born January 14, 1853, who died October 25, 1854. On leaving Indiana the family went to Nebraska, but one winter satisfied them there and in the spring a location was chosen in Anderson county, Kas., and that county continued to be their home from 1855 to 1868, a period of some thirteen years. On January 1, 1868, after another move they settled in this county, where Charles H. Duff now resides (in section 1). The latter in growing up was favored with good educational advantages and for four years he attended the Osage Mission school in Neosho county, Kas. Subsequently he was engaged in teaching school in Texas, and while thus occupied was married to Miss Madora Houts, daughter of William Houts and Emma, nee Poston, both natives of Missouri. Mrs. Duff died February 23, 1879, leaving one child, David L., born December 28, 1877. Mr. D. was again married January 7, 1886, when Mrs. Mary M. Jeffries became his wife, her birth having occurred December 31, 1862. She was the daughter of E.G. Jeffries, a sketch of whose life appears more prominently in another portion of this work. He is a respected citizen of this county, as is also his worthy wife. Mrs. Duff's grandfather, Elijah Jeffries, was a pioneer in North Missouri, where he was engaged for years in the ministry of the gospel. He was a man beloved by all who knew him, and his friends could hardly be numbered. The present landed estate of Mr. Duff embraces 120 acres, 40 of which are situated  in section 1, and 80 acres in section 3. This is well improved and thoroughly managed. his political preferences are with the Democratic party. He has been brought up as a Catholic.

 --Taken from History of Vernon County, Missouri 1887 pp 462-463, published by Brown & Company, St. Louis, Missouri.