Joseph & Elizabeth Huff of VA & TN

By genealogy.com user May 09, 1998 at 09:04:50


JOSEPH AND ELIZABETH HUFF OF VA AND TN

Joseph HUFF (c 1755 poss. VA - before 12 Sep 1827 Cocke Co, TN) by family tradition lived in Botetourt Co, VA, during the Rev. War, but moved his family of 6 sons and 3 daughters into eastern TN as soon as the war was over.It seems clear from subsequent records that he had several more ch born in TN.There was indeed a Joseph HUFF on Little River, then in Botetourt Co, VA, from 1771 through 1783.The 1771 list also showed William HUFF, Leonard HUFF, and Hercules OGLE.Both HUFF and OGLE families moved to Cocke Co, TN, then considered to be in NC.

Joseph HUFF (c 1755 poss. VA - before 12 Sep 1827 Cocke Co, TN) by family tradition lived in Botetourt Co, VA, during the Rev. War, but moved his family of 6 sons and 3 daughters into eastern TN as soon as the war was over.It seems clear from subsequent records that he had several more ch born in TN.There was indeed a Joseph HUFF on Little River, then in Botetourt Co, VA, from 1771 through 1783.The 1771 list also showed William HUFF, Leonard HUFF, and Hercules OGLE.Both HUFF and OGLE families moved to Cocke Co, TN, then considered to be in NC.

It is possible that Joseph HUFF served in the Rev. War.He received grant #1458 on 20 Sep 1787 from NC, and it was recorded as #534 in Green Co, TN.The land was just north of Clay Creek on the French Broad River near Newport, TN.Joseph HUFF operated a ferry and had a blacksmith shop at the site, which was near an old Indian mound, by family tradition.Family tradition also records that this first home was on an island in the river.

It is possible that Joseph HUFF served in the Rev. War.He received grant #1458 on 20 Sep 1787 from NC, and it was recorded as #534 in Green Co, TN.The land was just north of Clay Creek on the French Broad River near Newport, TN.Joseph HUFF operated a ferry and had a blacksmith shop at the site, which was near an old Indian mound, by family tradition.Family tradition also records that this first home was on an island in the river.

About 1809, Joseph moved to Cosby Creek, where he received Grant #197 on 2 Aug 1808 for 210 and 1/2 acres.Grant #1387 of 23 Nov 1809, also on Cosby's Creek, was here his son lived.With all or part of this land Joseph HUFF prospered, and his descendants came back from Missouri to receive their inheritances.There are five sources of information on this family: namely, family tradition, the records of Big Pigion Baptist Church (Primitive), the efforts of Widow Elizabeth to establish her dower rights, records of the Elizabeth HUFF estate, and the will of a daughter, Sally.

About 1809, Joseph moved to Cosby Creek, where he received Grant #197 on 2 Aug 1808 for 210 and 1/2 acres.Grant #1387 of 23 Nov 1809, also on Cosby's Creek, was here his son lived.With all or part of this land Joseph HUFF prospered, and his descendants came back from Missouri to receive their inheritances.There are five sources of information on this family: namely, family tradition, the records of Big Pigion Baptist Church (Primitive), the efforts of Widow Elizabeth to establish her dower rights, records of the Elizabeth HUFF estate, and the will of a daughter, Sally.

Joseph md Elizabeth ??? (- d by Dec 1839 Cocke Co, TN), and she was head of his family after his death.They joined the Big Pigeon Baptist Church in 1795, and Joseph became a deacon in 1806, then a moverater in 1823.Their children joined at various times as they reached maturity.

Joseph md Elizabeth ??? (- d by Dec 1839 Cocke Co, TN), and she was head of his family after his death.They joined the Big Pigeon Baptist Church in 1795, and Joseph became a deacon in 1806, then a moverater in 1823.Their children joined at various times as they reached maturity.

After Joseph died, Elizabeth had to establish her dower rights, which she did by advertising.She mentioned as not residing in Cocke Co, TN, her ch Leonard; Joseph; John and Catherine HUFF; and John and Elizabeth SUTTON.Apparently residing in Cocke Co were William; Sinia (who md James ELLINGTON); and others.The notice was published four times in the Knoxville Enquirer, beginning 12 Sep 1827.Only six ch can be identified in these records.

After Joseph died, Elizabeth had to establish her dower rights, which she did by advertising.She mentioned as not residing in Cocke Co, TN, her ch Leonard; Joseph; John and Catherine HUFF; and John and Elizabeth SUTTON.Apparently residing in Cocke Co were William; Sinia (who md James ELLINGTON); and others.The notice was published four times in the Knoxville Enquirer, beginning 12 Sep 1827.Only six ch can be identified in these records.

A third source of information is an old Cocke Co will by Sally HUFF, dated 19 Nov 1838.She bequeathed to her mother, Elizabeth, and to others with unspecified relationships: namely, Charity SMITH, John HUFF, William HUFF, and Lidia COLEMAN.John HUFF was appointed Executor.It seems likely that these other persons were relatives.

A third source of information is an old Cocke Co will by Sally HUFF, dated 19 Nov 1838.She bequeathed to her mother, Elizabeth, and to others with unspecified relationships: namely, Charity SMITH, John HUFF, William HUFF, and Lidia COLEMAN.John HUFF was appointed Executor.It seems likely that these other persons were relatives.

A fourth source of information developed when Elizabeth HUFF died.On 17 Dec 1839, the Knoxville Register carried the following notice from those heirs in Cocke Co, TN, to all those living outside the county:"To the heirs at law of Joseph Huff, the younger, and Francies Pajit, Joseph Pajit, Wm Gilleland and his wife Mary, formerly Mary Pajit, John Sutton and his wife Elizabeth, formerly Elizabeth Huff, the heirs at law of John Huff who intermarried with Catherine Huff, one of the daughters of Joseph Huff, the elder, now deceased, John Huff, James Ellington and Sina his wife, formerly Sina Huff, Benjamin Coleman and his wife Lydia, formerly Lydia Huff, and William Huff, and to all others who may consider themselves interested in the estate which Joseph Huff the elder died seized and possessed of in the County of Cocke, State of Tennessee.Take notice that at the setting of the Circuit Court to be held for Cocke County aforesaid at the courthouse in Newport on the first Monday in April 1840, to said court, to have a particular petition apply made among the heirs at law of Joseph Huff, the elder, of the following tracts of land lying and being in the county aforesaid and which said Joseph Huff died, seized and possessed of, to wit one tract of land lying on Cosby's Creek containing 210 acres, beginning on a black oak, corner to William Campbell and various courses to the beginning, it being the tract which the said Joseph lived on at the time of his death, and the one which he divised to his wife Elizabeth Huff during her life, and the same tract which she resided at the time of her death.Also one other tract of land situated lying and being in the County of Cocke, containing 50 acres bounded as follows, to wit: beginning at a beach marked JH and various courses for complement as will more fully appear by the grant from the State of Tennessee to the said Joseph Huff #15290 and dated 1st day of July 1828.You may attend at the time and place above mentioned and oppost the partition of said tracts of land if you think proper.Signed by Charity Smith, Sarah Huff, John Allen, John Lillard, and Abraham Denton."

A fourth source of information developed when Elizabeth HUFF died.On 17 Dec 1839, the Knoxville Register carried the following notice from those heirs in Cocke Co, TN, to all those living outside the county:"To the heirs at law of Joseph Huff, the younger, and Francies Pajit, Joseph Pajit, Wm Gilleland and his wife Mary, formerly Mary Pajit, John Sutton and his wife Elizabeth, formerly Elizabeth Huff, the heirs at law of John Huff who intermarried with Catherine Huff, one of the daughters of Joseph Huff, the elder, now deceased, John Huff, James Ellington and Sina his wife, formerly Sina Huff, Benjamin Coleman and his wife Lydia, formerly Lydia Huff, and William Huff, and to all others who may consider themselves interested in the estate which Joseph Huff the elder died seized and possessed of in the County of Cocke, State of Tennessee.Take notice that at the setting of the Circuit Court to be held for Cocke County aforesaid at the courthouse in Newport on the first Monday in April 1840, to said court, to have a particular petition apply made among the heirs at law of Joseph Huff, the elder, of the following tracts of land lying and being in the county aforesaid and which said Joseph Huff died, seized and possessed of, to wit one tract of land lying on Cosby's Creek containing 210 acres, beginning on a black oak, corner to William Campbell and various courses to the beginning, it being the tract which the said Joseph lived on at the time of his death, and the one which he divised to his wife Elizabeth Huff during her life, and the same tract which she resided at the time of her death.Also one other tract of land situated lying and being in the County of Cocke, containing 50 acres bounded as follows, to wit: beginning at a beach marked JH and various courses for complement as will more fully appear by the grant from the State of Tennessee to the said Joseph Huff #15290 and dated 1st day of July 1828.You may attend at the time and place above mentioned and oppost the partition of said tracts of land if you think proper.Signed by Charity Smith, Sarah Huff, John Allen, John Lillard, and Abraham Denton."

This description of two tracts of land, one on Cosby Creek, the homesite of Joseph and his widow Elizabeth, and the other a land grant of 1 July 1828, indicates there was considerable property to be divided.The notice may also give the surviving children or their husbands.The family must have included:

This description of two tracts of land, one on Cosby Creek, the homesite of Joseph and his widow Elizabeth, and the other a land grant of 1 July 1828, indicates there was considerable property to be divided.The notice may also give the surviving children or their husbands.The family must have included:

1. William "Strong Bill" (1770/75 VA -) may have lived in on near Cocke Co, TN, but records are inconclusive.He is said to have been the oldest child and one who had 22 children.One William HUFF was a pvt in Capt William NETHERTON's Comp, Col William LILLARD's Regt in 1813 and 1814 in the War against the Creek Indians.John HUFF was a Sergeant in the same Company.

1. William "Strong Bill" (1770/75 VA -) may have lived in on near Cocke Co, TN, but records are inconclusive.He is said to have been the oldest child and one who had 22 children.One William HUFF was a pvt in Capt William NETHERTON's Comp, Col William LILLARD's Regt in 1813 and 1814 in the War against the Creek Indians.John HUFF was a Sergeant in the same Company.

2. Joseph (3 Apr 1770 VA - prob d by 1830 in MO) by family tradition md Sarah HILL.His sons are recalled as going back to TN to get their or their mother's inheritance.Ch were William; Joseph; John; Achilles; Elizabeth; Jane; Nancy; Isaac; and James.They lived in Madison and Iron counties of MO.(There was a marriage in 1783 in Henry Co, VA, of Joseph HUFF to Sarah RICHMOND, but no one has ever suggested that this was the same person.Another marriage there was that of Lamet HUFF to Samuel BAILEY on 15 Jan 1783.This seems to be another family in Henry Co.)

2. Joseph (3 Apr 1770 VA - prob d by 1830 in MO) by family tradition md Sarah HILL.His sons are recalled as going back to TN to get their or their mother's inheritance.Ch were William; Joseph; John; Achilles; Elizabeth; Jane; Nancy; Isaac; and James.They lived in Madison and Iron counties of MO.(There was a marriage in 1783 in Henry Co, VA, of Joseph HUFF to Sarah RICHMOND, but no one has ever suggested that this was the same person.Another marriage there was that of Lamet HUFF to Samuel BAILEY on 15 Jan 1783.This seems to be another family in Henry Co.)

3. Leonard (c1770/1780 VA - 1842 TN) md (1) Sarah BAKER and probably had Sarah; Elizabeth; Rachel; Mary L.; and Syntha M.Leonard md (2) Nancy ??? and probably had Joseph; Nancy M.; Charity; and Lydia.Leonard was recalled as being a younger son.(Though mentioned in the request by Elizabeth HUFF in 1827, neither he nor his recognizable heirs were listed in the 1839 settlement of the estate.It is not yet clear what happened.)

3. Leonard (c1770/1780 VA - 1842 TN) md (1) Sarah BAKER and probably had Sarah; Elizabeth; Rachel; Mary L.; and Syntha M.Leonard md (2) Nancy ??? and probably had Joseph; Nancy M.; Charity; and Lydia.Leonard was recalled as being a younger son.(Though mentioned in the request by Elizabeth HUFF in 1827, neither he nor his recognizable heirs were listed in the 1839 settlement of the estate.It is not yet clear what happened.)

4. dau who md PAJIT, and whose heirs in 1839 were Francies, Joseph, and Mary "Patty" (wife of William GILLILAND).The PAJIT family tradition is that this dau died soon after giving birth to twins Joseph and Patty, and that she was wet when a severe storm blew away the weight pole from the board roof of her home and allowed her bed to be soaked.Mrs. William MCSWEENs mother, sister to Mrs. PAJIT, took Joseph, and another sister took Patty (who md GILLILAND).The PAJIT husband was from lower TN.Mrs. William MCSWEEN's mother was Margaret (HUFF) ALLEN, wife of John.

4. dau who md PAJIT, and whose heirs in 1839 were Francies, Joseph, and Mary "Patty" (wife of William GILLILAND).The PAJIT family tradition is that this dau died soon after giving birth to twins Joseph and Patty, and that she was wet when a severe storm blew away the weight pole from the board roof of her home and allowed her bed to be soaked.Mrs. William MCSWEENs mother, sister to Mrs. PAJIT, took Joseph, and another sister took Patty (who md GILLILAND).The PAJIT husband was from lower TN.Mrs. William MCSWEEN's mother was Margaret (HUFF) ALLEN, wife of John.

5. Elizabeth (1777 VA -TN) md John SUTTON, Sr, in Newport, Cocke Co, TN, and moved to Boonville, Cooper Co, MO, in 1817 and had at least 9 ch.Several md their HUFF cousins after SUTTONs moved to Iron Co, MO.

5. Elizabeth (1777 VA -TN) md John SUTTON, Sr, in Newport, Cocke Co, TN, and moved to Boonville, Cooper Co, MO, in 1817 and had at least 9 ch.Several md their HUFF cousins after SUTTONs moved to Iron Co, MO.

6. Catherine (- d before 1839) md John HUFF and had heirs in 1839.In 1827, she and her husband did not live in Cocke Co, TN, nor did her heirs in 1839.(There is confusion over whether the John HUFF next listed was her husband or her brother.)

6. Catherine (- d before 1839) md John HUFF and had heirs in 1839.In 1827, she and her husband did not live in Cocke Co, TN, nor did her heirs in 1839.(There is confusion over whether the John HUFF next listed was her husband or her brother.)

7. John (poss 28 Dec 1786 VA/TN - 28 Apr 1852 TN) is believed to be the Rev. John HUFF who md Nancy ALLEN (10 Oct 1798 - 7 June 1869) and had 18 ch, with 14 living to adulthood.Those known incl Peter; Elizabeth; Charity; Mary; Sarah; Joseph; William; John; James; Lucinda; Nancy; Harriett; Stephen; and Amanda.Rev. John HUFF lived in Cocke and Sevier counties but travelled as a minister to MO and to other places.(There is considerable debate over whether Rev. John HUFF was a son or son-in-law, the former husband of Catherine.It is not possible to determine from the records now available.

7. John (poss 28 Dec 1786 VA/TN - 28 Apr 1852 TN) is believed to be the Rev. John HUFF who md Nancy ALLEN (10 Oct 1798 - 7 June 1869) and had 18 ch, with 14 living to adulthood.Those known incl Peter; Elizabeth; Charity; Mary; Sarah; Joseph; William; John; James; Lucinda; Nancy; Harriett; Stephen; and Amanda.Rev. John HUFF lived in Cocke and Sevier counties but travelled as a minister to MO and to other places.(There is considerable debate over whether Rev. John HUFF was a son or son-in-law, the former husband of Catherine.It is not possible to determine from the records now available.

8. Sinia "Ciny" (c 1795 TN - after 1856) md James ELLINGTON and moved to Barnsville, or Ellington, MO.They had five ch.James ELLINGTON left the family for the Gold Rush in CA and was murdered there.

8. Sinia "Ciny" (c 1795 TN - after 1856) md James ELLINGTON and moved to Barnsville, or Ellington, MO.They had five ch.James ELLINGTON left the family for the Gold Rush in CA and was murdered there.

9. Sarah (- will of 1838, prob d by 1840) was one of the publishers of the 1839 notice after Elizabeth HUFF died.She bequeathed a slave to Charity SMITH, and Charity had such a slave in 1850.Sarah in her will also bequeathed to her mother, Elizabeth.(One Sarah HUFF, age 26, 1, 12, died 20 Sep 1845 and is bur in Huff Cem in Cocke Co, TN.If the same person, it would mean she made her will at age 18.)The Sarah HUFF will of 1838 was apparently probated in 1840.

9. Sarah (- will of 1838, prob d by 1840) was one of the publishers of the 1839 notice after Elizabeth HUFF died.She bequeathed a slave to Charity SMITH, and Charity had such a slave in 1850.Sarah in her will also bequeathed to her mother, Elizabeth.(One Sarah HUFF, age 26, 1, 12, died 20 Sep 1845 and is bur in Huff Cem in Cocke Co, TN.If the same person, it would mean she made her will at age 18.)The Sarah HUFF will of 1838 was apparently probated in 1840.

The following also seem to be heirs and members of this family.Some may be grandchildren.

The following also seem to be heirs and members of this family.Some may be grandchildren.

10. Lydia (1797 TN - 1876/77 Jefferson Co, TN) on 17 Mar 1815 in Cocke Co, TN, md Benjamin B. COLEMAN and lived in Jefferson Co, TN, by 1837.They had at least 11 ch to incl dau, d young; Nancy; Sarah; William; Margaret; Mary; Elizabeth; Rhoda; John; Julia; and Lydia.Benjamin B. COLEMAN served in the War of 1812, and Lydia COLEMAN received a pension after his death.

10. Lydia (1797 TN - 1876/77 Jefferson Co, TN) on 17 Mar 1815 in Cocke Co, TN, md Benjamin B. COLEMAN and lived in Jefferson Co, TN, by 1837.They had at least 11 ch to incl dau, d young; Nancy; Sarah; William; Margaret; Mary; Elizabeth; Rhoda; John; Julia; and Lydia.Benjamin B. COLEMAN served in the War of 1812, and Lydia COLEMAN received a pension after his death.

11. Charity (c 1784 VA - Dec 1859, age 75) md (1) ??? SMITH and lived in Cocke Co, TN, in 1839.There was at least one SMITH child, Sarah. One Charity HUFF was received by experience in the Big Pigeon Baptist Church in 1802.Charity is recalled as marrying (2) as second wife on 18 Jan 1842 to William VINSON (1774 - 26 Nov 1870), but they divorced 6 Dec 1855..

11. Charity (c 1784 VA - Dec 1859, age 75) md (1) ??? SMITH and lived in Cocke Co, TN, in 1839.There was at least one SMITH child, Sarah. One Charity HUFF was received by experience in the Big Pigeon Baptist Church in 1802.Charity is recalled as marrying (2) as second wife on 18 Jan 1842 to William VINSON (1774 - 26 Nov 1870), but they divorced 6 Dec 1855..

12. Margaret "Peggy" (1788 TN - 21 Mar 1862, bur Allen Cem, Cosby, TN) md John ALLEN (1787 - after 1860, bur Allen Cem) and lived in the Cosby Creek area of Cocke Co, TN.They had at least six ch to incl Catherine: William; Elizabeth; Isaac; Nancy; and John J.John and Margaret ALLEN testified they were present at the marriage of Lydia and Benjamin B. COLEMAN, and that John ALLEN served with Benjamin COLEMAN in the War of 1812.

12. Margaret "Peggy" (1788 TN - 21 Mar 1862, bur Allen Cem, Cosby, TN) md John ALLEN (1787 - after 1860, bur Allen Cem) and lived in the Cosby Creek area of Cocke Co, TN.They had at least six ch to incl Catherine: William; Elizabeth; Isaac; Nancy; and John J.John and Margaret ALLEN testified they were present at the marriage of Lydia and Benjamin B. COLEMAN, and that John ALLEN served with Benjamin COLEMAN in the War of 1812.

13. John LILLARD () was one of the publishers of the 1839 notice and may have been a family member.

13. John LILLARD () was one of the publishers of the 1839 notice and may have been a family member.

14. Abraham DENTON () was one of the publishers of the 1839 notice and may have been a family member.

14. Abraham DENTON () was one of the publishers of the 1839 notice and may have been a family member.

The above listing of children does not satisfy the family tradition of 6 sons and three daughters born in VA, and it includes others born in TN.More research is required to work out all details of this family.It has been assumed that Joseph was son of Leonard and Elizabeth HUFF of VA and Cocke Co, TN; but, so far, this is based only on proximity of the two in VA, and on family tradition.

The above listing of children does not satisfy the family tradition of 6 sons and three daughters born in VA, and it includes others born in TN.More research is required to work out all details of this family.It has been assumed that Joseph was son of Leonard and Elizabeth HUFF of VA and Cocke Co, TN; but, so far, this is based only on proximity of the two in VA, and on family tradition.

Huff lineage is Joseph and Elizabeth () of VA and TN; prob. Leonard and Elizabeth () of VA and TN;

Huff lineage is Joseph and Elizabeth () of VA and TN; prob. Leonard and Elizabeth () of VA and TN;

References for HuJ&E4, VA5, TN2, 3 Nov 1993:

References for HuJ&E4, VA5, TN2, 3 Nov 1993:

Bone, Shirt Tail Kin, pages 36-381.

Bone, Shirt Tail Kin, pages 36-381.

Records of Big Pigeon Baptist Church (Primitive).

Records of Big Pigeon Baptist Church (Primitive).

1771 Joseph Huff was on William Ingles' list of settlers who appeared to be at the head of Little River, Botetourt Co, VA, along with William HUff and Hercules Ogle.

1771 Joseph Huff was on William Ingles' list of settlers who appeared to be at the head of Little River, Botetourt Co, VA, along with William HUff and Hercules Ogle.

1782 Joseph Huff was on Botetourt Co, tax list for 400 acres, which he was also taxed for in 1783..One Joseph Huff was in Capt Eson's Company in 1782.This was 1st District.John and William Hungate were on the same list.

1782 Joseph Huff was on Botetourt Co, tax list for 400 acres, which he was also taxed for in 1783..One Joseph Huff was in Capt Eson's Company in 1782.This was 1st District.John and William Hungate were on the same list.

1783 Botetourt Co, VA.On 18 Apr Joseph Huff received 108 acres on Beaver Creek, and on 16 April another grant on West Fork of Little River, and on 7 July 47 acres on Little River.It is possible that these grants were to different persons named Joseph Huff.

1783 Botetourt Co, VA.On 18 Apr Joseph Huff received 108 acres on Beaver Creek, and on 16 April another grant on West Fork of Little River, and on 7 July 47 acres on Little River.It is possible that these grants were to different persons named Joseph Huff.

1787 Joseph Huff received NC land grant #534 on 20 Sep 1787 for military service warrant @1458.

1787 Joseph Huff received NC land grant #534 on 20 Sep 1787 for military service warrant @1458.1788 Montgomery Co, VA, Joseph HUFF sold land to William DEWEESE in 1788 which was located on Laurel Creek Branch of Little River.It cornered at a chesnut on a hill near a line of Leonard Hoof."By virture of part of a land office Treasure Warrant #1936 issued 26 Feb 1782, there is granted by the Commonwealth unto William DEWEESE 50 acres of land bearing survey date of 22 Apr 1782, as assignee of Joseph HOOF, assignee of Henry DEWESSE."" Surveyed for Joseph Hoof, assignee of Henry Deweese, part of State Land Warrent 10936 for 1000 acres, plated 12 Feb 1782, received 25 Oct 1787, grant issued 8 Jul 1788, recorded on page 423, signed Sam WALKER, County Surveyor."

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