Jacob Huffman

Notes:

Jacob Huffman
Son of Hannah E. Johnson
Original Pioneer of 1861
By Ellen Evelyn Huffman Johnson
Edited with additions by Kara Seager-Segalla, 1999
George R. Huffman and Hannah Johnson were married and lived in
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Jacob Huffman, first child of George and
Hannah Johnson, (the character of this history), was born in Waterloo
on the 28th day of August 1823. Later two daughters were born. Sarah
Ann was born July 5, 1827 in Bertie, Canada, and Eliza Jane was born
August 28, 1830.
When Jacob Huffman was only six years old, his father died on the 25th
day of January 1830, of what was called Mountain Fever. It was quite a
task to care for three small children alone, so about four years later
his mother, Hannah Johnson, married her second husband, a man named
John Wesley Wheaton, born in 1807. They were married about 1834 in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Two children were born of this marriage:
Hannah Elizabeth Wheaton, born February 11, 1835 in Toronto, Canada,
and Henry Wesley Wheaton, born on April 2, 1837 in Buffalo, New York.
Later John Wheaton died.
After Hannah's second husband's death, she married Conrad Staley, son
of Johann Jacob Staley and Marie Elizabeth House, in 1838 in Canada.
Mr. Staley was a widower with five children, ages 5 through 12:
Margaret, Sarah Ann, Merritt, Eliza and Chester. Hannah and Conrad
Staley had three children. Emma was born Feb. 10th, about 1839 in
Canada. John was born August 16, 1841 in Grand Island, Canada. Later
Conrad Hammel Staley was born Sept. 17, 1845 in Nauvoo, Illinois. The
family learned of the gospel and read the Book of Mormon, which
brought about their conversion. W.W. Phelps baptized Jacob Huffman a
member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was
about 19 years of age.
In 1843, Jacob Huffman married Margaret Staley, a daughter of Conrad,
in the state of New York. Jacob Huffman and Margaret Staley joined the
main body of the church in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, as did
his mother, Hannah, and family. On the 6th day of December 1845, their
first child, Hannah, was born in Nauvoo.
Joseph Smith had led his followers to a settlement on the Mississippi
River in Illinois in 1839. Smith named this town Nauvoo, or "the city
beautiful." He received from the Illinois state legislature a charter
which gave the city almost unlimited powers. The city grew rapidly and
schools were soon set up. The Mormons planned to build a university
and they also laid the foundation for a new temple. As Smith became
more powerful, his church became more unpopular. The nonmembers, or
"gentiles," as they were called, were jealous of the political power
of the Mormons and eventually drove them out of the city.
When the Nauvoo Temple was burned, Jacob Huffman succeeded in being
the first person to get a bucket of water, which he carried to the
second landing of the building. There he met Heber C. Kimball and
handed him the water, which was thrown on the fire. Jacob then ran
back for more water.
After the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo, Jacob Huffman with his wife moved
to Strington, Davis Co., Iowa. Jacob's mother, Hannah, and family
traveled to a settlement called Winter Quarters on the west side of
the Missouri River in Nebraska and eventually crossed the plains to
Utah. After moving to Davis Co., Iowa, Jacob and Margaret had their
first son, George, on the 1st of February 1848. A daughter, Harriet
Mariah, was born in Magnolia, Harrison Co., Iowa on Oct. 6, 1851.
Susan Alvira was also born in Magnolia, Iowa on Sept. 13, 1854.
In Harrison County, Iowa, Jacob Huffman became a very prosperous
farmer. He owned a grist mill and farm buildings that were considered
a model. When the Mormons began their trek Westward, Jacob was very
loath to leave his many fine possessions and a fine farm in Iowa to go
West on a hard and weary journey to an unknown desert. His wife,
however, strong in the faith, although poor in health, finally
persuaded him to go to Utah. She felt that she could not be happy
unless she died in "Zion". Jacob, therefore, disposed of his property
at a great loss. He took ample time, however, to prepare his outfit
and provisions for the journey.
Jacob Huffman and his family came with the Milo Andrus Company. This
company left Florence, Nebraska (formerly Winter Quarters) early in
July of 1861. The company consisted of 38 wagons and 620 people. Jacob
was said to have the best outfit in the company. He arranged to bring
as many of his possessions as he could that would help to make a home
in the new country. Among the things that were packed in his baggage
wagon were a black walnut four poster bed, another bed, a chest, a
lounge, rocking chair, a cook stove, together with bedding, cooking
utensils, and other household articles. Some of these articles were
almost considered luxuries in those days of pioneering.
For years after his arrival, there was never a day when bread wasn't
found baking in the oven constantly. Even the neighbors preferred to
take their bread to the Huffman stove, instead of using their own
fireplaces. He prepared to farm in this new land, bringing farm
implements and seed. He built cages on the back of his wagons to bring
chickens. His animals consisted of oxen and mule teams; he also
brought several milk cows, which were milked morning and night. The
cream was taken off and placed in a churn and put on the back of the
threshing machine. Every night a nice lump of butter was taken out,
which was eaten and also used for cooking. The buttermilk was used for
making biscuits. Milo Adrus, captain of the company, used to make it a
point to be around in time for some of those biscuits, and
incidentally some of the other parts of the meal which was far more
sumptuous than most of the other emigrants could provide.
In addition to his baggage outfit, Jacob had a carriage or rig in
which his wife and family rode. His wife was in poor health, but Jacob
arranged a feather bed in the carriage for her to lie upon. She stood
the journey remarkably well.
Jacob Huffman acted as chief doctor and surgeon in route, attending to
and treating those who were ill in the company. One lady had the
misfortune to break her leg. Jacob set the bone and the lady was
forced to spend the remainder of the trip lying in a wagon. He never
knew how successful his treatment had been on her leg, as it was not
entirely healed when the company was disbanded in Salt Lake City.
Years after, he was surprised when a woman in a crowd of people came
up to him and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was
the woman whose leg he had set while crossing the plains. She was so
glad to show her appreciation for his kindness, patience and
tenderness towards her in her affliction.
The Indians caused quite some concern to this company while in route.
Jacob Huffman was noted for his tact and diplomacy in dealing with the
Indians, thus maintaining peace. On one occasion a small group of
Indians came into their camp, while the company stopped for the
evening. One young fellow in the company had a shotgun. Apparently
desiring a target, he shot a squaw who was sitting on a log, to the
horror and sorrow of his elders and those in charge of the company.
The next day the entire tribe swept down upon the company seeking
revenge and threatening to wipe out the company, unless the murderer
was turned over to them. To save the company, the boy was surrendered.
The Indians took him some distance away and literally skinned him
alive, forcing his father to watch the terrible execution. A creek
there became known as Raw Hide Creek, named from this incident.
The company arrived in Salt Lake City on the 12th of July 1861. Jacob
Huffman proceeded to Coalville, Summit County, Utah, where his mother,
Hannah Johnson and some of her other children had settled. After his
arrival, he would send his mule teams with food and provisions back to
Ft. Bridger and sometimes as far as Fort Laramie to assist oncoming
emigrant trains.
Jacob Huffman's wife, Margaret Staley, died the following year on the
19th of November 1862 at the age of 36 in Coalville. She is buried in
the Coalville Cemetery, Section B, block 20, lot 2, grave 2. Two years
later, Jacob married Elizabeth Rebecca Frisby on Dec. 13, 1864 and ten
children were born to them. Margaret Elizabeth was born 19 Oct. 1865.
Sarah Ann, named after Jacob's sister, was born 20 Nov. 1867. May was
born 13 Dec. 1868. Jacob William was born 6 April 1871. Joseph Henry
was born 28 May 1873. Eliza Jane, named after Jacob's sister, was born
12 July 1875. All of these children were born in Coalville, Utah.
Emily Percilla was born 4 Jan. 1878. Gertrude Vilate was born 2 Jan.
1880. John Franklin was born 24 Sept. 1882. Lola Bernetta was born 13
Nov. 1883 and died as an infant on 23 Nov. 1883. All of these children
were born in Upton, Summit Co., Utah.
Jacob Huffman served in the Summit County militia during the Ute Black
Hawk War of 1865 and 1868. He held public office, being chosen as
selectman on Sept. 18, 1864 and again on July 24, 1865. He also was
Justice of the Peace for some time. He was active in religious
circles, being a member of the High Council of Summit Stake. He was
skilled in the trades, owning the first blacksmith shop in town. He
was also a carpenter, helping to build the first meeting house in
Coalville. He established a sawmill in Echo Canyon about 20 miles
North of Coalville, which he operated for many years. Then he moved it
to the East fork of Chalk Creek. It is said that he gave far more
lumber away than he sold. He also had the distinction of being the
first dentist in Coalville. His equipment consisted of a set of dental
forceps and lances. It was always "good-bye tooth" once Jacob or
"Jake" got hold of it. He was the official tooth extractor of the
countryside for some time.
He lived in Coalville for about eleven years, owning considerable
property, but the lure of a large farm caused him to move up to what
is known as the South fork of Chalk Creek. He had always taken pride
in owning and keeping a large farm, and his trades as blacksmith and
carpenter helped him in building and running his farm. He raised all
of the farm products and was an exceptionally good gardener. He raised
strawberries, red and black currants, goose berries, apples and plums.
He was school trustee for the town of Upton, Utah for many years.
While he had never had any educational opportunities, he was a great
reader, reading every possible book and paper he could find. He
enjoyed reading and was well versed on many subjects.
Jacob Huffman was known far and wide for his generosity and
hospitality. A stranger was always welcome within his home, and there
was always room for an extra plate at the table and a night's lodging
for those who desired it. He was always charitable, giving always with
a free heart in a quiet way to those in need. The receiver, in many
cases, never knew who the giver was.
Jacob Huffman died August 22, 1899 in Upton, Utah at the age of 76. He
is buried in the Coalville City Cemetery, section B, block 20, lot 2,
grave 1. In the Deseret News printed August 23, 1899, the following
was printed: "Jacob Huffman, an old resident of the County, and a man
universally known and respected throughout the State, died at Upton,
Utah last night. He was born at Waterloo, Canada, August 28, 1823. He
embraced the faith in Nauvoo in 1845. Jacob Huffman was the man who
loaded the wagon with flour for President Young at the time of the
departure from Nauvoo, which was made a present to him. History speaks
of this event, but does not give the name of the man who made the
present. He came to Coalville in 1861 and was a member of the High
Council; he was very prominent in religious circles. He leaves 12
children, 45 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. His posterity
today numbers in the hundreds, and he will always be remembered as a
man of courage and skill, charitable and progressive; a real pioneer,
Jacob Huffman."
For the complete history on Jacob's mother, Hannah Johnson, and her
children see her history by Kara Seager-Segalla.
There is a very large framed photo of Jacob Huffman hanging on the
wall at the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum in Coalville, Utah.
Some of his tools are on display there also.
Concerning Jacob Huffman's children through Margaret Staley:
Hannah Huffman married Edmond Eldredge on Jan. 24, 1863. She died July
17, 1907 at the age of 61 in Coalville, Utah and is buried there in
section B, block 22, lot 1, grave 2.
George Huffman married Ellen Mariah Martha Wilde on Nov. 3, 1867. They
had eight children, Sarah Margaret, Ada Jane, Ellen Evelyn, Louisa
Almina, George Henry, Jacob Joseph, Cora Inez, and William Thomas.
George died May 16th, 1887 in Evanston, Wyoming at the age of 39.
George is buried in Coalville, Utah, section B, block 9, lot 3, grave
1, next to his wife, Ellen.
Harriet Mariah Huffman married Joshua Wiseman of Pennsylvania on Oct.
31, 1868. They had seven children, Augusta Hannah, Elnora Margaret,
Jacob Lamont, Franklin Joshua, Sarah Susan, Florence Harriet and Lida
Erleen. Harriet died Nov. 27, 1920 at the age of 68 in Provo, Utah and
is buried in Coalville, Utah, section C, block 11, lot 3, grave 2,
next to her husband, Joshua.
Susan Alvira Huffman married Edward Henry Rhead of England on Jan. 27,
1873. They had twelve children: Vivian Alvira, Margaret Eliza, Olive
Erlene, Edward Huffman, Hannah Elizabeth, Harriet Elsie, Sarah Inez,
Mary Lewis, Parley Huffman, James Huffman, William Huffman, and May.
Susan died May 23, 1936 at the age of 81 in Price, Utah and is buried
in Coalville, Utah, section B, block 4, lot 1, grave 2, next to her
husband, Edward.
Concerning Jacob Huffman's children through Elizabeth Rebecca Frisby:
Margaret Elizabeth Huffman married Samuel Haslem on July 20, 1887.
They had two sons, Samuel and Jack. Margaret died Nov. 3, 1955 in
Jensen, Utah.
Sarah Ann Huffman died Sept 10, 1944 at the age of 76, and is buried
in the Coalville cemetery, section B, block 20, lot 2, grave 7.
May Huffman married Alfred Lawrence Blondquist of Sweden. She died
March 16, 1948 at the age of 79 and is buried in the Coalville
cemetery, section C, block 14, lot 1, grave 3, next to her husband,
Alfred.
Jacob William married Elizabeth Swainson on June 15, 1897. He died
June 22, 1943.
Joseph Henry Huffman married Annie Underwood on June 1, 1900. He died
Feb. 27, 1909 at the age of 35 and is buried in the Coalville
cemetery, section B, block 20, lot 1, grave 1.
Eliza Jane Huffman married Aaron Densley on July 26, 1900. They had
seven children, including Aaron Lynn, Eliza Elna, Willard Leroy and
Joseph Leverl. Eliza Jane died Oct. 20, 1946 in S.L.C., Utah and is
buried in Riverton, Utah.
Emily Percilla Huffman married Moses Densley on Sept. 21. 1898. They
had nine children, including Mildred, Clifton Moses and Elmo Huffman.
Emily died July 24, 1957 in Riverton, Utah, where she is buried.
Gertrude Vilate Huffman married William Bagnell on Sept 21, 1898. She
died Aug. 26, 1968 at the age of 88 in Bountiful, Utah and is buried
in Coalville, Utah, section D, block 5, lot 1, grave 7.
John Franklin Huffman married Mary Elizabeth Wilson on May 12, 1908.
He married second, Matilda Hart on March 9, 1951. John died Dec. 6,
1964 in Boise, Idaho.
Lola Bernetta Huffman, as mentioned previously, died in infancy.
Reference sources:
1. www.familysearch.org
2. History of Hannah Johnson Staley by Gertrude S. Payne.
3. History of Hannah Johnson Staley by Inez Rhead Allen.
4. The Story of Sarah Ann Huffman Pitkin compiled by Susan LaNez
Pitkin Cragun, her granddaughter, on May 1960.
5. Coalville cemetery records.
6. Pedigree sheet on Jacob Huffman and Elizabeth Rebecca Frisby by
Howard Blonquist.

Jacob married Margaret Staley in 1843 in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. Margaret (daughter of Conrad Staley and Hannah Tripp) was born on 04 Jun 1826 in Gerry, Chautauqua County, New York; died on 20 Nov 1862 in Coalville, Summit County, Utah. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]