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Slavery in the Family

Posted in Family Biographies/Histories, and Genealogy and History

Last updated on March 4, 2013

Johnson Franklin Cunningham and Amos Blakey Cunningham, 1951

Rod Stewart said, “Every picture tells a story, don’t it?” Furthermore, the cliché goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, the axioms must be true. This picture was taken at a Cunningham Family Reunion in Oglethorpe County, Georgia in 1951. The man on the right is my great-great-grandfather Amos Blakey Cunningham. He was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia in 1871, but his family moved to Texas in about 1880. He went back to Georgia for the first time on the occasion of this reunion. It was the first time he’d seen his sister Lizzie Burkhalter since the family left for Texas.

The man on the left is Johnson Franklin Cunningham. He was named for Amos’s father, Johnson Franklin Cunningham. He was born in about 1868, also in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, to former slaves named James and Charlotte Cunningham. I believe that James Cunningham had been owned by Amos’s father, and I feel quite certain that Charlotte was. I posted about some of my findings previously, so I won’t duplicate the entire post here. I have always been told by Amos’s grandchildren, including my grandfather and his cousin Mary Elder, that when they were little, the two men in the picture were playmates.

News broke recently that due to research efforts by Megan Smolenyak, Reverend Al Sharpton’s roots may be traced to a slave owned by relatives of Strom Thurmond. I found the story very interesting. I would like to find out what happened to the descendents of slaves owned by my own family, but I’m not sure how to go about it. First of all, the issue is sensitive, and rightly so, and I don’t want to offend anyone. Secondly, records are so sketchy, even after the Civil War.

My husband recently had to go to school to deal with a discipline issue regarding our kindergartner, Maggie. Her principal’s name is Mr. Huff, but he is a tall, distinguished African American. Apparently at one point, Steve and Mr. Huff broached the awkwardnes of the situation, and my husband asked Mr. Huff where his family was from. Mr. Huff told Steve, “Actually, my great-great-grandfather was white.” Steve replied, “Well, knowing my family, who knows?”

I would like to invite anyone who believes they have traced a connection to any of the lines I’m researching to contact me.

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167 Comments

  1. ellen redd
    ellen redd

    I TOO AM A DESCENDANT OF THE HUFF FAMILY LINEAGE.
    MY GRANDMOTHERS FATHER WAS JAMES HENRY HUFF FROM CHATENOOGA TENNESSEE. I DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHERE HE WAS BORN BUT WAS SAID TO BE IN GEORGIA WHERE THEY HAD THE BATTLE.

    THE MOST I COULD FIND WAS A FEW NAMES THATR I PRINTED FROM A WEBSITE. BUT I THINK GOING TO ANCESTRY WILL HELP ME FIND OUT MORE. IF THERE IS SOME WAY YOU COULD TELL ME HOW I COULD SEARCH PLACES I WOULD APPRECIATE THE HELP. MY GRANDMOTHERS FAMILY WERE SLAVE OWNERS AS WELL.

    February 28, 2007
    |Reply
    • Ellen, the Huffs who married into my family in the early 1800’s were from Oglethorpe Co., and my husband’s family, as far as I know, is not from the Chattanooga area. They lived in Williamson Co, closer to Nashville. Ancestry.com is a really good place to start. There were quite a few battles in Georgia — do you know whereabouts?

      January 3, 2009
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      • Hi my grandmother was a huff who lived in manchester ga

        May 1, 2014
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        • Diane
          Diane

          What was your grandmothers full name. I have info on the Huff’s of Pike & Meriwether Counties.

          August 26, 2014
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          • johnny tuck
            johnny tuck

            Hi’ this is Johnny tuck sorry it took so long but my grandmothers full name was sally Mae huff from Manchester Ga.

            February 16, 2016
          • Formerly a Huff
            Formerly a Huff

            Id like info on the Manchester ga huffs please my email is loyalenh@yahoo.com

            April 16, 2017
          • Justin
            Justin

            My great grandmothers name was sally mae Huff, I live in Henry county Georgia, but I’m not sure where she was from.

            October 31, 2022
      • Debra Horton
        Debra Horton

        Hi Dana,
        Currently, I am doing some genealogical research for an individual who is in the direct lineage of James M. Huff or Oglethorpe, Georgia. Her ancestors remained in Oglethorpe after emancipation. Her link is through her mother. I will post additional information as soon as I arrange my data. Thanks for your posting. I’m super excited about the former enslaved Mary and her descendants.

        August 17, 2017
        |Reply
        • That would be great. Weird coincidence because Huff is my married name, but the Oglethorpe Huffs are relatives of mine (not relatives of my husband), as they married into my Cunningham/Anthony family from Oglethorpe County.

          August 25, 2017
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          • Buffie
            Buffie

            Hello Dana,, just found this site looking for info on another family… I am not directly related to the Huffs, but have a great uncle who married into that family in Oglethorpe GA. A number of families including Huffs, McMahans, Stokelys, and Hopkins moved to Oglethorpe GA in the late 1860s. Most of them were prosperous families who had previously lived in East TN and were supporters of the Confederacy. East TN became pretty uncomfortable for former rebels after the war ended. If you are looking for ancestry of Oglethorpe Huffs you might find lots of relatives in Cocke County, TN or right across the state line in Western NC.

            September 10, 2017
    • Leshawn Isom Ross
      Leshawn Isom Ross

      I did the census An this family was in it My last name is Isom my dad is a Isom his Dad john isom TN. His mother name was Charrity isum they spelled her last name wrong on the census

      September 28, 2018
      |Reply
    • Tamise Jones
      Tamise Jones

      Good luck with ancestry because none of this side of my family came up when mu cousin did it. Just that we are 1% German but no names

      October 4, 2021
      |Reply
  2. Terri Beeler
    Terri Beeler

    I am interested in any further information on the African American connection I the Blackwater, VA and Tennessee area in the early and mid 1800’s. Any one who may have a connection, their information would be very much appreciated.

    September 4, 2007
    |Reply
  3. […] This picture features Johnson Franklin Cunningham (left) and my gg-grandfather Amos Blakey Cunningham (right).  Johnson Franklin Cunningham is named for Amos’s father.  The two men played together as boys before Amos and his family moved to Texas around 1880.  It was interesting for me to learn more about Johnson Franklin Cunningham and his own family.  I’m not sure what this picture says, but I am drawn to it.  It was taken at a Cunningham family reunion in the 1950’s.  It was featured on my February post “Slavery in the Family.” […]

    February 9, 2008
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  4. sharryn clark
    sharryn clark

    I live in SC there are a number of folks searching descedands of slaves owned by their families. Middleton family of Summerville, SC. Wm Gilmore Simms family. Edward Ball of the Ball family, in fact he wrote “Slaves in the Family” “Sweet Hell Inside” about the slave holding Ball family and the current generation of the Ball slaves. A google search should provide contacts, who have experience in this research.

    March 1, 2008
    |Reply
  5. Charles Huff
    Charles Huff

    The Huff’s that happen to be African American, may be able to trace their ancestry to Charles Hoff/Huff who is buried in Vesta in Oglethorpe County. He was the brother of My GGGG-grandfather, John Peter Huff, and my GGGGG-Grandfather Robert. He lived with a slave lady before the war and fathered many children with her, after the war they stayed together. He willed his land to his sons, but it was contested. It went before the Ga. Supreme Court and the will was withheld. I live in Athens, and meet many of my ancestors everyday. I love all my brothers and sisters be they of darker hue than myself or not. But I dare not tell them what I know… If you’ve watched the “African American Experience” on PBS, actor organ Freeman had a family linages the same as I have mentioned here above.. It appears “marriages” like these were more common than we think.

    April 5, 2008
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    • Kandie Huff
      Kandie Huff

      My family name is Huff. I am african american. My grandfather met my grandmother in Tx. Im very interestes in finding out if our lineage started in Ga.

      December 30, 2013
      |Reply
    • Yvonne Robertson
      Yvonne Robertson

      Hello Steve.

      Please contact me I too an a descendant of Peter Huff frorm Oglethorpe, Georgia. My email is yvonne_rbrtsn@yahoo.com.

      September 28, 2015
      |Reply
    • Linda J Lomax C/O Harvey McDaniel
      Linda J Lomax C/O Harvey McDaniel

      Charles,why sure you are right. My parents seem to be ashamed of their :(,therefore not telling us of their moms or dad’s. I have begun a search of my dad’s lineage,Herman Huff is all I have, born in Georgia,near a mountain,mom was indian. Never had info on who his dad was. Thank you for your sentiment. My hubby encourages me to have a DNA test done, ever had the test?

      April 29, 2016
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    • Yvonne Robertson
      Yvonne Robertson

      I too have Huff relatives from Oglethorpe. We might be related. Reply back so we can chat.

      Yvonne Robertson

      February 14, 2020
      |Reply
    • Cheryl CobbinAdams
      Cheryl CobbinAdams

      I am the gggrandaughter of Lott Huff and Candice Gunter . i believe they were held by Green Huff . Any information you have would be appreciated thanks

      March 1, 2021
      |Reply
    • Tamise Jones
      Tamise Jones

      I think I have ties back to the Huff family. William and Jane Huff. Birth Camilla Huff who was my grandmothers grandmother. Had birth to Mary Julia Sandford Dennis. My gradmothers mothter who had 8 children.

      October 4, 2021
      |Reply
    • Tamise Jones
      Tamise Jones

      My great grandfather Sammie Dennis was the son of Camilla Huff. Sorry my grandmother is just telling us this so I got a little cofused but im back on track.

      October 4, 2021
      |Reply
  6. Laura Redford
    Laura Redford

    I just thought you would like to know that I have seen a slave collar with the name jim Cunningham on it and below was the name ogden, I am assuming that the ogden name is the slaves name.
    I am searching for a time and place of this collar.
    Maybe we can help each other.
    Thank you
    Laura

    May 5, 2008
    |Reply
    • Dondrae Cunningham
      Dondrae Cunningham

      Wow, i know im late but my last name is cunningham, born in texas , and im african american and the whole collar part shocked me so much i had to comment. im sorry

      February 1, 2017
      |Reply
      • Dear Dondrea Cunningham,
        And anyone else with Cunningham family line.
        I have done a DNA lest and my mother who is Afro-Carribean bears the surname Cunningham we had actually has a DNA match the the Scottish Cunningham lords I have been able to trace back to 10th century(Wernebald Cunninghame, 1st Lord of Kilmaurs) I started at Alexander Cunningham lord of Scotland. If you have a my heritage account. My tree is Cunningham and knight family tree.

        February 25, 2018
        |Reply
  7. Barry Huff
    Barry Huff

    My Gt. Gt. Grandfather William Huff and two generations before him were slave owners in Goose Creek, I dont know the surnames now of there slaves. But in the will of his grandfather Thomas Burbage of Wassamassaw SC, he is given a boy Bill in 1843. My Gt. Grandfather John Justus Huff, Williams son married a Lizzie Driggers of Berkeley SC whose blood line was tri-racial steming from Manuel Driggus a Bantu Angolian set free in Virginia in mid 1600s. the family move south to NC and then SC in mid 1700s and settled as farmers and cattleman. up to 1840s my Driggers family were counted as free people of color and some even held slaves themselves. there were names given to the Driggers and other family kin of the same mix in the 1800s and up to 1900s in parts of Goose Creek and Summerville SC, Summerville Indians and Brass Ankles.

    June 4, 2008
    |Reply
    • I have taken forever to reply, and I’m sorry about that Barry! It sounds like your Goose Creek Huffs are the ones connected to my own family (not my husband’s, who as far as I know are a different branch). I had indirect ancestor who married into the Oglethorpe Co. Huffs. There is a narrative by a woman named Easter Huff who was a former slave on the Oglethorpe Gen Web site.

      January 3, 2009
      |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Dana JF Cunningham Plantation is the plantation my 4 x great grandmother
        Martha Clemons was an enslaved Woman. She gave birth to several children on that Plantation. The birth ledger from the 1850’s.documenting those births are in the Georgia State Archives.
        This Clemons line is the family of my paternal grandfather. His paternal grandmother mother’s people.

        I am also interested in the Huff line. That is my paternal grandmother’s – paternal grandmother’s line. (Her father’s- mother Catherine Huff was the daughter of a German Overseer and an Enslaved African West Indian Mulatto Women ” Jane’ .
        They were on the Humble or Hubble Plantation. After leaving another plantation.
        Please email me. You can find me on WordPress. Huff Arnold Reeves Milledgeville etc.

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
        • Connie
          Connie

          He just had a family reunion for the Huff, Arnold and Reeves family line. We would like to find out more information on William and Jane. I remember hearing about the Humble plantation. If anyone has any info, please share. Thanks!

          July 17, 2017
          |Reply
          • Tamise Jones
            Tamise Jones

            I think I have ties back to the Huff family. William and Jane Huff. Birth Camilla Huff who was my grandmothers grandmother. Had birth to Mary Julia Sandford Dennis. My gradmothers mothter who had 8 children.

            October 4, 2021
          • Tamise Jones
            Tamise Jones

            My great grandfather Sammie Dennis was the son of Camilla Huff. Sorry my grandmother is just telling us this so I got a little cofused but im back on track.

            October 4, 2021
        • Frances Arnold-Newlin
          Frances Arnold-Newlin

          I am also a descendant of William and Jane Huff. Their daughter Catherine was my great-great grandmother. You can reach me at chemarie204@aol.com.

          July 19, 2017
          |Reply
          • Tamise Jones
            Tamise Jones

            I think I have ties back to the Huff family. William and Jane Huff. Birth Camilla Huff who was my grandmothers grandmother. Had birth to Mary Julia Sandford Dennis. My gradmothers mothter who had 8 children. My grandmother is from Milliageville GA

            October 4, 2021
          • Tamise Jones
            Tamise Jones

            I think I have ties back to the Huff family. William and Jane Huff. Birth Camilla Huff who was my grandmothers grandmother. Had birth to Sammie Dennis her son who married Mary Julia Sandford Dennis. My gradmothers mothter who had 8 children.

            October 4, 2021
        • nichole huff
          nichole huff

          Hello have you found this info already? I have a Catherine Huff in my tree born to George and Unity Huff in 1834. My GGG grandmother, Missouri Huff (name may have been changed from Jane to Missouri) was sold to George by Moses Hobbs in 1845. https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/tree/161473057/family?cfpid=292108811840 if you have found something, may we share with each other please

          November 5, 2021
          |Reply
    • Yvonne Robertson
      Yvonne Robertson

      Hello Barry, Please contact me I too an a descendant of the Huff ‘s from Oglethorpe, Grove Creek, Georgia. My email is yvonne_rbrtsn@yahoo.com.

      September 29, 2015
      |Reply
  8. Tara
    Tara

    I am looking for any infomation on any Huffs. My GG Grandmother was Tiny (Huff) Wells her husband was Loss Wells of Georgia. My GGG Grandmother was Maudy Huff not sure of her maiden name or her husband name. But I’ve manage to trace my family back to 1850 by the date of birth, but I’m still in search.
    Thanks, Tara

    June 6, 2008
    |Reply
  9. Janae
    Janae

    Well I am the 5th generation descendent of William Huff (a German Plantation overseer) and Jane (a West Indian born slave). William and Jane started their family in Putnam County, Georgia and moved to Baldwin County, Georgia where they continued to raise their 14 children. Their 14 children are Albert, Catherine, Charlie, Polly, Pinkey, Delois, Louis, John, Nancy, Ella, William, Susan, Julia, and Camilla. Catherine Huff-Arnold is my Grt. Grt. Grt. grandmother. Catherine Huff then married and had son named Tom Arnold who married Rosetta Reeves Arnold and had a daughter Fleta Arnold Lewis who was my Grt grandmother who is originally from Mildgeville, Georgia.

    For over 20 yrs there has been a Huff-Reeves-Arnold Family reunion that is held bi-annually around the U.S. We are in the process of planning the 2009 Family reunion which will be held in New Jersey. I do not know if these are the Huffs you are looking for but there is a website for the Family reunion.

    Hope this helps.

    August 9, 2008
    |Reply
    • juana
      juana

      i am doing family research and my ancestors the Huffs according to my aunt were the children of a german(jew)whose name might have been Huffman/Hoffman and he had children by a west indian slave.Polly their daughter may be my ggg grandmother.

      September 3, 2010
      |Reply
      • Frances Arnold-Newlin
        Frances Arnold-Newlin

        I am Janae’s cousin. My great-grandmother was Catherine Huff (Polly Huff’s older sister). Tell me more about your ggg grandmother Polly. Who did she marry and what were her children’s names?

        February 2, 2011
        |Reply
      • Frances Arnold-Newlin
        Frances Arnold-Newlin

        I am a descendant of a Catherine Huff whose father was a German overseer and whose mother’s name was Jane, a west Indian slave. Catherine was my grt-grandmother. She had a sister named Polly.

        July 19, 2017
        |Reply
        • Joey Huff
          Joey Huff

          Hey Francis, I believe I am also a descendant of William & Jane by way of their son Charles (Charley). Would love to get more info that isn’t contained on a forum if you have it on either of the two. Really interested in finding out more about Jane and her ethnic ancestry.

          June 12, 2019
          |Reply
          • Frances Newlin
            Frances Newlin

            I found Jane’s death certificate! Her last name was Ingram.

            May 30, 2021
    • Star
      Star

      5th generation right here! My Grandmother is Arlene Huff..she’s the daughter of Howard “Pete” Huff and Mildred Coles!

      April 18, 2012
      |Reply
      • Star
        Star

        Oops! I meant 6th generation. My apologies!

        April 18, 2012
        |Reply
        • Delvenia
          Delvenia

          Hi Star,
          I haven’t been on this website for years but I was so…happy to see that you are the granddaughter of Arlene who I called Aunt Doll. Aunt Doll (Arlene) is the sister of my mom Beatrice Huff Threeths and their dad is Pete Huff.
          Who are your parents? 🙂 My name is Delvenia Threeths Fairbanks and my nickname is Deany.

          March 29, 2013
          |Reply
          • Star
            Star

            Nice to meet you Deany! So glad to hear from family! I was just looking at a picture of my grandmother and her sisters (my dad received the picture after she passed). My parents are GiGi and Darryl Thomas. Hope to hear back soon!

            January 8, 2015
      • Narda
        Narda

        Hello to you both, I am so happy to read your post. I am Arlene’s daughter so Star you would be my neice and Deany my cousin. I have been researching my lineage and it seems to end at Howard Huff and Mildred Coles. If you should find additional information about either of them, please post it. It’s so wonderful to know you are there and related to me.

        May 16, 2014
        |Reply
        • Anisa
          Anisa

          Hello, I stumbled upon this site by accident when I was looking up basketball information on my uncle. I am the granddaughter of Beatrice (Huff) Threeths. My mother is Lenore, her daughter, and Delvenia is my aunt Deany. Aunt Doll (Arlene) is my great aunt.

          August 15, 2014
          |Reply
          • Star
            Star

            Hi Anisa..Arlene is my grandmother,so that makes us cousins! Nice to meet you! Hope to hear back soon!

            January 8, 2015
        • Star
          Star

          Narda? Doesn’t ring a bell..but my research on my grandmother’s family has led me all the way back to Germany though

          January 8, 2015
          |Reply
        • Sheryl Huff Hernandez
          Sheryl Huff Hernandez

          Nadra, my name is Sheryl Huff, my father was Kenneth Huff Sr, my brother Kenneth (kenny-boo), passed away in 2012. My mother name was Bertha(2006) from Virginia. I spoke with aunt Charmaine sometime ago, would love to get in contact Darlene, Simone, Tammy,and Shelia also my other brothers and sisters. Facebook me please

          July 19, 2015
          |Reply
        • Delvenia Fairbanks
          Delvenia Fairbanks

          Narda, what is your email? I have our Huff line back to Hough

          January 25, 2023
          |Reply
    • bryan huff
      bryan huff

      hello my names is bryan huff and my family comes out of stateboro ga my granddad an mama moved to burke county ga as well we are that set of huffs that you talk of

      October 17, 2014
      |Reply
      • Yvonne Robertson
        Yvonne Robertson

        Hi, my great great grandfather was Austin Huff, who lived in. Grove Creek. My research leads me to believe that his father was Richard Huff and a slave. Richards ancestors were from the Netherlands. Looking for more information on then. My email is yvonne_rbrtsn@yahoo.com.

        April 30, 2015
        |Reply
    • Tamise Jones
      Tamise Jones

      Omg, I think I have ties back to the Huff family. William and Jane Huff. Birth Camilla Huff who was my grandmothers grandmother. Had birth to Sammue Dennis who married to Mary Julia Sandford Dennis. My gradmothers mothter who had 8 children. My cousins ancestry came up 1% German. My grandmother is from Milliageville. Hello family.😁

      October 4, 2021
      |Reply
  10. My advice, if you have any records that indicates slaves, post them online. As an African-american, finding these records are difficult. Many white families probably have them in their collections and not sure about what to do with them.

    November 23, 2008
    |Reply
    • michael
      michael

      hello i have ancestors by the name sandrus spence and seeking distant relatives email me 2b2real@gmail.com thank you

      October 15, 2010
      |Reply
  11. That’s a very good point. I think it’s most likely done out of a sense of some shame or embarrassment over the actions of our ancestors in addition to not knowing what to do with them, but you are very correct in that finding the records, online or elsewhere, is often difficult.

    November 23, 2008
    |Reply
  12. Cydney
    Cydney

    I am also a descendant from a slave (Janny) and a white slave master whose surname was Huff. I would appreciate any information you have regarding the family.

    January 3, 2009
    |Reply
    • VLM
      VLM

      Dana JF Cunningham Plantation is the plantation my 4 x great grandmother
      Martha Clemons was an enslaved Woman. She gave birth to several children on that Plantation. The birth ledger from the 1850’s.documenting those births are in the Georgia State Archives.
      This Clemons line is the family of my paternal grandfather. His paternal grandmother mother’s people.

      I am also interested in the Huff line. That is my paternal grandmother’s – paternal grandmother’s line. (Her father’s- mother Catherine Huff was the daughter of a German Overseer and an Enslaved African West Indian Mulatto Women ” Jane’ .
      They were on the Humble or Hubble Plantation. After leaving another plantation.
      Please email me. You can find me on WordPress. Huff Arnold Reeves Milledgeville etc.

      January 19, 2017
      |Reply
  13. jamah
    jamah

    i want to no about my family line im young and wonna no more but im having trouble looking for what i need to no about the slaves in my family i wonna no wat other races were allegged in my familyy

    January 11, 2009
    |Reply
    • Jamah, the first place to start is to interview the oldest members of your family — your grandparents and great-grandparents (if you have them). They can tell you a great deal. After you have learned as much as you can from them, you might want to check out genealogy sites online or visit your library to see if they are able to help. Good luck!

      January 11, 2009
      |Reply
  14. TYMC
    TYMC

    I am looking to find information about part of my family. I am the descendant of an enslaved woman named Lula Huff, I do know she was from North Carolina and I was wondering if anyone knew off Huffs in that area or where I could find more information.

    April 13, 2009
    |Reply
  15. Vee
    Vee

    As stated above by one of my nieces the Putnam county Baldwin County Huffs are the descendants of Wiliam Huff a German who settled here in Georgia after the Spanish American War sometime about 1848. He came with a friend Charlie Humble and settled on the Humble family plantation. He was an overseer and he developed a relationship with one of the African West Indian slaves named Jane. The customs of the time would not allow for their to be a legalized marriage but Jane became William’s companion. William Huff left the Humble plantation and he an Jane became the parents of fourteen children. William Huff and Jane Huff their first three children were born in Putnam County. Albert, Catherine, ( who is my great great grandmother who was married to a Native Cherokee Edlar Aleck Arnold) Louis were born in Putnam County. William acquired land in Baldwin County and became a farmer, Delois, Ella, Nancy,Susan, Johnny, Charlie, Pinkey, Julia, Polly, Willie, and Camilla were born in Baldwin County near a town that would eventually be the site of our family roots Milledgeville Georgia. thus the Huff Legacy begins. the1870 census in Meriweather County of Georgia clearly shows William Huff living in residence with Jane and their fourteen children. He is listed as White and she is listed as Black and sometimes mulatoo same with the children interestingly Jane is also listed as his wife on this census. Section for this census of 1870 have numerous residences listed with many inhabitants and in all the residences on this section everyone is listed as Black or Mulatoo with the exception of William Huff he is the only white mand listed in this area on this census. there are no white women nor white children either, although in later census Jane and her children are listed as white but they were not. There is an extensive forty two page plus family registery that gives the names of all the children and the descendants of the union of William Huff and Jane Huff. we are in Buffaloo New York New Jersey Atlanta Detroit, Chicago Pittsburgh Philadelphia, Cincinnatti, Arizonia, California, St. Louis, we span the continental USA and abroad since we have ancestors on distanct shores. The grandson of William Huff and Jane that would be the son of Catherine Huff Arnold and Edlar Arnold, Tom Arnold married a woman named Rosetta Reeves, her mother Carolyn Duval Reeves was the daughter of Thom and EMily Duval French Creole from Louisiana. Emily Duvals maiden name was Jones she was the daughter of Sophia Jones and the sister of one Peter Jones. The wife of Tom Arnold Rosetta Reeves Arnold her fathers People were called Reeves her daddy was Spencser Reeves from the Meriwether Baldwin County of Georgia later known as Milledgeville. Spenser Reeves and His brothers who were many raised large families with many male children many of whom were named after their ancestors as Spense ,Singelton or Sidney Reeves. this is only a small view of a family legacy that we have traced back before slavery and we have even been able to identify individuals somewhat on the slave schedules, We are proud to have always been keepers of our family legacy. My grandmother and one of her sisters were true to the African Griot tradition they remembered all matter of things in relation to their family history and being the first born grandchild and very close to my grandmother I knew the stories inside out and the lineage all committed to memory. with the advent of computer access it has made it easy to trace and find the census reports that clearly confirm the oral history. The only problem is when you lood for the 1890 census they are non existant due to a fire which destroyed the archival area where they were stored. good look as you look up your ancestors Ashe Ashe, for me this has been the empowerment to challenge the world who would want to take away the names and language and land and family of a people. Knowing my family and knowing that God has called us by name not in anonymity has made all the difference in my life of holy boldness
    the great great great grand daughter of Jane and William Huff, great great grand daughter of Catherine Huff Arnold and Edlar Aleck Arnold and great grand of Rosetta(Duval)Reeves Arnold and Tom Arnold grand of Fleta and Orian, and the first born of their first born and my mother whose legacy is equally illustrious and as lengthy but from the shores of the Gullah Geechie clans of South Carolina the Jones who arrived in St Stephen from Barbados and the Rivers who owned land along the Santee River before the building of the dam, when the Town Trial existed .

    June 28, 2009
    |Reply
    • Rosa Dawson
      Rosa Dawson

      I read all of the post and your Blog, I was wondering if you could cantact the writer listed as Vee, and give her my email address. I am also searching the Baldwin county Reeves and was trying to get back past an Arthur Reeves, his death record did not list parent,Any information would be appreciated.
      This is a wonderful blog and I am sure you have helped people who would have never found info on their ancestors May you continue to be blessed as you bless others.
      Rosa

      August 17, 2011
      |Reply
      • Helen hodges
        Helen hodges

        My family is the Reeves family from Sparta and Sandersville . Trying to find some information on my grandfather. Do not know who is parents and sibling are. His name is Ivy or Ivey Reeves. Any information would be helpful

        February 14, 2016
        |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Rosa I .only just seeing your post from several years ago. Please contact me. There is a wonderful legacy of the Reeves from Milledgeville Georgia. I found records that document that some of the Reeves were on the Bar Azor a ship that returned to Africa 1876 leaving from Charleston Harbor South Carolina. My ancestors Spencer Reeves and his family were on that vessel. They returned a year plus later on the Monrovia to New York Harbor and back to Millesgeville. They were in Sierra Leone and Liberia. I never knew any.of this. Yet while researching something in Theology completely separate from this. I was led to a book which then contained a shirt paragraph of a Spencer Reeves of Milledgeville in South Carolina 1877..Following up on this I unearthed a gold mind.

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
    • Jean Arnold McCarty
      Jean Arnold McCarty

      Vee, you have some very interesting information abt. your family. Our Arnold research has been at a dead end for abt. 20 yrs. going back to William Needham Arnold. He married an indian girl (at least 1/2) named Serena Foy. Info. passed along says he was much older that she. They married in 1805 and was in Tattnall Co., Ga. at his death in 1805. Through DNA I have learned that before we were Arnolds we were Arrendall/ Arundel/ Arundale etc. Also someone match us whoes most distant relative was Benjamin Franklin Reeves of the Jasper Co. Ga. area. Also through Y-search I noticed a 25 marker match with a Cunningham. Does any of this ring any bells?

      November 19, 2012
      |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Wow. Just seeing your post all these years later. My Arnils.line has been problematic..we have not been able.to fund any definitI’ve info above my great grand da Edlar Alex Arnold. There is a very loose supposition that a census from about 1860 70 might be gim.as youth but very presumptive. His history was always an unknown even to his grandchildren.
        He was noted to be Nativery American supposed Cherokee.
        Now as to the Cunningham info you referenced. In past few years have been informed that from my Lewis Line connected to Clemons who are documented in the Georgia State Archives in a birth ledger from the J F Cunningham Plantation.
        My 4x great grandmother ( Martha Clemons) is listed in the ledger with the several children she birthed while enslaved on the Plantation births that occurred in the 1840’same to 1852.
        I have read DNA test for the Y male.DNA
        Trying to get my unclemail or his son to do the testing. My dad and grand dad are.deceased so only these 2 males to provide the Y testing.

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
        • Hi not sure if you wanted any news of my Cunningham? My mother who is Afro-Carribean from parents from Jamaica her dad surname was Cunningham and I have only just confirm 24/2/2018 that the Cunningham line does indeed come from a while male. The Cunningham where lords and Noble. All the white Cunningham family from Scotland moved to India and America and actually was close with British royalty. There never really mixed before they came to the Americas. So they very upper class.

          February 25, 2018
          |Reply
    • Pamela D. Wright
      Pamela D. Wright

      I am a descendant of the Spencer Reeves family in Milledgeville, Georgia. I would like to hear more about that side of your family. I have no record in our history dating back to 1800’s of a Rosetta Reeves. Thanks

      October 29, 2015
      |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        There are 3 noted Spencer Reeves. One is my Great great grandfather the other 2 are one his son and another either his Uncle on cousin. There are several Descends ts from the late 1890’s 1900 whin then also name.their sins Spencer.
        I have additional info regarding Spencer Reeves my greatgrandmother’s father. He was married 3 times. WIDOWED early I at marriage with an infant girl. Married aging with about 5 children widowed again
        .I have all.the names of those siblings of my great grandmother..He then married a 3rd time this was my great great grandmother Carolyn Duval Reeves. He had several children with her. He died when his youngest son with her was very young. Sometime 1890’s.
        Please.contact me.

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
    • Joey Huff
      Joey Huff

      Where can this registry be found?

      June 12, 2019
      |Reply
    • Tamise Jones
      Tamise Jones

      Jane is my GGG grandmother and Camilla is my GG grandmother. Katie (Dennis) Johnson is my grandmother. I would love to know more about Jane (Ingram) Huff if possible to trace my family back and William huffs german roots as well. Crazy me and my sister actually took German in HS. Funny how that works…

      October 4, 2021
      |Reply
  16. TANGELA
    TANGELA

    I am searching in the Anthony line. My ancestor was Sally Anthony who ended up in Taylor county, G.A. Her daughter was Leathy Lucas who married Jessie and had Laura born 1860. Please help if you can. I have been on this quest for five years.

    Thanks!

    Tangela

    July 30, 2009
    |Reply
    • Tangela, I wish I could help, but I don’t know anything about Anthonys in Taylor County. My relatives lived in Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Washington, Madison, and that area in the northeast corner of Georgia. Do you have an Ancestry.com membership?

      July 30, 2009
      |Reply
      • Mathisj
        Mathisj

        Hi I am black looking for the roots and ancestry of the Kemp,kitchens,warthen,Evans,Tucker,mathis,walker, families slaves

        December 6, 2016
        |Reply
        • Mathisj
          Mathisj

          In Washington county ga sandersville and Sparta Hancock county ga also in mcduffie county ga my great grandad name was James huff if that helps. Also I was told that a lot of slaves were mixed from these areas in georgia.

          December 6, 2016
          |Reply
          • Linda Lomax
            Linda Lomax

            Yes my dad was Herman Huff, named from his Dad. One of the brothers.

            December 7, 2016
          • TEdge
            TEdge

            Hello, my 3X great grandmother Missouri Hobbs Huff was sold by Moses Hobbs to George M. Huff. She had children by his son Jonathon G.J. Huff. I am looking to learn more about them.

            June 9, 2021
  17. TANGELA
    TANGELA

    Dana,

    The Anthony family that my family lived with were in Wilkes, Washington areas.

    July 30, 2009
    |Reply
    • I would imagine then that there is almost certainly a connection. The Anthony family was a very big one, and they all settled right around there. Let me troll through the archives I have: wills and such. I might be able to find something.

      July 30, 2009
      |Reply
  18. TANGELA
    TANGELA

    Thank You!

    July 30, 2009
    |Reply
  19. TANGELA
    TANGELA

    Dana,

    Have you founded anything yet?

    September 14, 2009
    |Reply
  20. TANGELA
    TANGELA

    Dana,
    Did you come across the names:
    Samuel, Joseph, Anselm or
    Micajah Anthony? I also found a James Clark. I think these or the people that they were with.

    September 14, 2009
    |Reply
    • Yes, please look at the link I provided. It lists all the Anthonys in my family tree, and the names Anselm, Joseph, and Micajah crop up several times each. You need to click on each name and read what I have. However, as I said, no slaves were mentioned by name in any of the information I found.

      September 15, 2009
      |Reply
  21. paul wadsworth
    paul wadsworth

    Hi I am writting the history of aerated waters & cordial manufacturers of dunedin & otago. I came across this webb, and saw the name Huff. This man William Giles Huff was in Queenstown Otago new zealand 1865-78, he owned a farm and a cordial factory with many partners, but left for the usa. This is all that i have on him, but would like to now more like were he live, what did he do in the usa, be able to get photos of him and with hope of the farm and cordial factory in queenstown, wakatipu, new zealand. i was told of a photo of a child Frank.R.Huff stamped newark, new jersey usa if this is of any help, hope to here from you cheers paul wadsworth.

    October 22, 2009
    |Reply
  22. brenda huff carson
    brenda huff carson

    Hi, I think my Huff line comes from Va. But my problem is my ggggrandfather which was born in Ga. Daniel Huff in 1802, wifes last name. I believe Daniel ‘s family came from va./south carolina to Ga for the land lottery.A lot of Huff stayed but Daniel father and mother dies in 1806 and 1809. I think the Children was sent back to SC, which was Daniel and Lundy. Lundy is a family name carried down to my fathers generation. Daniel is son of Lundy and his father was Daniel and his father was william married to a Elizabeth Lundy. The Lundys have a web site listing there slaves. But my problem is I am trying to find out Daniel wife”s last name . Her first name was Matilda from SC. They moved to Ark. 1850. Does any one have this line?

    October 28, 2009
    |Reply
  23. A. Forten
    A. Forten

    Hello,
    You have a wonderful blog! I am a descendent of African American Huff’s who are from Augusta Ga but also has ties to Waynesboro and Dearing Ga. I believe thats in Richmond County Georgia. I’ve heard that there are three sets of black Huff lines but they are all suppose to be related somehow. The oldest relative I have been able to gauge out of family members is my G.G.G. Grandfather Reuben Huff. Apparently the Huff’s owned a considerable amount of land in Augusta and sold cattle and timber. Do you know if there may be a connection? Richmond County is considerably close to Wilkes and Oglethorpe.

    December 29, 2009
    |Reply
    • Thanks! There could be a connection, but I am not sure. My Cunningham/Anthony/Williams families married into the Huff family of Wilkes/Oglethorpe Counties, but the connection to me would be distant. My husband’s Huffs are from Tennessee.

      December 29, 2009
      |Reply
    • TEdge
      TEdge

      I am a descendant of Missouri Hobbs Huff who was from Warren County. I would love to chat with you and share what I know and learn what I can from you.

      June 9, 2021
      |Reply
  24. Hi Dana, I am looking for information about my paternal greatgrandmother and was wondering if you could help. Her maiden name was Zilla (or Ziller) Ann Huff b.1868 (Oglethorpe Co) – d. about 1920 (Candler Co) She was married to Charles T Vaughn (of Oglethorpe Co died Metter, Candler Co). Her parents were George Huff & Martha Bridges. The problem I have is, I am not sure of the date of her death or where she is buried. I haven’t been to Oglethorpe Co. cemeteries and haven’t found her death certificate. I found her husband’s Death cert dated 1924 & he had remarried.

    January 1, 2010
    |Reply
    • Ben, I’m afraid that name sounds unfamiliar. All I could probably do is point you to Ancestry.com, and it looks like you are already working with that. My connection to the Huffs in Oglethorpe is a distant one. Still, there were a few of them at the family reunion I went to back in May, so perhaps I can ask them.

      January 1, 2010
      |Reply
      • lelia
        lelia

        Hi Dana my name is Lelia Huff

        I will like your help or any information you may have that can help me. My grandfather name was Nathan Huff he was born July 17, 1912. He died may 1970 in East Orange, Nj. He had 5 children. My aunt is the only one left. She have no information regarding her father. She never met her grandparents don’t believe he had siblings but it is possible. Believe his mother name was Helen, not sure if her last name was Huff or not. We also was told he half Itialian. Look of things that may and may not be correct. I will like your help with anything that will be supportive. I have done so many searches and come to a dead end.

        Thank you

        Lelia Huff

        April 22, 2011
        |Reply
        • Hi Lelia. I wish I could help, but the Huffs in our family are all in Tennessee and Georgia. I have no record of any Huffs in New Jersey, and certainly none of them in the North as late as the 20th century. I wish you luck in your search.

          April 22, 2011
          |Reply
          • Tamise Jones
            Tamise Jones

            I am from Virginia. William is my GGGG Grandfather, Jane is my GGGG grandmother and My GGG grandmother is Camilla Huff. My GG Grandfather Sammie Dennis GG grandmother is Mary Julia Sandford Dennis. My grandmother Katie (Dennis)Johnson. My grandmother moved to NY with some brothers and sisyers after the passing of their parents and then to Alexandria VA, and now residing back in Georgia. I would love to learn more about both William and Jane toes to germany and the west idies if possible. My grandmother is still living btw. I just found out about william and jane yesterday. She had 7 brothers and sisters only one other living sibling.

            October 4, 2021
        • Yvonne Robertson
          Yvonne Robertson

          Lelia,

          Please contact me, I have some information on Huffs from NJ. My email is Yvonne_rbrtsn@ yahoo.com

          April 30, 2015
          |Reply
          • VLM
            VLM

            Lelia and Yvonne please.contact me.Re Huff NJ CONNECTION
            Also..
            Livigstone@aol.com

            January 19, 2017
  25. johnny tuck
    johnny tuck

    If you want to know more about the huff family come to manchester georgia.31816. My grandmother was sally mae huff which had married james blue if you want to talk to me please feel free to e-mail me at tuck7@windstream.net

    June 4, 2010
    |Reply
  26. justin clarence huff
    justin clarence huff

    im part of the huff family ive been wondering abt my hertiage for a few years now and im glad i found this site

    May 14, 2011
    |Reply
    • justin clarence huff
      justin clarence huff

      im part of the huff family from missippi and louisiana and some other places that just arent popping up at this moment

      May 14, 2011
      |Reply
  27. DELVENIA FAIBANKS
    DELVENIA FAIBANKS

    THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ON WILLIAM AND JANE HUFF! i HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR 16 YEARS ON THEM. MY MOTHER BEATRICE HUFF FATHER PETE HUFF IS THE GRANDSON OF WILLIAM AND JANE! IS EASTER HUFF FROM THIS LINE OF HUFFS?
    THANKS email delvenia.fairbanks@gmail.com
    delvenia

    May 25, 2011
    |Reply
    • Connie V
      Connie V

      Esther Huff is my grandmother and is in the line of William and Jane Huff. She eventually married my grandfather and moved to Lackawanna, NY. This blog has brought forth a wealth of information. I am so glad I ventured here on my journey looking into my family tree. Thanks all!

      February 26, 2012
      |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Connie if you are in Lackawanna Huff descendant from Milledgeville Georgia ….more than likely we are kin. Are you Huff related to Hill family and Arnold.and Reeves. We have a large branch of family in Lackawanna NY Buffalo .
        Livigstone@aol.com

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
    • VLM
      VLM

      I sent you an email contact

      January 19, 2017
      |Reply
  28. Carlton Scott
    Carlton Scott

    Hi I’m looking for any information on a William/ Bill Huff dob 1873 married a Ruby Marable December 17, 1899 Oconee Co. Georgia also lived in Scull Shoals. I recieved an email from another researcher today that Williams parents could be Thomas and Mariah Huff of Oglethorpe Co. (not sure)but 1880 census show they had two sons William Huff dob 1870 & William D Huff 1873 thank you.

    October 14, 2011
    |Reply
  29. john speissegger
    john speissegger

    There are many Huffs in SC. Contact the Wassamassaw tribe of Varnertown Indians. Many members of this group are in one way or another decended from a John JustuS Huff(my gr gr gr grandfather if my count is right). Another great resource that may help is a Harmon family history done by Carol Harmon. That has a public website. Google Archibald Harmon / Ridge Church to find it.

    October 27, 2011
    |Reply
  30. Star
    Star

    I’m so glad that I stumbled upon this page! I see that I have some family members on here! I’m a 5th generation descendant of William and Jane Huff!! My Grandmother is Arlene Huff (RIP). She was the daughter of Howard “Pete” Huff and Mildred Coles. Anyway..I hope someone replies!

    April 18, 2012
    |Reply
    • Star
      Star

      6th generation! My mistake!

      April 18, 2012
      |Reply
    • VLM
      VLM

      Are you from Milledgeville
      Livigstone@aol.com.
      Will send you family tree line of William Huff and Jane’s children.

      January 19, 2017
      |Reply
  31. willie
    willie

    My name is Willie Cunningham and I recently stumbled on to this. I wanted to see if it were possible to get some more info from you.

    April 25, 2012
    |Reply
  32. willie
    willie

    I am from Texas and as far as I know our family has lived here all our lives. It just seemed too much of a coincidence that these slave masters came to texas, set up a plantation and we share their last name.

    April 25, 2012
    |Reply
    • Hi Willie. It is possible there is a connection, but keep in mind that the Cunningham family moved to Texas some time in the 1870’s or 1880’s. They have never owned a plantation, and certainly they didn’t own one in Texas, especially not one run by slave labor, as slavery had been abolished by the time they moved to Texas. It is possible, however, that former slaves moved to Texas along with the Cunningham family. Johnson Franklin Cunningham, profiled in this blog post, remained in Georgia, and I think it more likely that any other former slaves would have also remained in Georgia, but I certainly don’t know that for sure. In terms of providing more information, I am happy to try to help, but I have shared what I know on this site, and I’m not sure I could find out much more.

      April 25, 2012
      |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Dana
        There was a J.F Cunningham Plantation. It was involved with slave labor. There is a Georgia State Archive Document with a birth ledger showing an Enslaved Woman Martha Clemons with several of her children birthed during Slavery. Dates 1840′ to early 1850’s.
        Martha Clemons is my 4x GreatbGrand Mother noted on that J F. Cunningham Plantation.
        Please contact me. Livigstone@aol.com

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
  33. Tammy Richardson
    Tammy Richardson

    I am looking for the Huff family that belongs to my Great Great Grandmother Dicy Daisy Huff who married Eligah Reed in Jackson County kY.we are not sure who Dicy’s parents were.A lot of our Reed family came from NC.She was born 1863 in Jackson County Ky.

    May 18, 2012
    |Reply
  34. cheryl adams
    cheryl adams

    I came across this site by accident and find it interesting.My grandmothers name was Laura Huff(br:1874 ?) she married Anthony Jennings (br:1871) her father was Lott Huff ( br:1830) we are Arro-American I am doing family research any imformation would be a great help.Thank you, very much

    August 31, 2012
    |Reply
  35. SHEA REAVES
    SHEA REAVES

    Hi, I noticed you mentioned the names Reeves/Reaves of my GGGF Simon Reeves born in 1829 around Baldwin County Georgia and then found in Pike County. He is reported to be the son of Luke b. 1805 and Olive Reeves b. 1811 who lived in Baldwin County. His brothers living in and around Baldwin County and particularly Milledgeville were: Nelson, Dausey, Isham, Wade. Joshua, Moses, and Singleton. These are just a few of the names. Any help is appreciate. Thank you shea

    September 29, 2012
    |Reply
    • SHEA
      SHEA

      I am very grateful to see this blog on the Huff Family. I would like to contact Vee or ask her here. My GGGF is Simon Reeves from the same area almost. I am wondering if he is one of the sons of William and Jane Huff. He is reported to have many brothers and one is Singleton. He is found in 1870 in Pike County Ga. with wife Elmira and children. If anyone knows or has any relative information, thank you for responding.

      February 11, 2013
      |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Hello Reeves is a separate.line from the Huff. Yet I.am.related.to both. I will contact you .

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
      • VLM
        VLM

        Singleton Reeves was my great great uncle. He was the brother of my great great grandfather. My great grandmother Rosetta Reeves Arnold was his niece. I have detailed information on Singleton Reeves given to me by my grandmother who was his niece.and knew him.quite well
        Livigstone@aol.com

        January 19, 2017
        |Reply
    • VLM
      VLM

      Livigstone@aol.com
      I am a Reeves descendant from.this line.
      Rosetta Reeves daughter of Spencer Reeves.
      Spencer the brother of Singleton and many others..
      I also have a historical document you would be interested in knowing about.
      Bar Azor 1876 Back to Africa Journey.

      January 19, 2017
      |Reply
  36. Betty (Huff) Fisher
    Betty (Huff) Fisher

    I’ve heard all my life that the Huff’s were black Dutch. I now that is a euphamism (mispelled sorry) for mixed blk/white and
    maybe some native American. I’ve started doing some heavy genealogy and came to a dead end with Mathew Huff born in Carroll County, Va. He was raised by his mother? grandmother? Francis (Fannie) Thompson Huff. It is speculated that her daughter is his mother as Fannie’s husband, John, left her in 1802 and Mathew was born in 1809.
    I’ve read that they had a servant/indentured servant/slave named Bailey. Don’t know if that’s his 1st or last name. I’ve come across pictures of some of Mathew’s children and
    they certainly look mixed to me. That and the “Black Dutch” business are good evidence. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? John Huff’s parents were Samuel and Mary Huff.

    November 12, 2012
    |Reply
  37. Veronica
    Veronica

    I am also a descendant of William and Jane Huff via the line of Louis Huff.

    June 2, 2013
    |Reply
    • VLM
      VLM

      Hello you would be related to me. I am Catherine Huff’s descendent.

      January 19, 2017
      |Reply
    • VLM
      VLM

      Louis Huff was my great great grandmother Catherine’s brother.

      January 19, 2017
      |Reply
      • Veronica
        Veronica

        Louis was my great grandfather. My father’s grandfather.

        December 21, 2023
        |Reply
  38. Linda Williams
    Linda Williams

    Hello Dana Huff,
    Thank you much for this kind and thoughtful site. Much appreciated.
    While I do not belong in any direct way with your Huff’s I thank you for allowing me to interject my personal Huff’s here in the interest of genealogical research. I have no doubt that the TN/GA/NC/SC Huff’s are all interconnected.
    After years of research I’m finding evidence that whether they came to America from Germany or by way of the British Isles I firmly believe that at least two of the three supposed documented immigrants were blood connected.
    My posting here is to ask you if you would be so kind as to alert Brenda Huff Carson who posted here back in October of 2009 to please contact me. We are related if she in fact descends from William and Elizabeth Lundy-Huff from Brunswick CO, VA. I have a lot of information about this line.
    I repeat my email address here for all interested: lindawilliams1024@gmail.com
    Thank you!

    July 27, 2013
    |Reply
  39. Suzanne Mattox
    Suzanne Mattox

    I am desperately looking for information about my grandfather, James Elvis Huff who it seems was born in Missouri but he married my grandmother, Jessie West, and settled in Gibson County Tennessee. Any information will be appreciated. His father was William Huff.

    August 19, 2013
    |Reply
    • Melissa Jefferies
      Melissa Jefferies

      I also would love to find ANY on James Elvis Huff. He is my great grandfather.

      Thanks!

      February 2, 2015
      |Reply
  40. Juanita Huff
    Juanita Huff

    Thank you for this information. My Huff family origins were concentrated in the Oglethorpe/Clarke County Georgia area. It has been difficult to trace my lineage beyond my grandfather, William Henry Huff, and his mother, Louvenia (Benie)Huff (or Hill). It is believed that she was born in Virginia as a slave and may have been later owned by the Hill Family in Georgia. It is believed that there was a connection to a Judge Hill.

    December 15, 2013
    |Reply
  41. Rita Tanner
    Rita Tanner

    I have been reading through the submissions here and have found some of them very interesting as they “almost” seem to connect to the Huff name in my family–but not quite. I am hoping someone might be able to add to what I know about Samuel L. or J. Huff.

    My great grandmother, Mary Melissa Prince married first to Robert King. He died in December of 1864 as a Prisoner of War in Indiana. Then very shortly after, on February 22 of 1864, my great grandmother married J. S. Huff in Dalton, according to the marriage records of Whitfield Co. GA. The marriage took place during a major Civil War skirmish in Whitfield Co. GA.

    We know that Samuel Huff died as a result of the Civil War because he is named with Mary M. Huff in the 1890 Widows and Survivors Census of Oklahoma. Did they marry just before he died, or did he go on to fight another day? If this is the same Samuel Huff as served the Confederacy in Company A of the 4th Battalion, Sharp Shooters, he was missing on February 29, 1864 in Dalton, Whitfield Co. GA and then considered “missing” after March of 1864. It would be tempting to think that he just did not go back to war after the marriage but he may have died.

    Samuel Huff used the middle initial “L” in his service record and also in the 1864 deed record in which the children of Wiley Prince (father of Mary Melissa) of Cherokee Co. NC transferred land. It would appear that Samuel L. Huff is his correct name. Why then did he use different initials on his marriage record? Was he running? Then, to confuse matters more, there are tax lists for (Dalton), Whitfield Co., McDuffie and Warren Counties, GA in which Mary Melissa Prince King Huff gives her name as Mrs. S. J. Huff. There were four tax lists and they were dated from 1873 to 1890. It would appear that Samuel L. J. Huff was dead by 1873 as it was my great-grandmother who was named in the record. I will add that the Tax Lists in McDuffie Co., were in Dearing.

    We know that Samuel Huff enlisted in Augusta, GA so I feel sure he is connected to the families in McDuffie and Warren Counties. But I have yet to find him in a census or find any clue as to his parentage. I imagine he was born in the 1830’s as was my great grandmother. Does anyone have information regarding this Samuel L. J. Huff?

    Rita in Tennessee

    January 1, 2014
    |Reply
  42. Kathleen Olakunle
    Kathleen Olakunle

    This last comment was intriguing to me. I am descended from the African American Huffs and Hobbs families in Dearing, Georgia and am trying to find out more about them. My father was James Theodist Huff, born in 1915 in Shellman, Georgia. His father, Frank Alfred Huff, was the grandson Samuel Huff and Missouri (Hobbs) Huff, all of Dearing, Georgia. After my grandparents separated, my grandfather went back to McDuffie county to live. Since a lot of slaves were named after slave owners, I am sure they were slaves of the Huffs and Hobbs families that settled in Dearing, Georgia.

    From information found in Ancestry.com, some Huffs formerly lived in North Carolina before moving to Georgia. Could your Samuel be the slave owner? Are any slave names listed in the tax records? This would be very helpful to me. Thanks.

    Kathleen

    May 7, 2014
    |Reply
    • Joseph Hamilton
      Joseph Hamilton

      I just found out that Missouri(huff)Hobbs is my great great great grandmother. Her daughter Penny married Albert Wilkins and they are my great great grandparents. I was told that Missouri married someone named John Hobbs though. They are all from Dearing Georgia and the Huff, Wilkins and Hobbs family seems to be all interconnected. Does anyone have any information on the white side of the family. I think it would be fascinating if there could be a connection found.

      January 19, 2015
      |Reply
      • Cleon Huff
        Cleon Huff

        Hi Joseph, we seem to be from the same lineage also. Penny is my great, great, great grandmother. I am a descendant from her son Isham (Isom, I.H.) Huff. Please contact me at jiburili@verizon.net. I made contact with Kathleen this week also initially through Ancestry.com.

        February 5, 2015
        |Reply
        • Kathleen Olakunle
          Kathleen Olakunle

          I just bought a book about the Hobbs and related family genealogies that Cleon helped me find. On January 7, 1845 Moses Hobbs sold a young slave woman about 18 years old named Missouri to George M. Huff. She would have been born about 1827. Moses Hobbs was a son of David Hobbs. George M. Huff was a recipient included in the disposition of David Hobbs estate when he died. He must have been a close relative, perhaps a nephew. The Huff, Hobbs, and Bradshaw families in the McDuffie, Warren, and Columbia counties were closely connected through intermarriages. All of Missouri’s children were called Huffs. There appears to be no marriage record anywhere for her yet the name of the father listed on the death certificate of my GGrandfather, Sam Huff is John. I believe either all or some of her children were fathered by the Huff slave owners or their male relatives. The name of her sons correspond with the names of the Huff men in that family and the names are repeated through the generations.

          February 14, 2015
          |Reply
          • Joseph Hamilton
            Joseph Hamilton

            Thanks for the information. It is so nice to have some clarity of a long forgotten history

            February 23, 2015
          • Rachael Renew
            Rachael Renew

            Kathleen Olakunle and others from the Huffs of Warren and McDuffie Counties in GA. I am a Huff descendent from George Middleton Huff’s brother, Rev. Jonathan Huff. I would love to connect with you and share information, even though my line is a mystery in itself. Happy to meet cousins!
            Rachael
            rrenew@hotmail.com

            July 9, 2015
      • Mathisj
        Mathisj

        My grandad was james huff from dearing ,Thomson ga

        December 6, 2016
        |Reply
        • Brooks Britt
          Brooks Britt

          My Great-Great Grandfather was Daniel Huff of Brunswick County, Virginia, at the time of emancipation, he owned 47 slaves.

          December 7, 2016
          |Reply
  43. my great grand mother was a huff born in jasper co georgia in 1875 died in 1973 do not no anything about her except she had indian in her had a sister i believe named sally, do not know if she had any more siblings, her name was addie huff she married joseph phillips also of jasper county georgia, the had three children frank phillips my granddad, jack phillips and polly phillips, hope this helps, i would like to find out more about addie huffs parents thanks joe

    September 8, 2014
    |Reply
    • Micah
      Micah

      Hey Joe do you have an email I am related to the Huffs in Dearing, Ga and my great, great grandmother was apache Indian. Her name was Pattie Hampton. I am doing research and really want to know more about my Huff family!!

      May 16, 2016
      |Reply
      • joseph phillips
        joseph phillips

        sorry it took so long to reply,

        December 28, 2016
        |Reply
      • TEdge
        TEdge

        Hey Micah,

        I am a descendant of Missouri Huff and she was from that area. I would like to chat with you to learn and share what I have. My email is scrappyq1@gmail.com

        June 9, 2021
        |Reply
  44. valerie lewis-mosley
    valerie lewis-mosley

    Dana, I have Information that you will find relevant. I am a Huff descendant and habe detailed I do as is noted in my Blog Georgia on Mind: http://milledgeville'sborguslewisfamily.wordpress.com.
    I also have additional information re Cunningham plantation documents.
    On the blog site you can inbox me your contact info or friend me o. Facebook.

    January 30, 2015
    |Reply
  45. Karisha Huff-Williams
    Karisha Huff-Williams

    I am absolutely amazed to find you all. I just traced my family’s history today and it led back to Daniel Huff and the Pea Hill Plantation. Believe it or not, my family KEPT THE NAME!!! My grandfather’s name is Daniel S Huff, great-grandfather is Stark Daniel Huff, and his father is Daniel Huff, etc. Crazy to find all of you! Do you ever meet in person? There are quite a lot of us in Ohio although I moved down to Atlanta.

    May 21, 2015
    |Reply
    • Brooks Huff Britt Jr.
      Brooks Huff Britt Jr.

      My Great-Great Grandfather is Daniel Huff, owner of Pea Hill Plantation.

      August 3, 2016
      |Reply
      • Karisha Huff-Williams
        Karisha Huff-Williams

        Oh wow, I missed your post back in August. Very nice to meet you! Have any of you ever used the 23andme DNA test? It’s a lot more detailed than ancestryDNA and tells you where your bloodline originated from. All the sources. It would be great if we all could link up through out DNA.

        December 9, 2016
        |Reply
        • Brooks Britt
          Brooks Britt

          No I haven’t.

          December 9, 2016
          |Reply
        • Formerly a Huff
          Formerly a Huff

          I did 23and me (I am a Manchester ga huff) it came back Nigerian (probably Igbo) Irish and Jamaican …I have always been told I was African (the lost tribe) , Indian or West Indian , and German. there is also African ancestry which can tell you an actual tribe

          April 15, 2017
          |Reply
      • Homer Huff
        Homer Huff

        My great grandfather name is Seaborn Huff out of Jefferson county,Georgia. My grandfather is Lawson Huff,he lived in luling,TX. Seaborn was born in 1834, Lawson was born in 1870, my Dad name was Homer Huff, born 1898, he was a elder man when I was born.

        April 19, 2017
        |Reply
  46. Evelyn Huff
    Evelyn Huff

    My husband’s family is from Jefferson Georgia great grandfather’s name was Seaborn Huffand his wife name was America Huff or Amanda Huff she was the daughter of Lizzie Howard the Huff they had 14 children name of the siblings Lucretia Huff Robert Huff Mary L Huff Wesly Huff Viola Huff Lawson Huff Emaline Huff Sarah Huff Caleb Huff John L Huff Deans Huff Patsy Huff. Please if anyone recognize this family please email us and let us know halfnbro@gmail.com

    June 5, 2015
    |Reply
  47. jc
    jc

    If anyone has any insight about any nautical travels to the Caribbean, Jamaica specifically; and within the rest of the islands. Please reply, even the slightest notion of travels to this area in history could be a connection. From what I have been told from my Father that his Grandfather was the son of a slave owner. Whether or not this is true, I am not sure. father is born 1950s. My Grandfather 1920s. My father’s father, the one mentioned above, I am not sure but could be late 1890s or early 1900s. If this leads to something it would be a great thing to be able to connect with you. Thanks

    March 20, 2017
    |Reply
  48. Jannee David
    Jannee David

    I know this is an old blog. I am a descendant of Hannah Huff. She was owned by General Robert E. Lee in Virginia. She had a daughter named Elizabth Huff. If anyone recognize this name please email me Rivera1164@aol.com

    December 10, 2017
    |Reply
  49. april powell
    april powell

    my GGGG mother was Harriet Huff born in Cumberland, TN and I would really like to find out more information about her if possible, she was born in 1853 I am working on my family tree with my kids so that I can show them our history. Harriet Huff was a slave and her owner was a Dr . Morrison

    April 15, 2018
    |Reply
  50. Nichole Huff
    Nichole Huff

    Hello im Nichole Huff, my dad, grandfather, and great grandfather names are Alfred Frank Huff…ive traced the lineage to Jonathon Huff born 1750 in England he died in GA. I have many names, and new members of the family as well. How may we communicate to see if we are working on the same tree?

    June 11, 2019
    |Reply

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