Joseph Huff
Joseph Huff, circuit court clerk of Iron County, was born in Sevier County, Tennessee November 28, 1838 and is the son of William and Mary (Kear) Huff, both natives also of Tennessee. The maternal grandfather was born in Scotland and immigrated to Tennessee at an early day. The paternal grandfather was in the War of 1812 and immigrated to iron County, Mo., at an early day, where he died. William Huff moved to Iron County in 1841, and located near Ironton, where he resided for several years. He was a farmer by occupation and died in 1886. The mother died in 1887. They were the parents of seven children, five now living: Joseph, Demarius, Narcissus, William and Jane. Joseph Huff was but three years old when he came with his parents to this State. He was reared principally on the farm, until about twenty years of age, when he engaged in merchandising as a clerk, for about a year. He then entered the clerk's office as deputy clerk, circuit and county, holding the position for about one year. in 1863 he enlisted in the State militia as first lieutenant in the Eighth Provisional Regiment, and served six months. In 1865 he was appointed circuit and county clerk, and in the fall of that year he was elected, holding the position four years. In 1866 he married Miss Martha J. Mayfield, a native of Illinois. Four children were born to this marriage: Arthur, Charles B., Stella and Birdie. In 1867 Mr. Huff was appointed circuit clerk, to fill a vacancy, and has held the office ever since, having been re-elected at each election thereafter. He was appointed assessor in 1864, and filled one term of office. Mr. Huff has been in office most of his life, and has given excellent satisfaction in all cases. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the I.O.O.F.