John W. Huffman

John W. Huffman, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, February 24, 1844. he was removed with his parents to Ripley County Indiana, when sixteen years of age.  His boyhood was spent on a farm with the usual district school education.  Enlisted as a private in Company B., Sixty-Eighth, August 1862; was appointed to sixth Corporal; promoted to be Sergeant, and on October 1, 1864, was promoted to First Lieutenant of his company, for gallant conduct in action at Dalton, Georgia, where he grasped the colors of his regiment from the hands of the fallen color bearer, and led the line in the face of the enemy.

His father and two brothers were in the military service in the war of the rebellion, the father dying in Andersonville prison, and one brother falling at Fredericksburg.  Lieutenant Huffman was mustered out with his regiment on June 20, 1865.

He was married to Miss Martha Shackelford, October 29, 1865, three children, two sons and a daughter, blessed their union, all of whom survive.  His wife Martha, was the daughter of Erastus Shackelford, who was born in Brown County, Ohio, March 6, 1815; was married to Miss Mary Stewart, September 1, 1836, which union was blessed by eight children, four sons and four daughters, all living.  Enlisted in Company F., Sixty-Eighth Indiana Volunteers Infantry, at the age of Forty-Seven years.  Returning home at his discharge.  He removed to Boncturant, Polk County, Iowa, where he ied November 15, 1894, at the ripe old age.  His wife preceded him to the life beyond the grave.

Lieutenant Huffman, removed to Polk County, Iowa, in 1870, where he engaged in Agricultural pursuits, his favorite occupation.  His farm was highly improved, its fertile acres, handsome shrubbery , and stately groves making it one of the finest in the state.  An ideal home for the gallant soldier and patriot, and his charming wife and loving children.  On the 27th, day of May, 1897, surrounded by his devoted family, he crossed the "Silent River."  Was laid to rest in Santiago Cemetery on decoration day.