Michael Huffaker history

Michael Huffaker history

The revolutionay War pension record of their son George states that hewas born 8/7/1757, and establishes Michael and Catherine's presence inAmerica. One John Michael Huffaker was a passenger on the ship LOYALJUDITH of London which arrived in the port of Philadelphia on 9/25/1732.According to ships records, John Michael would have been 32 years old,and about the right age to have been the father of our Michael. Michaeland Catherine settled in Washington County, VA in July 1758 coming fromYork PA. They built a home of logs 3 miles from Saltville, VA called"Greenfield". This house has since burned and been replaced with a framebungalow. The basement is lined with stones from the chimney ofMichael's old house. The corn crib, meat house, and hoghouse all builtin 1775 were still standing in 1965. The house faced a deep, wide creekwith a nearby spring. A grist mill and old tin bridge also still stand.Michael and a daughter-in-law are thought to have been buried in thechurchyard cemetary of Manahaim Methodist Church near a back corner. Itis located 1/2 mile from his house. The grave could not be located in1965. Date of his death is between 1/20/1812 and 10/18/1814.

Catherine was born in Germany in 1736 and died during a visit to herson's in TN. She is buried in Seven Islands Cemetary 15 miles east ofKnoxville, TN. In this cemetary there is a monument 8 ft. high that isinscribed "Michael Huffaker born in Switzerland, killed by Indians" andCatherine Huffaker born in Germany in 1736 died 1812". Three weremembers of Christ Luthern Church which is still in existence at 29 GeorgeStreet, York, PA. At least four of their children were baptised in thischurch. After moving to VA they joined the Methodist Church. The firstconference ever held west of the Alleghanies was held at either the homeof Michael or Stephen Keywood. The 2nd conference was held at Michael'shome in May 1792. In 1802 Michael donated land located 1/2 a mile fromhis home on which a church was built. It is in this church yard cemetarythat Michael is thought to be buried. In the meantime their sons Georgeand Justus left VA and settled in Knoxville, TX. They are said to haveowned hundreds of acres of fine farmland along both sides of the FrenchBroad River. They too donated land for a Methodist Church. On Oct 31,1902, Justus was ordained a deacon by Bishop Asbury.