The remnants of the historic Huffman homestead
remain after a three century existence along the
Little Kanawha River above Grantsville in 2021
By Bob Weaver 2022
The Huffman family, among the early comers to northern Calhoun WV, bringing with them their stalwart Christian beliefs, which lead to the formation of the First Baptist Church in Grantsville in 1833.
The Huffmans, with over a 200 year Calhoun presence, married into a large number of other historic Calhoun families, many clergymen, teachers, civic leaders and businessmen.
A large number rose to be deacons and ministers from the Huffman-Vannoy family, following years of church services at the homestead in the early 1800s.
Abandoned house still has a stairway to the stars
Alexander Squire (1796-1879) and his wife Hannah Vannoy Huffman (1797-1877) came to Calhoun County before 1820, building a log cabin along the Little Kanawha River (Russett Road) near the Enon Baptist Church, replaced after a serious flood wiped the house away.
The Huffman family escaped tragedy by building a quickly made raft after they were awakened by the flood water, barely escaping to higher ground.
A historic 13-room house was then built on higher ground, where at least three generations of the Huffman family have lived.
Photo of Huffman House likely taken in 1930s
Photo courtesy of Virginia Weaver Buck
Alexander and Hannah had at least 11 children, Malinda Stump; Mahala Stump; Elizabeth Stump; Absalom Huffman; Benjamin Huffman; Rachel Barr; Rev Levi J Huffman; Mary "Aunt Polly' Johnson; Rev. Daniel Huffman; Rachel Barr and Mary E Johnson.
The family engaged in farming, saw milling and boating on the Little Kanawha, building several riverboats for transport. The boats hauled people, timber, oil/gas equipment and produce from Parkersburg to Gilmer Station.
They were known to open their home not only for church services, but at times had as many as 100 for the Mt. Baptist Association, butchering hogs and baking for the big event.
While the Huffman name has disappeared from Calhoun County, there are a number of their descendants remaining.
Most of the Huffman family are buried in the Enon Cemetery.
See also  ENON CEMETERY RESTS ON PASTORAL KNOLL ABOVE LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER - Early Pioneer Families Rest
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