Emily Wilbur and Dr. Kathryn M Daynes, History
In the genealogical field, researchers often use the work of others to compliment and advance their own research. Published family histories are an important and major source for gathering compiled data. Before original sources are consulted, published genealogies should be reviewed to glean relevant information on the family name being researched.
My ultimate goal is to complete a scholarly Huff genealogy beginning with the first immigrant Huff. I will include as many descendants as possible, but will focus primarily on the line of which I am descended. I expect this huge project to be completed in about twenty years. In order for me to progress in my research, it was necessary for me to travel back to those small towns in Maine where my ancestors lived. My goal for this research trip was to find the parents of one Isaiah Huff, who have remained a mystery for quite some time.
I began my research at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, Massachusetts. I spent days browsing through published genealogies, local histories, vital and town records, cemetery transcriptions, probate records, and deeds. I found many individuals in these records with the surname “Huff,” but was unable to make any connection to my Isaiah Huff. The day before I was going to leave for Maine, I chanced upon a book called The Genealogical and Family History of the State of Maine. This book contained information on the Huff family, beginning with the first immigrant, Atherton Huff, in 1633. It also included my Isaiah Huff who had been adopted by his maternal grandfather, Moses Huff. I finally found the parents of Isaiah Huff, Kesiah Huff and Nathaniel Basford. This book extended my family history back seven generations.
With this new and exciting information, and an understanding of how Isaiah Huff was related to other Huffs, I was able to find much documentation on other Huff family members. Occasionally, information would conflict. My new goal was to verify the information that I had gathered using primary records.
I spent a few days researching at the Maine State Archives in Augusta. I focused on the MOCA (Maine Old Cemetery Association) records, but also spent time with local histories. Because I kept learning new things and my perspective was constantly changing, it was necessary to continuing searching similar records. The local histories were wonderful in helping me understand the culture and social atmosphere of the small developing towns where the Huffs lived. I also visited the Maine State Museum which had a large exhibit on Maine logging, a trade with which the Huffs were heavily involved. My appreciation for my ancestors continued to grow as I learned more about them.
My next step was to visit many of the small towns in Maine where my family had lived. I went to county courthouses, cemeteries, historical societies, and town offices. I also visited my great aunt, whom I had never met before. I continued to gather data on the Huff family and verify or disprove the information I had gleaned from other secondary sources.
The most exciting part of my research trip was in Wellington, Piscataquis County, Maine. I was on my way to Taylor Cemetery when I got lost on a back road. Coming up over the hill, I saw a sign that said Huff Family Farm. I decided to stop and ask for directions, as well as investigate the ancestry of this family. I spoke with a man who said that his milkman only three weeks prior had dropped off a genealogy compiled by his ex-wife (who had recently passed away) on the Huff family. He invited me to take a look at it, to which I eagerly agreed. It contained a detailed account of some of the descendants of Atherton Huff, my first immigrant ancestor, and even mentioned my Isaiah Huff. It had never been published, but was a well documented and thoroughly researched account. I was able to obtain a copy and use it to further my work.
Overall, I had an invaluable experience. My goals were accomplished well and above what I had anticipated. Someday, this research will be available for hundreds and thousands of others to use. Then they can finally answer the burning question, “where did I come from?” and know their family.