William H. Puff

Any one who visits the town of Wallkill is impressed with the beautiful condition of the finely improved farms that are to be found there. Among the farmers of this town probably no one is more prosperous or more worthy of consideration than the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this brief review. Both in his life and in his external surroundings he is worthy of the attention of the biographer. He is a man of sturdy principle, who would stand by what he believes to be right without fear or favor.

A native of the town where he now resides, our subject was born September 29, 1846, to the union of Henry and Mary E. (Owen) Puff, both of whom were born in this county, and spent their entire lives here. The father learned the blacksmith’s trade when a young man, and this occupation he followed for a half-century, meantime also carrying on agricultural pursuits. He was a man of sterling character, a true and loyal friend, and an accommodating neighbor. Possessing strong convictions of right and wrong, he was strictly honest in all his transactions, and was regarded as a man of irreproachable life. He passed away in 1888, advanced in years. His wife survived him four years, her death occurring suddenly in 1892.

Laying the foundation of his education in the common schools, our subject afterward carried on his studies in Wallkill Academy at Middletown. Reared upon a farm, he eagerly gained a complete knowledge of that occupation, and upon selecting a life calling chose that with which he was most familiar, and toward which his tastes inclined him. He is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of nicely improved land, which give evidence of his care and management. His principal industry is the dairy business, for which he has every convenience. The neat appearance of his place indicates his thrift and enterprise, and proves him to be a progressive man, fully abreast with the times.

In 1875 Mr. Puff was united in marriage with Miss Helen, daughter of Lanson and Mary E. (Barcley) Bookstaver, natives of this county, of which the Bookstavers were among the earliest and most prominent pioneers. Three children blessed this union, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Jessie and Henry A., both at home with their parents. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Puff advocate the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, and are active members of that denomination. In the congregation Mr. Puff hold the positions of Treasurer, Elder, Trustee and organist, and his incumbency of these several offices proves that he is earnest and active in the promotion of religious work. In politics he is a Democrat, and is well informed concerning the political issues of the day. He has served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Inspector of Elections and also as Collector of the town. He and his family have a comfortable home, well supplied with many of the luxuries of life, which have been acquired through his industry, perseverance and enterprise.