Biography of James Gaff, pages 786 / 787.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

James Gaff, section 6, Stafford Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, 
Dec. 24, 1818, a son of David and Ruth (Certes) Gaff.  When he was seventeen 
years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1848 he came to 
De Kalb County, and settled in Troy Township on land which is now his farm. 
With the exception of five acres from which he hired the trees chopped, he 
has cleared and brought under cultivation 105 acres of timber land.  He owns 
272 acres of valuable land which is now carried on by his son Frank.  He was 
married Feb. 26, 1842, to Mary Haverstock, daughter of Tobias and Peggy 
Haverstock.  Her father was opposed to her marriage and they left home and 
were married in Mount Eaton, Wayne Co., Ohio.  Her father then refused to 
give her, her clothes and she was obliged to wear the ones she wore till she 
could make more. Their first years of married life were filled with 
disappointments and adverse circumstances, but they finally overcame all 
obstacles and secured for themselves a good home.  The days were spent in 
working for others and the nights till midnight in clearing and improving 
his own farm. His wife assisting in clearing away the brush.  To Mr. and 
Mrs. Gaff have been born nine children, but four of whom are living---
Margaret, David, Amanda and Frank.  One son, Hiram, was a soldier in the 
war of the Rebellion, and was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, from the 
effects of which he died at Evansville, Ind., soon after.  Their children 
are all married and have good homes of their own.  Margaret married David 
Jennings, of Indiana, and has two children---James and Zella.  David 
married Melvina Jennings, and has six children---Mary, Nellie, James, 
Charles, Frank and an infant.  He lives in Elkhart, Ind.  Frank married 
Julia Christophle, and has one child---Dora.  Amanda married James Shull, 
of Butler, and has one child---Milton.  In religious faith, Mr. and Mrs. 
Gaff adhere to the United Brethren church.  He has been Constable of his 
township four years.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@cltnet.com