"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western Historical Pub. Co., 1902. Page 311. Baker County. JOSEPH M. DUFFY Deceased. As a slight tribute to the memory of the departed patriot, pioneer and distinguished citizen of Baker county, we are constrained to add this memorial to the name of the late Joseph M. Duffy, whose demise was lamented by all and whose memory is cherished by every one that had the pleasure of his acquaintance. On August 6, 1849, Joseph M. was born in the town of Marshall, West Virginia, and in that place he passed the years of his minority, excepting what time was spent in the service of his country, to which he gave himself while yet in the tender years of boyhood that he might assist in saving to the generations to come the Union and retrieve from insult and ignominy the banner of the free that had been disgracefully attacked by treason's minions. He enlisted in Company D, Seventh West Virginia Cavalry, and was with General McClellan in the army of the Potomac, where he did faithful service and manifested intrepidity and stanch qualities that distinguished his tender years, and at the close of the war he was honorably discharged to take up the duties of civil life. In 1866 he went to Pike's Peak and later to the Black Hills and then to Georgetown, Colorado, in search for nature's gold; how successful he was in this enterprise is not stated, but afterward we find him in the less adventurous walks of life. In 1875 he was in Macon, Missouri, and nine years later came to the Owyhee valley in this state. In 1886 he settled in Huntington, and was the first mayor of the city, and later held the office of county commissioner of Baker county from 1890 to 1894, ever faithfully discharging the trusts imposed upon him with discretion and ability. The marriage of Mr. Duffy and Miss Ella M. Smith was celebrated in Macon, Missouri, in 1875, and to them have been born the following children: Harry A., mention of whom is made in another portion of this work; Jessie M., wife of Dr. Jacob B. White, of Huntington; Joseph M., Jr., deceased. Mr. Duffy was affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Baker City, with the I.O.O.F., Burnt River Lodge, No. 86, in Huntington. In political preference he was associated with the Republican party, and his ability and integrity were manifested so that he held a foremost position among the men of the county, being reckoned one of its leaders. On April 2, 1896, in the city of Huntington, death claimed him as a victim and he passed to the rewards of another realm, where his faithful service shall receive due meed in those things that fade not away. His demise was the cause of general mourning, and with proper and appropriate ceremonies he was consigned to his last resting place, to await the day when his eyes shall behold and his ears hear the Master whom he served here below. Mrs. Duffy survives her husband and resides in Huntington. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.