My Genealogy Hound

RICHARD J. HUYCK. This family in America came originally from Holland, and the descendants have inherited those traits of character which made their ancestors industrious and substantial people. The grandfather of our subject, Richard Huyck, was born in the Empire State, as was also John Huyck, the father of our subject. The latter married Miss May Christie, a native of New York, and the daughter of Frederick Christie. Mr. and Mrs. John Huyck were married in their native State, and in 1828 came to Michigan, settling in the wilds of Lenawee County. There they remained until 1836, when they moved to Cass County, settled on a farm, and there made their home for a few years. From there they moved to Marcellus, where the father died in September, 1851, and the mother in December, 1852. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are now living: Richard J.; Abijah; Eveline, now Mrs. Ingam; and Norman. Both held membership in the Presbyterian Church, and were active workers in the same.

Richard J. Huyck, the original of this notice, was born in Sidney Township, Delaware County, N. Y., on the 21st of February, 1811. His early life was passed on a farm, and all his scholastic training was received in his native State. He came to Michigan in 1832, and as he had partly learned the carpenter’s trade in New York, he worked at this for some time. His happy domestic relations began in 1836, when he was married to Miss Sarah Fellows, a native of Luzerne County, Pa., born March 19, 1818, and the daughter of Abel and Dorcas (Hopkins) Fellows, the father a native of Connecticut, and the mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Fellows were married in the Keystone State, but later came to Michigan and settled on a new farm in Kalamazoo County, where they made a permanent home. His death occurred in 1833, and hers in 1866. Mr. Fellows served the three last years of the Revolutionary War. Thirteen children were born to this worthy couple, five of whom are now living. Several of their sons served in the Black Hawk War.

For one year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Huyck resided in Kalamazoo, but they then moved to Cass County, settled on a farm, and have resided on this ever since. Mr. Huyck first engaged in merchandising, followed this for five or six years, but then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have been his chief occupation since. Although well along in years, he still owns and operates his farm. He has one hundred and fifteen acres in the home place, and one hundred and thirty acres one mile from there. He is engaged exclusively in mixed farming, and is wide-awake and thorough-going. With care and perseverance he has attended to his large farm, and with energy and thoroughness his successful results have been reached, until now, past the age usually allotted to man, he is in possession of a competence fully sufficient to warrant him in passing the remainder of his days in peace and comfort. Mr. and Mrs. Huyck became the parents of seven children, only four of whom now survive. Frances E., wife of William Anderson, deceased, resides in Cass County; Mary E., wife of S. G. Toof, resides in Decatur; Alva H. married Miss Elizabeth Lewis, and resides in Decatur; he is cashier of the bank; and Ella M., wife of L. W. Dolloff, makes her home in Denver, Colo., Mr. Huyck has always been interested in educational matters, and was not satisfied to have his children quit with a common-school education, but sent them off to finish their schooling. The son graduated from Eastman’s Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Mr. Huyck has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Good Templars, being the first Worthy Chief in the lodge. He has been a member of the School Board, served as School Inspector, and has held other offices. He has ever been active in political affairs, and previous to the war affiliated with the Democratic party. Since then he has been a Republican. For a number of years he was Township Clerk, and was also Postmaster at Little Prairie Ronde, he being the first one appointed to that office under Van Buren’s administration.

On the 8th of December, 1892, this much esteemed gentleman fell and fractured his hip, and has since been an invalid. His son, Alva, was a soldier in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and held the position of hospital steward. He served one year, and after the surrender of Gen. Lee’s army, he, with his regiment, was sent to Salt Lake City.