John A. Huff was born in 1819, in Canada. He enlisted in Company B, Second United States Sharpshooters, on October 3, 1861, in Detroit, for 3 years of service, at the age of 42. He was mustered into service on October 4, 1861. Huff was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability on January 12, 1863. He then enlisted in Company E, 5th Michigan Cavalry, on January 27, 1864, at Armada, for 3 years, at the age of 44. He was mustered into service on January 27, 1864. Joined the regiment at Stevensburg, Virginia, on February 10, 1864. Died June 23, 1864, of woulds received in action at Cold Harbor, Virginia, on June 1, 1864. John A. Huff died in Armada, Michigan, while on a furlough home. He was from Armada, Michigan. He is now buried in Willow Grove Cemetery in Armada. Armada, Michigan is about an hour or so from Detroit, Michigan, in Macomb County. (Info taken from "Lest We Forget" Armada Township, written by, Robert and Cherie Allen.) Although, he claimed to have shot and wound J.E.B. Stuart, there is a difference in the caliber of bullets that Huff used and Stuart was shot by. Also, a surgeon's letter about operating on Stuart seems to have some evidence pointing away from Huff.
Several comments relative to John A. Huff. While his birthplace was listed in the 1860 Federal Census as Canada, and we stated his birthplace as such in "Lest We Forget" Armada Township,his enlistment papers for both the Sharpshooters and 5th Michigan Cavalry list his birthplace as Hamburg, Erie County, New York. I have not been able to verify which birthplace is correct as of this time. John Huff listed his occupation as Carpenter in the above census, he had previously farmed land north of Armada, Michigan with less than satisfactory success. He moved into Armada Village and his house still stands today. His death was caused by a rifle ball wound to the head plus pneumonia, and he did pass away in Armada, Michigan. John Huff had blue eyes,brown hair, light complexion and stood 5' 8-1/2" tall. He was paid a bounty of $60 when he enlisted in the 5th Michigan Cavalry. He was married to Abigail Culver on July 3, 1841 at Royalton, Niagara County, New York. From this marriage six children were born.
John A. Huff was a crack shot with both pistol and rifle. He was considered by many as the best shot in Berdan's Sharpshooter unit.
I have been accumulating information from whatever source relative to John A. Huff with future plans to publish information on him either as a single publication or in conjunction with other Macomb County Civil War veterans who performed notable feats during their service.
Of all the information I have been able to gather to date, am not aware that the bullet was ever removed from J.E.B. Stuart, so am unaware of any report which makes that statement, however, if it does exist would desire copy.
had a wonderful time at the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace at the end of June and was shown tremendous hospitality by the board members of J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace. Everyone whom I met there was tremendously interested in John Huff. I told them everything I knew thanks to wonderful people in Michigan who shared information with me. Thanks to the Allens, Margaret Smith, Librarian of the Armada Free Public Library, Esther English of the Armada Historical Society, and many others who posted messages on this board. It is doubtful that any southern Civil War historians had ever seen any of the old newspaper articles about John Huff until these were uncovered by Librarian Margaret Smith. They loved the fact that Armada and Stuart are towns of similar size, and are they are very interested in the apple orchards of Armada. I had sent them photos of Armada and old newspaper articles last fall. They are glad John's house is still standing and are very sympathetic towards the hardships he faced during his life and the terrible effect that his death had on his family, forcing them to sell their house and all personal belongings. John Huff really struck a chord with them and they are hungry for more facts and information. I really hope that a photograph turns up someday, more old articles turn up, or any other anecdotes and stories. Bob Shoecraft, fourth generation Huff descendant is delighted by their interest and gave me a family photograph to take to them. No one can really prove who shot Gen. Stuart and there are different schools of thought but there is something permanent about old legends.