It has been observed by a distinguished writer, that some men are born to
prosperity, while others carve it out of the very desert of life, and rear an
oasis of success in its midst. Of this class is the subject of this sketch; and
in this connection we may add that, in reviewing the history and experience of
the prominent men of the west — to-day, few, if any, will be found who commenced
the struggle of life with brilliant prospects. The large body of the truly
successful and solid men, whom we jostle in the every-day walks of life, have
purchased their success through years of patient industry and labor, but
nevertheless it steadily and surely comes. Andrew D. Duff, the eleventh child of
Philip Duff and Mary Duncan his wife; and only child living; was born Jan. 24th,
1820, in Bond County, Illinois. Philip and Mary Duff were married in South
Carolina in the year 1801, moved to the territory of Illinois in 1809, and
settled in St. Clair County, and subsequently moved to Bond County, where they
resided for a number of years; afterwards located in Franklin County, Illinois,
which continued to be their home until their deaths. Andrew D., like many of the
boys of that period, had to battle with the fortunes of life at an early age,
and when still a boy commenced work on a farm at thirty cents per day. His
advantages for gaining an education were such as the district school afforded.
But so intent was he in acquiring a greater breadth of culture, that he never
wasted an hour in idleness that could be devoted to his books. From 1842 to 1844
he was engaged in teaching, which afforded him additional leisure to continue
his studies. In 1846 he began reading law; served in the army during the Mexican
war nearly two years. Elected county Judge of Franklin County in 1849, and
admitted to the bar in 1850; elected Judge of the twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit
in 1861, and a member of the Constitutional convention of 1862, re-elected
Circuit Judge in 1867. In all his official positions, he has filled the offices
to which he has been called, with eminent satisfaction to his constituents. In
politics he has been a life-long Democrat. Moved to Carbondale in 1873. In his
domestic relations he is happily situated. Was married March 24th, 1845, to Mary
E. Powell. They have four children living.
Extracted 06 Jul 2021 by Norma Hass from 1878 History of Jackson County, Illinois, page 79.