Biography

From The Story of Cooperstown: 
But of all the private schools in the village the most noted was established at Apple Hill in 1839 by William H. Duff, a former officer of the British Army, and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. Duff had a romantic history, involved in a good deal of mystery. He had emigrated from England to Canada, bringing with him a beautiful young wife, — an elopement, it was said. Mrs. Duff was evidently of gentle birth, while her husband was of commanding presence, military bearing, and captivating manners. 
Then, in less than five years from its beginning, It [the school] failed. At the out- break of the Mexican War, Duff obtained a captain's commission in the United States Army, and when last seen by his old friends he presented an Imposing appearance as he rode down Broadway in New York at the head of his company, with martial music and flying colors, to embark for Vera Cruz.