In 1854 he removed with his parents to Hudson County and since then he has been a resident of Jersey City. He received his education in the public schools and in the University of the City of New York. He took an active part in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting, August 21, 1862, at the age of eighteen, in the Twenty-first Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. After serving with that regiment for nine months, and taking part in all its engagements, he was mustered out of service, but immediately re-enlisted in the Thirty-third Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company G. On November 23, 1863, during an engagement at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Tenn., lie was severely wounded, which disabled him from further service in the field. President Lincoln afterward commissioned him a Lieutenant of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and he performed duty until June, 1866, when he was honorably discharged from service. He received from Congress a medal of honor for "gallantry at the battle of Missionary Ridge."

Returning to civil life, Mr. Toffey engaged in active business as a live stock dealer, and so continued from 7866 to 1874, being connected with the well known firm of Daniel Toffey & Co., one of the first in this country to engage in shipping dressed beef to Europe.

Mr. Toffey has always been an active Republican, prominent in public affairs, and one of the most distinguished men in his section. He was a member of the Board of Aldermen of Jersey City in 1874 and 1875, and in the fall of 1875 he accepted the nomination of his party for the Fifth District for Member of Assembly and was elected by a large majority. He was again elected in 1876. He served as Sheriff one term, and in 1885 was elected State Treasurer of New Jersey by joint .session of the Legislature, and served in that capacity six years. In 1891, both Houses of the Legislature being Democratic, lie was succeeded by Hon. George R. Gray, but his services were acknowledged and recognized by the following resolution, passed March 9, 1891, the Legislature being Democratic in both branches:

WHEREAS, The retiring State Treasurer, Hon. John J. Toffey, has discharged the duties of his office in a manner honorable to himself and greatly to the benefit and advantage of the State;

Resolved (the House of Assembly concurring), That we hereby express our recognition and appreciation of the services of our retiring Treasurer, and congratulate him upon the excellent record he has made for himself and the State.

Colonel Toffey is one of the most popular men of Hudson County. He is a member of G. Van Houten Post, No. 3, G. A. R., and of Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He is Past Master of Bergen Lodge, No. 47, F. and A. M., and a member of Mount Vernon Chapter, R. A. M., of Hugh de Payen Commandery, K. T., and of New Jersey Consistory, Scottish Rite. He is a member of the Union League, Palma, Carteret, and Jersey City Clubs, and of the Medal of Honor Legion, and is also an Elder in the Bergen Reformed Church.