THEOPHILUS A. SHUFF. Among the native born residents of the county who are successfully tilling a portion of the soil, is the gentleman above named whose residence is on section 20, New Berlin Township. The estate which is one of the most desirable in the county consists of four hundred and fifty-six and one-half acres a mile from the village of New Berlin. A visitor to the farm would find there every needful and convenient structure in the way of farm buildings, a cozy and attractive residence, and such modern appliances for agricultural work as indicate that the owner and manager is thoroughly imbued with the American spirit of progress.

The parents of our subject were Anthony and Siren (Fouts) Shuff. The former was born near Lexington, Ky., in 1812, and at an early period in the history of this county came hither on horseback, all the way from his early home. He began his labors here by breaking prairie in what is now known as Island Grove Township, and then spent some time as a farm laborer in the same township, being employed by the month.. In 1836 he married, his bride being a native of the same neighborhood as himself, but four years younger than he. By hard work and persistence mr. Shuff accumulated some $800 with the most of which he purchased a fine horse which he lost soon afterward. He purchased a claim from a man by the name of Sears, in Island Grove Township, and afterward entered land in the same township. He was a man of splendid physique, strong and athletic and could easily shoulder three bushels of wheat.

A few years before his marriage, Anthony Shuff had an attack of illness that left him in a condition of almost total physical helplessness. His mind remained as strong as ever, his judgment as clear, and he continued to transact his business affairs in a judicious and careful manner while being carried about in a sitting position. In this state he laid the foundation of an ample fortune and became the owner of some seven hundred and twenty acres of land which was divided among his children at his death. A man of indomitable will, he accomplished much before he was called from time to eternity, in 1878. His children consisted of three daughters and five sons of whom three sons are now deceased.

The subject of this biographical notice is the seventh in order of birth in his father's family and opened his eyes to the light October 27, 1849, in Island Grove Township. The careful home training which he received and the good education which he acquired fitted him for a position of prominence among the citizens. Before he located on his present estate he owned ninety acres of land in Island Grove Township, which he sold, receiving for it the sum of $4,500. He is a thrifty man, whose affairs are on a substantial basis and whose reputation in business circles is assured. His home is presided over by an intelligent, refined woman, who bore the maiden name of Emma M. Boynton, and became his wife March 19, 1878. Mr. Shuff is a firm believer in the policy of the Republican party, which he supports with his voice and vote. A member of the Baptist Church he walks honorably before men and wins respect. Our subject and his wife are the parents of five children, as follows: Nellie M., Bessie M., Flora S., Mabel B. and Charles B.