Biography - George Ruff
GEORGE RUFF, a prominent and noteworthy citizen of Rose Township, Shelby
County, is a son of John M. Ruff, who was born in Germany in 1813, and
Barbara (Weitner) Ruff, whose birth occurred in the same land in 1817.
She was about fourteen years old and he had attained some eighteen years
when they came to America. They were married and made their first home in
Hocking County, Ohio, and emigrated to Illinois in January, 1884. They made
their home in Prairie Township, where they still reside. George was the
fourth in their family of twelve children and he resided in his native
county, Hocking County, Ohio, till he reached his majority. His natal day
was March 17, 1843, and he received his education in the common schools.
When our subject was twenty-one years old he came to Illinois and worked for
four years in the counties of De Witt and Logan and then came into Shelby
County and employed himself upon farms and at carpentry until his marriage.
This interesting event occurred in Shelby County, March 21, 1869. His bride
was Miss Sophia Stumpf, daughter of Gearhart Stumpf. For further details in
regard to the history of this capable and amiable lady, our readers are
referred to the biography of Mr. Edward Roessler, as Mrs. Ruff and Mrs.
Roessler are sisters. Mr. Stumpf died in Shelby County in 1853, having been
bereaved of his wife in Fairfield County, Ohio, some four years earlier.
Mrs. Ruff was the youngest child in her father's family and was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, June 4, 1847.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ruff they decided to go further west and
located in Anderson County, Kan., where Mr. Ruff worked at his trade, that
of carpentry, for five years and then followed the same business for two
years in Shelby County. He now decided to engage in farming and for eight
years rented land in Rose Township, at the end of which time he purchased
the farm of eighty acres, on section 3, where he has erected a good set of
buildings. He divides his time between farming and carpentry and is thorough
and successful in both lines of work.
This gentleman and his estimable wife are the parents of seven interesting
and promising children. They were so unfortunate as to lose their eldest,
Florence A., a bright and beautiful child of two and one-half years. Those
who survive are as follows: Anna M., Cora I., Clarence A., Charlotta S.,
George W. and Harmon L.
The estimation in which Mr. Ruff is held by his fellow -citizens has been
evinced by their confidence in placing him upon the School Board. He is
deeply interested in educational matters and makes an efficient and active
Director. He is well read in political matters and active in promoting the
interests of the Democratic party, to which he belongs. In the Lutheran
Church, where Mr. and Mrs. Ruff are active members, he has filled the
offices of Deacon and Trustee.
Extracted 29 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 633-634.
