Biographies of Warren Coffen and Clark S. Coffin

Warren Coffen was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1833. When two years of age, his parents, John and Clarissa (Nelson) Coffen, removed to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where they engaged in farming. When about sixteen years of age, he went to Worcester, Mass., and engaged in the stock business. In 1854 he removed to Rockford, Ill., engaging in the stock business there for two years. He then went to Huntsville, Ala., and engaged in raising cotton.

He went from there to New Orleans shortly afterward the war broke out. He returned to his home in Ogle Co., Ill. He enlisted in company B., 7th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and served until he was disabled, when he was discharged. In about a year he again enlisted. This time in company L, same regiment. He was in the battles of Corinth, Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, Iuka and several other hard fought battles. He received his discharge at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to Ogle Co., Ill., remaining there until he got well.

In 1864 he had taken a claim of 160 acres of land on section 9, township 98, range 30, in Greenwood township, Kossuth Co., Iowa. In July 1866, he came out and took possession. He raises cattle, horses and hogs, and is one of the most systematic farmers in this county. He was married Oct. 26, 1868, to Ellen De Rusha, daughter of Eli and Caroline De Rusha of Faribault Co., Minn. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living-Ella, Albert, Minnie I., Julia, Ellen, Electa, Rosanna and Warren. Mrs. Coffen in a member of the Catholic Church. Her parents live in Faribault Co., Minn. They are of French descent. Mr. Coffen's father died in March, 1875, and is buried in Ogle Co., Ill. His mother lives in Ogle county, on the old homestead. Mr. Coffen is a republican, politically. (Transcribed by Jean Kramer)

Clark Sherman Coffin

C. S. Coffin was born March 29, 1834, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. When six years of age, he went with his parents to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where his father was engaged in farming. When nineteen years old, he came west, in company with an elder brother, W. D. Coffin, to Boone Co., Ill. After he had lived there about three years, his father's family came from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., to Illinois. They then settled near Polo, Ogle Co. C. S. Coffin went to Denver, Col., in 1862, returning home to Polo, Ogle Co., Ill., after being absent about eighteen months.

In 1865 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, taking a homestead, one quarter on section 32, and one quarter on section 29, Portland township. He now owns eighty acres on the adjoining section, having 400 acres altogether. He makes stock raising a specialty. Mr. Coffin was married Nov. 30, 1864, to Aurilla E. Woodard, of Ogle Co., Ill. They have seven children-Artie M., Clara M., George H., Agnes L., Della S., Clark S. and Zella L. Mr. Coffin is a republican, and was school director in district No. 5, Portland township, for a number of years. (Transcribed by Jean Kramer)