Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-David Coffenberger
Portrait and Biographical
Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
DAVID COFFENBERGER, a self-made man
and a successful farmer residing on section
7, Center Township, Dickinson County,
claims Pennsylvania as the State of his nativity.
Franklin County is the place of his birth, and the
date is October 4, 1844. His parents, Peter and
Barbara (Mellinger) Coffenberger were both natives
of Germany and came to America during childhood.
The subject of this sketch began life for himself
at the tender age of nine years, and until
twenty-two years of age worked as a farm hand.
Thus thrown upon his own resources so early
in life, his success is all due to his own efforts.
In 1866, he chose as a companion and helpmate
on life's journey Miss Lydia Dover. They began
their domestic life in the Keystone State, and Mr.
Coffenberger there continued to reside until 1885,
when he came to Kansas. He had previously lost
his first wife, who died about eight years after
their marriage, and on the 20th of February, 1883,
was joined in wedlock with Miss Maria Wingert,
who was born in Franklin County, Pa., February
6, 1847. They have no children of their own,
but have an adopted son, Eber Samuel Kelso,
aged three years.
On coming to Kansas, in 1885, Mr. Coffenberger
located on the farm in Center Township, which he
had previously purchased. He now has one hundred
and eighty acres, and the land is under a
high state of cultivation. He is farming large
tracts and has four hundred acres planted In wheat,
seventy-five in corn and forty acres in oats.
Over $5,000 have been invested in buildings upon
the place since our subject located thereon. He
erected a frame barn, with stone basement, 16x76
feet, at a cost of $2,000, and has made many valuable
improvements, which stand as monuments
to his thrift and enterprise. While he has his farm
under his personal supervision, he employs several
men to aid him in its development and cultivation.
Mr. Coffenberger also runs a threshing machine
and has had twenty years' experience in
this line. In the season of 1891 his bill for threshing
amounted to $2,500. He also has a thirty inch
separator and a Massillon Cyclone Traction
Engine Stacker, worth $2,200. He also owns a
corn-sheller, feed-grinder, and all other machinery
of the latest improved methods. Every accessory
of a model farm is found on the Coffenberger
homestead, which is complete in all its appointments
and is classed among the best farms in the
county.
In politics, Mr. Coffenberger is a Republican,
and is a member of the River Brethren Church.
He is methodical, reliable and systematic in business,
and his life has been characterized by push
and industry, which are important features of
success. His beautiful home is pleasantly situated
five miles east of Abilene, and is presided
over with grace by his cultured and intelligent
wife. Both Mr. and Mrs. Coffenberger are well
known in this community and have many friends.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP