The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, December 31, 1908 It is with a great sense of sadness the Leader records the death of W.G. COFFMAN, at the home of his son, T.B. COFFMAN, in Washington Township, which occurred last Friday, the funeral being held on Sunday and interment in the Russell Cemetery. For many years the COFFMAN family and that of the writer lived close neighbors -- in more senses than one. Not only were these family seats only a quarter of a mile apart on adjoining farms but the social relations were so close that during all those years there was never an unkind word spoken between them or an unneighborly thought that we know of. MR. COFFMAN was one of the kindest and most generous hearted men we ever knew and while in after years these homes were broken up owing to the changes of time and fates of human existences and separations followed yet many were the time when the mind reverted to the days of childhood and a longing for the days of happy communion which could never return as they once were. Several months since when he was stricken with paralysis the fact was mentioned in these columns, together with a brief sketch of the home life and the early association; his companionship of the boys, chaste conversation, lively disposition and unstinted fidelity to his obligations. They yet form a shroud of sunshine on the landscape of existence and when cares weigh heavy it is a pleasure to return and renew the associations of old if only in memory. Who has not had such feelings. If there be not such the poverty of life is apparent. The following is the sketch of his life: WILLIAM G. COFFMAN was born in Putnam County, Indiana, February 11, 1833, and died Dec. 25, 1908, aged 75 years, 10 months and 14 days. With his parents he emigrated to Appanoose County, Iowa, in 1849, where he grew to manhood. At the age of 21 he was united in marriage to TRYPHENA EVANS, with whom he lived until her death, which occurred Sept. 25, 1898. To this union were born four children, NANCY MARGARET, who died in childhood, THOMAS BENTON, with whom he made his home since the death of his beloved wife; FRANCIS MARION, now of Lawton, Okla.; and EMMA FLORENCE, who died Dec. 10, 1894. After his marriage he located in Washington Township, where he reared his family. His parents, also his brothers and sisters have all preceded him except one sister, POLLY ANN JONES, now of Moravia. At the age of 20 years he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church but subsequently took membership in Trinity class of the Evangelical Church and at the time of his death was a member of the United Evangelical Church at Trinity, in Washington Township. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert April 27, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net