COFFEN, WARREN

COFFEN, NELSON, DE RUSHA

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/1/2004 at 08:52:43

Biography reproduced from page 468 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

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 and 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.