The Coffin Family
Excerpt from "Proud Mahaska" by Semira A. Phillips
Samuel and John Coffin, like all the other Coffins in the United States, are descendants of Tristram and Diones Coffin, who came from England in 1642 and settled at Salisbury in Massachusetts. In 1660 Tristram Coffin and nine others purchased the Island of Nantucket. There they settled in that year and not long after engaged in the whale-fishing business. Those Nantucket people followed that business, successfully through several generations. The traversed every known sea. (I mean all the oceans) and sold their cargoes in every seaport in Europe and many other parts of the world. One visiting Nantucket today can see quaint old houses, relics in the way of elegant furniture, paintings, china and silver ware brought b those whale-fishers to their wives and mothers, daughters and sisters. In course of time the little island of Nantucket became so thickly inhabited with Coffins and Maceys, and Gardners and Starbuks and Michells and Folgers and Russells and so forth, that they began to homes and business in other parts of the western hemisphere. There is said to be twenty-five thousand persons in the United States (1900) who can trace their lineage directly to Tristram and Diones Coffin, those first settlers on that island. It is also said that all the Coffins in this country are of that family. One William Coffin, a great grandson of Tristram, and whose wife was Priscilla Paddock, emigrated to North Carolina not long before the Revolutionary War. William was a Patriot- nursed the sick and wounded during the war. William Coffin was a Quaker.
Samuel Coffin was a Christian and died in peace at the age of seventy-one years, honored and respected by all who knew him. The largest funeral procession ever seen in Mahaska County, Iowa was said to bet the one that followed the remains of Samuel Coffin to their last resting place in Forest Cemetary.
Page 229
Though Samuel Coffin was a distant relative of mine, I never met him until the fall of 1844. He then was about thirty-six years old, tall and straight and full of vigor, pluck and energy. He had all the qualities necessary in battling with the hardships which attend the settling of a new country. He was honest, honorable, and brave. His ancestors were Nantucket whale-fishers, however not afraid of small things, and Samuel Coffin inherited many of the traits of character which those hardy seaman were said to have possessed. They were said to be fearless, honorable, with and innate principle of justice pervading their whole nature. They were a "Law unto themselves." I think Samuel Coffin possessed every trait which I have mentioned, and all of his old neighbors will agree with me in saying: If Samuel Coffin ever did a mean or dishonorable act, he did violence to his own nature. He provided well for his own household and was always ready to help a friend or neighbor if he found them in trouble. Samuel coffin was a fine looking man when in his prime. His hair and eyes were dark. There was a look of strength and genuineness in his face which inspired one with confidence. Even when in trouble himself, he could always find a comforting word for those that sought his sympathy and help. A man like Samuel Coffin is a blessing to any neighborhood.
His wife Sophia, who came with him to this fair wilderness, and shared with him the inconvenience of a little cabin in a new country, was a handsome woman, with dark hair and dark blue eyes, and a complexion like cream and roses, which the prairie winds even could not spoil. She was not only handsome, but a lovely, gentle, spirited woman.
My husband and I, in the early times would mount our horses and go dashing over the hills and hollows many a time to Samuel and Sophia Coffin's where we were sure to b received with a smiling welcome from both. Samuel would take Gorrell off to look at his big con and his pigs, and after awhile they would come back with their arms full of luscious melons. While our husbands were looking at crops, I would help Sophia get dinner, and such quantities of fried chicken and cream gravy, peas and potatoes, and hot biscuits and honey, butter, coffee with good rich cream, we would have on that table when our husbands returned. Samuel Coffin was not only a successful farmer and cattle ad pig raiser, but could find a bee tree if there happened to be one anywhere in his region. When a man found a bee tree he would cut his name or initials on it, and it was about as dangerous to "jump" a bee tree as it was to "jump" a claim.
Samuel and Sophia had a interesting family, four sons and three daughters, bright, handsome children. They added to their acres and other possessions, and were beginning to be comfortably fixed, when death broke into that happy family and took the beautiful and gentle wife and mother.
After seeing the last spade full of earth placed and made into a mound over all that was mortal of the wife of his youth, that strong man, with a heavy heart went back to his desolate home and sat down among his motherless children and wept. His heart was sad, the world looked dark, all joy seemed to have departed, never to return, but before long he began to realize that he could not afford to sit and nurse his grief, as there was a family of children, some of them were mere babies, who had to be provided for. His cares were doubled. He had to fill the place of his father and mother too, but possessed great strength of character, could surmount difficulties that many a man would sink under. He cast his own griefs and heartaches in the background and went on toiling and planning and doing the best he could for his own family and others who came in his way and needed assistance. After a year he married Susan Lyster, a daughter of Henry Lyster and old settler in Oskalosa. Susan was a good girl, good looking and a conscientious Christian. To this union were born nine children, five daughters and four sons. Although Samuel Coffin had an unusually numerous family to support, they were all well provided for. Samuel came to own 555 acres of land, served his county in many offices and represented Mahaska County two years in the legislature; was justice for five year. In 1864 was on the board of directors of the "First National Bank of Oskaloosa."
Samuel Coffin's first wife, Sofia Fisler, was the oldest child of Jacob Fisler and Susan Garner, born in Jackson County, Indiana, 24 January 1814. Her father was in the War of 1812 and her grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, her ancestors came to the United States in about the middle of the 18th century from Switzerland.
Samuel and John Coffin, like all the other Coffins in the United States, are descendants of Tristram and Diones Coffin, who came from England in 1642 and settled at Salisbury in Massachusetts. In 1660 Tristram Coffin and nine others purchased the Island of Nantucket. There they settled in that year and not long after engaged in the whale-fishing business. Those Nantucket people followed that business, successfully through several generations. The traversed every known sea. (I mean all the oceans) and sold their cargoes in every seaport in Europe and many other parts of the world. One visiting Nantucket today can see quaint old houses, relics in the way of elegant furniture, paintings, china and silver ware brought b those whale-fishers to their wives and mothers, daughters and sisters. In course of time the little island of Nantucket became so thickly inhabited with Coffins and Maceys, and Gardners and Starbuks and Michells and Folgers and Russells and so forth, that they began to homes and business in other parts of the western hemisphere. There is said to be twenty-five thousand persons in the United States (1900) who can trace their lineage directly to Tristram and Diones Coffin, those first settlers on that island. It is also said that all the Coffins in this country are of that family. One William Coffin, a great grandson of Tristram, and whose wife was Priscilla Paddock, emigrated to North Carolina not long before the Revolutionary War. William was a Patriot- nursed the sick and wounded during the war. William Coffin was a Quaker.
Samuel Coffin was a Christian and died in peace at the age of seventy-one years, honored and respected by all who knew him. The largest funeral procession ever seen in Mahaska County, Iowa was said to bet the one that followed the remains of Samuel Coffin to their last resting place in Forest Cemetary.
Page 229
Though Samuel Coffin was a distant relative of mine, I never met him until the fall of 1844. He then was about thirty-six years old, tall and straight and full of vigor, pluck and energy. He had all the qualities necessary in battling with the hardships which attend the settling of a new country. He was honest, honorable, and brave. His ancestors were Nantucket whale-fishers, however not afraid of small things, and Samuel Coffin inherited many of the traits of character which those hardy seaman were said to have possessed. They were said to be fearless, honorable, with and innate principle of justice pervading their whole nature. They were a "Law unto themselves." I think Samuel Coffin possessed every trait which I have mentioned, and all of his old neighbors will agree with me in saying: If Samuel Coffin ever did a mean or dishonorable act, he did violence to his own nature. He provided well for his own household and was always ready to help a friend or neighbor if he found them in trouble. Samuel coffin was a fine looking man when in his prime. His hair and eyes were dark. There was a look of strength and genuineness in his face which inspired one with confidence. Even when in trouble himself, he could always find a comforting word for those that sought his sympathy and help. A man like Samuel Coffin is a blessing to any neighborhood.
His wife Sophia, who came with him to this fair wilderness, and shared with him the inconvenience of a little cabin in a new country, was a handsome woman, with dark hair and dark blue eyes, and a complexion like cream and roses, which the prairie winds even could not spoil. She was not only handsome, but a lovely, gentle, spirited woman.
My husband and I, in the early times would mount our horses and go dashing over the hills and hollows many a time to Samuel and Sophia Coffin's where we were sure to b received with a smiling welcome from both. Samuel would take Gorrell off to look at his big con and his pigs, and after awhile they would come back with their arms full of luscious melons. While our husbands were looking at crops, I would help Sophia get dinner, and such quantities of fried chicken and cream gravy, peas and potatoes, and hot biscuits and honey, butter, coffee with good rich cream, we would have on that table when our husbands returned. Samuel Coffin was not only a successful farmer and cattle ad pig raiser, but could find a bee tree if there happened to be one anywhere in his region. When a man found a bee tree he would cut his name or initials on it, and it was about as dangerous to "jump" a bee tree as it was to "jump" a claim.
Samuel and Sophia had a interesting family, four sons and three daughters, bright, handsome children. They added to their acres and other possessions, and were beginning to be comfortably fixed, when death broke into that happy family and took the beautiful and gentle wife and mother.
After seeing the last spade full of earth placed and made into a mound over all that was mortal of the wife of his youth, that strong man, with a heavy heart went back to his desolate home and sat down among his motherless children and wept. His heart was sad, the world looked dark, all joy seemed to have departed, never to return, but before long he began to realize that he could not afford to sit and nurse his grief, as there was a family of children, some of them were mere babies, who had to be provided for. His cares were doubled. He had to fill the place of his father and mother too, but possessed great strength of character, could surmount difficulties that many a man would sink under. He cast his own griefs and heartaches in the background and went on toiling and planning and doing the best he could for his own family and others who came in his way and needed assistance. After a year he married Susan Lyster, a daughter of Henry Lyster and old settler in Oskalosa. Susan was a good girl, good looking and a conscientious Christian. To this union were born nine children, five daughters and four sons. Although Samuel Coffin had an unusually numerous family to support, they were all well provided for. Samuel came to own 555 acres of land, served his county in many offices and represented Mahaska County two years in the legislature; was justice for five year. In 1864 was on the board of directors of the "First National Bank of Oskaloosa."
Samuel Coffin's first wife, Sofia Fisler, was the oldest child of Jacob Fisler and Susan Garner, born in Jackson County, Indiana, 24 January 1814. Her father was in the War of 1812 and her grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, her ancestors came to the United States in about the middle of the 18th century from Switzerland.
Got to Section #17, start on page 229 for full text of excerpt
Thomas A. Coffin & Family
Erastus Coffin 1 Oct. 1841 - 31 May 1920
biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
ERASTUS COFFIN, well and favorably known as a worthy resident of Madison Township, was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., Oct. 1, 1841. His father, Samuel Coffin, who was a native of North Carolina, born April 19, 1809, came to Iowa in 1842, and to this county in 1844, and died May 6, 1880. At the time of his death he owned 560 acres of land. His mother, Sophia (Fisler) Coffin, was a native of Indiana, born Jan. 24, 1814, and was united in marriage with Samuel Coffin in the year 1830. She is now deceased. Erastus Coffin, of this sketch, came to Iowa with his parents, lived with them in Lee County for one year, and then located in Madison Township of this county. He was married to Miss Sarah E. Corwin, May 26, 1866. Mrs. C. was born in New Jersey, Sept. 11, 1845, being a daughter of S. O. and Lydia E. (Baker) Corwin, also natives of New Jersey. By this marriage there have been four children: Nellie is the wife of E. Knight, of this township; Frederick, Josella and Harry are at home. Mr. Coffin served three years in the late war, as a member of Co. H, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf., and participated with his command in all its engagements. He was in the battles of Black River, Champion Hills, and other engagements preliminary to the investment and siege of Vicksburg, and witnessed the surrender of that stronghold, July 4, 1863. At the second battle of Corinth he received a severe wound in the neck, not sufficient, however, to disable him. He was also with Gen. Banks in his famous Red River campaign, and continued with his regiment until the expiration of his term of service, receiving his discharge at Davenport, Iowa. His record is that of a brave soldier, who performed every duty in a creditable manner. Mr. Coffin owns 197 acres of fertile land, in a high state of cultivation and well improved. His early education was received in the common schools of this county. He was a close student and apt scholar, and possesses a fund of general information. He is an enthusiastic Republican, and socially belongs to Phil. Kearney Post, G. A. R. Mr. Coffin manages his business wisely, is fairly successful in life, and enjoys the friendship and association of a large circle of acquaintances.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 446-447. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
J. C. MANSFIELD, proprietor of Springdale Farm, Shelby Township, is one of the early settlers, having come to the county in 1872. He is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Harrison County, September 22, 1847. He is a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Shimers) Mansfield. Mr. Mansfield was reared to farm life, and was educated in the common schools. During the late war he was one of the first of the many gallant patriots to go to the defense of his country's flag. He enlisted January 27, 1862, when but fifteen years of age. He was in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, Company G. He was first under fire at Gallatin, Tennessee, and was in the battle of Stone River, and was wounded December 31 by a gunshot in the right leg. He was confined to the hospital at Nashville, Louisville, and Quincy, Illinois. He rejoined his regiment at Murfreesboro. He took an active part in the Tullahoma campaign, in the battle of Chickamauga, the siege of Chattanooga, and the campaign of Atlanta, when he was under fire four months. He went through the Carolinas to Washington, and was present at the grand review. He was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, and mustered out of the service at Camp Denison, Ohio, in July, 1865. He then returned to Harrison County, where he remained one year. He then went to Illinois and lived in McLean and Logan counties until 1867, when he came to Mahaska County, Iowa. Here he lived until 1872, when he settled on the land which is his present home. It was then wild and unimproved, but to-day Springdale Farm is one of the finest in the county. There is a good house, barns for stock and grain, and a grove and orchard. A strong, pure spring supplies the stock with water. Mr. Mansfield has twenty-six head of thoroughbred shorthorns of good pedigree, that cannot be excelled in the county. June 24, 1871, Mr. Mansfield was married to Miss Sophia E. Coffin, of Oscaloosa, Iowa, a daughter of Samuel Coffin, Esq. They have four children - Elizabeth Ann, Flora E., Nellie G. and Mary Clyde. Mr. Mansfield is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R, Dick Yates Post, No. 364. He has ever shown a public spirit, and is among the foremost in every laudable enterprise. He is still in the prime of life, is genial and hospitable in his disposition, honest and upright in his dealings, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
J. C. MANSFIELD, proprietor of Springdale Farm, Shelby Township, is one of the early settlers, having come to the county in 1872. He is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Harrison County, September 22, 1847. He is a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Shimers) Mansfield. Mr. Mansfield was reared to farm life, and was educated in the common schools. During the late war he was one of the first of the many gallant patriots to go to the defense of his country's flag. He enlisted January 27, 1862, when but fifteen years of age. He was in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, Company G. He was first under fire at Gallatin, Tennessee, and was in the battle of Stone River, and was wounded December 31 by a gunshot in the right leg. He was confined to the hospital at Nashville, Louisville, and Quincy, Illinois. He rejoined his regiment at Murfreesboro. He took an active part in the Tullahoma campaign, in the battle of Chickamauga, the siege of Chattanooga, and the campaign of Atlanta, when he was under fire four months. He went through the Carolinas to Washington, and was present at the grand review. He was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, and mustered out of the service at Camp Denison, Ohio, in July, 1865. He then returned to Harrison County, where he remained one year. He then went to Illinois and lived in McLean and Logan counties until 1867, when he came to Mahaska County, Iowa. Here he lived until 1872, when he settled on the land which is his present home. It was then wild and unimproved, but to-day Springdale Farm is one of the finest in the county. There is a good house, barns for stock and grain, and a grove and orchard. A strong, pure spring supplies the stock with water. Mr. Mansfield has twenty-six head of thoroughbred shorthorns of good pedigree, that cannot be excelled in the county. June 24, 1871, Mr. Mansfield was married to Miss Sophia E. Coffin, of Oscaloosa, Iowa, a daughter of Samuel Coffin, Esq. They have four children - Elizabeth Ann, Flora E., Nellie G. and Mary Clyde. Mr. Mansfield is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R, Dick Yates Post, No. 364. He has ever shown a public spirit, and is among the foremost in every laudable enterprise. He is still in the prime of life, is genial and hospitable in his disposition, honest and upright in his dealings, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.