Coffing - Brasier
BRASIER COFFING
Source: 1880 Fountain County, Indiana History by HW Beckwith p 330
Brasier Coffing, farmer, stock raiser and stock buyer, Veedersburg, was born in Warren County, Ohio, Oct 10, 1840. He was the only son and one of 3 children by William and Margaret (Firman) Coffing. His mother di ed when he was two years old. In 1849 his father removed to Crawfordsville, where he died Sept 9, 1869. In 1859 Mr. Coffing came to Fountain County, where he worked by the month and at farming until an early stage of the war, when on Sept 15, 1862 he enlisted in Co E 86th Ind Vols. He went into camp at LaFayette and was mustered into the service at Indiaanpolis. Returning to the former place he was seized with sore eyes and sent ho me by Col. Dick with instructions to remain till ordered to join his command. The order never came and so ended his military life. He was married 8-10-1861 to Sarah C, daughter of William and Rebecca Ireland. She was born 4-23-1842. Her father was born in Coshocton County, Ohio in 1815 and his parents dying so on afterward he was raised by connections. In 1821 he came with his uncle, Samuel Woods who emigrated at that time to W arren County, this state. Four or five years subsequently he went to Richland Twp to live with his aunt, Polly Bodley, whose husband was John Bodley. He lived there on the Big Shawnee until his marriage to Rebecca Lee, Feb 5, 1836 and a few years after, working for his uncle in his "corn cracker" and stillhouse. His experience was the same as that of many other poor and youthful pioneers. His only property, when married, was a cupboard and a cow. He made stools to sit on, and their couch was a pile of straw. While learning to read he had no book, but used a paddle whereon were carved the letters of the alphabet. His industry was so great that in spite of these discouraging drawbacks he secured a fair common education and left his family a competency. About 1840 he bought the farm where his widow is living. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church some 40 years and led a consistent useful life dying Aug 15, 1878. He had 10 children and l ft property at his death worth $18000. M/M Coffing have 4 children: Ida May b. 8-10-1861; Mary Ella 1-9-1864; Mattie Lee 9-9-1871 and Guy Firman 7-20-1880. Mrs. Coffing belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. Coffing was reared a democrat but has always voted with the republicans except when he has cast an occasional ballot with the greenbackers. From the time of his marriage till 1875 when he moved to Veedersburg he was farming. SInce that time he has been in the stock trade at that place and in addition, during the last two years has been farming in Shawnee township. He owns a farm in Warren County, recently bought - typed by kbz.