McLean County Anniversary Found in papers of Martha (Hester) Ihmels, cousing to Isaac G. Coffman. Published Tuesday, April 28, 1970, Bloomington-Normal Pantagraph. Isaac is the son of Leonard F. and Paulina Jane (Hester) Coffman of Jefferson County, IL. The Isaac G. Coffmans of 912 S. Mason will celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary Wednesday. Their advise to newlyweds - "Don't make a fus . . . everyone has problems, just bear with him." Mr. Coffman added, "If you're not a Christian already - become one." He recalled he has been a Christian since she was 21 and his wife took quite a chance when she married him. He was not then converted. He will be 93 in june and she is 89. The couple has a small home where he does the painting, mowing and gardening. She sews, cans and cooks. Last summer, Mr. Coffman climed up on the ladder and painted the exterior of their home. The couple came to Bloomington 44 years ago. They went to work in the Home Sweet Home Mission and later became and later became superintendent and secretary of the mission. Both admit the place is still in their blood. They were associated with the mission 27 years and still go to visit. In their home is their piano, which she still plays, and two large trophies. They won one at the Illinois State Fair in 1967, when they were the oldest married couple attending. She won another trophy that year for the fanciest apron at the fair. She won a second for a dress she maid for the fair, but lost to a woman four months older. They had 10 children. Three died in infancy and one died in an automobile wreck in 1963. Still living are Eldo, Dow, Jesse and Mrs. Lois Kerns, all of California, Mrs. Grace Merrick of Bloomington and Edwards of Rockford. They have 21 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. Their deceased son, Melvin, was a Christian Church minister. Their first born child arrived on their first anniversary, April 29, and their first grandson was born on their 29th anniversary. One grandson is a minister in the Panama Canal Zone. They will observe the special day by having lunch at the YWCA. A big celebration was held on their 70th anniversary. The couple belongs to the Golden Age Club and the YW and the play in the club's Rhythm Band. They have a 50x15 foot garden with vegetables she will later can. The Coffmans have high praise for their neighborhood and neighbors. "Everyone is good to us," they said in agreement. Since neither drives a car any more, they depend on neighbors and friends for transportation. "We try to brighten the corner where we are, " said Mr. Coffman. They enjoy sharing and helping with their neighbors, like sitting with a 93-year-old woman next door when her daughter has to leave. Mr. Coffman is hard of hearing and Mrs. Coffman has trouble seeing well after surgery on her eyes. But this doesn't stop the two from remaining active. They are members of the Grace United Methodist Church. Kay Diekemper 15375 Isaak Road Carlyle, IL 62231 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Kay Diekemper (© 1997 Kay Diekemper)