Biographical Sketch of George T. Coffer - Andrew County, Missouri

>From "History of Missouri, Andrew & DeKalb County" Published 1888

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Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com)

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George T. Coffer, a citizen of Empire Township, Andrew County, MO., was
born in Fairfax County, VA., February 18, 1836.  He is the son of 
Thomas W. and Jane V. (Selecman) Coffer, both natives of Fairfax County,
VA.  The father was born in July, 1807, and was the son of Thomas Coffer.
He was a farmer, and in the fall of 1853 he removed from his native
State to Andrew County, MO., where he purchased land, and resided until
his death on December 6, 1886.  He was a quiet, unassuming man, who
never aspired to public life, and was beloved by all who knew him.  The
mother was born in 1812, and is the daughter of George Selecman.  She
now resides in Nodaway Township, Andrew County, MO.  She is the mother
of three sons:  George, William and Redmon; and five daughters: Jane,
Ann, Mollie, Maggie and Mildred.  George is the eldest, but two sisters,
and was reared on a farm.  He was seventeen years old when his father
removed to Missouri, and he completed a common-school education in the
schools of Andrew County.  He has devoted his life to farming, and has 
been very successful.  He began with a very limited capital, and has
had many obstacles to surmount, but, by means of energy and ambition,
is now prosperous.  He owns a large and well improved farm of 340 acres 
in Empire Township.  On February 18, 1863, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Kate S. Thompson, daughter of Isaac and Jane (McIlvoy) Thompson.
She was born in Harrodsburg, Mercer County, KY., October 15, 1840.  They
have seven children living, as follows:  Isaac Thompson, Maggie C.,
Jean E., Mary A., George A., Mattie B., and Joseph B.  Those dead are
William R., who had just reached his majority when he was called away
from a home in which he was sunshine and happiness; Alice V., who had
reached the age of seventeen years, a bright and amiable girl just in
the bloom of womanhood; Charles T., who lived but two summers to bless
the household.  The family is congenial and intelligent, and remarkable
for its musical ability.