Daniel E. Coffey Biography


	This biography appears on page 1020 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				DANIEL E. COFFEY.  

	The ability of Daniel E. Coffey finds demonstration in the 
increasing business of the State Bank of Fairfax, of which he is one of 
the principal stockholders and the cashier. During his connection with 
the bank as an officer he has contributed in substantial measure to its 
upbuilding. There are no unusual factors in his success, for he has 
based his advancement upon close application, firm determination and 
unfaltering perseverance. A native of Holt county, Nebraska, he was 
born September 12, 1881, of the marriage of John and Johanna (Murphy) 
Coffey. The father, who was a pioneer of that state, devoted much of 
his life to farming but lived retired for twelve years prior to his 
death, which occurred in August, 1914. His widow survives.  

	Daniel E. Coffey was educated in the public schools and in a 
normal school, after which he entered a bank in Nebraska, where he was 
employed for four years. On the expiration of this period he came to 
South Dakota and purchased the State Bank of Fairfax, holding a large 
majority of the stock. He then bent his energies toward the extension 
of its business relations and has secured a large clientele. In 
addition to his bank stock he has important real-estate interests, 
owning seven hundred and twenty acres of land in South Dakota.  

	On the 26th of May, 1909, Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to 
Miss Bernice Van Gordon, a daughter of Albert L. Van Gordon. He is a 
devout communicant of the Catholic church and also belongs to Gregory 
Council of the Knights of Columbus. While living in Spencer, Nebraska, 
he filled the office of city treasurer, but the honors and emoluments 
of office have little attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate 
his energies upon his business affairs. However, he is not remiss in 
the duties of citizenship and gives his support wherever a plan or 
project is put forth that tends to promote the welfare of the 
community.