CHESTER COLEMAN

CHESTER COLEMAN

Chester Coleman, one of the early settlers and substantial farmers of Nemaha county, residing on section 2, Rock Creek township, was born in Fulton county, Connecticut, on the 2d of February, 1812, and has therefore passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey. His father, Joseph Coleman, was also a native of Connecticut and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Sarah Bishop, whose birth occurred in the Nutmeg state, and in 1824 they removed to New York, where they made their home until 1831 where they went to Ohio. There the father secured land from the government, cutting away the trees and developing the forest tract into richly cultivated fields. His last days, however, were passed in Connecticut, but his wife died in Ohio. In their family were eleven children, four of whom are now living.

Chester Coleman was a lad of twelve summers when he went with his parents to New York and at the age of nineteen he became a resident of Ohio, where he worked in the woods for ten dollars per month. He was married in that state to Honor Stevenson, who was a native of Ohio and who died in 1870. In their family were seven children: Austin, Mary and Julia, who have all passed away; Nancy Ellen and William who are with their father; and Thomas, deceased.

Mr. Coleman is one of the early settlers of Nemaha county and has been engaged in farming for many years. Coming here at an early period in the development of northeastern Kansas, he has since been identified with its agricultural interests, his labors resulting in the acquirement of a very nice home and comfortable competence. His life has ever been honorable and upright, in harmony with his professions as a member of the United Brethren church. His life has indeed been strictly temperate, and he has never used tobacco. He votes with the Prohibition party and strongly advocates the abolition of the liquor traffic, believing that it will be for the best interests of mankind. He is now on the declining slope of life, and in his old age he receives the veneration and regard which should ever crown a well-spent and honorable career.