David Coleman, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson county, is a native of Kansas, and descendant of pioneer parents. He was born in Jackson county, March 24, 1863, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Boyce) Coleman, natives of England. They immigrated to Canada at an early day and from there to Illinois. In 1855, they came to Kansas and settled in Calhoun county, now Jackson, where the father engaged in farming and stock raising, and was among the very early settlers of that section of the State. He died in August, 1883. The Coleman family consisted of seven children, of whom David was the youngest. He spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended the country schools. He followed farming and stock raising until 1889, when he removed to Denison and engaged in the grain and elevator business. He also carried on a live stock business, buying and shipping stock in large numbers. He remained in the grain business until 1912, but since 1911, he has resided on his farm which adjoins the town of Denison. In 1911, he engaged in the dairy business in a small way, at first. He was successful in this enterprise and the business developed rapidly and today he is one of the most extensive dairy men in Jackson county. He has a large herd of pure bred Holstein cows, and has equipped his place with all modern methods and improvements for conducting dairy business on an extensive scale. In 1913, he built one of the most modern and complete dairy barns in that section of the State, equipped with electric lights and all conveniences. In 1914, he bought back a half interest in the elevator and is again conducting the grain business at Denison in connection with the other interests. In 1908, Mr. Coleman become interested in the Denison State Bank, and is now one of the directors of that institution. He was married July 4, 1885, to Miss Lillie Ann, daughter of Alptus and Rosana (Aker) Bainbridge, natives of Missouri. The father was a farmer and stockman, and a pioneer of Kansas, coming to this State in 1856. He was one of the early settlers of Jackson county where he resided until his death, in January, 1895. Mrs. Coleman was born in Jackson county, Kansas, and received her education in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have five children: Walter Allen, a sketch of whom follows this article; Roy David, a graduate of the Kansas State Agricultural College; Darius B.; Noel E.; and Gladys M. Mr. Coleman is a Democrat, and was the first mayor of Denison. He is a progressive and public spirited citizen and takes an active interest in all movements, tending to promote the social or commercial betterment of the community.