From A
Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. I, p. 131
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
SAMUEL KAUFFMAN
Samuel Kauffman, one of the well-known citizens of Rice county, who is devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits and whose efforts in that direction result in making him one of the substantial citizens of the community, came to this locality in 1878, and here he has since made his home. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1842, a son of Samuel Kauffman, Sr. The latter’s father, Abraham Kauffman, was likewise a native of Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He married Miss Sarah Shantz, a native of the Keystone state, and both died on the old home farm in Lehigh county. Samuel Kauffman, Sr, was reared and educated in the state of his nativity, and was there married to Esther Musselman, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Their union was blessed with seven children, namely: Mrs Sarah Gehman; Mrs Susanna Warner; Elizabeth; Abraham, who was a minister of the Mennonite church and is now deceased; Samuel; Milton; and Mrs Mary Ann Moore. The father of this family followed farming as a life occupation, and was honored and esteemed by all who knew him. He was an elder in the Mennonite church, and in his life exemplified his Christian faith. Politically he was an advocate of Republican principles. He was called from this earth in 1853, and his widow survived until 1894, when she, too, was called to the home beyond, at the age of eighty-nine years.
Samuel Kauffman, whose name forms the caption of this review, was reared on a farm in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where he was early taught lessons of industry, perseverance and economy. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, but he has largely supplemented this training by practical experience, reading and observation. The year 1878 witnessed his arrival in Rice county, Kansas, whither he came from Michigan. He located on a tract of improved land, but his farm is now one of the finest and best improved places in the county, comprising seven hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. Here he not only follows general farming but is also extensively engaged in the raising of cattle, horses and hogs, and in both branches of his business he is meeting with a well-merited success. As time has passed he has secured all of the improvements and accessories of a model farm, erecting a good residence, large barn and all necessary outbuildings, and the school-house also is located on a portion of his place.
In the year 1866 Mr Kauffman was united in marriage to Caroline Godshalk, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, a sister of the Hon. A J Godshalk, of Alden, Rice county, Kansas. On the 18th of October, 1874, in St Joseph county, Michigan, Mrs Kauffman was called to the home beyond, and her loss was deeply mourned, for she was loved and respected by all who knew her. In 1878, in St Joseph county, Michigan, Mr Kauffman wedded Savilla, a daughter of John W and Mary (Hile) Kline. The father, a native of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, is a well-known and honored citizen of Center township, Rice county. The mother died at her home in Center township, June 19, 1900. She was an affectionate wife and mother and was loved by all for her kindness of heart and mind. At her death she left six children, namely: Charles, Mrs Savilla Kauffman, Mrs Ella Coonfer, Mrs Elizabeth Rathbun, Mrs Catherine Miller and Albert W. Mrs Kline was a worthy member of the Evangelical church, in which her husband also holds membership. Unto Mr and Mrs Kauffman have been born three children, - Eva Grace, Roy L and Floyd Earl. The family are members of the Evangelical church.
On the 5th of April, 1882, their residence was completely destroyed by a cyclone, and although the family were in the house at the time, none of the members were injured. Mr Kauffman casts his ballot in favor of Republicanism, staunchly advocating the principles set forth by the party. His fellow townsmen have recognized his worth and ability and have called him to the office of treasurer of the school district in which he resides, and in this position he has served with credit and ability. He is a warm advocate of education, temperance and religion, and in all relations of life he has been true to principle and to duty.