Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 943 - 944

HENRY KAUFMAN, dealer in real estate, Wichita, is one of the representative business men of that city. His long residence here has made him perfectly familiar with the condition of realty in this part of the country, and has given him a knowledge of lines, boundaries, values and titles, which has been of inestimable value to him in his transactions; and his large acquaintance and dealings with men throughout Southern Kansas has also proved advantageous, as he is conducting a large business with satisfactory results. He is a native of Butler County, Pa., born Dec. 25, 1836, to John and Margaret (Cress) Kaufman, natives of Breidenbach, Hessian Germany. They came to this country in 1835 and settled in Butler County, Pa., where Mr. Kaufman was engaged as a journeyman. In February, 1837, he removed with his family to Warsaw, Hancock Co., Ill., and engaged in the manufacture of wagons, stages and carriages, until within a few years of his death, when he had become rich enough to retire. His wife died in 1853 and he in 1869. They were honest, respectable people, who walked the path of virtue and honor throughout lives of usefulness, and were devoted members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of seven children, four of whom are living: Henry; John, a farmer living in Wichita; Margaret, now Mrs. Schuhart, of Columbus, Adams Co., Ill.; Maria, now Mrs. Schuhart, of Coatsburg, Adams Co., Ill.

            The subject of this sketch spent his younger days in school, and gained a good, practical education. When his schooling was completed he engaged with his father in his wagon and carriage manufactory, serving as a common workman, and gaining a thorough understanding of all the details connected with the business, remaining with him until he attained his majority. He then established himself in a carriage factory of his own in Warsaw, and conducted a fine business, his superior workmanship bringing him in an extensive trade. In 1866 he was obliged to close out, on account of his failing health, and subsequently turned his attention to the mercantile business in the same town, entering into partnership with J. B. Miltner, under the firm name of J. B. Miltner & Kaufman. They continued together for several years, and, by their enterprise and energetic management built up a large and prosperous trade. In 1875 Mr. Kaufman sold his interest in the firm, and came to the beautiful city of Wichita, which he shrewdly foresaw, from its superb geographical location, must become a great commercial emporium of an agricultural region unsurpassed for fertility and productiveness. He established himself in the grain business soon after coming here, and was very successful, having extensive dealings throughout Southern Kansas. In 1886 he discontinued that business, and became engaged in real-estate transactions, in which he has met with his usual success. He is a man of good business capacity, and a thorough manager of his wide and lucrative interests.

            Mr. Kaufman was married, in September, 1860, to Miss Johanna M. Wilkie, of Hancock County, Ill., and daughter of Henry and Catherine (Coleman) Wilkie, natives of Germany. They came to America many years ago, and settled in St. Charles, Mo., where Mr. Wilkie was engaged in farming. Finally they removed to Illinois, and made their home in Hancock County, and carried on agricultural pursuits until death. They had four children: George F., of Sedgwick County, Kan.; Benjamin F., of Wichita; Sophia, Mrs. Miltner, of Wichita, and Mrs. Kaufman. To our subject and his wife have been born four children, three of whom are living--Annie M., Clara S. and Ida S. Miss Annie is engaged in the millinery business, under the firm name of Kaufman & Kober, of Wichita.

            Mr. Kaufman takes a lively interest in politics, and is a member of the Republican party. Both he and Mrs. Kaufman belong to the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and are influential in its affairs. They are quiet, unpretentious people, helpful toward others, and easily winning and retaining the respect and esteem of those with whom they come in contact.

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