John Kauffman
John Kauffman was born in Bedford County, Penn., April 30, 1834, a son of Peter and Catherine (Fisher) Kauffman, both natives of Bedford County. In 1849 his parents moved to Ohio and lived at Wooster, Wayne Co., for a time, then bought a small farm, which they afterward sold. The father died at the age of seventy-six years.
John Kauffman was fifteen years of age when his parents moved to Wayne County, and there he lived till manhood. He was given a common-school education, but the greater part of his time was spent in assisting his father at farm labor. After starting in life for himself, he bought eighty acres of land in Ripley township, Holmes County, which was originally the property of Mrs. Dye. He now has a pleasant home, his improvements being among the best in the township. He has held the position of trustee in Ripley Township, and the same office in Wayne County. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was married July 8, 1858, to Miss Ellen Avery, daughter of Alexander and Martha (Beard) Avery, her father coming to Ohio from New York when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman have had nine children, seven yet living: Edgar, William, Emmett, Harvey, Effie, Ella and James. The family are members of the Disciples Church.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889