James B. Coleman

JAMES B. COLEMAN. - An active and well-to-do farmer of Bonner Springs, James B. Coleman has for many years been successfully identified with the development and advancement of the agricultural prosperity of this section of Wyandotte county, his large and well kept farm reflecting credit on his good judgment and ability. He was born, in 1859, in Kentucky, which was likewise the native state of his father, Levi Coleman.

Born in Kentucky, March 5, 1835, Levi Coleman lived there until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when he entered the government employ as the driver of a freight wagon. He subsequently came with his family to Kansas, locating first on a farm in Wyandotte county, and later moving to Miami county, Kansas, where he is still engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a steadfast Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic Fraternity. His wife, whose maiden name was Trithy Saylor, died in Kansas in 1869, leaving four children, as follows: James B., the special subject of this personal record; Ida; Sallie Ann; and Arrita.

Coming in 1866 to Kansas with his parents, James B. Coleman, then a lad of scarce six summers, attended the district school as a boy, and when old enough began to assist his father in the care of the home farm, in Wyandotte county. Choosing for his life work the independent occupation of his ancestors, he has judiciously invested in land, and is now the owner of a good farm of three hundred and fifteen acres, which he is successfully devoting to general farming, stock raising and dairying. He has also a steam threshing outfit, and during the harvesting reason is kept busily employed in threshing grain throughout this section of the country.

In 1886 Mr. Coleman was united in marriage with Sarah Blankenship, who was born in Kentucky, February 24, 1867, coming to Wyandotte county, Kansas when she was a year old. Into their pleasant home ten children have been born all of whom are now living, namely: Alma, Ben, Hazel, Leonard, Lee, Clyde, Charles, Inez, Ida and Don W. Mrs. Coleman and two daughters, Alma and Hazel, belong to the Order of the Eastern Star, at White Church, Kansas.

In politics Mr. Coleman is a stanch and stalwart advocate of the policies of the Republican party. He is a member of Delaware Lodge No. 96, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he also holds membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.