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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JAMES O. COFFEE, of Barnes City, was born in Rock Island County, Ill., Sept. 5, 1864. He came to Iowa with his parents and resided with them in Grundy County for several years, removing thence to the old home in Illinois, but staid there only a short time, coming thence to Mahaska County and settling in Pleasant Grove Township, where his father purchased eighty acres of land. The latter died April 20, 1884. His mother and brother John reside upon and conduct the farm. James O. learned the art of telegraphy in 1883, and in the year 1884 received the appointment of railway agent and telegraph operator at Barnes City. These positions he has filled to the entire acceptance of his superiors in authority, as well as to the patrons of the road in and about the station. He possesses an adaptation for the business, is a young man of fine business talent, with an ambition to do his every duty in an acceptable manner, and it is easy to foresee that in the near future there is a place yet higher for the exercise of his ability, and that he will reach the summit of his ambition. His political affiliations are with the Republican party.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy