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Samuel J. Coffman, who served as sergeant in the Charlottesville Artillery, C. S. A., passed into eternal rest at his home, Ivy Depot, Va., on September 25, 1919.

Born in Rockingham County, Va., April 15, 1836, his youthful years were spent on the farm, and at the age of seventeen he entered the University of Virginia and there spent several years preparing himself for teaching. The beginning of the Confederate war found him teaching in a boys' school and still attending lectures. He at once enlisted in the University Volunteers, a student company, and with it participated in the West Virginia campaign. He then joined the Charlottesville Artillery, serving with it until after the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. The battery was in position at the "Bloody Angle," which accounts for its losses. From May 12, 1864, until the final tragedy at Appomattox Sergeant Coffman served with the Staunton Artillery, Cutshaw's Battalion. The most cherished memento of this Christian soldier is his parole, showing that he followed Lee to the end.

After the war Professor Coffman resumed his work as a teacher in Charlottesville until called to Clarksville, Tenn., in 1870 as professor of modern languages. At this institution and its successor, the Southwestern Presbyterian University, he remained until 1891. Subsequently he was principal of male schools in Virginia and West Virginia until his retirement, some twelve years ago. He was a charter member of Forbes Bivouac, of Clarksville, Tenn., and ever cherished a strong feeling for his old comrades.

A faithful soldier of the Confederacy, he was yet a still more devoted follower of the Master. Early a member of the Presbyterian Church, he was chosen an elder in 1877 while residing in Clarksville and so remained to the end of his life. His influence for good was felt by thousands of the South's best young men during the long years spent as teacher and college professor.

Full of years and honors, he passed peacefully away and was laid to rest by loving hands in quiet St. Pauls Churchyard, Ivy, Va.