John S. Coffman

John S. Coffman (October 16, 1848 – July 22, 1899) was a leader in the Mennonite Church in the late 19th century. He promoted evangelical and progressive reform through his positions in the Mennonite Publishing Company, revival meetings and chairmanship of the Elkhart Institute (a forerunner to Goshen College).

John S. Coffman was born on October 16, 1848, in Rockingham County, Virginia. His parents were Samuel and Frances Weaver Coffman. He was baptized at age 16, and soon fled to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania to avoid being drafted into the Confederate Army.

On November 11, 1869, he married Elizabeth J. Heatwole. Over the course of their marriage, they had seven children. One of their children, Samuel F. Coffman was a significant church leader in his own right. They purchased a 30-acre farm on Gravelly Hill. Having returned to Virginia, he obtained a teaching certificate despite limited formal education and taught at several local schools. He was chosen by lot and ordained at Bank Church, a Mennonite Congregation in Virginia. He also led singing schools in the area.

Coffman was invited by John F. Funk to move to Elkhart, Indiana, where he took the position of assistant editor of the Herald of Truth in 1879. The two men shared a belief in progressive ideals and evangelism. Coffman contributed articles and editorials for that publication as well as Sunday school materials beginning in 1880. Coffman and John F. Funk collaborated on several publications such as the Minister's Manual and Confession of Faith. Coffman also served as editor and president of the Mennonite Book and Tract Society following its inception in 1889.

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