M. D. Coffeen (1813-1882)
M. D. Coffeen was born in New York in 1813. Around 1836, Coffeen settled on Salt Fork and opened a store. After initially settling, he named the township after one of his favorite authors, Homer. The store was the first in Homer, and his enterprise grew from there. Around 1840, Coffeen established a flour mill in Homer. He married Mary A. Elliot on January 15, 1838. After Mary's death, he married Helen M. Lyons in 1852.
Several pubications described Coffen as an energetic businessman who helped develop Champaign County into an enterprising town. In 1853, Coffeen was an associate judge for the county court. He was a well-known member of the Whig Party before it dissovled.
He had several children with his two wives. The Coffeen empire was massive, with around 12,000 acres of land in the county.
"His life and business represents well the growth and material advancement of the county during the past thirty years,"
- J. S. Lothrop's Champaign County Directory 1870-1, p. 417
