Kauffman, Benjamin K. (1862-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Oct 9 p. 5

Birth date: 1862

text of obituary:

Inventor of Mail Catcher Died

Cochranville, Pa. — Benjamin K. Kauffman, well known Lancaster County farmer-inventor, passed away at his home near Atglen recently at the age of 90.

Active until the last, he had been helping his son in construction of a building. He put his tools away for the day, went into the house and there died suddenly of a heart attack. Only the evening before he had attended church services and enjoyed the young people's meeting.

In addition to serving as trustee of the Millersville Children’s Home for over 40 years, he was active in his younger years as an inventor and a few of his devices were patented. He was the originator of an automatic mail catching device for railway mail service. He was also the first man to operate a binder in Lancaster county.

Since the death of his wife five years ago, he had spent many pleasant moments studying the Bible, and had made a number of charts on the Book of Revelation.

Children surviving are Mrs. Isaac Kennel, Mrs. Elam Umble, John E., Elam and Elmer. He also leaves one sister, Annie, who lived with him.

Funeral services were conducted at the Maple Grove church by Abner Stoltzfus and Ira Kurtz.