My Genealogy Hound

DAVID M. COATE, retired, West Milton. The subject of this memoir is another of the old and prominent settlers in this township; he was born July 9, 1823, and is a son of Henry and Rebecca Coate, who were born in South Carolina, and removed to this county in 1803; they settled on land near this place, which is yet occupied by one of the members of the family. To Mr. Coate, Sr., belongs that credit and respect which all pioneers should command from those who come after them; he, being a blacksmith of more than ordinary skill, was a very useful man, as his genius enabled him to manufacture edge tools, which the early settlers stood so much in need of; he manufactured a very superior grain sickle, which was in great demand; in addition to his trade he carried on farming extensively, and, by his thrift and good management, eventually became one of the larger land holders in the township. He was twice married, first with Mary Haskett, in his native State, by whom he had five children, all deceased. His second marriage was celebrated with Rebecca Wilson, in this county, by whom he had five children, all living and four residents of this township; he departed this life in 1848, aged about 75 years. Mrs. C. died in 1827, when in the prime of womanhood, aged about 28 years. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained with his father till he was of age, at which time he began life for himself. Sept. 20, 1843, he was married to Jane Teague; they were also natives of South Carolina, and were among the early settlers in this county; they were parents of six children, five sons and one daughter, of whom all are living but one; Mr. T. died at the age of 74 years, his wife when 73. After his marriage, our subject was occupied in farming, which he successfully followed till 1865, when he engaged in merchandising in West Milton for a period of seven years; then he was relieved from active business cares by his sons, and enjoys life free from care; he is one of the charter members of the D., C. & T. R. R, and has been prominently connected with the same since the idea of a road originated, and is one of the Trustees; he has held the office of County Commissioner for four years, discharging the duties reposed in him fearlessly, and to the satisfaction of his constituents; he has been very successful through life, and has accumulated a handsome competency, which is the just reward of his toil; in all his struggles with the world, he has been nobly assisted by his amiable companion, and together they are enjoying their declining years surrounded by every comfort which would promote their happiness; they are parents of two children, viz., John and Orrin, the former is engaged in the grocery business, the latter is station agent at this point for the D., C. &. T. R. R.