My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS J. COATE, merchant, Laura. The subject of this memoir was born in Newton Township, this county, in 1846, and is a son of Josiah and Sarah C. Coate; his father was born in this county, his mother in the State of Indiana; they are living and reside in Newton Township; they are the parents of six children, five of whom are living, viz., Jesse M., Martha F., Thomas J., David J. and Anna J.; Mary M. (deceased). Thomas was reared on the farm, and his youthful days were spent in a manner incident to farmers’ sons; he followed farming until 1876, at which time he came to Laura and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he is now engaged; his stock consists of groceries, dry goods, drugs, etc., in fact, most everything is to be found in his store which comes under his line of trade; his business capacity is such that he is enabled to control his full share of the public patronage, catering to the wants of a buying public from a well-selected stock. In 1871, he was married to Miss Amelia, daughter of Jacob Stichter, by whom he has had two children, viz., Lenora M. and Birdie (deceased). In 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of Laura, which position he still holds, discharging the duties incumbent thereon with satisfaction to the patrons of the office; he and his amiable wife are members of the Christian Church, and are exemplary Christian people. Mrs. Coate was born in this county in 1852.