My Genealogy Hound

LEWIS and DR. J. C. COATS were born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1830 and 1853, respectively, sons of Thomas and Sarah Coates. The father was born in North Carolina about 1802, and came to Tennessee with his widowed mother when a boy. He was a farmer, and died November 2, 1874. The mother was born in South Carolina about the same time as her husband. Her death occurred June 9, 1870. Lewis Coats was married in 1851 to Mary Smith, who was born in Giles County, in 1830. Four children were born to them: J. C., Drucilla A. (Mrs. J, S. Parker), Mary L. (Mrs. J. P. Bruce), and Orlena T. Mr. Coats at one time owned 500 acres of land, but gave to his children until he now owns 260 acres. He was married when about twenty-one years of age, and as a Democrat cast his first presidential vote for Pierce. Dr. J. C. Coats was educated in the schools near his home, and when about twenty years of age entered the office of Dr. H. M. Beaty, in Blanche, and began the study of medicine, continuing two years. He then entered Washington University, at Baltimore, Md., and afterward took a course at Vanderbilt University, from which he graduated in 1878. He has since practiced in Blanche, and has treated all the diseases peculiar to that locality with commendable success. In 1880 he began keeping a general merchandise store, and has succeeded well from a financial stand-point. November 15, 1879, he wedded Alice E. Byers, born in 1862. They have three children: Mabel, Louis M. and an infant. The Doctor is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.