Biography of Mr. Coe
FROM: History of Livingston County,
New York
By James H. Smith
Assisted by Hume H. Cole
Published By D. Mason & Co. 1881
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The subject of this brief memoir was the son of John C., and Anna (Dixon) Coe, who moved to Livonia at an early
day, being among the pioneers of that town.
He was born in Livonia in 1816, and moved to Conesus in 1843. He was twice married, first to Roxy Howe, of Livonia,
who lived but a few years; afterwards to Alta A. Stone, also of Livonia. To them were born three children, viz
Annie C., John C., and G. F. J., all of whom survive him. At the time of his death, Mr. Coe was 64 years of age,
and had been for many years a prominent citizen of his town, and well known throughout the county. That he greatly
endeared himself to the people of his town, the many public offices he held fully testify. For eight years he represented
the town of Conesus as Supervisor, having been elected to that office in reelected in 18545 and 56, and also
in 1877 '78 79 and '80. The board of Supervisors, recognizing his particular fitness for the position, elected
him chairman of that board in 1880, which position he held at the time of his death.
As a public officer, he was faithful, vigilant, and trustworthy, guarding carefully the interests of the county
at large, as well as of his own immediate constituents. A favorite among his acquaintances, keen in perception,
and full of the poetry of wit, genial and pleasant to all, his presence brought sunshine into every gathering in
which he mingled. He was one whom nature fitted for the highest responsibilities of life, possessing clear and
accurate judgment combined with broad and liberal views, and unbounded benevolence. He was a kind and generous
friend to the poor. Being full of sympathy for all the distressed or unfortunate, he never allowed a suffering
or needy applicant to be turned away empty.handed, thereby exemplifying in his daily life the distinguishing tenet
of his religious faith, which was the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He was socially honest, and
what he said to-day, he was ever willing to repeat to-morrow. In the community in which he lived, the foot-prints
of his kindness and charity will remain long after the mould of time has gathered on the tablet erected to his
memory. Mr. Coe was a member of the Masonic fraternity, having become so in 1858. His death which was a peculiarly
sad one, occurred November 9, 1880. Returning from a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, which he left in apparent
health, when almost in sight of his home, he was attacked with heart disease, a difficulty which had troubled him
occasionally for some years, and stricken down instantly, breathing out his precious spirit in solitude where no
eye beheld him except the Eye that never sleepeth. So true is it, that in the midst of life, we are in death.
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