When death called Z. G. Coolidge on the 12th of December, 1906, there was ended the life record of one who had long been a worthy and valued citizen of Delaware county. The work of civilization and development had scarcely been begun in this district when he took up his abode within its borders and became connected with the agricultural development of the region. He was born in the state of New York, near the Pennsylvania line, on the 28th of August. 1834, and was a son of Brigham Coolidge, who removed with his family to Pennsylvania when Z. G. Coolidge was a little lad of but seven years. In the latter state the son attended the public schools, and he was a youth of but fifteen years when, in 1849, he crossed the Mississippi and settled in Delaware county, where he purchased farm land. The place was entirely destitute of  improvements and he at once undertook the arduous task of transforming raw prairie into productive fields. He was energetic, industrious and progressive and the result of his labors was soon manifest in the appearance of his place.
      On the 19th of May, 1853, Mr. Coolidge was united in marriage to Miss Marcia Parsons, a daughter of Alfred and Esther (Strong) Parsons, who came to this county from Illinois in the early '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge were born four children, namely: Brigham, who died at the age of seven years; John, living in Manchester; Doc, a resident of Edgewood; and Eliza, the wife of J. T. Wideman, of Nebraska. The family circle was broken again by the hand of death when on the 12th of December, 1906, Mr. Coolidge was called from this life, his remains being interred in the local cemetery.
      In politics he was a republican but not an office holder. He was, however, generally interested in public affairs and his aid and cooperation could be counted upon as factors in promoting the general welfare. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and he was most loyal to its teachings. In fact, in every relation of life he was highly regarded by all who knew him, for he was thoroughly reliable and honesty characterized him in both business and public connections.