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         BENJAMINE F. COE, an early settler, and for many years a prominent farmer of Elm Grove Township, Louisa County, now residing in Columbus City, was born in Allegheny County, Pa., Sept. 24, 1816. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Boyd) Coe, and were among the first families of Allegheny County. His father was born in a log fort at Springdale, Ohio, now known as Logan’s Ferry, and in early days he kept the fort that was known as Coe’s Station. The family is of English origin, and the ancestors lived in New Jersey previous to their removal to Allegheny County, Pa. On the mother’s side the family is of Irish descent.

Our subject was reared upon a farm, received a common-school education, and learned the hatter’s . . .

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. . . trade at Pittsburgh. He followed that vocation for but a few years, when, having cultivated his talent for vocal music, he became a teacher in that profession. He was married in his native State, on the 14th of February, 1840, to Miss Mary McLean, a daughter of David McLean, a native of Allegheny City, Pa., born in 1818. She was a consistent Christian woman, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a devoted wife and mother. Her death occurred in June, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Coe were the parents of seven children, of whom six are now living: David Mac married Miss Ella Smith for his first wife, then wedded Miss Clara Roberts, and is now practicing dentistry at Winterset, Iowa; Edward E., who is single, is engaged in farming in Elm Grove Township; William S. married Miss Annie Marshall, and is a farmer of Cass County, Iowa; Harry is the husband of Carrie Hoppy, and is a druggist of Des Moines; Mattie Helen is the wife of W. H. Helmick, and resides in Washington County, Iowa; Mary is unmarried, and lives with her father; and one child died in infancy.

In 1856 Mr. Coe emigrated with his family from Pennsylvania to Iowa, locating in Elm Grove Township, Louisa County, where he purchased a farm of raw land, which he now has well improved. The farm embraces 200 acres, and has been the family homestead for thirty-two years. In political sentiment Mr. Coe was a Whig in early life, and cast his first vote for President for W. H. Harrison, the grandfather of the present Republican candidate for that office. On the dissolution of the old Whig party, he helped to organize the Republican party, and cast his vote for Col. John C. Fremont, its first National candidate. In 1860 he was elected Treasurer of Louisa County, and was twice re-elected, serving in all six years. He also held the office of County Supervisor for two terms, and has served in several minor offices. True to the traditions and precepts of his forefathers, Mr. Coe has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is now an Elder, and has served in that relation for many years. His father and grandfather before him were also Presbyterians and Elders in the church. Mr. Coe has now retired from active farming, and intends making his home at Columbus City. In all the relations of life, either public or private, this gentleman has borne himself like a true man. Faithful in the discharge of every duty, he was esteemed a competent and efficient public officer, while in the private walks of life he has ever been found courteous, kind and liberal, and with a character above reproach.