Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
COATES, Elbert - Westford
The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 24, 1803, in the town
of Westford, Otsego County, N.Y. He was the son of Joseph and
Elizabeth COATES, who were among the first settlers of the town.
He was the second son of a family of eight children. At the age of
twenty-one years he assumed control of his father's business, and at
his father's death, which occurred in 1828, he, with Jacob L. SNYDER,
as executors, settled the estate to the entire satisfaction of the other
legatees.
Mr. Coates purchased the interest of the heirs in the estate, and
to the farm, then embracing 225 acres, he made subsequent additions,
until at the time of his death he was in possession of nearly 500 acres.
His wife's portrait and view of his late residence may be seen
elsewhere in this work. His portrait also would appear here, but
unfortunately there are none in existence. March 27, 1857, he married
Lucy Ann BENNETT, daughter of Aaron and Sally Bennett, who were
early settlers in the town of Maryland. To Mr. and Mrs. Coates were
born Ella D., Elbert, and Effie M., all of whom are living with their
mother. Mr. Coates was a man of unusual ability, and was well posted
on the events of the day; a man of untiring industry, and during a busy
life succeeded in accumulating a large property; and during the late war
it is related of him that he paid the highest taxes of any man of his
town. He was a staunch Democrat, but never a seeker after official
honors. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died
Nov. 14, 1872. A beautiful monument marks his resting-place in the
Methodist cemetery at Westville.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 356