Coatsworth, Caleb - Erie County

CALEB COATSWORTH, son of Thomas, was born in England in 1811. When six years old he came with his parents to Buffalo, and was educated in the public schools of that city. In his youth he learned the hatter's trade, later engaging in that business for himself. After the death of their father, Caleb Coatsworth and his brother, John, erected buildings on the real estate which became theirs by inheritance, and otherwise developed the property. During the later years of his life Caleb Coatsworth retired from mercantile business and devoted himself to the care of his extensive land interests in Buffalo. In politics he was a Democrat, but supported Lincobi during the Civil War.

In 1846 Mr. Coatsworth married Jane Coatsworth, his cousin, who died in 1850. Their only child was a daughter. Prances A., who died in 1883. In 1862 Mr. Coatsworth married again, his wife being Jane Webb, a native of England. The children of the marriage were Reuben H. and Edward E. Coatsworth. The death of Caleb Coatsworth occurred August 10, 1870. Mrs. Coatsworth died January 19, 1899.

Edward Emerson Coatsworth was born in Buffalo November 5, 1866, and was educated in the public schools. Immediately after his graduation he entered upon a course of legal study, beginning as a student and clerk in the law office of Tabor & Sheehan in 1884. Jamiary 6, 1888, he was admitted to the bar, and the same year became junior partner in the law firm of Tabor, Sheehan & Coatsworth. In 1890, wlien John Cunneen became a partner, the firm name being Tabor, Sheehan, Cunneen & Coatsworth, an association which lasted until Mr. Sheehan removed to New York, when the firm of Cunneen & Coatswortli was formed, continuing until October, 1897. In 1898, the firm of Fisher, Coatsworth & Wende was organized and existed till the death of Mr. Theodore Wende in 1902, when the firm became Fisher, Coatsworth & Wende, being composed of Messrs. Fisher and Coatsworth, Charles Diebold, Jr., Harry N. Kraft and Frederick Wende. This partnership continued until 1903, when the firm of Fisher, Coatswortli, Diebold & Kraft was organized. Mr. Fisher retiring April 5, 1905, the firm became Coatsworth, Diebold & Kraft. Mr. Coatsworth is attorney for the Western Savings Bank, and the Lackawanna National Bank, and his firm is counsel for the receiver of the German Bank. The firm has a large general practice, is widely known and as widely respected.

Mr. Coatsworth has always been a Democrat, and his interest in politics is active. In the fall of 1902 he received the Democratic nomination for District Attorney and was elected by a plurality of 3,600, a very large vote for the Democracy to poll in Erie County. He served as District Attorney for three years, retiring January, 1906. He administered the affairs of the office with ability, fidelity and zeal, and made an admirable record. In January, 1906, Mr. Coatsworth accepted the office of Chairman of the Democratic General Committee to which position he had been elected by an unanimous vote, having the support of all factions in the party. He was re-elected to that position in 1907.

Mr. Coatsworth is well known as a lover of aquatic sport. He is a member of the Buffalo Canoe Club, having served, as Commodore from 1899 to 1902 and again in 1906, and belongs to the Buffalo Yacht Club. He is also a member of the Buffalo and Ellicott Clubs, a 32d degree Mason, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, a member of Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar; also a member of Buffalo Consistory, Zuleika Grotto, and of the Acacia Club. He is an Episcopalian, and was christened and confirmed in old St. James Church.

June 25th, 1891, Mr. Coatsworth married Emma M. Blacking of Buffalo, daughter of Charles B. and Ella Thomas. The children of the marriage are: Helen, born April 24, 1892, and Emerson E., born February 15, 1894.

SOURCE:  Memorial and Family History of Erie County New York; Volume I