L. E. COE, owner and proprietor of the Sauk Centre House, dates his birth at Granville, Massachusetts, on the fifth of August, 1826. At a very early age he removed with his parents to Hartford county, Connecticut, where he was reared and learned the trade of machinist and blacksmith. In 1853, he removed to Amherst, Massachusetts, where he worked his trade until 1860, and from that time until 1865, was in the employ of the Boston and Albany railroad company. He then went to Chili, South America, where he was engaged by the Caldera and Copiopo Railroad Company until 1871, when he became connected with Henry Meigs, the celebrated engineer, and was master-mechanic for the Chimbote and Huyras Railroad Company until 1874, when he returned to Connecticut. In 1875, he came to Sauk Center and purchased the property he now owns, but was engaged in merchantile business until September, 1879, when he resumed, and still continues the management of his hotel. Mr. Coe was married in 1853, to Harriet E Thayer, of Massachusetts. Of six children, but one survives, Emma E.
From History of the Upper Mississippi Valley By Newton Horace Winchell, Edward Duffield Neill, John Fletcher Williams, published 1881
Sauk Centre Herald
2/9/1893
Cold Months
Capt. Coe has presented his weather record for the months of December and January, the readings of the thermometer being taken at 7 A. M. daily.
In December the warmest was 28 degrees above on the first, and the lowest 25 degrees below on the 26th. It was below zero twelve mornings and above the other fifteen. The average for the month was a trifle less than 3 degrees above.
In January the coldest morning was the 14th, at 34 degrees below and the warmest the 20th, at 20 degrees above. It was below zero nineteen mornings, at zero three and above only nine. The average for the month was 7 ½ degrees below zero.
It is unfortunate that the Captain has lost his records for the pat few years, which prevents his making comparisons. The record sheets were kept near his thermometer, and during the blizzard of last March they were blown away and destroyed.
Records kept in the state agree that the weather thus far has been the coldest since any record was kept—during the past twenty-eight years.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
St. Paul daily globe., August 11, 1888
L. E. Coe was surprised Saturday afternoon on returning from hunting to find a party of friends gathered at his residence to assist in celebrating his sixtieth birthday. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. K. Buck, Mr. and Mrs. S. Pendergast, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Pettit, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Barnum, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. White, Mrs. R. L. Day, Mrs. F. B. Nash and Rev. J. F. Hamilton.
Sauk Centre Herald
May 13, 1897
Mr.Coe married Eliz Kerkhoff
aunt to Elizabeth Meyer
For more than twenty years Capt. L. E. Coe had been a conspicuous figure in Sauk Centre, and few men are equally fortunate in establishing themselves in the affectionate esteem of their fellow citizens. The announcement of his sudden death which occurred about six o'clock last Thursday evening, fell as a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and was received as a personal bereavement by our citizens generally. He was remarkably popular with all, from the youngest school child to the venerable old citizen, and there was no more familiar figure on the street, nor one whose removal would be more keenly felt.
Of his death there is little to relate. During the past year he has been in ill-health and during the winter was for a time confined to the house with heart affection. His limbs swelled as is usual in such case and he could endure little exertion. But skillful medical service and personal care, combined with the invigorating influence of the spring weather wrought a remarkable [change] for the better, and for the past three weeks he had been feeling unusually well. The day of his death he felt peculiarly bright and cheery. Late in the afternoon he went home, after attending to the usual duties of his office as superintendent of the Water Works, sat down to read the daily paper. As supper drew near he went to the stable to care to his horses, his wife remarking that the meal was ready and offering to relieve him of this trifling burden
but he proposed to go and took off his hat to hang it in the accustomed place just inside the dining room door, his wife standing near the tea table, not six feet from him and she noticed hmm totter and grasp the door casing, exclaiming "Oh my," as if in pain. He sank down in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room his wife reaching him only to raise his head, when, without a struggle he died in her arms. She gave an alarm and several neighbors, Messrs. E. Buck and Bert van Camp were the first to respond, and soon several others arrived and his lifeless body was picked up and carried to a lounge. The news spread rapidly, and was the all absorbing topic of discussion. The tolling of the fire bell, which struck the sixty-nine years of his age added to the universal gloom.
Lemuel B. Coe was born, August 5th 1828,at Granville, Mass, and when a mere child removed with his parents to Hartford, Conn, where he learned the Machinists' trade and worked at it until 1853, when he went to Amherst, Mass. where he remained for seven years. At Belchertown, near Amherst he married Harriet E. Thayer, to whom were born three sons and one daughter, she alone surviving. In 1860 he entered the employ of the Boston & Albany railroad as a locomotive engineer and worked on the road for five years. In 1865 he went to Chile, South America and run an engine on the Colders & Coplopo railroad till 1871,where he met the famous engineer, Harry Meigs of Washington, D.- C. who was in Chile, engaged in railroad and bridge building, who made him Master mechanic of the Chimbate & Puyras railroad, which was then operated by Mr. Meigs, running with him until 1871, when he returned to the states, settling at his old home in Connecticut. Mrs. Coe and daughter Emma followed him to Chile a year after the Captain went and remained until his return in 1875. He came to Sauk Centre at the solicitation of his friend Mr. Kellogg, and entered into partnership with him in the mercantile together with Henry A. Mayo, under the name of Kellogg, Coe & Mayo.
During the existence of the partnership he purchased the Sauk Centre House of L. S. Strong and after an unfortunate winding up of the mercantile business, he engaged in keeping hotel in 1879, and two years later he enlarged and rebuild the hotel as it now is. Together with his wife they kept the hotel until her death, about ten years ago, when he leased it and, except on several occasions when it has fallen back upon his hands, he has practically been out of active business during that time. In 1885 he built the pleasant home on the north side of the river which he occupied until his death.
In 1890 he married Miss Elizabeth Kerkhoff and the following year their daughter Francis was born to them— their only child.
Capt. Coe occupied a large place in the affairs of Sauk Centre. In 1883 he was elected Chief of the Fire Department, and year after year his election came unanimously, and with enthusiasm. The fire boys to a man felt that there was no other person to be considered. He occupied a-well earned place in their warm hearted affection. Every year he attended the State Firemen's Association, of which he was a valued member, and the firemen all over the state held him in esteem and reveration. He was known and hailed as "Dad" by all of them, and the expressions of grief and sympathy came from a11 over the state.
Ever since the city acquired the water-works, he has been Superintendent and was just the man for the place. He took as lively interest in operating, extending and maintaining them as though they had been his individual property. He was faithful and efficient and becomingly proud of the fire department and the water systems, which he kept at a high state of efficiency.
As a citizen he was public spirited, entering heartily into any project for the benefits of the city and its people. As a neighbor he was always sympathetic, kind and ever ready with aid and sympathy. He was a faithful and kind husband and affectionate and indulgent to her.
He was a devoted mason, a member of the blue lodge chapter and Easter Star and had occupied offices of distinction and trust within the order.
His funeral which occured on Sunday afternoon from his residence, was by far the largest and most imposing ever held in this city, the procession stretching a mile in length, marching to the music of the Sauk Centre Brass Band, which tendered its services, playing a number of dirges and funeral marches, was composed of not less than a thousand people. While the Episcopal services
were conducted by Rev. J. F. Hamilton, the Masons had it in charge, and their ritual was read at the grave. The firemen, the city officials in a body, the high school board, the several Masonic organizations, the Melrose fire department with thirty members, and the officers of the State Firemen's Association escorted the body, followed by scores of carriages, and people on foot, to Oakland cemetery where his remains were laid at rest beside the first Mrs. Coe.
Among the firemen from out of the city were Chas H. La Fond of Little Falls, president of the state association: R. 0. Strong of St. Paul, secretary: and Frank Joy of Stillwater, treasurer,: C. A. Kortesch, chief of the Alexandria department, and Ben Mentz, chief of the Melrose Department.
The floral decorations were elaborate, beautiful and abundant: the principal designs being a hook and ladder, contributed by the Aetna Co.; a fireman's helmet by the Acme Co.; a nozzle by the Clipper Co.; a trumpet by the city department; and a anchor by the state department, and also appropriate Masonic designs by the several lodges.
A feature in the funeral cortege was the captain' s horse and buggy, a draped trumpet alone occupying theseat. It was pathetically eloquent.
His daughter Mrs. Alfred Washburn of Minneapolis arrived in the city upon Friday and will remain for a week or two.
Capt. Coe owned property of considerable value—the Sauk Centre House, and his homestead being the principal items. He left a will now being probated. By its terms he bequested several small legacies to remote [ ],$2000 to his daughter, Mrs. Emma Washburn, the balance going to his wife, and their young daughter.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Original transcription edited by C B Gardiner
Note: First wife of Lemuel Edward Coe was Harriet Elizabeth Thayer, second was Elizabeth Kerkhoff. His parents were Elizabeth Wadsworth and Frederick Mortimer Coe.
Alexandria Post News,
Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota
Thursday, May 13, 1897, page 8, col. 2.
Mr. G. A. Kortsch went to Sauk Centre Sunday to attend the funeral of his old fireman friend "Dad" Coe.
Transcribed from microfilm copy of newspaper at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN by Joel Watne.
St. Paul daily globe., December 04, 1885
SAUK CENTRE
The funeral of Mrs. L. E. Coe took place yesterday at 2 p. m., services being held at the residence of the deceased by Rev. J. B. Drew of the Congregational church. The pall-bearers were S. M. Bruce, S. Pendergast, A. H. Pettit, P. Lamb, J. C. Parker and the Rev. D. J. Cogan, the funeral procession being one of the largest theat the citizens of our beautiful little city have ever been called upon to witness. The deceased leaves her husband, L. E. Coe, and an only child, Miss Emma Coe.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
Emma married Alfred H Washbun 12/28/1887 in Stearns County
From History of the Upper Mississippi Valley By Newton Horace Winchell, Edward Duffield Neill, John Fletcher Williams, published 1881
Sauk Centre Herald
2/9/1893
Cold Months
Capt. Coe has presented his weather record for the months of December and January, the readings of the thermometer being taken at 7 A. M. daily.
In December the warmest was 28 degrees above on the first, and the lowest 25 degrees below on the 26th. It was below zero twelve mornings and above the other fifteen. The average for the month was a trifle less than 3 degrees above.
In January the coldest morning was the 14th, at 34 degrees below and the warmest the 20th, at 20 degrees above. It was below zero nineteen mornings, at zero three and above only nine. The average for the month was 7 ½ degrees below zero.
It is unfortunate that the Captain has lost his records for the pat few years, which prevents his making comparisons. The record sheets were kept near his thermometer, and during the blizzard of last March they were blown away and destroyed.
Records kept in the state agree that the weather thus far has been the coldest since any record was kept—during the past twenty-eight years.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
St. Paul daily globe., August 11, 1888
L. E. Coe was surprised Saturday afternoon on returning from hunting to find a party of friends gathered at his residence to assist in celebrating his sixtieth birthday. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. K. Buck, Mr. and Mrs. S. Pendergast, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Pettit, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Barnum, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. White, Mrs. R. L. Day, Mrs. F. B. Nash and Rev. J. F. Hamilton.
Sauk Centre Herald
May 13, 1897
Mr.Coe married Eliz Kerkhoff
aunt to Elizabeth Meyer
For more than twenty years Capt. L. E. Coe had been a conspicuous figure in Sauk Centre, and few men are equally fortunate in establishing themselves in the affectionate esteem of their fellow citizens. The announcement of his sudden death which occurred about six o'clock last Thursday evening, fell as a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and was received as a personal bereavement by our citizens generally. He was remarkably popular with all, from the youngest school child to the venerable old citizen, and there was no more familiar figure on the street, nor one whose removal would be more keenly felt.
Of his death there is little to relate. During the past year he has been in ill-health and during the winter was for a time confined to the house with heart affection. His limbs swelled as is usual in such case and he could endure little exertion. But skillful medical service and personal care, combined with the invigorating influence of the spring weather wrought a remarkable [change] for the better, and for the past three weeks he had been feeling unusually well. The day of his death he felt peculiarly bright and cheery. Late in the afternoon he went home, after attending to the usual duties of his office as superintendent of the Water Works, sat down to read the daily paper. As supper drew near he went to the stable to care to his horses, his wife remarking that the meal was ready and offering to relieve him of this trifling burden
but he proposed to go and took off his hat to hang it in the accustomed place just inside the dining room door, his wife standing near the tea table, not six feet from him and she noticed hmm totter and grasp the door casing, exclaiming "Oh my," as if in pain. He sank down in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room his wife reaching him only to raise his head, when, without a struggle he died in her arms. She gave an alarm and several neighbors, Messrs. E. Buck and Bert van Camp were the first to respond, and soon several others arrived and his lifeless body was picked up and carried to a lounge. The news spread rapidly, and was the all absorbing topic of discussion. The tolling of the fire bell, which struck the sixty-nine years of his age added to the universal gloom.
Lemuel B. Coe was born, August 5th 1828,at Granville, Mass, and when a mere child removed with his parents to Hartford, Conn, where he learned the Machinists' trade and worked at it until 1853, when he went to Amherst, Mass. where he remained for seven years. At Belchertown, near Amherst he married Harriet E. Thayer, to whom were born three sons and one daughter, she alone surviving. In 1860 he entered the employ of the Boston & Albany railroad as a locomotive engineer and worked on the road for five years. In 1865 he went to Chile, South America and run an engine on the Colders & Coplopo railroad till 1871,where he met the famous engineer, Harry Meigs of Washington, D.- C. who was in Chile, engaged in railroad and bridge building, who made him Master mechanic of the Chimbate & Puyras railroad, which was then operated by Mr. Meigs, running with him until 1871, when he returned to the states, settling at his old home in Connecticut. Mrs. Coe and daughter Emma followed him to Chile a year after the Captain went and remained until his return in 1875. He came to Sauk Centre at the solicitation of his friend Mr. Kellogg, and entered into partnership with him in the mercantile together with Henry A. Mayo, under the name of Kellogg, Coe & Mayo.
During the existence of the partnership he purchased the Sauk Centre House of L. S. Strong and after an unfortunate winding up of the mercantile business, he engaged in keeping hotel in 1879, and two years later he enlarged and rebuild the hotel as it now is. Together with his wife they kept the hotel until her death, about ten years ago, when he leased it and, except on several occasions when it has fallen back upon his hands, he has practically been out of active business during that time. In 1885 he built the pleasant home on the north side of the river which he occupied until his death.
In 1890 he married Miss Elizabeth Kerkhoff and the following year their daughter Francis was born to them— their only child.
Capt. Coe occupied a large place in the affairs of Sauk Centre. In 1883 he was elected Chief of the Fire Department, and year after year his election came unanimously, and with enthusiasm. The fire boys to a man felt that there was no other person to be considered. He occupied a-well earned place in their warm hearted affection. Every year he attended the State Firemen's Association, of which he was a valued member, and the firemen all over the state held him in esteem and reveration. He was known and hailed as "Dad" by all of them, and the expressions of grief and sympathy came from a11 over the state.
Ever since the city acquired the water-works, he has been Superintendent and was just the man for the place. He took as lively interest in operating, extending and maintaining them as though they had been his individual property. He was faithful and efficient and becomingly proud of the fire department and the water systems, which he kept at a high state of efficiency.
As a citizen he was public spirited, entering heartily into any project for the benefits of the city and its people. As a neighbor he was always sympathetic, kind and ever ready with aid and sympathy. He was a faithful and kind husband and affectionate and indulgent to her.
He was a devoted mason, a member of the blue lodge chapter and Easter Star and had occupied offices of distinction and trust within the order.
His funeral which occured on Sunday afternoon from his residence, was by far the largest and most imposing ever held in this city, the procession stretching a mile in length, marching to the music of the Sauk Centre Brass Band, which tendered its services, playing a number of dirges and funeral marches, was composed of not less than a thousand people. While the Episcopal services
were conducted by Rev. J. F. Hamilton, the Masons had it in charge, and their ritual was read at the grave. The firemen, the city officials in a body, the high school board, the several Masonic organizations, the Melrose fire department with thirty members, and the officers of the State Firemen's Association escorted the body, followed by scores of carriages, and people on foot, to Oakland cemetery where his remains were laid at rest beside the first Mrs. Coe.
Among the firemen from out of the city were Chas H. La Fond of Little Falls, president of the state association: R. 0. Strong of St. Paul, secretary: and Frank Joy of Stillwater, treasurer,: C. A. Kortesch, chief of the Alexandria department, and Ben Mentz, chief of the Melrose Department.
The floral decorations were elaborate, beautiful and abundant: the principal designs being a hook and ladder, contributed by the Aetna Co.; a fireman's helmet by the Acme Co.; a nozzle by the Clipper Co.; a trumpet by the city department; and a anchor by the state department, and also appropriate Masonic designs by the several lodges.
A feature in the funeral cortege was the captain' s horse and buggy, a draped trumpet alone occupying theseat. It was pathetically eloquent.
His daughter Mrs. Alfred Washburn of Minneapolis arrived in the city upon Friday and will remain for a week or two.
Capt. Coe owned property of considerable value—the Sauk Centre House, and his homestead being the principal items. He left a will now being probated. By its terms he bequested several small legacies to remote [ ],$2000 to his daughter, Mrs. Emma Washburn, the balance going to his wife, and their young daughter.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Original transcription edited by C B Gardiner
Note: First wife of Lemuel Edward Coe was Harriet Elizabeth Thayer, second was Elizabeth Kerkhoff. His parents were Elizabeth Wadsworth and Frederick Mortimer Coe.
Alexandria Post News,
Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota
Thursday, May 13, 1897, page 8, col. 2.
Mr. G. A. Kortsch went to Sauk Centre Sunday to attend the funeral of his old fireman friend "Dad" Coe.
Transcribed from microfilm copy of newspaper at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN by Joel Watne.
St. Paul daily globe., December 04, 1885
SAUK CENTRE
The funeral of Mrs. L. E. Coe took place yesterday at 2 p. m., services being held at the residence of the deceased by Rev. J. B. Drew of the Congregational church. The pall-bearers were S. M. Bruce, S. Pendergast, A. H. Pettit, P. Lamb, J. C. Parker and the Rev. D. J. Cogan, the funeral procession being one of the largest theat the citizens of our beautiful little city have ever been called upon to witness. The deceased leaves her husband, L. E. Coe, and an only child, Miss Emma Coe.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
Emma married Alfred H Washbun 12/28/1887 in Stearns County
L. E. COE, owner and proprietor of the Sauk Centre House, dates his birth at Granville, Massachusetts, on the fifth of August, 1826. At a very early age he removed with his parents to Hartford county, Connecticut, where he was reared and learned the trade of machinist and blacksmith. In 1853, he removed to Amherst, Massachusetts, where he worked his trade until 1860, and from that time until 1865, was in the employ of the Boston and Albany railroad company. He then went to Chili, South America, where he was engaged by the Caldera and Copiopo Railroad Company until 1871, when he became connected with Henry Meigs, the celebrated engineer, and was master-mechanic for the Chimbote and Huyras Railroad Company until 1874, when he returned to Connecticut. In 1875, he came to Sauk Center and purchased the property he now owns, but was engaged in merchantile business until September, 1879, when he resumed, and still continues the management of his hotel. Mr. Coe was married in 1853, to Harriet E Thayer, of Massachusetts. Of six children, but one survives, Emma E.
From History of the Upper Mississippi Valley By Newton Horace Winchell, Edward Duffield Neill, John Fletcher Williams, published 1881
Sauk Centre Herald
2/9/1893
Cold Months
Capt. Coe has presented his weather record for the months of December and January, the readings of the thermometer being taken at 7 A. M. daily.
In December the warmest was 28 degrees above on the first, and the lowest 25 degrees below on the 26th. It was below zero twelve mornings and above the other fifteen. The average for the month was a trifle less than 3 degrees above.
In January the coldest morning was the 14th, at 34 degrees below and the warmest the 20th, at 20 degrees above. It was below zero nineteen mornings, at zero three and above only nine. The average for the month was 7 ½ degrees below zero.
It is unfortunate that the Captain has lost his records for the pat few years, which prevents his making comparisons. The record sheets were kept near his thermometer, and during the blizzard of last March they were blown away and destroyed.
Records kept in the state agree that the weather thus far has been the coldest since any record was kept—during the past twenty-eight years.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
St. Paul daily globe., August 11, 1888
L. E. Coe was surprised Saturday afternoon on returning from hunting to find a party of friends gathered at his residence to assist in celebrating his sixtieth birthday. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. K. Buck, Mr. and Mrs. S. Pendergast, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Pettit, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Barnum, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. White, Mrs. R. L. Day, Mrs. F. B. Nash and Rev. J. F. Hamilton.
Sauk Centre Herald
May 13, 1897
Mr.Coe married Eliz Kerkhoff
aunt to Elizabeth Meyer
For more than twenty years Capt. L. E. Coe had been a conspicuous figure in Sauk Centre, and few men are equally fortunate in establishing themselves in the affectionate esteem of their fellow citizens. The announcement of his sudden death which occurred about six o'clock last Thursday evening, fell as a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and was received as a personal bereavement by our citizens generally. He was remarkably popular with all, from the youngest school child to the venerable old citizen, and there was no more familiar figure on the street, nor one whose removal would be more keenly felt.
Of his death there is little to relate. During the past year he has been in ill-health and during the winter was for a time confined to the house with heart affection. His limbs swelled as is usual in such case and he could endure little exertion. But skillful medical service and personal care, combined with the invigorating influence of the spring weather wrought a remarkable [change] for the better, and for the past three weeks he had been feeling unusually well. The day of his death he felt peculiarly bright and cheery. Late in the afternoon he went home, after attending to the usual duties of his office as superintendent of the Water Works, sat down to read the daily paper. As supper drew near he went to the stable to care to his horses, his wife remarking that the meal was ready and offering to relieve him of this trifling burden
but he proposed to go and took off his hat to hang it in the accustomed place just inside the dining room door, his wife standing near the tea table, not six feet from him and she noticed hmm totter and grasp the door casing, exclaiming "Oh my," as if in pain. He sank down in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room his wife reaching him only to raise his head, when, without a struggle he died in her arms. She gave an alarm and several neighbors, Messrs. E. Buck and Bert van Camp were the first to respond, and soon several others arrived and his lifeless body was picked up and carried to a lounge. The news spread rapidly, and was the all absorbing topic of discussion. The tolling of the fire bell, which struck the sixty-nine years of his age added to the universal gloom.
Lemuel B. Coe was born, August 5th 1828,at Granville, Mass, and when a mere child removed with his parents to Hartford, Conn, where he learned the Machinists' trade and worked at it until 1853, when he went to Amherst, Mass. where he remained for seven years. At Belchertown, near Amherst he married Harriet E. Thayer, to whom were born three sons and one daughter, she alone surviving. In 1860 he entered the employ of the Boston & Albany railroad as a locomotive engineer and worked on the road for five years. In 1865 he went to Chile, South America and run an engine on the Colders & Coplopo railroad till 1871,where he met the famous engineer, Harry Meigs of Washington, D.- C. who was in Chile, engaged in railroad and bridge building, who made him Master mechanic of the Chimbate & Puyras railroad, which was then operated by Mr. Meigs, running with him until 1871, when he returned to the states, settling at his old home in Connecticut. Mrs. Coe and daughter Emma followed him to Chile a year after the Captain went and remained until his return in 1875. He came to Sauk Centre at the solicitation of his friend Mr. Kellogg, and entered into partnership with him in the mercantile together with Henry A. Mayo, under the name of Kellogg, Coe & Mayo.
During the existence of the partnership he purchased the Sauk Centre House of L. S. Strong and after an unfortunate winding up of the mercantile business, he engaged in keeping hotel in 1879, and two years later he enlarged and rebuild the hotel as it now is. Together with his wife they kept the hotel until her death, about ten years ago, when he leased it and, except on several occasions when it has fallen back upon his hands, he has practically been out of active business during that time. In 1885 he built the pleasant home on the north side of the river which he occupied until his death.
In 1890 he married Miss Elizabeth Kerkhoff and the following year their daughter Francis was born to them— their only child.
Capt. Coe occupied a large place in the affairs of Sauk Centre. In 1883 he was elected Chief of the Fire Department, and year after year his election came unanimously, and with enthusiasm. The fire boys to a man felt that there was no other person to be considered. He occupied a-well earned place in their warm hearted affection. Every year he attended the State Firemen's Association, of which he was a valued member, and the firemen all over the state held him in esteem and reveration. He was known and hailed as "Dad" by all of them, and the expressions of grief and sympathy came from a11 over the state.
Ever since the city acquired the water-works, he has been Superintendent and was just the man for the place. He took as lively interest in operating, extending and maintaining them as though they had been his individual property. He was faithful and efficient and becomingly proud of the fire department and the water systems, which he kept at a high state of efficiency.
As a citizen he was public spirited, entering heartily into any project for the benefits of the city and its people. As a neighbor he was always sympathetic, kind and ever ready with aid and sympathy. He was a faithful and kind husband and affectionate and indulgent to her.
He was a devoted mason, a member of the blue lodge chapter and Easter Star and had occupied offices of distinction and trust within the order.
His funeral which occured on Sunday afternoon from his residence, was by far the largest and most imposing ever held in this city, the procession stretching a mile in length, marching to the music of the Sauk Centre Brass Band, which tendered its services, playing a number of dirges and funeral marches, was composed of not less than a thousand people. While the Episcopal services
were conducted by Rev. J. F. Hamilton, the Masons had it in charge, and their ritual was read at the grave. The firemen, the city officials in a body, the high school board, the several Masonic organizations, the Melrose fire department with thirty members, and the officers of the State Firemen's Association escorted the body, followed by scores of carriages, and people on foot, to Oakland cemetery where his remains were laid at rest beside the first Mrs. Coe.
Among the firemen from out of the city were Chas H. La Fond of Little Falls, president of the state association: R. 0. Strong of St. Paul, secretary: and Frank Joy of Stillwater, treasurer,: C. A. Kortesch, chief of the Alexandria department, and Ben Mentz, chief of the Melrose Department.
The floral decorations were elaborate, beautiful and abundant: the principal designs being a hook and ladder, contributed by the Aetna Co.; a fireman's helmet by the Acme Co.; a nozzle by the Clipper Co.; a trumpet by the city department; and a anchor by the state department, and also appropriate Masonic designs by the several lodges.
A feature in the funeral cortege was the captain' s horse and buggy, a draped trumpet alone occupying theseat. It was pathetically eloquent.
His daughter Mrs. Alfred Washburn of Minneapolis arrived in the city upon Friday and will remain for a week or two.
Capt. Coe owned property of considerable value—the Sauk Centre House, and his homestead being the principal items. He left a will now being probated. By its terms he bequested several small legacies to remote [ ],$2000 to his daughter, Mrs. Emma Washburn, the balance going to his wife, and their young daughter.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Original transcription edited by C B Gardiner
Note: First wife of Lemuel Edward Coe was Harriet Elizabeth Thayer, second was Elizabeth Kerkhoff. His parents were Elizabeth Wadsworth and Frederick Mortimer Coe.
Alexandria Post News,
Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota
Thursday, May 13, 1897, page 8, col. 2.
Mr. G. A. Kortsch went to Sauk Centre Sunday to attend the funeral of his old fireman friend "Dad" Coe.
Transcribed from microfilm copy of newspaper at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN by Joel Watne.
St. Paul daily globe., December 04, 1885
SAUK CENTRE
The funeral of Mrs. L. E. Coe took place yesterday at 2 p. m., services being held at the residence of the deceased by Rev. J. B. Drew of the Congregational church. The pall-bearers were S. M. Bruce, S. Pendergast, A. H. Pettit, P. Lamb, J. C. Parker and the Rev. D. J. Cogan, the funeral procession being one of the largest theat the citizens of our beautiful little city have ever been called upon to witness. The deceased leaves her husband, L. E. Coe, and an only child, Miss Emma Coe.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
Emma married Alfred H Washbun 12/28/1887 in Stearns County
From History of the Upper Mississippi Valley By Newton Horace Winchell, Edward Duffield Neill, John Fletcher Williams, published 1881
Sauk Centre Herald
2/9/1893
Cold Months
Capt. Coe has presented his weather record for the months of December and January, the readings of the thermometer being taken at 7 A. M. daily.
In December the warmest was 28 degrees above on the first, and the lowest 25 degrees below on the 26th. It was below zero twelve mornings and above the other fifteen. The average for the month was a trifle less than 3 degrees above.
In January the coldest morning was the 14th, at 34 degrees below and the warmest the 20th, at 20 degrees above. It was below zero nineteen mornings, at zero three and above only nine. The average for the month was 7 ½ degrees below zero.
It is unfortunate that the Captain has lost his records for the pat few years, which prevents his making comparisons. The record sheets were kept near his thermometer, and during the blizzard of last March they were blown away and destroyed.
Records kept in the state agree that the weather thus far has been the coldest since any record was kept—during the past twenty-eight years.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
St. Paul daily globe., August 11, 1888
L. E. Coe was surprised Saturday afternoon on returning from hunting to find a party of friends gathered at his residence to assist in celebrating his sixtieth birthday. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. K. Buck, Mr. and Mrs. S. Pendergast, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Pettit, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Barnum, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. White, Mrs. R. L. Day, Mrs. F. B. Nash and Rev. J. F. Hamilton.
Sauk Centre Herald
May 13, 1897
Mr.Coe married Eliz Kerkhoff
aunt to Elizabeth Meyer
For more than twenty years Capt. L. E. Coe had been a conspicuous figure in Sauk Centre, and few men are equally fortunate in establishing themselves in the affectionate esteem of their fellow citizens. The announcement of his sudden death which occurred about six o'clock last Thursday evening, fell as a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and was received as a personal bereavement by our citizens generally. He was remarkably popular with all, from the youngest school child to the venerable old citizen, and there was no more familiar figure on the street, nor one whose removal would be more keenly felt.
Of his death there is little to relate. During the past year he has been in ill-health and during the winter was for a time confined to the house with heart affection. His limbs swelled as is usual in such case and he could endure little exertion. But skillful medical service and personal care, combined with the invigorating influence of the spring weather wrought a remarkable [change] for the better, and for the past three weeks he had been feeling unusually well. The day of his death he felt peculiarly bright and cheery. Late in the afternoon he went home, after attending to the usual duties of his office as superintendent of the Water Works, sat down to read the daily paper. As supper drew near he went to the stable to care to his horses, his wife remarking that the meal was ready and offering to relieve him of this trifling burden
but he proposed to go and took off his hat to hang it in the accustomed place just inside the dining room door, his wife standing near the tea table, not six feet from him and she noticed hmm totter and grasp the door casing, exclaiming "Oh my," as if in pain. He sank down in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room his wife reaching him only to raise his head, when, without a struggle he died in her arms. She gave an alarm and several neighbors, Messrs. E. Buck and Bert van Camp were the first to respond, and soon several others arrived and his lifeless body was picked up and carried to a lounge. The news spread rapidly, and was the all absorbing topic of discussion. The tolling of the fire bell, which struck the sixty-nine years of his age added to the universal gloom.
Lemuel B. Coe was born, August 5th 1828,at Granville, Mass, and when a mere child removed with his parents to Hartford, Conn, where he learned the Machinists' trade and worked at it until 1853, when he went to Amherst, Mass. where he remained for seven years. At Belchertown, near Amherst he married Harriet E. Thayer, to whom were born three sons and one daughter, she alone surviving. In 1860 he entered the employ of the Boston & Albany railroad as a locomotive engineer and worked on the road for five years. In 1865 he went to Chile, South America and run an engine on the Colders & Coplopo railroad till 1871,where he met the famous engineer, Harry Meigs of Washington, D.- C. who was in Chile, engaged in railroad and bridge building, who made him Master mechanic of the Chimbate & Puyras railroad, which was then operated by Mr. Meigs, running with him until 1871, when he returned to the states, settling at his old home in Connecticut. Mrs. Coe and daughter Emma followed him to Chile a year after the Captain went and remained until his return in 1875. He came to Sauk Centre at the solicitation of his friend Mr. Kellogg, and entered into partnership with him in the mercantile together with Henry A. Mayo, under the name of Kellogg, Coe & Mayo.
During the existence of the partnership he purchased the Sauk Centre House of L. S. Strong and after an unfortunate winding up of the mercantile business, he engaged in keeping hotel in 1879, and two years later he enlarged and rebuild the hotel as it now is. Together with his wife they kept the hotel until her death, about ten years ago, when he leased it and, except on several occasions when it has fallen back upon his hands, he has practically been out of active business during that time. In 1885 he built the pleasant home on the north side of the river which he occupied until his death.
In 1890 he married Miss Elizabeth Kerkhoff and the following year their daughter Francis was born to them— their only child.
Capt. Coe occupied a large place in the affairs of Sauk Centre. In 1883 he was elected Chief of the Fire Department, and year after year his election came unanimously, and with enthusiasm. The fire boys to a man felt that there was no other person to be considered. He occupied a-well earned place in their warm hearted affection. Every year he attended the State Firemen's Association, of which he was a valued member, and the firemen all over the state held him in esteem and reveration. He was known and hailed as "Dad" by all of them, and the expressions of grief and sympathy came from a11 over the state.
Ever since the city acquired the water-works, he has been Superintendent and was just the man for the place. He took as lively interest in operating, extending and maintaining them as though they had been his individual property. He was faithful and efficient and becomingly proud of the fire department and the water systems, which he kept at a high state of efficiency.
As a citizen he was public spirited, entering heartily into any project for the benefits of the city and its people. As a neighbor he was always sympathetic, kind and ever ready with aid and sympathy. He was a faithful and kind husband and affectionate and indulgent to her.
He was a devoted mason, a member of the blue lodge chapter and Easter Star and had occupied offices of distinction and trust within the order.
His funeral which occured on Sunday afternoon from his residence, was by far the largest and most imposing ever held in this city, the procession stretching a mile in length, marching to the music of the Sauk Centre Brass Band, which tendered its services, playing a number of dirges and funeral marches, was composed of not less than a thousand people. While the Episcopal services
were conducted by Rev. J. F. Hamilton, the Masons had it in charge, and their ritual was read at the grave. The firemen, the city officials in a body, the high school board, the several Masonic organizations, the Melrose fire department with thirty members, and the officers of the State Firemen's Association escorted the body, followed by scores of carriages, and people on foot, to Oakland cemetery where his remains were laid at rest beside the first Mrs. Coe.
Among the firemen from out of the city were Chas H. La Fond of Little Falls, president of the state association: R. 0. Strong of St. Paul, secretary: and Frank Joy of Stillwater, treasurer,: C. A. Kortesch, chief of the Alexandria department, and Ben Mentz, chief of the Melrose Department.
The floral decorations were elaborate, beautiful and abundant: the principal designs being a hook and ladder, contributed by the Aetna Co.; a fireman's helmet by the Acme Co.; a nozzle by the Clipper Co.; a trumpet by the city department; and a anchor by the state department, and also appropriate Masonic designs by the several lodges.
A feature in the funeral cortege was the captain' s horse and buggy, a draped trumpet alone occupying theseat. It was pathetically eloquent.
His daughter Mrs. Alfred Washburn of Minneapolis arrived in the city upon Friday and will remain for a week or two.
Capt. Coe owned property of considerable value—the Sauk Centre House, and his homestead being the principal items. He left a will now being probated. By its terms he bequested several small legacies to remote [ ],$2000 to his daughter, Mrs. Emma Washburn, the balance going to his wife, and their young daughter.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Original transcription edited by C B Gardiner
Note: First wife of Lemuel Edward Coe was Harriet Elizabeth Thayer, second was Elizabeth Kerkhoff. His parents were Elizabeth Wadsworth and Frederick Mortimer Coe.
Alexandria Post News,
Alexandria, Douglas County, Minnesota
Thursday, May 13, 1897, page 8, col. 2.
Mr. G. A. Kortsch went to Sauk Centre Sunday to attend the funeral of his old fireman friend "Dad" Coe.
Transcribed from microfilm copy of newspaper at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN by Joel Watne.
St. Paul daily globe., December 04, 1885
SAUK CENTRE
The funeral of Mrs. L. E. Coe took place yesterday at 2 p. m., services being held at the residence of the deceased by Rev. J. B. Drew of the Congregational church. The pall-bearers were S. M. Bruce, S. Pendergast, A. H. Pettit, P. Lamb, J. C. Parker and the Rev. D. J. Cogan, the funeral procession being one of the largest theat the citizens of our beautiful little city have ever been called upon to witness. The deceased leaves her husband, L. E. Coe, and an only child, Miss Emma Coe.
Sauk Centre Historical Society
Transcribed by C B Gardiner
Emma married Alfred H Washbun 12/28/1887 in Stearns County
Inscription
Sauk Centre Fire Department
In Memory of
Life's --- state is passed
In death I've stopped to rest at last
Farewell dear freinds and cease to wep (sic)
In Christ I'm safe, in him I sleep.
Family Members
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