PETER COFFEE, was the 1st Pilot of Robert Fulton's First Steam Powered Fulton Ferry Boat, named "The Nassau". Displayed on this page is an official ferry company photograph by C. H. Williamson, of Brooklyn.

Green Wood Cemetery records, and his headstone, record his birth date as 1781. Based on an article in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle Newspaper, and many other important newspapers of the day, his date of birth was given as February 13, 1777, and that is the date that I am going to use. Some newspaper accounts state that he was born in Fishkill on Hudson, New York, and others in Peekskill, New York. They state that his father was murdered by robbers while carrying the United States Mail. Some time in his youth, he moved to the New York City vicinity with his mother and sister. At the age of 15 he was apprenticed to a cabinet maker for two years, but then left his employ and entered the merchant service as a sailor. He served aboard the "Little Adams" and the "York" during the threatened war with France, which is commonly referred to as the Quasi-War with France. This conflict occurred from 1798 - 1801, and was a limited naval war against French privateers who were seizing U. S. shipping in the Caribbean. The Quasi-War is significant as the first seaborne conflict for the newly established U.S. Navy. After the Quasi -War ended, Peter Coffee continued in the maritime profession.

On May 10, 1814, Peter Coffee at the age of 37, was asked by engineer and inventor Robert Fulton to be the 1st Pilot of his steamship called "Nassau". Peter Coffee, navigated the 1st steam ferry boat across the East River, plying the waters between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Nassau was like 2 boats with 1 deck, and a steering wheel in the center. Peter Coffee had to stand on deck to steer an iron tiller, come rain or shine, all year long. Peter Coffee held the post as Pilot for many years, until his age crept upon him. He then became a repairman and a Watchman for the Ferry Company. He served the ferry line faithfully for 50 years, but sadly, never received a pension.

Peter died at the home of his son, John B. Coffee, on 30 June 1875 in Brooklyn, New York. His Death Certificate states his age as 98 years, 4 months, and 16 days. Peter Coffee attributed his long life to his abstemiousness and simplicity. His funeral took place at his son John's house, and was attended by many family and friends who mourned his passing. Peter Coffee's remains were enclosed in a casket covered with black cloth, and beautiful floral offerings were made by sympathizing friends. His interment took place in Green Wood Cemetery, next to the remains of his wife who had pre deceased him by 39 years. As one of the Pioneers of Brooklyn, and a man who was a year and 8 months shy of being a centenarian, the newspapers of the day paid tribute to Peter Coffee. One of them produced this quote; "As a connecting link between the past and future, this veteran ferryman will long be remembered."

A famous proverb says; "One will live as long as they are remembered", so I wrote this biography in honor of my 4th Great Grandfather, to keep his memory alive!

The above information was compiled and written by BBP

Per online Green Wood Cemetery database - the following individuals are all buried in Lot 2300, Section 94:

Last Name ~ First Name ~ Burial Date

COFFEE AMELIA 1896-03-20

COFFEE CATHARINE L. 1848-03-10

COFFEE JOHN B. 1890-10-19

COFFEE MARY V. 2/16/1921

COFFEE PETER 1875-07-02

COFFEE WILLIAM M. 1893-02-15

STUTTS ARTHUR 9/16/1916

STUTTS CONRAD 6/23/1914

STUTTS JOSEPHINE A. 1897-11-20

LAROZA ELIZABETH 29 May 1892

LAROZA LOUISE 2 Sep 1865

LAROZA PETER W. 6 Jun 1856

GLENN CATHARINE 20 Sep 1883

DORSET CHARLES B. 23 Nov 1849

DORSETT CHARLES O. 01 Mar 1852

DORSETT EDGAR S. 01 Mar 1852

BARKER SARAH 19 Apr 1848

KINSMAN JAMES 3 Nov 1921