Coyner - Martin P - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Martin P. Coyner -- As the name indicates, the Coyners are of German descent. Michael Coyner, great grandfather of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, having been a native of the Fatherland. He came to the US in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, making a somewhat adventurous and tardy voyage across the great Atlantic ocean, finally landing in PA where he became a prosperous farmer. During his residence there he made three trips back to the Fatherland and when he was returning from his 3rd trip the ship was wrecked and a sister who was accompanying him was lost, he having escaped a similar fate in a very peculiar way - a strange caprice of fortune.

Michael Coyner located first in PA, as already indicated but he later moved to VA where he farmed and also engaged in merchandising. He was married while living in the first-named state and became the father of a large family 8 children in all, 3 sons and 5 daughters. John D, father of Martin P of this review was born in Augusta Co VA and was six when his parents brought him to Ohio. When he reached manhood in 1832 he came to Indiana and having learned something of the tanner's trade, he, in partnership with his brother-in-law, started a little tanyard. In a short time he married Delilah Peterson and later moved onto a farm in Montgomery County, this state where he prospered by reason of habits of close application to work and good management and he remained there until his death. He was a good man and highly respected and belonged to the Presbyterian Church. He was twice married. There were 3 children by his first marriage, namely: George W, who became a soldier in the 26th Reg Ind Vol Inf died in New Orlenas; Lucian D is residing in Montgomery County this state and Martin P of this review.

Martin P. Coyner, a well known and progrsesive agriculturist of Lauramie Twp, Tippecanoe County was born in the adjoining county of Montgomery Dec 16, 1841 and was reared on his father's farm, which he worked during the summer months when he became of proper age, and attended the district schools during the wintertime securing a somewhat limited but practical education. When he reached manhood he chose as a life companion a representative of a fine old family in the person of Catherine McCartney and to this union 5 children were born, two of whom are living at this writing, namely Will, a progressive farmer in Lauramie Twp and Johnt he well known trustee of Lauramie Twp.

Mr. Coyner has devoted the major part of his life to farming at which he made a marked success, but since 1893 he has not engaged in active agricultural pursuits. He has lived since then, first at Stockwell, later moving to Clark's Hill, where he now resides, having there a modern and nicely furnished residence which is beautifully lcoated. He also ran a tile factory for 10 years. He is now engaged in buying and shipping stock on an extensive scale which he has followed many years. He is regarded as an excellent judge of livestock and he has made a success in this line. Mr. Coyner is a member of the Land & Improvement Co of Clark's Hill, being VP of the same, and much of its success is due to his judicious counsel and mangement. He is also a membr of a gas company of Clark's Hill and whatever he turns his attention to he seems to have the ability to carry to a successful issue. In politics he is a Democart, but does not find time to take a very active part in political affairs. In everyday life, Martin P. Coyner's word, according to those who know him best, is as good as his bond, honesty and integrity being no meaningless words with him and his record as a citizen is without blemish. - typed by kbz