William F. Coffin, proprietor of the Coffin House, Patriot, was born in Richmond, Ind., in 1835, son of Thomas and Jane (Stevenson) Coffin, natives of North Carolina, where they were reared and married. While yet a mere boy he came to Patriot with his mother, and, except a few years spent at Frankfort, Ky., has since resided in the former place. He served three years in the war as member of the Ninety-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, taking part in some of the heaviest battles, and since that time has been conducting one of the best hotels in southeastern Indiana. Although highly capable of meeting all the demands incident to the connubial state, Mr. Coffin is still treading the thorny paths of celibacy.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell