and received a grant of the Magdalen Islands, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, which are still in the possession of his family. He was afterwards a member of Parliament, and distinguished both as a wise and a witty legislator.

Robert Coffin, the father of Owen T., was a thrifty farmer and a man of high standing and great influence in his town, of which he was a magistrate for many years, and although not a member, he was an adherent of the principles of the Society of Friends, which was very numerous in the section where he lived. Taking a great interest in the affairs of the State, he represented his county for a term or two in the Legislature. He married Magdalen, daughter of Taber Bentley and granddaughter of Col. James Vanderburgh, who was one of the most influential citizens of Beekman, Dutchess County, and a worthy representative of an ancient family, who came from Holland and settled in that region at an early day. He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1776, and a zealous friend of the patriot cause. At his house Washington and Lafayette were frequently entertained, with many of their brother officers. The mother of the present surrogate possessed the characteristics of a true and noble-hearted woman, which greatly endeared her to her family and friends; like her husband, she was in sympathy with the principles of the Society of Friends, and excelled in those qualities which have made the members of that faith models of morality and virtue. Between herself and her children there existed a most affectionate confidence, and their joys and sorrows were made her own.

me*

The children of Robert and Magdalen Coffin were ten in number. Jane, the oldest (now deceased), Caleb Morgan, of Poughkeepsie, and Alexcheste. second child, is living in that New YoR., Charles and Sarah, wife of Wells, wive in Dutchess County. Eliza County, CB. Caldwell, of Poughkeepsie. of David or of Santa Barbara, Cal. Willand, and, left a family now living in their merbert G. is on the old homestead, father's south of the village of Mechanic, "History ip, Dutchess County.

Wells, ofis the seventh child and the fourth and embron the farm with his parents, ashis gene: the summer and attending the "History hool in the winter months. When Payne Ke he was sent to the academy at

The ch thence to Kinderhook Academy, Albert, wuished for his assiduous attention

great fondness for mathematics, ed proficiency. Entering Union > graduated in 1837 with great class with Hon. John K. Porter, of Appeals, between whom and Deen a constant friendship. After leaving college he began the study of law in the office of Judge Rufus W. Peckham, and for a time had

charge of the portion of his business usually attended to by a managing clerk. Upon his admission to the bar, in 1840, he established practice in Carmel, Putnam County, where he remained two years, gaining a large business and winning respect and confidence. In 1845 he became a member of the well-known lawfirm of Johnston, Coffin & Emott, of Poughkeepsie. He retired from the firm to form a copartnership with General Leonard Maison, a distinguished lawyer and prominent in State affairs. He continued the practice of his profession in Poughkeepsie, holding several places of trust, among them the office of district attorney, until 1851, when he received an invitation from Hon. W. Nelson and his son, W. R. Nelson, to associate himself with them as a partner in a law-office established in Peekskill, and, having accepted the invitation, he removed to this county, which has since been his place of residence. In 1871 he was elected surrogate of Westchester County, re-elected in 1876 and again in 1882, and holds the office at present.

When one considers the extent of Westchester County, its wealth and population, it is evident that the office of surrogate is one of the most important in the gift of the people. The incumbent is frequently called upon to decide questions of the greatest importance and involving extensive interests.

To the solution of these questions Mr. Coffin has applied with unceasing industry the powers of an active and vigorous mind, well stored with legal knowledge, and a reputation for honor and integrity which renders his opinions and decisions worthy of the respect and confience of his legal brethren, and of the entire community. To determine these questions requires a thorough knowledge of the statutory law, and a familiar acquaintance with the cases in which the brightest lights of legal science have given their interpretations of law. That Mr. Coffin possesses these qualities in the fullest degree is a fact that is fully recognized, and it is the unanimous opinion of those most capable to judge that of all who have held the office in Westchester Co., no one deserves to occupy a higher rank, and few have had a more extensive acquaintance with the members of the legal profession in the State of New York. To mention even of them would far exceed these limits, but cient to state that he had abundant opp witnessing the efforts and studying the 1 such "legal giants" as Daniel Cady, Joshu

cer, Greene C. Bronson, Hiram Denio, A Jordan, and others famous for learning and

Mr. Coffin married Belinda E., daught Leonard Maison, in 1842. By this marria three children, two of whom died in early and one, Elizabeth, wife of the late Edward is living in Dutchess County. Mrs. Coffi 1856, and, in 1858, he was again married to daughter of the late Dr. Samuel Bancroft B. a sister of S. L. M. Barlow, of New York her father's side, Mrs. Coffin is related to Jo