California Genealogy and History Archives
Biographies
of
Sacramento County
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EDWARD
M. COFFIN An
identification with the labors of a mechanical engineer dating back to
the early period of his youth and continuing with several interruptions
but with increasing importance up to the present time, marks Mr. Coffin
as one of those fortunate mortals who made no mistake in the choice of
an occupation and who reaps the reward of long and arduous study in his
intelligent mastery of technical problems in engineering. It was his
fortunate experience to enjoy excellent educational advantages in the
east. Travel and habits of close observation have broadened his sphere
of knowledge, until now he is considered one of the well-informed men of
the city. Nor is his information limited to the sphere of occupational
activities. On the contrary, it is broad and touches upon subjects
representing every range of thought, bearing also the stamp of the
highest culture. The
early recollections of Mr. Coffin cluster around Albany, the capital
city of New York and one of the beautiful residence towns of the state.
There he was born in January of 1867 and there he became the recipient
of careful and moderately thorough mental training. New York state is
noted for the advanced position it has taken in educational development
and he was able therefore to obtain not only high-school advantages, but
also specialized learning. At the age of sixteen years he went to
Syracuse, in the same state, and in that city he remained until 1892,
meanwhile acquiring a thorough knowledge of mechanical engineering. When
he left Syracuse it was to remove to the Pacific coast. Attracted by the
charm of the Santa Clara valley, he chose a location there and
established a home, whose presiding genius, his bride, had been Miss
Carrie Nyce, of Lincoln, Neb. They were married in her home city in
August of 1892 and are the parents of two children, Ruth and Prank, both
of whom are being given the advantages so essential to any thorough
preparation for the realities of life. Five years of close attention to the fruit-growing industry in the Santa Clara valley brought their share of financial returns to Mr. Coffin, but lie found himself eager to return to his chosen task of engineering. Accordingly he disposed of his fruit ranch and removed to San Francisco, where he engaged in business activities along the line of his chosen calling. During 1907 he came to Sacramento to act as superintendent of the mechanical department of a California corporation. Two years later he was honored by election to the office of secretary, which position he now holds. People who are conversant with engineering affairs state that he ranks among the experts of the profession, while his possession of diversified talents is indicated by the fact that he successfully fills executive positions and directs the duties of the secretaryship with intelligent precision and accurate system. Political affairs interest him as they interest all loyal citizens and he favors any movement having for its object the permanent advancement of Sacramento. The Republican party receives his ballot in both general and local elections. Fraternally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and contributes to the maintenance of the local lodge. |
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Source: Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011 |