Biographies
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.
Travels and 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 Frank, 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 he 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.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1018-1019.
Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.