Charles W. Coe

CHARLES W. COE, who has efficiently served in the capacity of city clerk of Galena since 1901, has been a resident of this city continuously for a period of nearly 15 years. He is a man of high standing in the community, and has many stanch friends throughout Cherokee County.

Mr. Coe was born in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1866, and is a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Vermulen) Coe, being one of a family of three sons and one daughter. His father is deceased, and his mother resides in Galena, Kansas.

Charles W. Coe attended the common schools of Matoon, Illinois, and at an early age removed with his parents to Troy, Ohio, thence to New York State. At the age of 14 years he began his business career and has since filled many positions of trust in a most capable manner. In 1890 Mr. Coe came west to Cherokee County, Kansas, locating in Galena, where he has since lived and engaged exclusively in mining. At the present time he is secretary of the Galena Prospecting Company. He has always been an enthusiastic Democrat and has worked hard for his party's success, frequently representing his precinct as a delegate at county conventions. He received an appointment as city clerk under Mayor J. P. McCann, May 7, 1901, succeeding his brother F. P. Coe. He was reappointed by the present mayor, Charles L. Sawyer, and still is discharging the duties of that office. Prior to his incumbency, the city clerk employed two assistants, but by faithful service Mr. Coe has managed to discharge his duties without assistance. He is the 10th city clerk appointed since Galena was incorporated June 19, 1877.

In 1894, Mr Coe was united in marriage with Mary Bradley, a native of New York State , By whom he has one son,—Elemon F. Our subject is a member of the Commercial Club, of which he was a secretary for a time; secretary of Galena Lodge, B. P. O. E.; and a member of the Ancient Order of United Work Men.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Josh Lewis, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 2/26/97.