COATS, Elizabeth M. Lucas - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Elizabeth M. Coats Succumbs After Long and Severe Illness Was Widely Known Throughout the County Born in Shelby County In 1833 Was Widow of W. B. Coats The frail body that for more than 81 years had been the home of the immortal soul of Elizabeth M. Coats was gently laid to rest in Rockfield Cemetery last Sunday afternoon, being borne to its last resting place by Loving hands. It was a tender and sacred task, it was the passing of a mother and the last duty of children who had nursed into being by the form they were putting away forever. Elizabeth M. Coats was the widow of W. B. Coats, who died Dec. 15, 1897, and the most remarkable man in his day and age. He was a large land owner, was a progressive farmer and had much to with the development of the rural life throughout the county. The old Coats' homestead over which Mrs. Coats presided so gracefully for many years was known far and wide. There under her motherly care grew up a family that was thought to be most ideal. Mrs. Coats' love and devotion to her children was unusual, as was quite manifest in the death of her daughter, Dora. Though this sad incident occurred twenty three years ago, the mother's grief was not assuaged by time and so deep was her sorrow over the separation from this loved one that her health was permanently impaired. Elizabeth M. Coats was born in Shelby county, Indiana, Dec. 11th, 1833. She died at her home in Fountain county Dec. 31, 1914. Mrs. Coats was the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Green Lucas, and came to this county early in her girlhood life. She was married to William Bolivar Coats Feb. 10, 1852. To this union were born nine children, four of whom preceeded the mother in death. The five children now living are Joseph L., Charles P., Elmer E., Frank W., and Laurel Clore, the wife of Mr. Laroy Clore. Mrs. Coats became a member of the United Brethern church at the age of fourteen years, but on November 26th, 1883, she and her husband placed their membership with the Christian church and offiliated with that religous body until death. The funeral services were held from the late home, be conducted by the Rev. O. P. Warren. The music was furnished by a ladies quartet, composed of Misses Leffie Kerr, Mabel Inlow, Helen Purnell and Mrs. O. W. McGaughey. The body rests in Rockfied Cemetery, a beautiful spot on the old farm where this beloved mother spent so many years of her long and useful life.