Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

CHARLES BLANCHARD COATES

Charles B. Coates was born on what was known then as the "Jimmy Haile" place on the lake shore, March 9, 1851, being the son of Timothy and Mary Coates who were early pioneers and who for several years lived in the lighthouse at Saugatuck harbor. He was one of six brothers, and one sister, all of whom are deceased. Seventy-one years spent in the vicinity make him a pioneer.

Capt. Coates was also a veteran sailor on the lakes, having been captain of the following schooners and steamers since 1872:—O. R. Johnson, W. B. Minter, Rob Roy, H. D. Moore, White Cloud, J. C. Suit, Douglas, Crosby, City of Holland, McVea, Frank Woods, being twenty-two years as master of the Woods and fifty-two years a captain without missing a season is his record. In 1875 he delivered 77 loads of lumber to Chicago on the schooner O. R. Johnson. In 1880 on the schooner White Cloud he weathered the great Alpena blow, being out two days and two nights before he could make a harbor and finally made safe entry at Manitou Island.

He was married to Florence Heath, Dec. 21, 1872, and to this union two children were born, George and Frances.

He was a member of Saugatuck Lodge F. & A. M., joining in 1876 and some time before his death in 1922, he was presented with a certificate of life membership.

Timothy Coates built what is now the Congregational parsonage, it being the Coates home many years.

Capt. Lintsford B. Coates was the eldest son of Timothy and Mary Coates, coming to "The Flats" (Saugatuck) in 1844 and took to the life of a sailor when a very young lad, making that his main pursuit in life, and he was widely known throughout the chain of great lakes upon which he sailed. He was one of the youngest captains when he sailed the schooner O. R. Johnson; was also interested in the lumber business with O. R. Johnson and built a fine residence on Pleasant Ave., which was destroyed by fire.

Capt. Coates was married to Miss Alice Nichols of Singapore, and they became the parents of two sons, Stephen and Lintsford B., the latter of whom is a physician and surgeon in Chicago.

After the lumber business had been exhausted on the Kalamazoo river, he sailed on Lake Michigan, keeping Saugatuck his home, but later moved the family to Mackinac Island, going into the fishing business with George T. Arnold. Leaving Mackinac he went to Chicago where he resided till his death in 1906 when the sea-faring men lost a valiant and kindly friend, the family, a true husband and father and the world, an upright and honored citizen. Mrs. Coates died a few years later and both rest in Riverside Cemetery.