Robert Coate, farmer; P.O. Pleasant Hill; born in 1844; is a son of John Coate (for a history of his ancestors, notice the sketch of his brother Benjamin J.), and was reared on a farm and afforded the opportunities of a common school education, which was so well improved that he was early qualified for the profession of teaching; this he followed for about four years, when he abandoned it and turned his attention entirely to farming, which he has since continued. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Jones was solemnized in August, 1866. She is a daughter of Alexander Jones, and a descendant of early settlers. Four children have been born to this union, three of whom are deceased; the one living is Julia Mary. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Friends' Church, in which they were both reared. Mr. C. is no political aspirant, but has been three times elected to, office of Township Trustee, the duties of which he has discharged with commendable zeal.