Of the business interests of Troy, there is none that has contributed more largely to the general welfare and prosperity of the community than the Troy Wagon Works, and the success of this extensive concern is due in a very large measure to the capability of the foremen of the different departments. For the past fifteen years Mr. Coble has been superintendent of the wood department and enjoys the unqualified regard of the members of the corporation who recognize his ability and fidelity. A native of York county, Pennsylvania, he was born, March 4, 1854, a son of John K. Coble, who was also a native of the same locality. The mother bore the maiden name of Sarah Campbell and was a daughter of Peter Campbell, also of York, Pennsylvania. In 1865 the father removed with his family to Troy, where he followed his trade, that of contracting and building, for a number of years. His death occurred in 1891, but his wife still survives, and yet makes her home in this state. Mr. Coble had one brother who served in the civil war.

The subject of this review was a lad of only eleven years when brought by his parents to Ohio, and in the schools of Troy he completed his literary education. On putting aside his text-books he learned the carpenter's trade, developing considerable mechanical ingenuity. In 1888 he entered the shop of the Troy Wagon Works Company, and since that time has been foreman in the wood department. For three years prior, he was foreman of the Corn Planter & Rake Factory, which, in 1888, was merged into the wagon factory. In his career of fifteen years as superintendent of his department he has shown himself to be a skillful mechanic who thoroughly understands the business both in principle and detail and well merits the confidence and trust reposed in him.

Mr. Coble was united in marriage to Ella Shilling, of Madison county, Ohio, a daughter of John Shilling, who located in Troy, in 1870, and died in this state twenty years later. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coble have been born two sons and two daughters, namely: Earl Raymond, who is employed as a clerk; William H., who is a farmer residing near Addison, Ohio, and married Miss Ollie Wilson, a daughter of John Wilson; Bessie, who is forewoman in the Sunshade Factory, and May Ermie, who is attending school. The family have a very comfortable home in Troy, and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in social circles. In religious belief they are Methodists and take an active part in the work of the church here. Fraternally, Mr. Coble is connected with the Royal Arcanum and, politically, he is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring that his undivided attention shall be given to his business affairs. The important position which he occupies indicates his high standing in industrial circles. Steadily has he worked his way upward, and although he started out in life empty handed he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence, which he certainly merits.