CALLAWAY COUNTY.
Coats.—Rev. William Coats was born in South Carolina. When grown he removed to Smith county, Tennessee, where he married Nancy Baker, by whom he had—James, William, John, Wilson, Hiram, Lemuel B,, Rachel, Frankie, Tabitha, Mahala, Nancy, and Laodocea. In 1817 Mr. Coats removed with his family to Callaway county, Mo., and settled on the prairie which has since borne his name. There was no minister in that part of the country at that time, and his neighbors appointed him to preach, which duty he performed at stated intervals until his death. He organized most of the Old Baptist Churches in that region. His son James married Polly Callaway, of Tennessee, by whom he had two children—Matthias S. and Laura A. William Coats, Jr., was married first to Patsey Tracy, and second to the widow McLaughlan, whose maiden name was Celia Callaway. John married Nancy Smith. He was Sheriff of Callaway county for several years, and was a good auctioneer. Wilson married a Miss Phillips, and moved to California. Hiram married Permelia Walker, and was afterward killed by lightning. Lemuel B. married Elizabeth Maddox. Rachel married Robert Reade, and is now a widow. Frankie married a Mr. McLaughlan. Tabitha married William Callaway. Nancy marined Joseph P. Callaway. Laodocea married Daniel Phillips.
Source: A History Of The Pioneer Families Of Missouri: With Numerous Sketches, Anecdotes, Adventures, Etc., Relating To Early Days In Missouri, By William Smith Bryan and Robert Rose, published by Bryan, Brand & Co., St. Louis, Mo., 1876; Pgs. 318-319
