William P. Coffin was born September 20, 1832, in Paoli, Indiana, the son of Thomas and Miriam Coffin. His parents were respected members of a Quaker colony who had settled as pioneers in the wilderness of Indiana.

Mr. Coffin first came to Mankato in October 1854. During the winter of that year, in partnership with Joel Cloud, he opened a small grocery store in the Hanna Building, which stood on the site later occupied by Young & Otto’s store. The following spring, he preempted a claim in the Spring Island area of South Bend Township.

In 1856, he returned to Indiana but came back to Mankato permanently in 1866. From that time forward, he engaged in the real estate and loan business and remained a resident of the city for the rest of his life.

Mr. Coffin was known for leading a quiet and industrious life. He earned the respect of the community for his scrupulous honesty and faithful handling of every responsibility entrusted to him. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On October 2, 1867, he married Miss Margaret C. Todd. She died in April 1900. Their children were Ellen E. Coffin and Mark T. Coffin.