John Coffin

Background

John Coffin was born in 1756 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. He was the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Barnes) Coffin.

Career

Coffin went to sea as a small boy and by the time he was eighteen had been given command of a ship. In 1775 while in an English port, his ship was engaged by the British government to carry troops to Massachusetts, and arrived at Boston, with nearly a whole regiment in command of General Howe, on June 15. Two days later the troops were landed directly at Bunker Hill and Coffin himself took part in the fight. For gallant conduct he was made an ensign on the field and after the battle was presented to General Gage, being made a lieutenant shortly afterward. Howe promised him the command of 400 men if he could raise them in New York. Coffin went to that town upon the evacuation of Boston in March 1776, and there succeeded in raising the required number among the Loyalists. He was thereupon made commander of the “Orange Rangers, ” a mounted rifle corps. With these he took part in the battle of Long Island.

In 1778 he exchanged into the New York Volunteers and the same year transferred to the South where he raised a corps of cavalry in Georgia. He was of assistance to Cornwallis at Yorktown and at the close of the war that officer gave him a handsome sword. It is said that the Colonials had offered $10, 000 for his head. At any rate, failing to secure what he considered protection when Cornwallis surrendered, he cut his way through to Charleston.

On his first stay there, he was almost caught by the Colonials and there is a story that he escaped only by hiding under a hoop-skirt. When Charleston was evacuated by the British, Coffin succeeded in getting to New York where he met old comrades and on December 25, 1782, was made major in the King’s American Regiment by Sir Guy Carleton. Before the evacuation of New York he went to New Brunswick, Canada. Here at twenty-seven he started a new life as a pioneer, clearing his farm himself.

In 1783 he bought a considerable tract of land and the next year was settled about twelve miles from St. John on his estate, which he called Alwington Manor, after the family home in England. This comprised about 6, 000 acres and became a valuable property. He remained in the army on half-pay, being made lieutenant-colonel, October 12, 1793; colonel, January 26, 1797; major-general, September 25, 1803; lieutenant-general, October 25, 1809; and general August 12, 1819. In the War of 1812 he raised 600 men. He also served as member of the Assembly, chief magistrate of King’s County, and member of the Council. He alternated his residence between New Brunswick and England and at his death, which occurred in New Brunswick, was the oldest general in the British army.

Achievements

• John Coffin rendered the valuable service during the American Revolutionary War. He distinguished himself in the battles of Savannah, Hobkerk’s Hill, and Eutaw Springs, in which last his gallantry and good judgment won the praise of his Continental opponent, General Greene.

Connections

Coffin was married to Ann Mathews, the daughter of William Mathews of St. John’s Island. His wife died at Bath, England in 1839.

Father:

Nathaniel Coffin

Mother:

Elizabeth (Barnes) Coffin

Spouse:

Ann Mathews

References

• Biographical Sketches Of Loyalists Of The American Revolution V1; With An Historical Essay