The Coe Family

The Coe Family. . , This park is dedicated to the memory of Lyman and Eliza Seymour Coe. Lyman, son of Israel and Nancy Wetmore Coe, was born in Torrington in 1820. He, like his father Israel, figured prominently in the town's brass industry. Both men were also leading citizens of Torrington during their lifetimes. , The Coe family's connection with the local brass industry began when Israel Coe partnered with John Hungerford and Anson Phelps to produce brass kettles. They decided on Torrington as a promising location and, in 1834, formed the Coe Brass Company. Lyman Wetmore Coe, Israel's son, followed in his father's footsteps and entered the brass industry. In 1846, Lyman and Eliza, then married five years, moved to Waterbury, where Lyman became secretary and treasurer of the Waterbury Brass Company. Between 1845 and 1854, Lyman and Eliza had three children: Adelaide, Edward, and Ella. , By 1863 Lyman was successful enough to purchase the brass company that his father started in Torrington. He moved back to his hometown and purchased the house that was built by John Hungerford on this spot. Lyman Coe expanded the brass mill, which became the largest employer in Torrington. He was a state representative, state senator, and traveled frequently to Europe on business. Lyman and Eliza lived their remaining years in their home on this site. Lyman died in 1893 and Eliza in 1905, setting the stage for the creation of Coe Memorial Park. The Coe Memorial Park Committee and The Torrington Historical Society , ( photo captions ) , , Lyman and Eliza Seymour Coe, ca. 1865 Collection of the Torrington Historical Society , , Lyman and Eliza Coe inside their home, ca. 1890 Collection of the Torrington Historical Society , , Children of Lyman and Eliza Coe (left to right): Ella Coe, Edward T. Coe, Adelaide Coe Godfrey From the collections of Susan Coe Holbrook and the Torrington Historical Society Erected by The Coe Memorial Park Committee and The Torrington Historical Society