Frank R. Coffin

Born August 4, 1838, Parke County Indiana
Died May 25, 1920, Boise, Idaho

After working two years as an engineer apprentice on an Ohio River steamer, Frank Coffin, at age 23, went to California on the overland route and settled in Yreka, where he worked as a tinsmith.

After hearing of the strike at Florence, Idaho, he followed the lure of gold. There he engaged in placer mining until moving to Boise in 1866. Coffin worked at George Twitchell's hardware and tin store until buying out Twitchell in 1873. Coffin operated the store until 1904, building it into one of the biggest in the state.

Coffin served as Idaho's first Treasurer from 1891-1893, his only public office. He was one of the pioneers who started the Artesian Hot and Cold Water Company, was on the Boise City National Bank Board of Directors, holding the position of president at the time of his death.

Miss Irene Quivey became Coffin's bride in 1873. They were the parents of three daughters and a son. In addition to his widow and children, Coffin, who died at age 82, was survived by his 100-year old mother.