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- Amos moved his family to Stark Co., Ohio They had 12 children. (C-1602) The following letter was sent by him to his brother (probably Caleb) in 1861 as conveyed in Truman's book and transcribed by Charlotte Coats."Marlborouh, Ohio 8th 19th 1861Dear Brother -I hardly need apologize for my omission in conveying my ideas in answer to they kind epistle of the 4th of 10th mo although my time has been occupied in different spheres; still one of them should undoubtedly have been applied for they special benefit, and I am aware, gratification, but so it is.I can hardly tell the cause, one thing certain thee may rest assured of, it is not for want of kind and Brotherly affections; the warmest degree of love rests between our hearts, and it is a pleasure for me to occupy that thought, in casting reflection on former days Ah, were the times to be lived over again how they might be improved, but the days and years have glided away, and left many a blank, that should have been devoted to the cause of righteousness and left us stars of gratitude to be gaxed at with heavenly joy, and crowned minds with that love by remembrance, that would not be shaded with spots to cause anguish by their not being obliterated in the outset.I am aware that I have fallen far short of the duties that have been incumbent upon me, in the purpose of Creation, and it is a mournful thought when applied to self, when time is nearly in full measure and running over for us, yet, morally speaking we have traveled our Journey in life with good esteem without wilful defect to our fellowmen. A consoling idea; now as our gray hairs are fast wafting away; it is consoling to think that there has been an advocate, pleading within us, and directing to that peace which crowns the mortal soul with those beauties that difnify man and prepare him for the realms of bliss that never fades away.I do really mourn, that so much intelligence as we have in this age is cast ot gratify self, and not applied to that purpose which man was created for that is to glory his Maker. Yet he is dishonored by the worldly, by the laws of the world. The meek and humble that was placed upon the Cross and expired between two thieves, who could have called legions of angels to his assitance, had he been as the rulers of this world, but may "forgive them", was his request. He carried out the nonresistance principle; (which is not a life-taking principle) that is the only platform or conveyance that the Christian can be supported by. His precepts and example and whole life evidently substantiate the fact; for when Cain slew his brother Abel teh great and might Judge, the only righteous, put no the sentence of death upon him, but marked him that none should distrub him.Here is the first murder, an the first Judicial court, with the Judge of Heaven and of earth, who decides for man to live and work out his own Salvation. If our Judges were to take precedence from this court and not from modern laws, happy would be the efffect, but now it's blood for blood; how unrational, unnatural and brutish. We hear it expressed every day, by bloodthirsty men when they are brought to their feelings and saying that it's aweful that Fathers and sons and brothers, in carnage against each other, this is self evident of the unreighteousness of the life-takin gprinciple, for it is murder in taking human life in any case, or human law, for it is written, whence cometh wars and fighting? Come they not of your lust? Yes, self-gratification, the inst of the flesh, of the eye, and pride of life generates animosities and turns love into hartred, and all consequent evils. I received a letter from my dear and kind niece, Lucretia, of the 22nd, 6th month last, which was invigorating to my spririt, with the exception of they judisposition of health which was affecting, but we are liable to afflictions, and our tender nerves worn by age are eaily affected but to be prepared for the torments of this world, of body and mind, is the beauty of this life, and the crown and felicity in that of the future. I must change my theme, as thee wants a genealogy. As thee has mine with the exception of Howard H. Coates, who is 23, and Ridgeway Coates, my youngest child, is near 21 years of age. Moses' wife's name was Mary Ann Young, his youngest child was William C. about 16, and George S. about 6 years of age. Morris's wife's name was Mary Ann Randolph, their eldest son Silvanus about 15, Moses 12 and Evaline 9 years of age. Hannah married Joseph D. Arnold (wh died last 4th month, a fine man he was). Their eldest son James Monroe about 11, Bell 7, Florence 5 and Gertrude 3 years of age. Hayes C., married Emeline Ward, their eldest son, Alfred, about 13, Phebe 11, and Larua 7 years of age. Jesse married Virginia Brown, their eldest Leona Gertrude 11, John 9, Elmer 7, Mariah 5, and Clifford 3 years of age. George married Mary Black, eldest Jane about 9, Harriett 7 Years. Oliver married Catharine Lane, one son Edwin. Mary Ann, married Joseph Constantine Warner, have none living. Howard married Cordelia Hale, one son about 1 year old.I have given a pretty good share, and as near as I can come to ages. Ridgeway is single, is in Indiana, or out west with the (pump patent).Thy son Lewis, was here yesterday, from the South, probably leaves tomorrow for Philadelphia. He has become qutie a southern principled man. I was astonished to hear him on southern topics. I think it a pity such a mind as his sould become so contaiminated with such inhuman principles, but he is not the first nor only one that has been led estray. But as permanently as he is fixed there is a higher story of the mind for him to ascend which will finally have to be inhabited by purer motives, than the present occupied, to gain the point of his noble creation. It is most enough for man to know himself, enough for him to know, but in that stead, he seeks the observation and geography of others, poor human nature, how frail, as not to know what human nature is Vile is the dipsosition that abandons that which is would not be willing to accept, (that is the ation of self love). Lewis may possibly view these lines and he knows how to extend my views. Covetuousness is apt to lead the mind to any length and almost any thing, becaue it is the boon of sin, and the highest seat of Lucifer. I have omitted Amos W. my next after Oliver. He married Ada S. Freer, have one child, Horace Lucian Coates, over a year ago. I have left off housekeeping. Shall make my home pretty much with Amos, at Paris, in this County, 11 miles from here, so letters may be directed here for me. I have not been out this summer with my pump, times are dull, nothing in a manner doing, crops were rather slim in this seciton of most all kinds, the weather being very dry for summer vegetation. All are in pretty good health. Lewis can inform thee I had a pretty hard attack of typhoid this spring, feel pretty well except my old liver complaint. With much love to thee, Lucretia and all they family. affectionate Brother, Amos Coates"
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1794 - 1863 (69 years)
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