This enterprising young farmer was born in Dallas county, Texas, January 29, 1865, son of Thomas D. and Mary A. (Paschall) Coats. His father dying when Lee was fourteen years old, and he being the oldest son at home, the care of the farm and the support of the family fell largely on him, and he remained with his mother, conducting the farming operations for her. When he was twenty-one he married, took his bride home with him, and continued to reside with his mother a year longer. Having inherited eighty-nine acres of his father's estate, he built a house on it, and has since lived near his mother.
Thomas D. Coats, his father, was a native of South Carolina, born in 1826, and when quite small went with his father to Tennessee, where he was reared. May 7. 1846, he was married in Tennessee, to Miss Mary A. Paschall, and the following fall they came to Texas and settled where Mrs. Coats now lives. Mr. Coats joined the colony, thereby obtaining a headright of 640 acres. He built a fine house, improved his land, and was making good progress when misfortune overtook him. His house burned. He rebuilt a like structure, and had it just completed when he was taken sick and died, his death occurring January 5, 1879, at the age of fifty-three years. Mrs. Coats was born about 1829, daughter of Elisha and Rachel (McClain) Paschall. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coats, seven of whom are living, namely: Nancy J., wife of Henry D. Loving; James A.; Elisha D.; Isabella, wife of Mack Tyler; Lee, Sidney and Wall.
Lee Coats was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Amburn, December 3, 1885. She was born August 15, 1870, daughter of John Amburn. Her mother's maiden name was Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Amburn had a family of twelve children, as follows: Jeff, Henry, Cynthia, Lucid, Isaac, Jacob, James, Joseph;, Lizzie, Benjamin, Jane and Ira. Cynthia is now Mrs. H. J. Dawden. Lucinda was first married to Lewis Robinson, and after his death to Balis Johnson. James is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Coats have two children: Albert , born March 1. 1888, and Lillie, February 3, 1890. Mrs. Coats is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Coats affiliates with the Democratic party.
Memorial and Biographical History of Dallas County,
Texas, pages 618-619, (Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1892)
Transcribed by Robert Bennett