William Coles, Businessman, Public Servant

William Coles immigrated to Sandusky, Ohio in 1848, from King’s Cliff, England. He was only two years old at the time he came to the United States. Mr. Coles was Sandusky’s first safety director. He served on several other municipal boards in Sandusky throughout his life. From 1898 to 1910, Mr. Coles operated a transfer and drayage business at the foot of Columbus Avenue. Pictured below are several employees and horses associated with the business.

A tribute to William Coles by members of the Masonic Lodge in Sandusky stated in part: “He has lived in Sandusky all his life and has been identified with its business interests in many ways. His priorities as a pioneer are challenged by none. Almost any morning, winter or summer, if you are out early enough, you will meet him coming up town from his home on Second Street with an elastic step and bright eye that are indicative of his youthful spirit.” William Coles took an active interest in Masonic work for 43 years, and he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 20, 1889. On June 30, 1933, William Coles did suddenly at his home at 915 Second Street in Sandusky. Funeral services for Mr. Cole were held at the family residence under the auspices of Science Lodge No. 50. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery. A lengthy obituary for William Coles is found in the 1933 Obituary Notebook at the Sandusky Library.