FRANCIS M. COYL

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 550-551

Francis M. Coyl

(Farmer, Section __, Post-office, Schell City)

   The subject of this sketch, a resident of this county and township for almost 20 years, and subsequently well known through this community, came originally from the Blue Grass State, having been born in Madison county, Ky., May 7, 1822; he is therefore in his sixty-fifth year.  Jesse Coyl, his father, was a native of Randolph county, N. C., and in an early day, or shortly after Boone had established the colony, he went to Boonsboro, Ky., subsequently being engaged in working in the saltpeter works for many years.  While a young man he married, Miss Jane Powell becoming his wife; her birthplace was in Tazewell county, Tenn.  Both parents died on the old home place about 1856, having reached an advanced age.  Young Francis was reared upon a farm in the vicinity of Boonsboro, in Madison county, KY., his educational advantages being only such as the inferior subscription schools of the day afforded.  He was one of 11 children in the family, and two of his brothers are now deceased, and but three of his eight sisters survive.  On leaving Kentucky Mr. Coyl located in Vincennes, Ind., sickness detaining him at that point; but securing employment as “boss” of a construction train, he remained until 1865, when he moved to Henry county, Mo.  After raising one crop there he became settled in this township in 1866 and with the exception of about a year and a half’s absence has since made this locality his home, his career during this period being marked with industry, and close attention to his chosen calling.  In was in 1876 that he left here, returning in March, 1878.  February 6, 1844, Mr. Coyl was married to Miss Eliza Pierson, of Madison county, Ky., and 14 children have blessed this union, six of whom are living:  Sallie A., now Mrs. Benjamin F. Peppers, of Texas; Philip H., a farmer in this county; Sorilda, wife of William N. Brown, of this township; Martin G., in Texas county, Mo.; Malinda is the wife of Jesse Wampler, living near Mr. Coyl; and Irving B. is at home.  Mr. C.’s farm is a valuable tract of 120 acres located five and a half miles west of Schell City.  He is among the older and respected settlers of Vernon county, and for a number of years has been a member of the church.

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