John Coggeshall - Family and Legacy

Family and Legacy

Coggeshall's wife was named Mary, but her maiden name remains unknown. They had eight children, five of whom were born in England, and the others born in Boston, but only half of whom are known to have survived to maturity. Their oldest child, John, was very active in colonial affairs over a period of three decades, serving as treasurer, commissioner, assistant and deputy governor. Their second child, Ann, married Peter Easton, a son of Nicholas Easton who served many terms as either president or governor of the Rhode Island colony.

Places named for President Coggesahll include John Coggeshall Elementary School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Coggeshall Way and Coggeshall Circle in rural Middletown; and Coggeshall Avenue in Newport, which goes through the original Coggeshall property. His numerous descendants include painter Sanford Robinson Gifford and composer Jimmy Van Heusen.