Upon his admission to the bar, in 1840, he established practice in Carmel, Putnam County, where he remained two years, gaining a large business and winning respect and confidence. In 1845 he became a member of the well-known lawfirm of Johnston, Coffin & Eniott, of Poughkeejjsie. He retired from the firm to form a copartnership with General Leonard Maison, a distinguished lawyer and proniinentin State affairs. He continued thepracticeof his profession in Poughkeepsie, holding several i)laces of trust, among them the office of district attorney, until 1851, when he received an invitation from Hon. W. Nelson and his son, W. R. Nelson, to associate himself with them as a partner in a law-office established in Peekskill, and, having accepted the invitation, he removed to this county, which has since been his place of residence. In 1871 he was elected surrogate of Westchester County, re-elected in 187(5 and again in 1882, and holds the office at present.

When one considers the extent of Westchester County, its wealth and population, it is evident that the office of surrogate is one of the most important in the gift of the people. The incumbent is frequently called upon to decide questions of the greatest importance and involving extensive interests.

To the solution of these questions Mr. Coffin has applied with unceasing industry the powers of an active and vigorous mind, well stored with legal knowledge, and a reputation for honor and integrity which renders his ojiinions and decisions worthy of the respect and confience of his legal brethren, and of the entire community. To determine these questions requires a thorough knowledge of the statutory law, and a familiar acquaintance with the cases in which the brightest lights of legal science have given their interpretations of law. That Mr. Coffin possesses these qualities in the fullest degree is a fact that is fully recognized, and it is the unanimous opinion of those most capable to judge that of all who have held the office in Westchester Co., no one deserves to occupy a higher rank, and few have had a more extensive acquaintance with the members of the legal profession in the State of New York.