Hi Listers.. An index to the biographies in the History of Barron County, 1922, and those previously submitted are available at the following: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/wi/barron/bios.htm Leander Coates, blacksmith of Mikana, is a native of this state, born Sauk County, Feb. 22, 1863, and there educated and reared to farm pursuits. At the age of twenty he started to learn the blacksmith's trade in Merrimack, in his native county, and there remained for several years. From there he went to Caledonia, Wis., and operated a shop for himself for three years. Then, after another interval at Merrimack, he opened a shop at Modena, in Buffalo County, this state. In 1907 he went to Birchwood, this state, on the line between Washburn and Sawyer Counties, and conducted a shop for thirteen years. In 1920 he came to Mikana and opened his present shop in a building 46 by 28 feet and fully equipped which he erected. He is doing excellent work and enjoys a wide trade, having the respect and confidence of all with whom he has business relations. Mr. Coates was married Mar 10, 1885, to Nellie Jones, who died March 10, 1893, leaving one son, William, who was born Oct. 21, 1886. On Nov. 21, 1894, Mr. Coates married Violetta Noyes Powell, widow of Frank Powell. This union has been blessed with seven children: Reva, born March 9, 1896; Leon, born June 24, 1897; Harvey, born Sept. 8, 1899; Bessie J., born April 14, 1901; Orva, born March 24, 1903; Effie, born Nov. 18, 1907, and Gordon, born Feb. 6, 1909. By her marriage to Mr. Powell, Mrs. Coates has two children: Harley E., born April 11, 1886, and Beatrice A., born Nov. 9, 1890. --Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pg. 798.