James Coit was born in Norwich in December 1880. He was educated in local public schools, spending two years at the Norwich Free Academy, followed by two years at Holbrook Military Academy in Sing Sing, New York, where he graduated. After two years at Yale, James withdrew and began employment in the Merchants National Bank in Norwich, CT. (oldest national bank in Norwich, 1823) where he remained until 1906.
James then went to work at the Chelsea Savings Bank, where his father had established his honored career. He began as a clerk and, over the years, worked his way up to assistant secretary and treasurer. James was well-known and highly respected in the banking community and was also involved in many of the city’s social and philanthropic activities.
He was the Treasurer of the Americanization Institute and the Norwich Tuberculosis Fund of the American Red Cross. He was a member of the Arcanum Club, Norwich Golf Club , Sons of the American Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, and Delta Phi fraternity.
Charles’ father was George Douglas Coit (b. 1845 – d. 1906), and his mother was Sarah Perkins Grosvenor Coit (b. 1806 – d. 1894)
In May 1909, James Coit married Emily H. Turnbull of Baltimore. They were both active members of the Park Congregational Church.
Reference