About Alfred Oscar Coffin
Lived 1861 – 1933 (aged 71–72). Alfred Oscar Coffin was an American biologist.
Alfred Oscar Coffin (May 14, 1861 – 1933) was a professor of mathematics and Romance language. He is best known for being the first African American to obtain a PhD in biology.
Coffin earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree at Fisk University. In 1889, he earned his PhD in biology at Illinois Wesleyan University. His thesis was titled "The Origin of the Mound Builders".
In 1887, Coffin taught at Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College for two years in Mississippi. From 1889 to 1895, he worked as a professor of mathematics and Romance language at Wiley University at Marshall, Texas. He later worked as the booking agent for John William Boone.
Early life
Coffin was born May 14, 1861, in Pontotoc, Mississippi.
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Important facts
People in Alfred Oscar Coffin's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Alfred Oscar Coffin?
American academic
When was Alfred Oscar Coffin born?
Alfred Oscar Coffin was born on 14 May 1861 in Pontotoc, Mississippi.
When did Alfred Oscar Coffin die?
Alfred Oscar Coffin died in 1933.
What was Alfred Oscar Coffin's occupation?
Alfred Oscar Coffin was a biologist.
What nationality was Alfred Oscar Coffin?
Alfred Oscar Coffin was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Alfred Oscar Coffin
· DBpedia: Alfred Oscar Coffin
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alfred Oscar Coffin. https://biography.guide/alfred-oscar-coffin/
MLA: "Alfred Oscar Coffin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alfred-oscar-coffin/.
Chicago: "Alfred Oscar Coffin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alfred-oscar-coffin/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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