William Sloane Coffin, Sr.

William Sloane Coffin Sr. (April15, 1879December16, 1933) was an American businessman. He was a director, and later vice-president of W. & J. Sloane Company, his family's business, which was founded by his grandfather, William Sloane, from Kilmarnock, Scotland. He became president of the board of trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and founded the Hearth and Home Corporation to provide housing in downtown Manhattan, New York City.

Early life

Coffin was born on April 15, 1879, in Manhattan, New York City to Edmund Coffin Jr. and Euphemia Sloane. His brother was Henry Sloane Coffin. He graduated from Yale College with a BA in 1900 and an MA in 1904.

Career Coffin was a director of the family's furniture and rug business, W. & J. Sloane Company, He was elected a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1924, and in 1931 became president of the board of trustees.

Coffin was involved in purchasing real estate properties from Trinity Church and redeveloping them. These houses are now located in the Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District.