Frederick Coe was
born in Desborough about 1854. He was illiterate when he entered the army in
1873, but was able to sign his name when he was discharged in 1877.
He is believed to be
Frederick Johnson
Coe, the son of
John Coe of Desborough and
Esther Johnson
of Rothwell. His middle name is not used in the army records and he is
described as a labourer, whereas the census records describe him as a
shoe finisher. However, I've not found another Frederick Coe born around
1854 at Desborough, and Frederick Johnson Coe died at the early age of
44, which would be consistent with the medical history shown in these
army records.
In 1882 Fred married
Mary, widow of
Robert Rick. Mary's maiden name was Coe and she was also born at
Desborough, though there is no connection between these two Coe families
at least as far back as the 1780s.