The Coleman-McCollum Family of Alabama

A biographical sketch of the family of William Allen Coleman, (son of John H. Coleman),and wife Theresa McCollum of Etowah co., Alabama and Honduras .
by Charles Perry Smith

"The family of William A. Coleman & Theresa McCollum"

Just in case any of William Allen Coleman's descendents should some day want to look up their family lineage, I am putting on paper as much as I know about the Coleman family history. I must admit that my knowledge of the family is somewhat limited.
W. A. Coleman was the son of John Henry Coleman. John H. was from the Carrollton, GA area. He was a veteran of the Confederate Army, having served in the 1st Georgia Cavalry regiment. John was a large man, well over 6 feet tall and probably weighed close to 300 pounds.
I did not know him personally, but I remember seeing him sitting on his front porch on Elmwood Avenue (#312). He lived there during the 1920's and early thirties. He died in 1932 and is buried in the cemetery at 1st Baptist Church, Hokes Bluff, AL. As far as I know he was a retired farmer. I believe he was 91 years of age when he died. He and his wife Sally were the parents of William Allen, John Henry II, Mary, Genie, Dora and Kendrick.
John Henry II was a railroad man. Mary married a Doctor Friddell and lived at Boston, GA. Dora married a Mr. Fore and lived in Birmingham, AL. Genie married a Mr. Palmer. She was divorced, I believe, and lived with John and Sally on Elmwood.
W. A. went to Honduras, Central America, about 1897 or 1898. (I say this because his oldest child Laura was born around 1899 - 1900). He married Maria Theresa McCollum, a 13-year-old orphan girl who was living with the family where W. A. was boarding. Her mother had died when she was a small child and then her father was drowned in the Chaloma River (crossing on a horse - the horse made it).
W. A. had a cousin, W. F. Coleman, who had been in Honduras for some time and was quite wealthy. At first, W. A. was engaged in the logging business. Later on he bought land and owned and operated a 1400-acre banana plantation. When he died in 1930, his estate was worth about $300,000 and consisted of land, cattle and equipment. When it was settled (in 1949 or 1950), it was worth about $15,000. W. F. Coleman was the administrator of W. A.'s estate until his death in 1941 or 1942, when the Honduras Court appointed a successor. By the time the estate was finally settled, all of the assets had disappeared except the land.
In 1937 (or thereabout) a hurricane destroyed the banana crop. The next year insects destroyed it. The next year a disease damaged it, and the United Fruit Co. quit buying bananas from that area because of the disease.
W. F. had begun raising cattle in earnest to replace bananas when he died.
We used to get a monthly financial statement from W. F. on which he showed a cash balance of about $20,000. During the years that the banana crop was not producing, the cash balance fluctuated up and down from the $20,000 figure. Then one month, he called attention to the fact that he had been administrator of the estate for so many years, during which time he had paid himself no salary. He stated that he had decided to pay himself $250 per month for all the years he had been administrator. Needless to say that took care of the cash balance.
The Coleman children (W. A. and Maria Theresa's) were Laura, Lucille, James, Margaret, Teresa, John Hugh, Lois Elizabeth, Henry and Pearl. All the children, except Laura, were sent over to the states for their education. James went to St. Louis to study or learn how to be a diesel engine mechanic. Lucille went to New York where she worked for a Honduras diplomatic or trade commission. All the others came to Gadsden, eventually.
In 1930, W. A. brought his wife, and Henry and Pearl, to the states to establish permanent residence. He was on his way to Florida (where he planned to live) and had stopped at Boston, GA to visit his sister Mary. While there, he became ill with pneumonia and died there. His widow and four youngest children stayed in Boston for several years before they came back to Gadsden. They lived in the house on Elmwood where John Henry and Sally Coleman had lived. John Hugh and Lois were graduated from Gadsden High School in 1935.
Lois and I were married on December 8, 1936. We began housekeeping on Chestnut St. in Gadsden. The Gadsden City Hall is located in the block where we had an apartment. Our landlady was Miss Emma Barrett, to whom we paid $20 per month for the furnished apartment with utilities included.
In Honduras, the Coleman's lived at Choloma, San Pedro, Sula. I believe that is near Porto Cortez on the Caribbean side of Central America.
Maria Theresa McCollum was of Irish descent. I understand that the McCollum family was quite wealthy. One of the sons who was studying to be a priest got married instead and was dis-inherited where upon he went with his bride to Honduras. He was the one who drowned.


Charles Perry Smith
March 3, 1997


Note: William Allen Coleman, 1875-1930, was the son of John Henry Coleman and Sarah Elizabeth Pentecost. He was also the nephew of William Allen Coleman of Carrollton, Georgia who served in the 1st Georgia Cavalry with his brother, John Henry Coleman. John Henry Coleman went to Honduras with his brother William and returned to Carrollton, GA. where he married Sarah E. Pentecost. The Coleman-Pentecost family then moved to Hoke's Bluff, Gadsden, Alabama.
Woody Coleman

Obituary; Elwood Ransom Coleman, Sr.

The Times Picayune; Sunday, May 31st, 1998

New Orleans, Louisiana.

Elwood Ransom Coleman, Sr. On Tuesday, May 26, 1998 at 11:30 p.m. Husband by first marriage of Anita Register Young and by second marriage of Lillian Valesquez Coleman. Father by first marriage of William Lester, Elwood Ransom, Jr., John Allen, Marie Antoinette C. Whitman and the late James Michael Coleman. Father by second marriage of Ranson and Evana Coleman. Son of the late John Allen Coleman and Marie Antoinette Follin-Perez of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Grandson of William Forrest Coleman of Carrollton, GA. and Yndelacia Paredes of Honduras. Brother of John Robert Coleman , the late John Dean (Coleman) and Ethel C. de Buining. Also survived by 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Aged 78 years. A native of LeCeiba, Honduras and a resident of New Orleans, LA. for 73 years.

Relatives and friends of the family; also VFW Post 5174 in Slidell,LA. are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home Chapel, 4747 Veterans Blvd. near Clearview on Monday, June 1, 1998 at 2:00p.m. Interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Transcribed from an original copy of The Times Picayune newspaper, New Orleans, Louisiana, Sunday May 31, 1998, page B-5, by Woody Coleman on 6-10-09.

William Forrest Coleman

Notes for William Forrest Coleman

BIRTH: William Forrest Coleman was born March 17, 1864 in Carrollton, Carroll county, Georgia. His parents were William Allen Coleman and Cynthia Florence Riggs of Carroll County, Georgia. His paternal grandparents were Major Henry Allen Coleman and Sarah Ann Barnes of the 6th District in Carroll county, Georgia. His maternal grandparents were the Reverend John and Jane (Florence) Riggs also of the 6th District, in Carroll county, Georgia. (Ref. Bio of W.A. Coleman, Memoirs of Georgia,Vol 1, 1895)

NAME: William's middle name "FORREST," was given him in honor of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, a former Commander of his father, William Allen Coleman. Family lore has it that Nathan Bedford
Forrest was William Forrest Coleman's godfather. Ref. Interview of John Forrest Coleman, 1996.

EVENT: In 1866, W.F. Coleman's father, William .A. Coleman of the 1st Georgia Cavalry, joins a group of like-minded friends and ex-confederates who decide to immigrate to Spanish Honduras. Ref. Laura Kolb Coleman, Letters and Interview -1963.

EDUCATION: Attended Mercer University

OCCUPATION: W.F. Coleman was a PLANTER and INDUSTRIALIST. He was the Proprieter of LA W.F. COLEMAN INDUSTRIAL,SA, and the director of LA C.J. WARREN INDUSTRIAL,SA. in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. In addition, he served as the AMERICAN CONSULAR AGENT to San Pedro Sula from May
1927 til that post closed in December 1930. Ref. (1) Bio of W.A. Coleman, Memoirs of Georgia, 1895. (2) Department of State Records for San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Ref. (1) Department of State Records,
National Archives. (2) Biografia De San Pedro Sula: 1536-1954" by Rodolfo Pastor Fasquelle,1989, CENTRAL IMPRESORA, S.A.

MARRIAGE to Yndalecia Paredes, d/o Juan Angel Paredes and Dominga Paz , a prominent family of Santa Barbara and San Pedro Sula, Honduras. CHILDREN:

i. John Allen Coleman, b. 10 Oct 1888, m. Maria Antonia Perez-Follin;

ii. William Edgar Coleman, b. 8 Dec 1890, m. Manuela Mana Madrid;

iii. James Clarence Coleman, b. 15 Dec 1892 , m. Teresita Mitchell;

iv. Vera Coleman, b. 15 Dec 1894 ,m. Jesse Ivey Beall;

v. Arthur Bailey Coleman, b. 1896

vi. Maria Coleman, b. 10 Oct 1898 , m. William Adolf Bahr.

NEWS ARTICLE: February 7, 1896, CARROLL COUNTY FREE PRESS, Newspaper, Carrollton, GA." Mr. W. F. Coleman, of Spanish Honduras, son of Mr. W. A. Coleman of this place, is on a visit to his father here. He came in on last Tuesday night. He is accompanied by his little boy about seven years of ge. He will remain over a month or two. He was last in the states in 1892. He comes for the benefit of his health."

NEWS ARTICLE: February 21, 1896, CARROLL COUNTY FREE PRESS, Newspaper, Carrollton, GA."Mr. Will Coleman, a son of Capt. W.A. Coleman, who is here on a visit from Honduras, has his little six year old boy with him, and he can't speak a word of English, and our little boys consider him quite a curiosity, and they in passing him to talk "furrin talk. " (Note: The child was William Edgar Coleman)

EVENT: In 1907, W.F. Coleman introduced the first automobile, a Ford Coup imported from New Orleans, LA., to the city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Ref. La Prensa Newspaper, June 29, 1976, page 16, San Pedro
Sula, Honduras.

EVENT: February 7, 1916. ARREST & DETENTION W.F. COLEMAN.

Following his arrest and detention in a Honduran jail. W.F. Coleman wrote explaining the circumstances of his arrest to the American Consular Agent who was then James M. Mitchell, Jr., a close friend of the family:

From W.F. Coleman to Dr. J.M. Mitchell,Jr., American Consular Agent, San Pedro Sula, Honduras, dated February 8, 1916:

Dear Sir: I beg to hand you the following account of mal-treatment at the hands ofauthorities here, not for the purpose of obtaining monetary remuneration, but that it may serve to put an end to the many petty
annoyances to which we have been subjected during the past few years, and which have become remarkably more frequent and more annoying due to the fact that they have been allowed to pass by without any attention on the part of the American Goverment. If your instance will serve to fix the attention of the American Goverment on the abuses to which we are being subjected, and obtain a disavowel of the tyrannical and arbitrary acts of high officials, the extremely unpleasant and dangerous experience through which I passed will not have been in vain. About 2:30 p.m. of the 7th instant I was "cited" by a policeman to
appear at the police station. As I have always made it a point, no matter how inconvenient, to obey these "citations" on the instant, I went immediately tothe police station and presented myself to the officer at the desk whom I supposed to be the chief of police. I was asked if my name was William Coleman. I replied that it was. I was then informed that I was fined one peso for nothaving my dwelling decorated on the first of February. I answered that I had not done so because I had considered that it was a voluntary act
and not obligatory, but that it had not been my intention to do so in deference to thecustom of the country, but not finding suitable material (with) which to do so, it had not been done. I based my action to a great extent on the fact that my dwelling house is in the suburbs of the town, and in fact, not within the city limits. Also on the fact that none of my neighbors had decorated and there noticed that none of these had been
fined. I reiterated my belief that such act was not obligatory and refused to pay the fine. Fortunately the amount involved was so insignificant, being only 35 cents U.S. currency, that this did not enter into the matter in so far as determined to the action I took. I was then informed that I had to pay. On my reiteration that I would not pay, the chief called up (telephoned) the Governor, (an act entirely irregular, as such matters pertain exclusively to the Alcalde Politico) and informed him that that I, calling my name, had refused to pay.
While I could not catch all of the conversation, I inferred from their succeeding actions that drastic measures were to be taken. I was then ordered into the section set for the barracks, and in a few minutes was
called into a cell set apart for drunks--I foundmyself in a small room without any ventilation except what could come through a hole in the door about six inches square, with the floor partly boarded and partly bare ground, covered with the litter of its recent occupants for whom it had served as a water-closet as well as
sleeping apartment, without light and without anything to sit upon except the ground, which was running with vermin and uncleanness. I was informed that I was "incomunicado" and was not allowed to send word
to anyone. In this place, in a standing position, without light, water or nourishment of any kind, I was kept until about 6 p.m. Then as I had become faint from the position I was compelled to keep and from the lack of water and ventilation I requested the attention of a physician. No attention was paid to my request though informed that I was suffering. About one hour later, however, I was informed that Doctor Paz had been called. I believe that this concession on their part was actuated only by the activity of yourself and other friends. The Doctor came to see me and went away to prepare the medicine that I required. He returned shortly with some, telling me to take it with water. I asked the guard for water and was informed that there was water inthe cell. I groped around in the dark and found an earthen vessel with some kind of fluid in it which appeared to me rather the vomitings of some late occupant of the cell, consequently entirely undrinkable. In the meantime, theDoctor having heard my request for water, begged them to give me some
that I could take the medicine. At his request it was brought to me. Shortly after this, Mr. F.P. Blas, my partner, after a great deal of trouble as you are aware, was allowed to see me. He wished to bring me
something to (eat), but in the condition I was in and with my surroundings it would have been impossible for me to have taken even a mouthful. I requested a cup of coffee and prepared to spend the night as best I could, as no provision had been made for a seat, much less a board to lie upon. At eight o'clock the door was opened and I was informed that I was at liberty. After resting a few minutes in the station I requested to be informed on what ground my release had been ordered. I could get no satisfaction whatever from the Chief excepting
that it was by order of his Superior. This is the true relation of the incidents as they occurred and are in no way exaggerated for the occasion. The condition of the cell can be verified at anytime and the hours that I was confined in a standing position are known to all my friends. At my age, and being actually under treatment for
stomach trouble, as you are aware, it is remarkable that I was able to retain sensibility for so long a time. I beg to repeat my desire for this to be carried as far as you can get the American goverment to listen to you, not for my benefit that (may) accrue to me directly, but that such action may be taken as will prevent a like experience for another. Yours very sincerely, W.F. Coleman
NOTE: Enclosure # 6; a follow up letter to Dr. J.M. Mitchell,Jr., American Consular Agent for San Pedro Sula, from W.F. Coleman, dated February 10, 1916.

Dear Sir: Referring to the subject matter of my communication to you of the 8th instant, I have brought to mind an incident that happened some two days previous to my imprisonment which might have some bearing on the irregularity of the proceedings taken with me. In conversing with the Alcalde Policia who exercises the same functionas the Police Commissioner with us, regarding the orders given for the cleaning up
the town, he remarked that he had been compelled to place some fines, but that the work as a whole had been well done. He said further, "I was sent a list of those who had not decorated their houses on February
1st, but I refused to collect the fines indicated as I did not consider it in keeping with the spirit that should make it a voluntary act, and that, furthermore, it would be bitterly opposed as not in accordance
with previous customs and traditions." He indicated that, very probably, the fines would be collected through other channels by order of the Governor. I also wish to inform you that I have consulted my lawyer on the legal facts, and am informed that the proceedings were entirely irregular. Begging that you will addition this to my above referred to communication of the 8th, I am very respectfully, W.F. Coleman

EVENT: Co-Founder in 1921 of the Casino Sampedrano, a distinguished social club in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

MEMBERSHIP: Augsust 2, 1923; William F. Coleman, MASTER MASON of Lodge No. 69 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Grand Lodge of Georgia, Member of Lodge Cortes. Puerto Cortes, Honduras, No. 1315.

EVENT: Application of W.F. Coleman as Consular Agent at San Pedro Sula Honduras to the Secretary of State, Washington, dated January 15, 1926.( An American colony existed in San Pedro Sula for which it was
considered necessary to have the post of an American Consular Agent in that city). Extract of Letter from Honorable Ray Fox, American Consul:Sir: I have the honor to forward, for the favorable consideration of
the Department, the application of Mr. W. F. Coleman, an American citizen and registered as such under the Department's Serial No. 5,332 of August 16, 1917,for appointment as American Consular Agent at San Pedro Sula, Honduras, under the jurisdiction of this office. Mr. Coleman is quite familiar with the duties of the Agent having usually acted as such when the former Consular Agent, Dr. J.M. Mitchell Jr., was absent. He is also one of the oldest residents in this section of Honduras, inpoint of years, and is very familiar with past and present conditions, political and economic. On numerous occasions he has demonstrated his zeal in guarding the
rights and security of American citizens resident within his jurisdiction, and has at all times endeavored to maintain the dignity and authority of his office. As proprietor of the La W.F. Coleman Industrial S.A., and Director of La C.J. Warren Industrial S.A., together with interests in other
important enterprises, marks him as one of the leading Americans, industrially, in this Department. I do not hesitate to recommend that the Department grant to this application its favorable consideration.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Ray Fox American Consul. Ref. Department of State Records, National Archives.

EVENT: Letter dated July 12, 1927 from Herscel V. Johnson, Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Legation of the United States of America contained the following biographical information: COLEMAN, William
Forrest--Born in Carroll county, Georgia, March 17, 1864; attended Mercer University; engaged in business in Honduras; appointed Consular Agent at San Pedro Sula May 24, 1927. Ref. Department of State Records,
National Archives.

EVENT: Extract-- Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that leave of absence, with permission to visit the United States, was granted to the American Consular Agent, William Forrest Coleman, at San
Pedro Sula, Honduras, and that he departed from his post on October 15, 1927. I have appointed James Henry Coleman as Acting Consular Agent
during the interim, and am enclosing a specimin of his signature under the seal of theAgency. I have the honor to be,Sir, our obedient servant, Ray Fox .. American Consul.

NOTE: In 1927, W.F. Coleman took a four month leave of absence from his post as American Consular Agent. During that time his brother, James Henry Coleman, acted as consular agent. Ref. Records of the US
State Department. Note: This was the same year that W.F. Coleman's son, Arthur B. Coleman, died in Carrollton, GA.Leave of Absence Granted to the Consular Agent... dated October 25,1927 at Puerto Cortes, Honduras.Ref. Department of State Records, national Archives.

EVENT: American Consulate, Puerto Cortes, Honduras; February 9, 1916.
describing the political outlook as ripe for revolution. ------ Legation of the United States, Tegucigalpa, dated September 1, 1928:
Reporting information that William Coleman, son of William Forrest Coleman, is actively engaged on the north coast, in a campaign of propaganda in favor of General Tosta, which is incendiary and inciting
to revolution. Ref. Department of State Records, National Archives.

DEATH/BURIAL: W.F. Coleman died Februaury 10, 1944 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He is buried in the Coleman Family Mauseleum located in the Old Central City cemetery, San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

EPITAPH: "In Memory Of Our Beloved Father; William Forrest Coleman; March 17, 1864 to February 10, 1944".

Casino Sampedrano Board of Directors (1921)

Casino Sampedrano 1921
Board of Directors, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

(Junta Directiva 1921)

Presidente: Francisco Paredes F.
Vice Presidente: James H. Coleman
Vocal Primero: Ricardo Lopez
Vocal Segundo: Juan R. Lopez
VocalTercero: W.F. Coleman
VolcalCuarto: Adolfo Zuniga
1er. VocalSuplente: Luis Bogran
2do. VocalSuplente:J.M. Mitchell
3er. VocalSuplente: Presentacion Centeno
Secretario: Vidal Mejia
Pro-Secretario: Presentacion Centeno
Tesorcro: Julian Barrio
Sindico: Juan M. Galvez
Bibliotecario: Harry F. Panting



Source: Invitation celebrating the 75th Aniversary of the"Casino Sampedrano", on November 9, 1996. Provided by: John Forrest Coleman (deceased), San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Family of Jose Dolores Perez-Gomez

Family Group No.13

HUSBAND: Jose Dolores Perez-Gomez

Born: 1861, Bayamo, Santiago,Cuba

Died: 15 Oct 1931, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Buried:Central City cemetery, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Father: Santiago Perez

Born: Bayamo, Santiago, Cuba

Mother: Maria Antonia Gomez-Baez

Born: Dominican Republic

MILITARY SERVICE: Captain and aide to Generalisimo
Gomez-Baez,Cuban Revolution

OCCUPATION: Railroadman,Planter, Cattleman,
Businessman and mayor of the city of San Pedro Sula

MARRIAGE: San Pedro Sula, Honduras

WIFE: Paulina Follin

Born: 1864, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Died: 5 Mar 1936, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Buried: Central City cemetery, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Father: Charles R. Follin

Born: 1836, Honduras

Mother: Maria Tomasa Bardales

Born: Honduras

CHILDREN:

1. Carlos Perez, b. Honduras

2. Alonso Perez, b. Honduras

3. Lisandro Perez, b.Honduras;d . 1945, New Orleans, LA.

4. Zoila America Perez, b. 26 May 1890, Honduras

5. Marie Antionette Perez, b. 1 Feb 1892,Honduras ;married John Allen Coleman.

6. Leonela Perez, b. Honduras

7. Josefa Dolores Perez, b.25 Apr 1897, Honduras; married Jose Maria Zepeda

8. Maria Angelina Perez, b. 24 Dec 1903, Honduras; married _____? Jeffre.

9.Celia Regina Perez, b. 26 Mar 1907, Honduras; married Robert Wilson Bonner.

The Follin Pedigree

An account of that branch of the Follin family pedigree belonging to Elwood R. Coleman, son of John Allen Coleman and Marie Antoinette Perez-Follin.

The Follin Pedigree

1. Michel Follin of Picardie France; married Mariam Esambour.

2. Francois Michel Auguste Follin,(son of Michel Follin and Mariam Esambour), born October,1731 in Beauchamps, Picardie, France; Died September 20, 1813 in Charleston, South Carolina; married Marie Francoise Juneau, b. 1755, in New Orleans, Louisiana, died December 1813 in Charleston, South Carolina. Francois Michel Follin moved to the French colony at Mole, St Nicholas, St Dominque,(now Haiti) . During the slave revolt in that country, his family refugeed to Charleston, SC . He had three sons and one daughter:

(1)Auguste Firmin Follin, the eldest son, born abt 1777 in St Dominque; married Melanie Noel of
France. (2)Jean Charles Auguste Follin, b.1779 in St Dominque; married Marie Joseph Hebert.(3)Mathew Firmin Follin,(known as Firmin),b.1789; married Magdeline Victoria Hebert.

(4) Eulalie Follin; married Joseph Phillip Times.

3. Auguste Firmin Follin, eldest son of Francois Michel Auguste Follin and Marie Francoise Juneau, born about 1777 in St Dominque; died about 1833 in Alabama. After his family refugeed to Charleston, SC, he moved to Philadelphia, PA. where another large French population resided. He became associated with other Bonapartists who planned to establish a French colony in the territory of Alabama,(now Marengo county Alabama),called the "Vine and Olive Colony," which ultimately failed. Many of these colonists then moved to the French colonies at Mobile, Alabama, and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Auguste Firmin Follin married Melanie Noel, b. abt 1785 in France; died 1851 in Mobile, Alabama. Augustus Firmin Follin had five sons and three daughters:

(1) Charles R. Follin, b. Sep 30, 1799; married Susan Danforth. Their daughter was the
well known publisher, Miriam Florence Follin of New Orleans, also known as "Frank Leslie."

(2) Almaide Eugine Follin, b. 1806;married Lemuel G. Sanderson.

(3) Armand Augustus Follin, b. 1804. (4) Virginia Follin ; married Lewis Edward Bayol.

(5) Adolphus J. Follin, b. abt 1814. (6) Theodore M. Follin, b. abt 1817.

(7) Hortense J.G. Follin, b. 1818; married Gorham Davenport.

(8) Aristide F. Follin, b. abt 1821 in Alabama;married Mary Adela Bridges.

4. Armand Augustus Follin,(known as Augustus Follin), born 1804 in Philadelphia ,PA. He removed from that place with his family to the "Vine and Olive Colony," in Marengo county, Alabama. About 1827 he went to Spanish Honduras where in addition to being a merchant he was appointed as the American Consulate for Omoa and Truxillo. He continued to serve in that post until his death in January 1862. He is known to have had a large family but at present, only two children are known: (1) Charles R. Follin, b. 1836 in Honduras; married Maria Tomasa Bardales.(2) Hortense Follin, b. 1847 in Honduras.

5. Charles R. Follin, born 1836 in Spanish Honduras, son of Armand Augustus Follin of
Philadelphia, PA. He married Maria Tomasa Bardales of Honduras and they had at least two children: (1) Paulina Follin, b. 1864 ; married Jose Dolores Perez-Gomez.

(2) Augustus Follin, b. abt. 1866. Charles R. Follin began his career under the employ
of Ephraim George Squier,(second husband of Charles' cousin, Mariam Florence Follin), known for his field-work in Central America and Peru in the fields of Archealogy and Anthropology.

He traveled thru-out Central America with Squier in 1853 as his assistant and interpreter. Charles was fluent in the English, French, and Spanish languages. He was a Planter,
Merchant, and later, succeeded his father as the American Consulate for Omoa and Truxillo, Honduras . He was present at the arrival of Confederate immigrants to Spanish Honduras in 1867-68 and facilitated their establishment of the Confederate colony of Medina near San Pedro, Honduras as laison between them and the goverment of the Republic of Honduras.
Of the known children of Charles R. Follin of Spanish Honduras:(1)Paulina Follin, b. 1864, married Jose Dolores Perez-Gomez, a Cuban Patriot and nephew of Generalisimo Maximo Gomez-Baez, who remained in Spanish Honduras after traveling there with his
Uncle to gain support for the Cuban revolution. Paulina Follin was the maternal grandmother of
Elwood R. Coleman, son of John Allen Coleman and Marie Antoinette Perez-Follin.

(2)Augustus Follin, b. abt 1866, married Philipa Estrada. For a time, the family lived in New Orleans. After the death of Augustus Follin, his wife and children resided in Los Angeles, California.

Jose D. Perez-Gomez

Patriot, Railroadman, Promotor, Agriculturist And Senator

Biography from "Honduras," an English-Spanish trade magazine published in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, written in 1930.

Nephew of the famous generalissimo and "Grand Old Man" of Cuba, Maximo Gomez,the subject of this biography Jose Perez Gomez came to Honduras in the year 1881, on a visit with his uncle Maximo to stir up propaganda in favor of the Cuban Revolution. After exerting his every effort in favor of his native country he finally decided to settle in Honduras to which end he married the charming Miss Paulina Follin from which union were born nine children, as follows: Carlos, Alonso, Francisco, Lisandro, Antonia (now married to Mr. John Coleman), Leonela, Dolores (today the beautiful wife of Mr. Jose Maria Zepeda), Zoila, Angelina, and Celia. During the early years of his residence in this country, he was in the employof the railroad, later on he decided to strike out for himself in agriculture,(bananas cultivation and cattle breeding), and today he is the proud owner of one of the finest mixed ranches in the country. Still later on we find him branching out as theatre proprieter having built and is now operating the theatre "Variedades" in the city of San Pedro Sula. In the year 1894, in San Pedro Sula, the Masonic Lodge Eureka No. 5 was founded, and of which Mr. Perez Gomez has several times been Venerable Master,and as a matter of fact he is today the only survivor of the original charter members or founders. In the year 1889, he had the honor to be elected municipal mayor of the city of San Pedro Sula, serving a full term of four years. In Mr. Perez Gomez one finds an energetic worker, a man of strong initiative and brilliant ideas, a man who has proven a success entirely due to his own personal efforts and attention to business.

Arrest of William Forrest Coleman

February 7, 1916. ARREST & DETENTION W.F. COLEMAN.



Following his arrest and detention in a Honduran jail. W.F. Coleman wrote explaining the circumstances of his arrest to the American Consular Agent who was then James M. Mitchell, Jr., a close friend of the family:From W.F. Coleman to Dr. J.M. Mitchell,Jr., American Consular Agent, San Pedro Sula, Honduras, dated February 8, 1916:




Dear Sir: I beg to hand you the following account of mal-treatment at the hands of authorities here, not for the purpose of obtaining monetary remuneration, but that it may serve to put an end to the many petty annoyances to which we have been subjected during the past few years, and which have become remarkably more frequent and more annoying due to the fact that they have been allowed to pass by without any attention on the part of the American Goverment. If your instance will serve to fix the attention of the American Goverment on the abuses to which we are being subjected, and obtain a disavowel of the tyrannical and arbitrary acts of high officials, the extremely unpleasant and dangerous experience through which I passed will not have been in vain. About 2:30 p.m. of the 7th instant I was “cited” by a policeman to appear at the police station. As I have always made it a point, no matter how inconvenient, to obey these “citations” on the instant, I went immediately to the police station and presented myself to the officer at the desk whom I supposed to be the chief of police. I was asked if my name was William Coleman. I replied that it was. I was then informed that I was fined one peso for not having my dwelling decorated on the first of February. I answered that I had not done so because I had considered that it was a voluntary act and not obligatory, but that it had not been my intention to do so in deference to the custom of the country, but not finding suitable material (with) which to do so, it had not been done. I based my action to a great extent on the fact that my dwelling house is in the suburbs of the town, and in fact, not within the city limits. Also on the fact that none of my neighbors had decorated and there noticed that none of these had been fined. I reiterated my belief that such act was not obligatory and refused to pay the fine. Fortunately the amount involved was so insignificant, being only 35 cents U.S. currency, that this did not enter into the matter in so far as determined to the action I took. I was then informed that I had to pay. On my reiteration that I would not pay, the chief called up (telephoned) the Governor, (an act entirely irregular, as such matters pertain exclusively to the Alcalde Politico) and informed him that that I, calling my name, had refused to pay. While I could not catch all of the conversation, I inferred from their succeeding actions that drastic measures were to be taken. I was then ordered into the section set for the barracks, and in a few minutes was called into a cell set apart for drunks–I found myself in a small room without any ventilation except what could come through a hole in the door about six inches square, with the floor partly boarded and partly bare ground, covered with the litter of its recent occupants for whom it had served as a water-closet as well as sleeping apartment, without light and without anything to sit upon except the ground, which was running with vermin and uncleanness. I was informed that I was “incomunicado” and was not allowed to send word to anyone. In this place, in a standing position, without light, water or nourishment of any kind, I was kept until about 6 p.m. Then as I had become faint from the position I was compelled to keep and from the lack of water and ventilation I requested the attention of a physician. No attention was paid to my request though informed that I was suffering. About one hour later, however, I was informed that Doctor Paz had been called. I believe that this concession on their part was actuated only by the activity of yourself and other friends. The Doctor came to see me and went away to prepare the medicine that I required. He returned shortly with some, telling me to take it with water. I asked the guard for water and was informed that there was water in the cell. I groped around in the dark and found an earthen vessel with some kind of fluid in it which appeared to me rather the vomitings of some late occupant of the cell, consequently entirely undrinkable. In the meantime, the Doctor having heard my request for water, begged them to give me some that I could take the medicine. At his request it was brought to me. Shortly after this, Mr. F.P. Blas, my partner, after a great deal of trouble as you are aware, was allowed to see me. He wished to bring me something to (eat), but in the condition I was in and with my surroundings it would have been impossible for me to have taken even a mouthful. I requested a cup of coffee and prepared to spend the night as best I could, as no provision had been made for a seat, much less a board to lie upon. At eight o’clock the door was opened and I was informed that I was at liberty. After resting a few minutes in the station I requested to be informed on what ground my release had been ordered. I could get no satisfaction whatever from the Chief excepting that it was by order of his Superior. This is the true relation of the incidents as they occurred and are in no way exaggerated for the occasion. The condition of the cell can be verified at any time and the hours that I was confined in a standing position are known to all my friends. At my age, and being actually under treatment for stomach trouble, as you are aware, it is remarkable that I was able to retain sensibility for so long a time. I beg to repeat my desire for this to be carried as far as you can get the American goverment to listen to you, not for my benefit that (may) accrue to me directly, but that such action may be taken as will prevent a like experience for another.
Yours very sincerely,




W.F. Coleman








NOTE: Enclosure # 6; a follow up letter to Dr. J.M. Mitchell,Jr., American Consular Agent for San Pedro Sula, from W.F. Coleman, dated February 10, 1916.


Dear Sir: Referring to the subject matter of my communication to you of the 8th instant, I have brought to mind an incident that happened some two days previous to my imprisonment which might have some bearing on the irregularity of the proceedings taken with me. In conversing with the Alcalde Policia who exercises the same functionas the Police Commissioner with us, regarding the orders given for the cleaning up the town, he remarked that he had been compelled to place some fines, but that the work as a whole had been well done. He said further, "I was sent a list of those who had not decorated their houses on February 1st, but I refused to collect the fines indicated as I did not consider it in keeping with the spirit that should make it a voluntary act, and that, furthermore, it would be bitterly opposed as not in accordance with previous customs and traditions." He indicated that, very probably, the fines would be collected through other channels by order of the Governor. I also wish to inform you that I have consulted my lawyer on the legal facts, and am informed that the proceedings were entirely irregular. Begging that you will addition this to my above referred to communication of the 8th, I am very respectfully, W.F. Coleman



(Source: Letters of Dr. J.M. Mitchell,Jr., American Consular Agent for San Pedro Sula, 1916.)