Lyman and Eliza Seymour Coe were closely tied to Torrington's brass industry and civic life. Lyman, born in Torrington in 1820 to Israel and Nancy Wetmore Coe, followed his father Israel into the brass business after Israel had partnered with John Hungerford and Anson Phelps to produce brass kettles and, in 1834, formed the Coe Brass Company in Torrington. In 1846, after five years of marriage, Lyman and Eliza moved to Waterbury, where Lyman became secretary and treasurer of the Waterbury Brass Company. Between 1845 and 1854, they had three children, Adelaide, Edward, and Ella. By 1863, Lyman had become successful enough to buy the brass company his father had started in Torrington, return to his hometown, and purchase the house built there by John Hungerford. He expanded the brass mill into Torrington's largest employer, served as a state representative and state senator, and traveled frequently to Europe on business. Lyman and Eliza spent the rest of their lives in their home there; Lyman died in 1893 and Eliza in 1905, preceding the creation of Coe Memorial Park.