After briefly living inDemerara in theWest Indies,[3] Coster came to the United States fromHaarlem in the Netherlands shortly after theRevolutionary War and founded the family fortune with his brother through the mercantile firm, "Henry A. & John G. Coster".[4] They became owners of numerous vessels and traded with the East and West Indies, and exported American commodities to Europe.[4]
In 1813, he was made a director ofBank of the Manhattan Company, which had been founded byAaron Burr in 1799.[4] In 1825, Coster was made president of the Manhattan Company, succeeding Henry Remsen upon his death. Coster was also a director of the Phoenix Insurance Company for many years.[5]
Coster was married to Catherine Margaret Holsman (c. 1778–1847).[1] Together, they lived in a house which he built at 539 Broadway, north ofCanal Street, which was considered "one of the finest residences in New York."[4] It was built by two of the most well-known architects of the day, Alexander Jackson David and Ithiel Town.[6] They were the parents of twelve children, many of whom married into many prominent families including theSchermerhorns andHeckshers.[4][7]
John Henry Coster, who married Adeline Boardman.[1]
Maria Margaret Coster (1798–1835), who married Edwin Upshur Berryman.[1] Maria died the night of the great fire in NYC. Her husband died a few years later. Their orphaned daughters lived with Henry Coster and the boys moved to KY.
Daniel Joachim Coster (b.1804), who married Julia DeLancey (1806–1890), a daughter of Oliver DeLancey and great-granddaughter ofStephen Delancey.[8]
Gerard Holsman Coster (b. 1808), who married Matilda Prime, a daughter of bankerNathaniel Prime.[1]
