born:   abt 1756 in North Carolina
died:  

Resided in Johnston County, North Carolina. Appears on the taxable list of 1784, and on the partial census of 1787 with one white male 21-60, two white males under 21, three white females, and two slaves. 
1790 Johnston County (North Carolina) Census: John Coats listed with 1 male over 16, 2 females, and 3 slaves. Solomon Coats appears with 1 male over 16, 1 female, and 3 slaves. This is probably John's brother Solomon. 
1810 Johnston County (North Carolina) Census: John Coats listed with 1 male 10-15, 1 male 45 and over, 1 female 10-15, 2 females 16-25, and 1 female 45 and over. William his son is in the vicinity. 
1820 Johnston County (North Carolina) Census: John Coats listed with 1 male 16-26, 1 male 45 and over,  and 1 female 45 and over.This might be John Jr. Next door is William Coats. 
Received a grant from the state of North Carolina to four hundred acres of land in 1793: "Know ye that we have granted unto John Coats four hundred acres of land in the County of Johnston on the South Side of Middle Creek and beginning at a black jack Jonathan Smith's corner runs thence North along Smith's line two hundred poles to a pine the corner thence West three hundred thirty poles along Alexander Smith's line to a post oak thence South two hundred poles to a pine and black jack thence East to the beginning Two hold to the said John Coats his heirs and assigns forever dated the 12th of November 1793. (J. Glasgow, Secretary; Richd Dobbs Speight)

Father:  
Mother: 

Spouse: 

Children:
1.  William Coats
2. John Coats, Jr.(m Candace Collins)
3. William Coats (m Anna Blackman)
4. Sarah "Sally" Coats (m Edmund Tomlinson)