Coles, J. Ackerman, 1843-1925.

Coles was a wealthy New York surgeon, collector, and philanthropist. In 1906 Coles made a bequest to Hope College of interest-bearing securities which were to be used as a prize for the winner of an oratorical contest, held triennally, on a patriotic subject. Due to a decrease in the yield from the securities, the contest was only held from 1906-1938.

From the description of Papers, 1903-1940. (Joint Archive of Holland, History Research Center). WorldCat record id: 30535776