Born in Larne in March 1806, Edward Coey traded in food and provisions in Belfast and established himself as a successful businessman, having found commercial success in the sale of cured ham.

Coey was a Councillor and an alderman, and was elected as the city’s first and only Mayor to represent the Liberal Party. He served as Deputy Lieutenant and High Sheriff of County Antrim in 1867.

Coey supported many local charitable organisations and with his wife founded educational scholarships in connection with the Presbyterian General Assembly College.

Coey played a prominent role on the committee of the Belfast Charitable Society and managed schemes to improve accommodation at the organisation’s poor house. Coey was also a lifelong supporter of the Seamen’s Friendly Society and was appointed as treasurer in 1851.

He died on 26 June 1887 at his residence in Whitehouse, County Antrim, aged eighty-two.