Coll y Toste was born in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, where he received his primary and secondary education.

He also collaborated with the "Revista Puertorriqueña" (Puerto Rican Review), "La Semana Politica" (Political Weekly) and "Plumas Amigas" (Pen Pals).

[1] In 1897, a year before the Spanish–American War, Coll y Toste was Sub-Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce and was named Regional Governor of Northern Puerto Rico by the Spanish Crown.

After the war, Coll y Toste was named Civil Secretary and in 1900 Commissioner of the Interior by General Davis the military governor appointed by the United States.

[1] Among his many written works are:[2] His research into the history of Puerto Rico gave people an insight into the island from the time of the Taínos up until 1927.

[4] His great-grandson, (Edna's son), Jose "Fufi" Santori Coll was a former BSN basketball player, coach and television sportscaster.