Funeral services for George C. Coon, who died, Feb. 3, were held at the home of his daughter Mrs. Byron E. Coon, Milton, Feb. 6, at 2:30 p. m., Rev. J. L. Skaggs and Dr. Edwin Shaw officiating. Especially pleasing piano music was played by Miss Lois Wells preceding and following the service. One selection was sung by a male quartet. Burial was in Milton cemetery with his son Durwood, his sons-in-law Byron Coon and Geo. Truman, and his nephew D. L. Coon as pallbearers.
Relatives from away who attended were Mr. and Mrs. George Truman of New Auburn, D. L. Coon of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Coon of Stoughton and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Palmiter of Albion.
Nearly a century ago, during a time which represents to us a romantic pioneering background, George Greenman Coon was born in Brookfield, N. Y., on May 23, 1837. He was the son of Thomas and Abby Davis Coon. His grandfather, Elder Abram Coon, was one of the staunchest, most enthusiastic organizers of the Seventh Day Baptist general conference movement at that time, and was its president for eight or nine years.
As was customary in those days George Coon worked out at the neighbors during the summer months and attended district school during the winter time, making the most of his opportunities to secure as much education as possible at that time. When he was fifteen, he was baptised by Elder Joshua Clark and united with the Brookfield Seventh Day Baptist church.
The urge for new advantages, new experiences, new life brought him to Illinois when he was a young man of twenty. It was near Rockford that he taught for several years. While here he became an inveterate reader, rounding out an education already thoroughly begun in New York State.
In July, 1862, he was married in Utica, Wis., to Miss Marian Colgrove. The following March saw the courageous couple slowly making their way in a covered wagon over untrod, western trails. They were nearing their new home in New Auburn, Minn., a home which was built after hours of untiring faithful labor upon land which was purchased from the government. For sixty-four years Mr. and Mrs. Coon worked together, endured sorrows and hardships together, enjoyed happiness together with a love eternal which bound them in this world and stretched its cords into eternity. Fifty years were spent in Minnesota, forty years of this time, Mr. Coon was notary public at New Auburn, Minn., and he handled the many cases which came before him with the skill of a lawyer.
He resumed his teaching here in the new territory at New Auburn and Glencoe. His teaching did not consist merely of the three 'R's', but he taught as he lived - kindness, honor, justice, determination to carry on, generosity, reverence for the things eternal. And his reward? Not pecuniary gain; but friends. Friends who came to him for advice and encouragement; friends who loved him. He was an understanding, sympathetic father, not only to his own three children, Durwood, Nellie and Minnie, but to the two nephews whose father had died when they were still young. These two men, D. Burdette Coon and Delano Coon loved and respected him as an own father. Mr. Coon was devoted to his 5 great-grandchildren and they returned his love unreservedly.
For the past sixteen years, 'Uncle George', as he was affectionately called by many who knew him, has lived in Milton, and for the past five or six years his home has been with his daughter, Mrs. Byron Coon. Although unable to walk around much, or to read during the last few years, his mind has been unusually alert and keen for a man of his age. His waking hours were filled recalling faces and experiences which were dear to him. His mind was a veritable treasure house from which could be taken Bible passages and hymns to be quoted or sung as he willed. Only two weeks ago he had finished his lunch and returned to his own room, when suddenly he was inspired to sing a verse of 'Joy to the World.' To the listeners in the next room, his voice came as clear and vibrant as a bell with scarcely a break in it. He was praising God as long as the power of speech was given him to use. His later years have been filled with a joy and contentment, a peace and happiness - a gift which only God in his mercy and loving-kindness can bestow upon one of his trusting children.
