PROF. HENRY CLARKE COON, M. D., Ph. D.
Dr. H. C. Coon, son of Ezra and Cyrene Burdick Coon, was born Jan. 28, 1828, at West Edmeston, Otsego County, N. Y., and died at his home in Alfred, N. Y., May 9, 1898, aged 70 years, 3 months and 11 days. He was one of seven children, and is survived by the eldest, Harlow M., living in Walworth, Wis., by a brother and sister living in Leonardsville, N. Y., and by his youngest sister, wife of Elder J. P. Hunting, living in Alfred.
His Scotch-Irish ancestors, upon coming to this country, settled in Rhode Island, from which place his grandfather, Daniel Coon, emigrated to West Edmeston, N. Y., when his father was a mere lad. Here, the doctor says, he was brought up on a farm and learned the benefits of its work and discipline. Here also he enjoyed the privileges of a good district school and its library, which inspired him with a love for learning. He entered DeRuyter Institute when nineteen years of age, where he spent five terms.
On Nov. 21, 1851, he was married to Miss L. Elvira Stillman. He refers to her as "a lady of superior culture who was an inspiration to him, especially while teaching with her in Hopkinton Academy." He left Hopkinton to pursue a further course in Alfred University, from which he graduated in the Classical Course in 1868.
After his graduation, he was elected Professor of Greek and Natural Science in DeRuyter Institute, which position he held from 1868 to 1871. In 1871 his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of A. M., and in 1872 he received the degree of M. D. from the New York Homeopathic Medical College. In 1882 he took a graduate course in physics at Cornell University; and in 1891 Alfred University conferred upon him the degree of Ph. D., for work done in advanced studies here and in Cornell University. From 1872 until his death he has been at the head of Departments of Physics and Chemistry in Alfred University.
He was director of the Meteorological Observatory of the University; and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Chemical Society, and Counsellor of the American Institute of Civics.
His first wife having died April 21, 1879, he married Mrs. Mary E. Hill, Dec. 6, 1880, with whom he lived most happily until his death.
As to his religious life and experience, he was converted when quite young, probably about seventeen years old. He was especially awakened to his need of salvation by overhearing his mother praying for him; this, he said, moved him deeply and led him to consecrate himself to God. He was baptized and became a member of the West Edmeston Seventh-day Baptist church. When he came as a student to Alfred University, he transferred his membership here. On the 13th of June, 1869, he received from the First Seventh-day Baptist of Alfred license to preach the gospel; and on the 30th of August 1879, he was ordained deacon of the same church.
For some time prior to his death he was the senior acting deacon; and for some years the Chairman of the Advisory Committee - always, in every position, a wise counselor and a faithful officer of the church. A devoted Christian, a perfect gentleman, so genial and kind, he was universally beloved.
He performed the duties of his position in the university until within two weeks of his death, when he was taken with tonsillitis and other complications. Physicians and friends did all that could be done - well done - and the Lord took him to himself.
Funeral services were held at the church on Wednesday afternoon, May 11, and the precious dust deposited in Alfred Rural Cemetery to await the resurrection of the just. J. L. G.
