Josie L. Coon was the youngest of seven children in the family of Rev. Amos W. Coon, and was born at Berlin, Rensselaer County, N. Y., July 21, 1861. At two years of age she was left motherless. When ten years old she was baptized into the Seventh-day Baptist church of Lincklaen, N. Y., by the Rev. Joshua Clarke. At sixteen years she commenced school-teaching, and was able to support herself and attend the University at Alfred. During the pastorate of the writer at Independence, N. Y., Sister Coon taught the public school one season, and gave valuable help to the church as organist, and in other ways.
On the 17th of October, 1888, she was married to the Rev. O. S. Mills, who had just completed his college and theological course in Alfred University, and soon they went to Berea, W. Va., where they labored for three years with the Ritchie church. From there they went to the Lincklaen and Otselic field, where, in singing, and pastoral visits with her husband for five and one-half years, she proved herself a valuable worker in the Lord’s vineyard.
From that field of labor she accompanied her husband to the Richburg (N. Y.) church. Experiencing hardships, and health declining, it was thought best to come West and try the Minnesota climate, which seemed to give temporary benefit. At Dodge Centre they built them a beautiful home, which furnished her much comfort and pleasure during her last days. During the last two months she rapidly declined, and early Sabbath morning, Feb. 9, 1901, with a smile, she spoke her last words to her husband, and soon after folded her hands and said, “I guess I’ll go to sleep.” Immediately falling asleep, she breathed gently and quickly her last, and was asleep in Jesus.
Much might be written of the devotion of a pastor’s wife, her faithfulness in church work, and growing faith and trust in the blessed Redeemer. She was modest and winning in society. She leaves in bereavement her husband, two little children, her aged father, and one brother, living in Pennsylvania.
The funeral services were held in the Dodge Centre Seventh-day Baptist church, conducted by Elder H. D. Clarke, by her request, assisted by Rev. W. H. Ernst, Pastor J. H. Hurley being absent from home. Sermon from Psa. 16: 11, “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at the right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Subject: The Goal of the Christian’s Race.
H. D. C.
