William R. Coon
William R. Coon, whose valuable farm of 180 acres is situated in section 34, in most desirable part of Amanda township, belongs to one of the old families of pioneer settlers in this part of Ohio. Mr. Coon was born January 27, 1843, and is a son of George J. and Juliet (Decoursey) Coon.
George S. Coon, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1783, and died in Allen County in 1873. He married Christiana Moore, of Kentucky. They moved into Ohio at a very early day and settled first at Bellefontaine, in 1832 they moved to Shawnee township, Allen County, and located in section 4, on Hog Creek, securing the land from the government. The country was still wild and practically unsettled, Indians still roaming over the country in search of game. George J., the father of our subject, being the third in order of birth. These worthy pioneers lived into old age, the grandfather attaining 90 years. They were buried in Shawnee township.
George J. Coon was born in 1820 and his wife in 1825. In their deaths they were not long separated, both passing away in 1885. They reared a large family, those who reached maturity being: William R.; Mrs. Margaret Jane Jones, of Kansas; D. F., of California; Caroline O., a widow; and Rachel A., Charles A., Joshua S. and Mrs. Calista Cowdry, who reside in Kansas, all being married except Joshua S.
William R. Coon was eight years old when his parents moved from Shawnee to Amanda township. At that time trading was done at Piqua. As far as school opportunities were afforded, Mr. Coon had very little chance, and since the age of 12 years he has depended upon his own resources. He worked with the tools and agricultural machinery of his day and locality, the old-time axe, cradle, and hoe, and in young manhood was able to split rails and chop cord-wood as effectively as any of his companions. In February, 1864, at the age of 21 years, he enlisted in the 74th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., in the Army of the Tennessee, and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky. He served with Sherman, through the Carolinas to the sea, and was at the Grand Review at Washington. He then returned home and farmed his father's land for two years.
In 1867 Mr. Coon settled on a tract of land, right in the woods, in Amanda township, on which his son William resides, just south of his own comfortable farm residence. This land has all been cleared through his own industry, and he has assisted in every possible way in developing the resources of Amanda township. Great changes have been brought about since he first settled here. He has served two terms as township trustee, has been a justice of the peace for three terms, has been school director and is one of the reliable and substantial men of his locality, whose word and opinion bear weight.
Mr. Coon was married first to Jane Place, a daughter of James Place, who at the age of 90 years resides in Oklahoma Territory. She died in 1884. Her children were: William, who married Effa Hutchinson; Lenora, wife of Solomon Moorman, whose daughter Grace married Ira Hillyard and has two children; Susan, who married Julius Fetter and has one child; Jane, who married Charles Hover and has one child; Elmer, who married Dora Sawmiller and has two children; Belva, wife of Richard Ward; and Alma, who married John Lowry, of Spencerville, and has one child. Mr. Coon was married, second, to Lucinda Brandyberry. In religious belief Mr. Coon is a Christian Scientist, a zealous follower of Mrs. Eddy.
William R. Coon, farmer, P.O. conant, was born in Shawnee Township, this county, January 27, 1842; son of George J. and Julietta (Decoursey) Coon, natives of New England, and who came to Allen County at an early date. eight of their thirteen children are living, of whom our subject is the eldest. He obtained a common school education, and having been raised a farmer has made farming the principal occupation of his life. He is virtually self-made, having entered upon the battle of life a poor man, and has accumulated his property through industry and economy. HE is worthy of the reputation he sustains of being a practical farmer and a throough business man. Mr. Coon was married November 8, 1866, to Jane, daughter of James Place. She was born in Missouri, February 22, 1842. By this union were born nine children: Lenora, Susan, Jane, William, Elmer, Belvy L., Hattie (deceased), Alpheus (deceased) and Mary (deceased). Mr. Coon has twice been a servant of the people of his township, having served as trustee and justice of the peace. In February 1862, he volunteered his services to his country, and was with Sherman, till the close of the war. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church. In politics he is indepenent.
From "History of Allen County, Ohio," Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885