W.F. Coan 1820-1886

COAN, PECK, HAYES, EWING, SMITH

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 12/31/2002 at 10:04:24

The Clinton Daily Herald Saturday January 16, 1886 The sudden death of Mr. W.F. Coan, president of the Clinton National Bank, Friday evening, caused a universal feeling of sorrow about the city where he has so long lived, and where he was esteemed and respected by both old and young. He had been on duty at the bank all day until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when he drove out to the residence of Mr. A.C. Smith, in the country, to visit Mr. Smith, who is ill. On his return soon after, the drive having fatigued him - his health not being good - Mr. Coan went to his room to rest. Shortly after he was followed by a little granddaughter, Katie Ewing, who returned to the family and said that grandpa was asleep. Mrs. W.I. Hayes, who was at her parent's residence, attending her mother, who is in feeble health, was alarmed and immediately went into the room, when she found the beloved husband and father had peacefully fallen into an eternal sleep, having died from apoplexy. Mr. W.F. Coan was born in Seneca county, New York, in 1820, where he grew to manhood, and in which State, at Trumansburg, he was married to Miss Catherine L. Peck, in 1842, who survives him. Five children blessed this union, all of whom reside here - Mrs. W.I. Hayes, Mrs. A.G. Ewing, Mrs. A.H. Smith, Claudius C. Coan, and W.F. Coan, Jr. Mr. Coan came to Clinton county in 1856, when he engaged in the banking and real estate business. In 1863 he purchased the banking business of Budd & Baldwin, located on First street, and in 1865 it was incorporated at the Clinton National Bank, of which Mr. Coan was elected president. This office he held continuously until his demise. Besides his interests in the National Bank he was treasurer of the Clinton Savings Bank, and a director of the Clinton Gas Light and Coke Company and of the Clinton Water Works Company, besides having real estate interests in the city. He had always been prominent in the advancement of the best interests of the city, and was respected and esteemed by a large circle of business and social acquaintances. The funeral services will be held at the late residence Monday at 3 o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. J.D. Burrell, pastor of the Presbyterian church, with interment in Springdale cemetery.