COONS, Mattie E. (Nichols) 1837-1911

COONS, MILLER

Posted By: Linda (email)
Date: 7/21/2012 at 14:02:49

Death of Mrs. Peter Coons

The body of Mrs. Peter Coons was brought here for burial last night from her late home in Aberdeen, S. D. It was accompanied by her son, Frank and her daughter, Mrs. Jennie Miller. The funeral services were held today at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. J. J. Bushnell.

Mattie E. Nichols, deceased was a daughter of Rev. D. W. Nichols, a minister of the city of Philadelphia. He died when his daughter was about 16 years old. She was born July 12, 1837, and grew to young womanhood in and about Philadelphia. During the civil war she was at school at Camden, New Jersey, where she was preparing herself for a teacher, which profession she followed for a number of years.

On December 22, 1868, she was married to Peter S. Coons in Dutchess county, New York, with whom she lived until 11 years ago, when he was called by the Messenger of Death. To them were born three children: Frank E. and Jennie Miller, both living near Aberdeen S. D., and J. D., who died three years ago last October.

In the year 1881, the family moved to Dickinson county, Iowa, and in February of 1883 they came to Rock Rapids, where Mrs. Coons lived until almost 3 years ago when her home being broken up by the death of her son, John, she went to Aberdeen to make her home with her remaining children.

A few months ago she came to Rock Rapids where she stayed for several weeks renewing delightful old acquaintances and warm friendships. While here she said repeatedly that she really felt that her pilgrimage on this earth was short, but she should have no regrets for there she would be with those who she had loved and lost awhile. How soon that prophecy would be fulfilled no one could tell.

Two weeks ago she took a hard cold while enroute for the home of her daughter, Jennie, after a day’s visit with the family of her son. The doctor was called and he pronounced it pneumonia. Age had weakened her powers of resistance, and after a brief illness she passed to her rewards, April 11, 1911, being at the time of her death, 78 years, 8 months and 29 days.

Early in her life she united with the Methodist church of which her father was pastor and lived her life so truely after the Great Pattern that she enjoyed in the entire confidence of the people with whom she associated and leaves a prescious memory as a priceless heritage of those who mourn the loss of mother, neighbor, and friend.

Rock Rapids Reporter, Rock Rapids, Iowa, Thursday, April 13, 1911. Spelling as published in newpspaper.