Coup, William B. 1870 - 1940

COUP, HAZELTON, HANSON, HOLMES, COLE, ZEAMER, LIVINGSTON, POLLARD

Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 8/14/2016 at 12:57:44

William B. Coup, well known and respected resident of Decorah for nearly 50 years died Sunday afternoon, April 7 at three o'clock at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Julia Holmes, 201 Riverside avenue.
Mr. Coup had not been in robust health for the past two years, when he was injured in an automobile accident, being struck by a car while crossing the street near the Ingvoldstad Lumber Co. yards. His heart began to trouble him some time ago, but he kept at his work as bookkeeper for Peter Johnson & Sons. He was taken slightly ill a week ago Tuesday, but Wednesday went to work as usual, but gave up that day and returned home. Pneumonia developed and he failed rapidly until the end, his death coming as a shock to numerous friends.
Mr. Coup's birthplace was at Bedford, Iowa on June 15, 1870. His parents were Jacob Brown Coup and Frances Adelaide Hazelton, who were natives of Emporium, Penn., and in an early day went to Bedford in a covered wagon.
Mr. Coup grew to young manhood in Bedford and graduated from the high school in that city. He was a musician of note, and became one of the finest cornet players in the state, and for a number of years played in various bands. Before locating in Decorah, he played in circus bands, Ringling Bros., Gollmar Bros. and the Hulburt & Leftrich circus, visiting every state in the union as well as providences in Canada. He also composed a number of musical compositions, and was known as a very high class musician. He was a leader of Decorah bands, as well as of bands in neighboring towns.
When he came to Decorah, he opened a restaurant, operating in the building now occupied by the Sweet Shop, and also the Grand Opera House Annex corner.
After retiring from the restaurant business, he mangaged the Rudy Becker Music Co. in Decorah for five years. After the company quit business he accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Reed & Lennon Implement Co., and for the past seven years had been an efficient bookkeeper at Peter Johnson & Sons in this city.
He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hanson of this city, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Hanson, on Aug 3, 1898, and the family home had always been here. They had no children.
Throughout his long residence in Decorah, Mr. Coup enjoyed the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and his sterling worth was recognized by all. He was devoted to his home and wife, who died Aug. 26, 1936. The breaking of the ties of a happily wedding life of 42 years bore heavily on him. He will be greatly missed and his memory long revered. His brother-in-law, Harry Holmes, died June 19, 1930. His only brother, Frank L. Coup, died June 1936.
Mr. and Mrs. Coup had made their home with Mr. and Mrs. Holmes for many years.
Surviving him are two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Cole of Sacramento, Calif., and Mrs Myrtle Zeamer of Medford, Oregon; a niece, Mrs. C.E. Livingston of Des Moines, who was here for the funeral; a niece, Isabelle Zeamer Pollard of Medford, Oregon; a great niece and great nephew, Robert and Betty Livingston of Des Moines, and sister-in-law, Mrs. Julia Holmes of Decorah.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock.

Decorah Public Opinion, April 11, 1940

Decorah Lutheran Cemetery
 

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