THOMAS COON
Thomas Coon came in October, 1852, and settled on section 26, on land now owned by Thomas Bell. In the summer of 1853 he removed to his present location, on section 13. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 20, 1814. He is the son of George and Mary (North) Coon. Both of his parents were natives of Tennessee; they died several years ago, in Wisconsin. When seventeen years of age, Thomas went to Indiana with his parents, and resided in that State till coming out here. He was married there in February, 1849, to Jane Porter, a widow, whose maiden name was Burns. They had two children -- Elizabeth and George. Elizabeth married Henry Bagley (deceased) and now resides in Atlantic. George lives with his now aged parents, and provides for their wants. Mr. Coon is a strong Democrat. He says he was "born a Democrat, and will die a Democrat." Mrs. Coon will be seventy-five years of age in March, 1885; she is active, does her own work, and can see to thread a needle without glasses. Mr. Coon remembers many little incidents of early days. He tells of one occasion when 3,000 Mormons passed his place on their way to Salt Lake, Utah.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pp. 625.
