COONS, George W. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

George W. Coons, a well known traveling man died at his home in Crawfordsville, Ind at 6:45 o'clock Tuesday morning after an illness covering a period of almost two years. A complication of heart and dropsy being the cause of his demise. Two years ago August next, Mr. Coons health began to fail, but with an indomitable will and energy he continued in hi8s vocation as a traveling salesman for almost a year until he was compelled to retire, but not withouth the hope that he would soon regain his strength and return to the road. After several months of rest he seemed to improve and was greatly encouraged, as were also his family and friends, when he sustained a fall a few weeks ago which greatly shocked him and since that time he has been in a gradual decline. His last serious illness covered a period of one week and he passed peacefully away in the early morning surrounded by his family and friends. Mr. Coons was born in Montgomery County, Nov 5, 1846 and has lived his entire life in that county. When quite young he took up the occupation of a traveling salesman and the last 34 years of his life were spent in that vocation. To his credit, during that entire time he was with only two firms in whose estimation he stood high, he first traveled for Moon & Morgan of Lafayette with whom he continued until they retired from business, he then went with Havers & Geddes of Indianapolis and he continued in the same territory where he had built up a splendid trade until sickness forced him to retire. After so long a period of years on the road he had cherished the desire and so expressed it to his friends, that he would be able to continue until he could attain the record of being the oldest traveling man on the road in his territory, but ill health deprived him of the consummation of this ambition just as it seemed it was about to be realized. In the business world, Mr. Coons was recognized for his even temperament and jovial disposition as well as for his strict attention to business, and probably no man has a wider acquaintance than he in the territory which he covered. This fact has been attested by the solicitude of his customers and friends during his sickness. Mr. Coons made almost every town in this county and every town in this county and was perhaps the best known traveling man that came to our city where he had many friends, he also has many relatives in this city. The writer has known Mr. Coons for many years, he was as true a friend as ever lived and his friendship was more marked than mere words. It was manifested by acts encouragement and good advice and we with his legion of friends extend our sincere sympathy to the widow and daughter who have lost their dearest friend. The funeral was held from the home at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, services being conducted by Rev. PW Hixon, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Oak Hill cemetery.   --- kbz