COEN, John - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

John Coen was born on a farm in Knox County, Ohio March 14, 1824 and died at Rensselaer, Ind Oct 22, 1914 aged 90 years 7 months 8 days.  He was one of 9 children born to John and Asenath Coen, only one of whom is still living namely, William S. Coen of Rensselaer. The family removed to Marion County, Ohio and from there to Fountain County, Ind. There the subject of this sketch lived until 1852 when he came to Jasper County which place has since been his home.  On Dec 26, 1844, Coen was married to Sarah Miller. To this union 8 children were born, four of whom died in infancy.  One, Mrs. Rose Kerr died in early womanhood and the other three remain to mourn their loss. They are Mrs. Jennie Saylor of Washington state; Mrs. Harriet Ferguson of Dekalb, Ill and Mrs. Tirzah Vannatta of Rensselaer. While still a young man Mr. Coen gave his heart to the Lord Jesus and joined the Presbyterian Church.  After coming to Rensselaer on May 9, 1853 he united with the Presbyterian Church of Rensselaer and for over 61 years he was faithful to every trust as a member of the church. He served the church as a ruling elder for 60 years and until age deprived him of strength he was active in the performance of every duty.  He also served the church as superintendent of the Sabbath school, choir leader and when occasion would arise as janitor and preacher.  He was one of the small group of faithful members to whom the Presbyterian Church owes its existence and while he has gone to the Savior whom he loved and served so faithfully, the member of his faithfulness should inspire all who knew him to better service in the common cause. – kbz