James Madison Coon

A pioneer of the year 1847. His wife was the daughter of John Miller next above. James Coon owned the original donation land claim where this cemetery is situated. A rather complete biography of this man was published in "Edgar Williams & Co. Illustrated Atlas Map of Marion and Linn Counties, San Francisco, 1878." [Excerpts from biography below]:

James M. Coon, born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky, near Louisville, in 1813 [NB: this differs from the date of birth listed on his tombstone].... In 1847 he married Miss Nancy Miller. They are the parents of 14 children.

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Coon&GSfn=james&G...

James father: Michael Coon was the descendant of German immigrant stock who came from the upper Rhine River Valley to York County, Pennsylvania in 1738. Michael's father, Michael Sr. and six of his brothers were members of the "German Regiment" ("Pennsylvania DEUTSCH" not "Dutch") from York County, Pennsylvania during "The War of the Rebellion" (the Revolutionary War). His wife and James' mother, Elizabeth was of Irish heritage ; was the daughter of George Kelly of Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia.

Below are excerpts from Nancy's journal during their journey to Orgeon)

James M. and Nancy Coon began their trip to Oregon on April 11,1847. Crossed the Mississippi River on April 19, 1847. Tue May 11th, 1847, crossed the Missouri River. Wed Jun 9th,1847, Indians got inside the guard. Shot at them 3 times. Sun Jun 27th,1847, Camped at a Sioux Indian town. Quite a trade was got up between the women and Squaws trading beads and other trinkets for bread and meat. At Fort Laramie the old Chief told us we had to pay him for passing through his country. The commander at the Post told us it was customary to give him something. He spread down his blanket and each man put on his pay, some flour, some meat, coffee, beans, peas, dried fruit, etc. He was well pleased.

Wed Sep 1st,1847:

Buried Louisa Miller at eleven o'clock . Let me explain here that we buried Louisa in the road and the wagon train drove over her grave in an effort to conceal it from the prying eyes of the Indians

Sun Oct 10th,1847

Came two miles to the FIRST HOUSE IN OREGON!!! To the second house three miles. Some grass. Here we camped.

Five miles. Pleasant.

I am thankful, for the Lord has been merciful.

Whole distance traveled from St. Joe on the Missouri River to the Willamette Valley, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine miles.

Days traveled on the road, one hundred forty one.

Days laid by or didn't travel, twenty two.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=28140984