Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1876 — A Family Reunion. [ARTICLE]

A Family Reunion.

A reunion of the Coen family was held at the house of John Coen, Esq ,in Rensselaer on the 16th instant. Old times and reminiscences oT the past were recalled and talked over. John Coen, Sr., was boru in the month of July, 1790, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Asenath Mills was bom in tho same state and county on the 15th day of July, 1794. While they were still young their parents moved to Knox county, Ohio ; and here they were married in the year 1815. Fifteen years afterwards they moved to Marion county, Ohio, where they remained eleven years, and then came to Fountain county Indiana. Eight years later they moved to Jasper county, coming bore some-twenty-six years ago. Between five and six years after moving to this county, Mr. Coen died—October, 1854—aged a few months over sixty one years, leaving behind the wife with whom he had happily lived for forLy years. His end was peaceful. Although on earth deprived of ease, he has undisturbed rest in heaven. She, the wife, the the mother, the grandmother, the great grandmother, whose eightysecond birthday we have met to celebrate, is still with us. During their sojourn together there was born to them three daughters and six sons. A daughter died In infancy, but all of the others grew up to man's estate. Josl.ua died when about thirty-seven years old, but the others are living, and all, save one, are preseutto-day. The descendants of this couple are as follows: Children 6 Grand chi1dren..........57 Great grand children... 2- —- Total 93 Sixty-lour of these are living. Nearly all of them who are old enough are members of some branch of Christ’s church. Most ot them have preferred the church of their fathers, and united with the Presbyterian denomination. This has been due in a large measure to the good influence of their parents, and we trust this same good influence will continne to be exercised and felt unto the remotest uenerations. The family.,seem to prefer the quietude of rural life and nearly all are farmers or following kindred pursuits. In habits they are strictly temperate; no member except one little boy was ever known to be drunk. And here is a lesson for those who keep liquor in their houses. Forty five years or more ago, some whiskey was brought into the house to be used in a case of measles, but was not all consumed. Several months afterwards, while the parents were, absent from home, the children found it aud all drank of it. One of the boys liked it so well that he drank several times until he became intoxicated. The opportunity for his doing so again was not repeated and he has ever since avoided tasting it. Liquors are not kept in any of their houses and uever used by any of them unless when considered absolutely necessary as a medicine. The family was well represented at this reunion, the>-e being fortyseven representatives present. Though occurring at a very busy seasou of the year for those engaged iu their occupation, they left work and came together with -well filled baskets, whose contents loaded tables with those things which please the eye and tickle the pala'te. After spending most of the day together we had some speaking, aud an address and prayer by Rev. Thoa. Vnnscoy, who with his estimable wife, was present with us. After an exchange of congratulations we separated to meet again as we hope on a future occasion of similar character. One oe the Childeen.