COON, Bryon McPherson (ca. 1916)

COON, HARLAN, BREWER, MAURY, COX, FOSTER, LEE, LESHER

Posted By: Jennifer Gunderson (email)
Date: 3/22/2021 at 22:54:12

BRYON MCPHERSON COON.

Bryon McPherson Coon, a resident of Estherville, filling the office of county attorney of Emmet county and recognized as one of the strong and able members of the bar, was born almost within the shadow of the dome of the capitol at Washington, D.C., on the 3d of March, 1880. During his youthful days he acquired a good education in the public schools of that city and following his graduation from the high school secured a position in the agricultural branch of the census office through appointment of Senator Knute Nelson, of Minnesota, who had been an old schoolmate of his father's. The income which he received in that way enabled Mr. Coon to pursue a law course in the Columbian University and thus carry out his desire of preparing for the bar. While pursuing his studies in the moot-court, the practice trial court of the law school, he obtained the highest possible rating—one hundred per cent—for the trial of two cases before members of the faculty who presided as judges. He was also an active member of the debating society and had the honor of appearing in one of the public debates, in which his side was successful. His initiation into the principles of law was under the instruction of Justices John M. Harlan and David J. Brewer, of the United States supreme court, Ex-Assistant Attorney General Maury, Judge Cox and Ex-Secretary of State Foster. He is a nephew of General D. E. Coon, who commanded the Second Iowa Cavalry and edited the first newspapers at Osage and Mason City, Iowa.

While occupying his position in the census office it became Mr. Coon's duty to edit farm reports and in so doing he became greatly impressed with the wealth and the prestige of Iowa, which ultimately influenced him to become a resident of this state. In 1901 he visited in Estherville and was so favorably impressed with the town that he determined to make it his future home. That he passed the rigid examination for the bar in Washington and the state bar examination in Iowa was indicative of his qualification for successful law practice and almost from the beginning of his residence in Estherville he was accorded a very liberal clientage. He was associated as a partner with Hon. N. J. Lee in the practice of law just prior to Mr. Lee's going upon the district bench. He has a large law library and well equipped office and has appeared in connection with some notable litigation tried in the courts of Emmet county. In 1912 he was elected county attorney and is still filling that position.

In 1906 Mr. Coon was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lesher, daughter of W. A. Lesher of Estherville, and in social circles in Estherville they have gained a position of equal prominence with his position as a member of the bar. They are members of the Presbyterian church and he is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Yeoman and the Modern Woodmen of America, being presiding officer in the last named lodge.

Source: Brigham, Johnson. Iowa : its history and its foremost citizens. Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1916. Transcribed by Jennifer Gunderson (Mar 2021).

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