Elisha Coon (b.1819-d.1863)--a native of Orangeville Township, New York--resided in Washington County, Iowa at the onset of the Civil War. He enlisted as a private with Company A of the 25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry on August 15, 1862. In November that regiment was sent to Helena, Arkansas and some detachments from its ranks were sent on expeditions to White River and other locations in the vicinity. The unit left Helena for Vicksburg, Mississippi on December 22nd, 1862 and were involved in one of the early, but unsuccessful, movements in the siege of that city. After returning to Helena they re-embarked down the Mississippi River to Arkansas Post and participated in the capture of that rebel stronghold on January 11, 1863. Private Coon succumbed to dysentery on January 30, 1863 at Youngs Point, Louisiana and was buried at the National Cemetery at Vicksburg.
From the description of Elisha Coon Civil War letters, 1862-1863. (State Historical Society of Iowa, Library). WorldCat record id: 700952869
