Corporal John P. Coen

Murray’s History (pages 161-162) relates:

Corporal John P. Coen, of Company F, was accidentally killed May 27, 1863, at Kennerville, La. His death cast a gloom over the company by every member of which he was highly esteemed. He belonged in Waterbury, Ct., and had enlisted Sept. 16, 1861. The circumstances attending his death were as follows: He and his company were ordered to proceed into New Orleans.

On May 26, 1863, with a detachment of ten men he went to the city, the rest of the company expecting to go the day following. In the meantime, however, the order was countermanded and the detachment in the city was ordered to return.

They accordingly left New Orleans May 27.

The train stopped for a short time at Kennerville and Corporal Coen and a number of others got off for a little exercise and to rest themselves. Suddenly, the train started and while the Corporal was attempting to get aboard, he slipped and fell outside the track, striking on his head. Death resulted.

When his brother, Corporal Michael P. Coen, of the same company, received information of the fatality, he was twenty-seven miles away, but immediately started for the 'scene and took charge of the body. The latter was conveyed to New Orleans and given a soldier's burial at Chalmette. A braver, truer defender of the Union never lived than Corporal John P. Coen.