Mahaska Leader Article: 1943
C.H. COONROD OBSERVES 50TH YEAR AS HARDWARD MERCHANT AT MAHASKA, KS.
Charles Coonrod opened his hardware and implement store at Mahaska, KS on March 7, 1893. He came to Mahaska in the fall of 1892 to visit relatives. While here he was urged to open a hardware store, so after returning to his home in Milford, IL he decided to discontinue farming in Illinois to become a hardware merchant in Kansas. He purchased his stock, moved to Mahaska the following March, and was ready for business March 7, 1893...

OBITUARY (1953)
Charles H. Coonrod of Mahaska, KS, passed away in a Fairbury, NE hospital Wednesday, September 30, 1953, at the age of 89 years, 1 month, and 15 days. Charles Hammond Coonrod was born near Sandwich, Dekalb county, Illinois on August 15, 1864 and when five years old moved with his parents to Fairbury, IL and a year later to Milford IL where he grew to manhood.

On January 18, 1888 he married Cynthia May Henry and they lived on a farm at Milford until 1893 when they located at Mahaska, Kansas where he entered the hardward and implement business. In 1910 when his son Harley became of age he took him into full partnership in the business which was continued until 1945, having served the Mahaska community with credit for 52 years.

Charlie Coonrod was one of the builders of Mahaska, serving on the town council and school board; was active in organizing the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen lodges and held offices in each; helped organize the Mahaska Telephone Association and was for many years manager and secretary of the Mahaska Opera House Association. His wife Cynthia was an invalid for years before her death, requiring his patient and loving care. Five years following her death, he married Sally Gilmore on September 17, 1931, and she preceded him in death in 1950.

During the past month he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ilene Lowe of Mahaska, who was assisted in his care by his daughter-in-law Mrs. Beulah Coonrod. Preceding him in death was his son, Harley, in 1945.

Surviving are a son, Vernon W. Coonrod of Parsons, KS; daughters, Mrs. Guy Summers of Wellington, KS, and Mrs. Ilene Lowe of Mahaska; sister, Mrs. Nell Willoughby of Fairbury; sister-in-law, Mrs. John Coonrod of Seibert, CO, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Mahaska, Saturday afternoon with Rev. E. Raymond Heglin of Fairbury, officiating. Interment was in the Mahaska Cemetery.

Charles Hammond Coonrod died from Broncho Pneumonia, age 89 at Lynch Hospital at Fairbury, NE.

OBITUARY - MAHASKA LEADER (1926)
Cynthia May Henry was born in Shelby County, Ohio, October 30, 1867 and passed away August 20, 1926 aged 58 years, 9 months and 20 days. She came with her parents to Iroquois County, Illinois in 1870, where she spent her girlhood and was united in marriage to Charles H. Coonrod, January 18th, 1888.

In the spring of 1893 she came with her husband to Washington County, Kansas, where she has since resided. She has been a great sufferer for many years, but bore her suffering with patience and forbearance. She was of a quiet retiring disposition, finding greatest comfort in her own home and with her family. While she never affiliated with any church it was her most earnest desire for her children to attend divine services.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, four children, Harley H., Alta M. Summers, Vernon W., and V. Ilene, and four grandchildren all of Mahaska, also two brothers, and two sisters, Clara A. Short of Seibert, Colorado, John B. Henry of Springfield, Missouri, Etta H. Taylor and Harry H. Henry of Mahaska, and a host of friends and relatives. All the members of the family were at the bedside when she died. She was buried form the Presbyterian church. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Rev. Clinton Cook officiated.

Cynthia died of paralysis, age 58.

OBITUARY - MAHASKA LEADER (1950)
Sarah Candace, better known as Sallie Gilmore, was born in Putman Co., Indiana August 16, 1861 and passed away at her home in Mahaska August 24, 1950 at the age of 89 years and 8 days. Her parents were Robert H. and Elizabeth Farrow Gilmore. She was the second of eight children. Four sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. They were Mrs. Rachel Ruble and Mrs. Emma Hollenbeck of Nebraska, Mrs. Jennie Wood of Milford, IL, Mrs. Essie Osborn, Orson and Cortez Gilmore all of Indiana. One sister Mrs. Mae Parrish lives in Villa Grove, IL

The family moved to Ohio for a few years then to Iroquois Co., IL in 1868. Her early life was spent in the vicinity of Milford and Cissna Park, IL. She was married to Thomas B. Downie and lived in Goodwine a number of years After he passed away she moved to Villa Grove in 1908. One son, Otis . passed away the following year. In 1917 she was married to Charles E. Gamble of Villa Grove. After his death in 1925 she moved to Arkansas City, KS to be near her son, D.M. Gilmore, who still resides there. On Sept. 17, 1931 she was married to Charles H. Coonrod, and has since been a resident of Mahaska. She made many friends whereever she leived. She united with the Methodist church at an early age, and continued in the faith until she moved to Mahaska. At that time she transferred her letter to the Presbyterian church. Surviving are her husband, one son and sister mentioned, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

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