In Their Own Words: Hoosier Ancestor and Family Journeys

From crossing the Appalachians to fighting on the bloody battlefields of the Civil War and World War II, the history of the Coons and Bowman families springs vividly to life through the words of those who experienced it. Philip M. Coons and his wife, Elizabeth Bowman, piece together a moving story of their ancestors from their earliest days in America to the present, one that consistently heralds the themes of traveling and change. In his research, Coons discovered several letters, diaries, and other correspondence that painted a vibrant portrait of his ancestors and the various challenges they faced. Divided into sections, In Their Own Words explores the world of the Coons and the Bowman families in their daily interactions. Whether it was traveling across the country via train, writing love letters full of longing by spouses separated by war, making the long trek on the Oregon Trail, or expanding on the college experience, the families never failed to find the humor and grace inherent in each situation. To add even further flavor to the anecdotes, Coons also offers a brief biography of each author. Family lore, a nostalgic slice of Americana, and the Hoosier connection that binds them all, make up this intriguing collection. Perfect for those interested in genealogy, early America, or merely hungry for the old-fashioned days. In Their Own Words is a true treasure.

Philip M. Coons, MD, is professor emeritus of psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is past president of the Indiana Psychiatric Society and a distinguished life fellow in the American Psychiatric Association. Coons currently practices forensic psychiatry. His hobbies include genealogy, photography, and travel.