An industrialist whose knowledge and intense application to his field made Fred M. Coons an early authority in the manufacture of paper. All of his life he was active in that industry in Beloit and in this vicinity.

He was born April 16, 1855, in Rockton, and his contribution to Beloit’s development came after earlier pioneers. In 1908 he acquired ownership of the Beloit Box Board Company, and for the next 14 years the industry grew, and products of the firm, varied and new as invention progressed, made the mill here one of the most successful in the country.

Much of the development of the firm was under his administration. He was an unusually capable administrator, which combined with his knowledge of paper manufacture, accounts for one of the community’s leading industries.

His earliest interest in the making of paper started in Rockton where he owned and operated a mill for many years. While he never held public office in Beloit, he was interested in community affairs, and his support of many movements for improvement are counted in his contributions.

He was a man of commanding personality. He died in Beloit on November 3, 1924.