Gilbert and Martha Simmons Coffey

In addition to Henderson, Gilbert and Martha had at least 11 other children:

Allie
Fannie
Thomas C., born c1861
Mary Jane, born c1864
Amanda E., born c1865
Albert, born c1868
Ora, born c1870
William Ira, born c1870
Austin, born c1871
Lloyd L., born c1874
James O., born c1875

Gilbert, born May 31, 1839 in Grainger Co., TN, and Martha, born Sep. 23, 1844 in MO, were married on Jun. 26, 1858 in Cedar Co., MO. All of the children were probably born in Polk Co., MO.

Please contact me if you are researching any of these children.

Henderson Coffey

Henderson was a son of Gilbert and Martha Simmons Coffey. He was born in August 1858 in Missouri, and married Mrs. Henrietta Press Davis c1898. She was born in March 1860 in Michigan to Henry and Eliza B. Press, both natives of England.

Gilbert was a descendant of John and Jean Graves Coffey through their son Benjamin who married Mary "Polly" Hayes. Click here to see Benjamin's descendant information.

In 1910, Henderson and Martha reported that they had each been married previous to their marriage to each other. I have not found Henderson in any previous census record outside of his parents home in the 1860 Polk Co., MO census when he was 18 months old.

The 1860 census of Clinton Co. IA enumerated the Press family with four children: Elizabeth M., born England c1854, Henry A., born England c1856; Charles, born MI c1858, and Henrietta, born MI in Mar., 1860. There is no indication when the family emigrated to the United States.

In all census records as the wife of Henderson Henrietta indicated that she was born in MI. However, in several subsequent census records the children by Henderson reported that their mother was born in IA.

Henderson and Henrietta were enumerated in Clackamas Co., OR from 1900 until 1920. Both seem to have died prior to 1930 because I have not been able to find them in that census record. In 1900 Henderson was a teamster, and in 1910 he was employed as a "splitter" at a paper mill. At age 60 in 1920, Henderson reported that he was not employed.

At least three children were born to Henderson and Henrietta: Edna, born in WA, Apr. 1891; Gilbert Thomas, born Nov. 1898 in WA, and Homer Russell, born July 20, 1900 in OR. I have been unable to find any information on Edna and Gilbert.

Homer was enumerated in the 1920 census while stationed at the US Naval Hospital at Mare Island, Vallejo, Soleano Co., CA. He had joined the US Marine Corps in Feb., 1919 and served until May 14, 1920. The 1930 census for Multnomah Co., OR found him with his wife Tera M., the daughter of Swedish emigrants. They did not have any children at that time. Homer died on Oct. 23, 1959, and was buried Oct. 28, 1959 at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. I do not know when or where Tera died.

Please contact me if you are researching this family.

Coffeytown - Macedonia School House c1961

This photograph was taken in 1961 by Thurman Whiteside


Photo courtesy John Taylor

I Am My Own Grandpa!

Time for a "funny" break!

I am my own Grandpa

By Dwight B. Latham and Moe Jaffe

Many many years ago when I was twenty three,
I got married to a widow who was pretty as could be.

This widow had a grown-up daughter Who had hair of red.
My father fell in love with her, And soon the two were wed.

This made my dad my son-in-law And changed my very life.
My daughter was my mother, For she was my father's wife.

To complicate the matters worse, Although it brought me joy,
I soon became the father Of a bouncing baby boy.

My little baby then became A brother-in-law to dad.
And so became my uncle, Though it made me very sad.

For if he was my uncle, Then that also made him brother
To the widow's grown-up daughter Who, of course, was my step-mother.

Father's wife then had a son, Who kept them on the run.
And he became my grandson, For he was my daughter's son.

My wife is now my mother's mother And it makes me blue.
Because, although she is my wife, She's my grandmother, too.

If my wife is my grandmother, Then I am her grandchild.
And every time I think of it, It simply drives me wild.

For now I have become The strangest case you ever saw.
As the husband of my grandmother, I am my own grandpa

Click on the title link for more information.!

Coffeytown - Macedonia School Children, 1929-30

Click on the photo to view a larger version:





Photo courtesy John Taylor

Coffey Cousins' Clearinghouse Weblog: The Coffey Family Settlers of "Coffeytown" - Part 2

I have been informed by John Taylor that he is updating and correcting this paper. In light of that I will wait on the updated version before continuing with the Coffeytown history.

The Coffey Family Settlers of "Coffeytown" - Part 2

Continuing with the work of John Taylor:

"Coffeytown"

There seems to be some controversy as to when Coffeytown was actually settled by the Coffeys. The earliest deed in present day Amherst County which we could find relating to the Coffey family was the 1827 deed by Hudson to his father Jordan. This deed, and William the elder's will, set forces in motion which eventually led to Coffeytown.

The next earliest deed is 1842, when Nelson bought his father-in-laws property for $475 from the estate. Our guess at this time is that he was living with his wife Rebecca on or near this property on Thrasher's Creek in 1841 when Robert Hambelton, Rebecca's father, died. Census reports indicate that he was next door to Robert in 1840. Nelson died sometime between 1845 - 1847 (based on tax records). His wife Rebecca Hamilton married Abram Clement in 1849. Abram was killed in Harrisonburg in 1862 during the Civil War. It appears that Rebecca stayed on the property for some time, but Frederick and Nancy each sold their share of the land 20 AUG 1859 to James P. Hamilton. This land was related only to Nelson and his family and did not contribute to the overall development of Coffeytown. Had Nelson lived, however, Coffeytown would probably have been along Thrasher's Creek, which is more like rolling hills than the mountainous area around Coffeytown. Family legend has it that the Coffeys bought into Coffeytown land because the land they wanted was not available. If there is any truth to that statement, it was probably the land around Thrasher's Creek they would have preferred.

In 1848, William Coffey signed a deed of trust for $225.00 for Eliza White, his neighbor, who bought 230 acres with the money. This lien was released 12 April 1855. That same year William bought 105 acres from Meredith Allen and William's sister Jane, lying on the south side of Fork Mountain. This is probably the date the Allens left Virginia and eventually ended up in West Virginia, although they owned other property in the area which we have not tracked. He sold this to Willis White for a $10 loss on 6 October 1851. This land was adjacent to property owned by Aaron Higginbotham and Anderson Sandidge.

This was no doubt sold because Henry Coffey, freshly married to Elizabeth (McDaniel) (Ogden) Coffey, bought 340 acres on both sides of the middle fork of the Pedlar River (Staton's Creek) on 8 May 1851 (DB "BB"/pp 188-189), having paid $1000 to William McDaniel, Elizabeth's father. The deed had the will built-in, so that when Henry died, it went back to Elizabeth. Sort of a rubber string attached. McDaniel then wrote his will (5 JUNE 1851) leaving his plantation to his son Lindsay McDaniel, Elizabeth's brother. The property bought by Henry was previously purchased by McDaniel from Benjamin Sandidge in 1811. This is the earliest deed for Coffey land which mentions Staton's Creek, even in such cryptic terms. It is likely that Jordan, Hudson, John Jack, Schylar, and William, since they were living in the same "neighborhood" in 1850, may have been living on Ogden land, inherited by Elizabeth from her husband Zachariah Ogden at census time, as Henry married Elizabeth in 1848. And when Henry bought the McDaniel property on both sides of the middle fork, all his Coffey cohorts came with him, looking for similar property in the same area.

Cognizant of Henry's "rubber string" deed, in 1859 John Jack purchased land from Thomas, James, and R. Richerson (DB "HH"/329), which was probably northeast of Henry's property. This was later expanded in 1873 when William and John Jack jointly purchased 1335 acres along Staton's Creek for the sum of $4000 from the estate of Jesse Richerson. Jesse had purchased it from Richard and John Cooper; Captain Benjamin Taliaferro's heirs, and James Taliaferro. This land, which we believe became a larger part of Coffeytown, was known as "Cooper's Place". In 1874, William and John sold a small portion, 275 acres, to McDaniel Crawford, then split the remaining land between themselves, and John Jack sold portions to Charles E. and John Jack, Jr. By the time the land was split, each had already built a cabin. The next few years are filled with land deals among the children and with a few outsiders, no doubt all centered around Coffeytown. (See Deed book "JJ" and later in Amherst County Courthouse.)

From several different indexes, these are the earliest deeds we have been able to find. Since other researchers seem to have the same problem with earlier Coffey property in Coffeytown area, we assume that 1851 was the first Coffey foothold along Staton's Creek but 1859 was the first year Coffeys freely owned land at Staton's Creek. Jordan and Elizabeth were most likely dead by this time, but they did get to see Henry's land and probably saw the general area before it was developed. Henry, we believe, lived south of Bridgehill Cemetery, in the general area of Embree Crawford's present house but probably up the hill off the roadway. The other Coffeys no doubt crowded around and saved their money until 1859. It was more than 30 years since Jordan had left Nelson County. The strong family ties which developed between the six Coffey boys, probably as a result of so much difficulty they faced together, left them and their families determined to stay close together so they could support each other in a way which had not occurred previously. These Coffeys understood what it meant to be essentially abandoned.

Having reviewed the evolution of Coffeytown from a census perspective, and then as a real estate transaction, we turn attention now to each of the six Coffey boys whose relationships throughout these years held the family together and finally culminated in a community. The family charts for each of these is located in the next section on descendants.

Fiddler's Green c1957

Another photo of Fiddler's Green courtesty John Taylor

The Coffey Family Settlers of "Coffeytown" - Part 1

The following was authored by John Taylor some number of years ago after he and his wife purchased property in Coffeytown. Both John and Mary Ann are interested in the history of the region, and after a few years of research have provided the following information.

The Coffey settlers of Coffeytown are described by family legend as Hudson, Schylar, John Jack, William (“Billy”), Nelson, and Henry Coffey. Jordan’s three daughters were Jane, Susanna, and Elizabeth. After their marriage, some stayed in the general area for a while but never were involved in the settlement of Coffeytown”, which we define as land along Staton’s Creek, which at one time (1894 map) was referred to as “Coffie Creek”. This chapter explores the emergence of Coffeytown and discusses the lives of the Coffey family settlers to the extent we can find written documentation in the public records.

Overview

The 1830 Census shows Jordan Coffey as the only Coffey in present day Amherst County. This was the first census taken after Nelson county was formed which shows any Coffey in Amherst County. Jordan and his wife and 9 children are shown. John Jack was the first in this group to marry, in January, 1830, and by the time the census was taken was probably not living with the family. He doesn't show as the head of a household but this could be because he was living with a different family, as a boarder, probably with her family. If John Jack was not at home in the summer of 1830, this would mean that 10 children existed. There is no proof that all of these were Jordan's, as the listing is only for the head of the household and others by age range. One boy child is listed as being between the ages of 0-5. None of the known Coffeys listed above were that young in 1830. If this was Elizabeth's child, she would have been between 47 and 52 years of age when the child was born. It is likely that such a child may have died before the 1840 census. No name is known. It could also have been visiting for the summer, which is just as likely, based on the information available.

In 1830, the Census shows Jordan Coffey living in the same basic neighborhood with Ambrose Rucker, Lindsay McDaniel, and Henry Ogden. A few doors away is William McDaniel, Benjamin Taliaferro, and Joshua Duff, with his family, probably including Betsey Duff and John Jack, Sr. who were married in January 1830. In what appears to be a different part of the county not too far away, the census reads like a who's who of Coffey family and Amherst County history: Anderson Sandidge, John Staton, Joseph Dodd, Garland Richerson, Willis White, Aaron Higginbotham, James Clements, John Allen.

By 1840, John Jack, Nelson, Schuyler, and William are listed in addition to Jordan as the heads of households. This leaves Henry and Hudson unaccounted for by name in 1840. There were two males, aged 20-30 in Jordan's household that year. This is strange because Hudson was too old (35) and Henry was too young (18) to fit into that category. Neither of them are listed anywhere in Virginia as the head of household in 1840; but in 1839, the following Coffeys paid their taxes on the same day at the courthouse: John, Schylar, Jordan, Henry F., Hudson, and William. It is likely that the census age range is incorrect and that both Henry and Hudson were living with Jordan in 1840. The first mention of Henry is in the Amherst County tax records for 1839 when he would have been 22 years of age. It was 1842 when he paid taxes the next time, for a silver watch. Throughout the next seven years he declares for taxes but owns nothing being taxed. In 1849, after he married the widow Elizabeth (McDaniel) (Ogden) Coffey, he arrives in style with four metallic clocks, 2 slaves and one horse, logging in at the staggering amount of $0.76 taxes for the year. Given all that and the fact that Henry shows nowhere else by name in any census report, it is likely that he was the ninth child indicated in the 1830 census as well, giving some credence to the family legend that Henry was thought of as Jordan's son. According to his death record, he was not Jordan's biological son, but he could have been and probably was informally adopted by Jordan prior to his leaving Nelson County.

Based on the listing in the 1840 Census, John Jack, William and Schylar were living in the same "neighborhood", Nelson was off elsewhere in the county, and Jordan lived between the two groups. Jordan lived between John Cash and Thomas Mahoney. We didn't recognize any of the other "nearby" names either. William and John were living next to each other, 3 doors down from Schylar who lived next to Meredith Allen, Jane Coffey's husband. Meredith and Jane had two young girls and one boy, all less than 5 years old in 1840. Patsy Cooper was a neighbor and 14 houses down the road was William W. Davis. Not too far away was the Methodist Reverend Pitt Woodroof with his wife and eight youngsters.

Reubin P. Coffey was living in a different part of Amherst County - just him and his wife. By 1850, he seems to have moved to Augusta County, and Joseph Coffee (59) and his wife Ruth (48) replaced Reubin P. as an "oddball" Coffey in Amherst.

In 1850, Henry, John, Jordan, Schylar, and William were living in the same "neighborhood" while Frederick and Jesse were the oddballs, living in different parts of the county. Eliza Wilson lived next to John Coffey who lived next to William H. Ogden. Jordan, William, Schylar and Henry lived all in a row with James Dodd and Cornelius Clement at the end. Some 100 houses away, Frederick was living with Abram Clement and Rebecca, the widow of Nelson Coffey, along with her children by both marriages. William Hamilton (Hambelton), with James P. Hamilton living in, also lived next to Abram Clement.

Even Frederick Coffey joined the cluster by 1860. Rebecca and Pauline, with 15 year old Nelson were still living with Abram Clement, in the same neighborhood as William Sandidge, and next door to James Taliaferro. Charles E. Coffey, son of John Jack was living near 36 year old Edward Drummond who ended up with Pauline Coffey before 1870, and next door to John Whitesides and his family. The cluster which Frederick joined consisted of the following men and their families: Henry Coffey, John Coffey, William Coffey, Frederick Coffey, William W. Davis, Ben H. Davis, Hudson Coffey, and Nelson Clark flanking Hudson. This was all probably within the general area of present day Coffeytown. Meredith Coffey and family were next to James Taliaferro and Peter Lawhorne. Schylar Coffey was still further away from the cluster, but still in Amherst County, probably way up Rt. 634.

In 1870, Reubin C. Coffey and wife Margaret, sons Augustus (23) and Marcellus (27), along with her mother Martha Bolling (60) and a black cook named Victoria Briggs, lived in the Courthouse district of Amherst, probably near Thrasher's Creek since he and Edgar Whitehead bought 467-3/4 acres from John R. Haden in 1869 (DB "JJ"/pg 170). Meredith and his wife Martha, and four young children lived in the Temperance district of Amherst County. Pauline was living with Edward Drummond and her two children Moses (6) and William (2). They were also in the Temperance district. All other Coffeys seem concentrated in one area, which surely by 1870, was a bustling little "Coffeytown". It was in 1888 that Charles E. Coffey deeded land to the Methodist Church, and 1896 when the present church, in the process of restoration, was constructed of chestnut lumber cut from Coffey land. The schoolhouse (land deeded by Charles E. Coffey in 1899 to Pedlar School Board - DB "YY" pg 405/ 498) was located just up the hill from the church site, and the post office was down by the road, next to the church. This concentration of Coffeys continued through the 1910 Census report we reviewed, and no doubt continued well into the era of World War II.

We would like to get into more detail regarding Coffeytown itself, but we simply ran out of time. Perhaps in the next edition.

[Note: Please contact me if you are researching the families mentioned here, and would like to contact John Taylor]

Fiddler's Green

Fiddler's Green is the former home of Daniel Rufus Coffey, a younger brother of Charles E. Coffey. Daniel Rufus fathered a total of 14 children who all lived to marry. His first wife died in childbirth and he remarried Sallie Cole Black Coffey! Sallie survived Daniel Rufus, and spent her final years in Lynchburg and is buried at Springhill Cemetery in Lynchburg. Daniel Rufus and his first wife are buried at Bridgehill in Coffeytown.



Much of the land around the cabin was bare, or in cultivation until after the Great Depression. Today it is surrounded mostly by walnut trees and sits beside Staton's Creek. The house is used today by family members for their annual reunion, which began c1918. Originally intended to bring together the descendants of Daniel Rufus, the reunion is now open to all, and is always held on the last Sunday in July.

A onetime-a-year service is held at the Macedonia church for the reunion attendees who then return to Fiddler's Green for lunch, visiting with one another, and listening to old time music.

Charles E. Coffey and Daniel Rufus Coffey are two of the more prolific Coffey's of Coffeytown. Many of their extended families have not lived in the area for more than 100 years, yet return annually for the reunion to reclaim their roots.

Thanks to John Taylor for providing the photographs, and the background on Fiddler's Green.

The Coffey House

This Coffeytown, VA house was built by Charles E. Coffey c1888 to replace a cruder home that had been built uphill from it. It had passed down through several generations of Coffey descendants until it was recently sold to someone outside the family.

The present owners continue to restore it.

This pen and ink drawing was made by Mary Ann Taylor, who with her husband own property in Coffeytown.

Charles E. Coffey was a son of John Jack Coffey. John Jack was a son of Jordan. Most of his children were raised in this house. According to research by John Taylor, Charles was one of the more successful citizens of Coffeytown. He gave some of his property to the Macedonia Methodist Church, and additional property uphill from the church for a two-room schoolhouse. He was also the proprietor of a store, and ran a post office on his property. When the Federal post office was established, the town was renamed Alto.

Calvin and Elizabeth Fine Coffey

Calvin Coffey was a son of Nathan and Elizabeth Fine Coffey. He was born July 5, 1805 in Kentucky, and died Jan. 10, 1889 in Maury Co., TN. He married Elizabeth Fine, born Jun. 13, 1809, died Nov. 8, 1882 in Mary Co. The date of their marriage is not yet known.

Much of the children’s information, including dates of birth, marriage, death and burial information is from the website owned by researchers Bill and Juanita Flippin Hyde.

Calvin and Elizabeth* were the parents of 11 children:

Green, born c1825, married Sarah Sutton; Isaac Hamilton, born 1828, married Emily West; William Fine, born 1830, married Druscilla Homan; Nancy C., married Michael C. Rolen; Charlotte Catherine, born 1835, married Granville P. Willcoxson; Calvin J., born 1839, died 1849**; Mary L., born 1842, died 1896, married Isaah Gilbreath; Martha, born 1842, died 1898, married Martin V. West; Sarah, born 1845, died 1887, married William Thomas Sands; Virginia Isabel, born 1853, died 1860***; and Leullen, born c1857.

Click on the title link to visit the Hyde page, and read more about this family and their collateral lines.

Census and other sources:

1850 Maury Co., Dist. 11, dwelling/family 1485, Calvin Coffee, age 45, male, farmer, $1000, born KY; Elizabeth, age 43, female, born AL; Isaac H., age 21, male, born TN; William F., age 20, male, born TN; Nancy, age 18, female, born TN; Catharine, age 15, female, born TN; Mary, age 9, female, born TN; Martha, age 7, female, born TN; Sarah E., age 5, female, born TN; Wm. Johnson, age 16, male, farmer, born TN; Green Coffee, age 25, male, trader, born TN

1860 Maury Co., Dist. 11, Spring Grove PO, Dist. 11, Page 37, dwelling/family 255, age 55, male, farmer, $2000, $10,000, born KY; Elizabeth, age 51 <?>, female, born AL; Isaac H., age 32, male, farmer, born TN; Mary, age 18, female, born TN; Martha, age 16, female, born TN; Sarah E., age 14, female, born TN; Virginia, age 7, female, born TN; Savilla (Luellen), age 3, female, born TN [The 1860 Maury Co. census also contains entry for William G. Coffee , age 52, born SC, Elizabeth, age 50, born SC, in household with John Gilbrreath, age 82, and Wm. Gilbreath, age 23. Other Coffee members in household are: Agnes, age 25, Martha, age 17; Franklin, age 15; Sarah, age 12, and Esther, age 75]

1870 Maury Co., Dist. 11, Mt. Pleasant PO, Page 38, dwelling 244, family 255, Coff <sic>, Calvin, age 65, male, white, farmer, %4800, $3150, born KY, Elizabeth, age 62, female, white, keeping house, born AL; Lewellen, age 15, female, white, at home, born TN; Elizabeth Green, 18, female, white, cook, born TN; Fine, Spencer, age 63, male, white, at home, born AL; West, Martin, age 27, male, white, at home, born TN; Martha, age 25, female, white, at home, born TN; Isaac, age 2, male, white, born TN

1880 Maury Co., Dist. 11, ED167, page 24, dwelling 165, family 167, Coffee, Calvin, white male, age 74, married, farmer, born KY, parents born NC; Elizxabeth, white female, wife, married, housekeeper, born AL, parents born AL; Black, Acie <?>, black female, age 12, servant, single, houssegirl, born TN, parents born TN

*From Maury Co., TN Cemeteries and The Coffee/Coffey Scrapbook, Vol. 1, Gene Brewington [1970], Elizabeth, wife of Calvin, born Jun. 13, 1809, died Nov. 8, 1882, buried Gilbreath-Morrow Cemetery on old Morrow Place on the Scotts Mill to Southport Road.

**ibid: Calvin, born Mar. 28, 1839, died Aug. 7,, 1849; buried Gilbreath-Morrow Cemetery on old Morrow Plae on the Scotts Mill to Southport Road
***ibid: Virginia, daughter of Calvin, born Jan. 14, 1853, died Dec. 6, 1860, buried Gilbreath-Morrow Cemetery
ibid: Also buried in Gilbreath-Morrow is Isaac Coffee, born Jun. 19, 1828, died Feb. 18, 1868; masonic emblem on stone

Guide to Irish Genealogy

I have not yet completely explored this site, but it looks as if it might be a good source for those researching, or want to learn how to start looking for their Irish ancestors.

The Researching Irish Surname page is filled with links to other sites including one to a surname list where readers can look for others who are researching the same names. If none are found, a link is provided so that surnames can be added.

As usual with any website that attempts to cover all of the bases, there are some dead links that have not been removed, or updated. However, anyone researching Irish surnames, or who requires some instruction on how to begin should explore this site. Be sure and add it to your bookmarks. It's too large to view in one sitting, and you will want to return.

William H. and Mary Faulkner Coffey

William H. Coffey was a son of Reuben and Sarah (Sally) Scott Coffey. He was born c1789 in the Globe district of Caldwell Co., NC.

Little is known of William except that he married Mary Faulkner and had at least one child, Hodge Raymond Coffey, born c1812 in NC.

Sometime in the early 1830's - perhaps around 1834 - William and his siblings moved to Owen Co., IN where many of them remained and are buried there.

The 1850 census for Owen Co. lists a Silas K. Coffey, age 25, and unmarried. In the same household is Mary, age 62 and Mary, age 16. I believe, without proof, that Silas is a son of William and Mary, and that the elder Mary in this census is his mother. Both she and Silas were born in NC while the younger Mary was born in IN. She is likely Mary's granddaughter, but her parents are not yet know.

On the same page with Silas is 60-yr. old Rebecca Falkner, born NC, and children Marion, Washington, Tipton, Leander, Marsha, Newton and Leroy.

Further down the page are additional Coffey families:

Abraham Coffey, a grandson of Reuben and Sally, and son of James D. Coffey.

James Wilson Coffey, a great-nephew of Reuben and Sally, and son of John Franklin Coffey and Hannah Wilson.

Wiley H. Coffey, son of Elijah and Mary Abby Dyer Coffey, and a grandson of Reuben and Sally.

Other names that appear close to these Coffey families, and which were associated over a long period of time with the Reuben Coffey family include:

James L. Dowell, thought to be the brother of Martha who married Reuben.

William Basket, perhaps related to Susan who married Allen Coffey. Allen was a son of Elijah and Mary Abby Dyer Coffey.

Anyone who can add to the William and Mary family, or confirm that Silas is one of their children is invited to contact me.

Click on the title link to view more information about William and Mary.

Decendants of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey Website Updated

The family files have been updated as of Sep. 21, 2005. Click on the title link to browse them.

Some photographs have been included. Click on the camera icon found adjacent to some names to view photographs associated with that person.

A CD containing a GEDCOM and/or family file of the information can be purchased for a modest fee to cover shipping and handling. Contact me at the e-mail address found on the home page for more information.

The next update will likely not happen before spring, 2006.

William and Amanda Kyler Berry

William and Amanda were the parents of Winnie K. Berry who in 1877 married Ausburn Coffey in Rockcastle Co., KY.

William was born in 1805 in VA, and died before the 1880 census. He and Amanda were the parents of nine children:

Elizabeth Ann, born Apr. 1835 in Garrad Co., KY (headstone gives date of birth as 25 Apr. 1836. She died 15 Oct. 1917.

John Walker, born Mar. 3, 1838. His date of death is not yet known. John married Mary, last name unknown (LNU), and had children: James F., born c 1864; Mary C., born c1866, and William F., born c1869.

James Jackson, born c1840

Eliza (Elizabeth in 1850 census)

Henry C., born Feb. 1847, died 1924, married Evaline LNU.

Mary F.,born c1848

Nancy F.,born May 1853

Thomas, born Dec. 21, 1854, died Nov. 8, 1908, married Mary J. LNU, and had at least one child, Amanda E., born c1870.

Winnie K., born Jun. 3, 1857, died Carroll Co., AR, married Ausburn Coffey

Amanda died Sep. 6, 1862 in Rockcastle Co., KY. Sometime after her death, Milton married Margaret LNU, and together they had two children: Martha A., born c1867, and Ulysses G., born c1869.

Milton and Amanda appeared in the Rockcastle Co. census from 1850 to 1860, and Milton with Margaret in the 1870 census of that county. Margaret appeared there in the 1880 census as a widow.

Ausburn and Winnie K. Berry Coffey

Ausburn was the third child and third son of Elias Henry and Hannah Bullen Coffey. He was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Feb. 2, 1856, and married Winnie K. Berry in that county in Sep., 1877. Their first child, a daughter named Eliza was born there on Jul. 8, 1878.

Sometime after 1880 the family moved from Rockcastle Co. to Carroll Co., in Arkansas. They appeared there in the census record from 1900 to 1930. In the 1930 census, Winnie was a widow; Ausburn had died on May 30, 1927.

Their second child Causby was born in Carroll Co. on Nov. 4, 1881. Eliza died single at age 28 on March 8, 1907, and Causby died single at the age of 18, on Mar. 17, 1901. I speculate that both died as a result of influenza.

Ausburn and his two children are buried in the cemetery at Eureka Springs, but Winnie's grave has not been located.

Sometime before 1912 Lawrence Lasenby Coffey, his wife Susan Melvina Barker and some of their 11 children moved from Illinois to Eureka Springs. Lawrence and Ausburn were 4th cousins through their common ancestor John Coffey and wife Jane Graves. Lawrence was a son of Archelus (Achilles?) and Jane "Jennie" Dean Coffey.

Lawrence was born Aug. 20, 1841 in Gallatin Co., IL, and died Jun. 9, 1912 in Eureka Springs. He is buried there. I have not been successful in locating Susan's final resting place. Of their 11 children, I have found only one:

Amon Hume Coffey. He was born Oct. 17, 1865 in Saline Co., IL, and died Mar. 25, 1953 in Logan Co., OK. He was married to Paulina Hunt on Sep. 8, 1886 in Harrisburg, Saline Co., IL, and together they at seven children: Glemma Grace, born Jul. 1889; Amon E., born Oct. 1895; Earl Ovelton, born c1896; Allie Fern, born Jan. 1897; Maud May, born Jul. 1898; Nellie Eldine, born c1901, and Noah Eddie, born c1904.

Please e-mail additions and correction to me. Remove the 'nospam' before sending.

Hugh Coffey and Margaret Walker of Lafayette Co., MS

Hugh Coffey was born Apr. 9, 1784 in the Waxhaw Settlement of South Carolina. He died May 7, 1861 in Lafayette Co., MS. He was married to Margaret Walker in 1806, a daughter of Andrew Walker and Sarah Crye. Margaret was born Oct. 1, 1789 in North Carolina and died Nov. 4, 1854 in MS. Hugh's father and other ancestors are not yet known.

Hugh and Margaret had 11 children: Sarah Crye, 1807-1826; James W., 1809-1810; John W., 1811-1839; Harris, 1814-1874; Agnes Nancy, 1816-; Andrew Boyd, 1818-1884; Elizabeth W., 1821-1857; Easter Louise, 1824-1857; Sarah Jane, 1827-; James Alexander, 1830-1907; and Mary Crye, 1832-1842.

The son Andrew Boyd Coffey died May 19, 1884 in Lafayette Co., MS. He was married to Harriet M. Barry on Aug. 7, 1851 in Lafayette Co. Harriet was the daughter of Richard Barry and Margaret Kilgore. Harriet was born Apr. 28 1835 in South Carolina, and died 1915 in Davis, Murray Co., OK.


Andrew and Harriet were the parents of 11 children: Margaret E., 1852-1852; Millard Fillmore, 1854-1917; Andrew Hugh, 1856-1925; James R., 1856-1878; William Harris, 1859-1940; Maude Bee, 1861-1926; Margaret Magnolia, 1864-1956; Lavinia, 1866-; John Alexander, 1868-1903; Benjamin Barry, 1871-1966; and Eugene Franklin, 1873-.

Click on the title link to read more about this family.

The researcher Terri Stern*, and I would like to hear from anyone researching this Coffey line.


*Remove 'nospam' before sending e-mail

Christopher F. Coffey

CHRISTOPHER F. COFFEY is a native son of the county in which he lives - Wyandotte county, Kansas - and owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Piper.

Mr. Coffey's parents, Barney and Catherine (Smith) Coffey, came to this county from Ireland, where they were born and reared. Arrived in the United States, Barney Coffey found employment on the railroad, and just previous to the outbreak of the Civil war he came to Wyandotte county, Kansas, and engaged in farming. During the war he served the country of his adoption as a member of the Kansas State Militia. He was a Democrat in politics, and throughout his life he was a devout Catholic. He took a deep interest in the general welfare of the community in which he lived, giving both his influence and material support toward the advancement of school and church work. Indeed, he was the leader in the building of a school and a Catholic church in his district. For a number of years he served as a member of the School Board, and at the time of his death he was postmaster at Menager Junction, Prairie township. At the time he and his wife came to this country they had two children, and afterward eleven more were born to them.

Christopher F. was born December 20, 1869; was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the district schools near his home. When he reached manhood and started out in life for himself he went to Henry county, Illinois, and engaged in the meat business. But the farm and his native county had their attractions, and he came back here and has since devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. He now has one hundred and sixty acres of choice land near Piper and carries on general farming.

In 1893 he married Miss Mary Deren, of Illinois, whose untimely death occurred in 1901. Their happy union was blessed in the birth of four children: Elsie, Pearl, Madge and Roy.
Politically Mr. Coffey affiliates with the Republican party in affairs of national moment, but at the local polls he votes for the man rather than the party. As a progressive farmer and substantial citizen he is held in worthy esteem in the community.


Another biography from the History of Wyandotte County Kansas and its people ed. and comp. by Perl W. Morgan. Chicago, The Lewis publishing company, 1911. 2 v. front., illus., plates, ports., fold. map. 28 cm. [Vol. 2 contains biographical data. Paged continuously.] p. 633-634 transcribed by Dustin Mullins, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, on October 26, 2000

Robert John Coffey

Coffey, Robert John, of Bennington, was born in the city of St. Johns, N. B., Dec. 15, 1842.

In 1853 he moved to Montpelier and received his education in the common schools of Montpelier and Morristown, living in that town from 1855 to 1859. In the spring of 1860 he attended the academy at Hyde Park one term.

At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion he was living in Montpelier and was one of the first volunteers from that town. He first enlisted in Co. F, 2d Vt. Regt., but receiving a chance to enlist in Co. F, New England Guards of Northfield he enlisted May 3, 1861, for three months and participated in the first important battle of the war at Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. In a few days after his return from the three months' service on Sept. 10 he enlisted for three years in Co. K, 4th Regt., and at the organization of the company he was made 3d sergeant and was always on duty until disabled by a wound Oct. 16, 1863, during which time he was engaged in the battles of Lee's Mills, several day battles in front of Richmond under General McClellan, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Banks Ford, Gettysburg, Funkstown and many skirmishes. At Banks Ford, he captured during the battle two confederate officers and five soldiers for which gallant exploit he has been awarded a medal of honor by Congress. While on picket duty near Centerville, he was badly wounded and disabled for further service and was mustered out at Brattleboro in 1864 with the remnant of the men that left the town three years before over one thousand strong.

In 1867 he was married to Demis Hattie Burnham; by this union they have had one child.
Soon after the war he became engaged in the hotel business; first at Waitsfield, Vt., and then for several years in Montpelier, Richmond and Windsor.

He is a staunch Republican in politics. When the Vermont Soldiers' Home was established in Bennington in 1887 he was the unanimous choice of the trustees for superintendent which position he has filled with satisfaction and credit. In 1873 he joined the G. A. R. and has been an active and prominent member of the order since, holding many offices in post and department. He is at present major and brigade provost marshal on the staff of Gen. Julius J. Estey and has seen nearly fifteen years service in the National Guard of Vermont.

He is a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 22, F. & A. M. of Montpelier and also a member of Mohegan Tribe, No. 6, of Bennington

Source: Jacob G. Ullery, compiler, Men of Vermont: An Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters and Sons of Vermont, (Transcript Publishing Company, Brattleboro, VT, 1894) Part II, p. 76 (See title link)

Victor Hugo Coffey (1858-1953)

VICTOR HUGO COFFEY

"This is the biography on my great-great grandfather Victor Hugo Coffey. Victor Hugo Coffey, For the greater part of twenty-seven years Victor H. Coffey has been a resident of the North West and possesses the alert, enterprising spirit which has wrought such wonderful development in this section of the country, resulting in the building of a "western empire" that rivals the east in all that indicates business activity, intellectual, moral and social progress. He was born in Morgan County, Indiana, May 30, 1858, his parents being J.W (James Wilson) and Louisa (Norman) Coffey. In 1864 the family removed to Washington County, Iowa, settling upon a farm which continued to be the father's place of residence until his death in 1897. His widow still survives and is now living with her son Victor at the advanced age of eighty-five years. They were pioneer settlers of the northwest and through their influence and efforts contributed to the substantial development and improvement of the section of the state in which they lived. Their family numbered eight children: L.M. (Lemuel Lewis M.), who is living in Clatsop County; J.L (John Taylor) who is farming in the same county; B.F. ( Benjamin Franklin) and J. N.(James Norman) who are residents of Hammond; J.L (Joseph Lane) who is living in West Chester, Iowa; Victor H., of this review; and two who have passed away. In taking up the personal history of Victor H. Coffey we present to our readers the life record of the one widely and favorably known in the northwest. He was but a young lad of six years when with his parents he came to Iowa and until eighteen years of age remained at home with his parents, after which he began clerking in a store in Dayton, Iowa, where he spent four years. He afterward located at Wellman, Iowa, where he devoted two years of clerking, after which he went to Shelby County, Iowa, where he filled the office of deputy sheriff. In 1885 he removed to Oregon and secured a claim in Clatsop County, on which he resided for a year. Much of the land in that district was still wild and unimproved and in the intervening years he has taken an active and helpful part in the work of progress and upbuilding. He remained upon the farm for a year and then he removed to Astoria, where he served as county assessor for one term. On his retirement for office in 1887 he turned his attention to general merchandising, conducting a store in Astoria for seven years, after which he sold out and removed to Warrenton. Here he opened a general mercantile establishment and is still engaged in the business. He keeps a carefully selected line of goods and his well appointed establishment and honorable business methods insure him a liberal patronage,. He has prospered as the years have gone by and is now an active and valued factor in commercial circles in his adopted city. Nor has his activity been confined alone to individual interests. He has been closely associated with public affairs and for three terms has served as mayor of Warrenton, giving to the city a business like and public-spirited administration, characterized by many needed reforms and improvements. On the 18th of December, 1881 Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Brandt, who was born in Trenton, New Jersey. August 7, 1862 and is a daughter of Phillip J. and Mary (Raisner) Brandt. Her parents were both natives of the north of Germany and came to America in the early '50's, first settling in New Jersey, where they lived for a number of years. They afterward became residents of Johnson County, Iowa, where the father died in 1896 while the mother in now living in Iowa City at the age of eighty-one years. In their family were eight children: Henry Brandt, who is retired and living in Iowa City, Iowa; Mrs Coffey; and six who are deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs Coffey have been born seven children; P.H. (Phillip) at home; Katie M. who is now a milliner of Astoria; Charles, who was born March 5, 1887 and died on the 27 of July on the same year; and Mary L., Nellie H., Java H., and Victor H., all yet under the parental roof. In addition to an attractive home in Warrenton Mr. Coffey owns a good ranch of 150 aces. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church and he holds membership with the Dayton Lodge, No 149, A.F.&A.M. of Wellman, Iowa. He has not affiliated with the order in Oregon, however, yet is in the full sympathy with the beneficent spirit of the craft and its principles concerning mutual helpfulness. He is preeminently a businessman, active, alert, and energetic, and as the years have gone by he has met with a substantial measure of success, which is the merited reward of earnest and , persistent labor. The history of the northwest is largely familiar to him, as he has been a witness of much of its growth and development and at all times he has stood for that which is best and most progressive in the business life of the community and in the advancement of its moral, intellectual and social interest."

---

His obituary:*

Astoria Budget, April 27, 1953, page 1.

"Services for Victor Hugo Coffey, 94, pioneer Clatsop county resident and former mayor of Warrenton and county assessor, will be held Tuesday at 10:30  a.m. at the Memorial chapel of the Hughes-Ransom mortuary. Coffey died  Saturday morning at 8:30 in Warrenton.   The Rev. Hugh Michelmore, pastor of the Clatsop Plains Memorial  Presbyterian  church will officiate and burial will be in the family plot in Ocean view  cemetery.  Serving as casket bearers will be Robert Magnuson, Slaton Hughes, Ames  Fenton, Lawrence Barrick, Clyde Cristy and Jacob Bosshart.  The honorary pallbearers will be George Warren, Dan Warren, Walter Kamp,  Frank Cook, Clarence Harris, S.A. Knutsen, Clarence Kelson, Orton Ager,  George Kelly, George Coats, Richard Ely and Quincy Robinson.  Coffey was born May 30, 1858 in Morgantown, Ind., the son of James and  Louisa Coffey, pioneers of that area. At the age of six, he moved with the  family to Wellman, Iowa, where he attended public school. He later attended  medical school at Iowa City, Iowa.  In his earlier years, Coffey had worked as a clerk in stores in Iowa and  for  a time, was deputy sheriff in Shelby county. He left Iowa in 1885, largely  because of a breakdown in health and came to Astoria. After having worked  as  assessor until 1887, he established his own general merchandise store at  11th and Bond streets and in 1891, moved to Svensen, establishing the first  post office there.  Coffey operated a store and the post office in Svensen for several years  before returning to Astoria to continue in the mercantile business. He  later  operated a store in Hammond for a short while and in 1906, moved to  Warrenton where until his retirement in 1918, he operated the Warrenton  Grocery and Butcher company.  Coffey served as mayor of Warrenton for several terms and during his  tenure,  initiated the building of the street lighting system and organized the  volunteer fire department.  He was married in Amish, Iowa on December 18, 1879 to his late wife, Anna,  who died in Warrenton in June 1941.  Surviving him are two sons, Jay H. Coffey, Warrenton, and Victor H. Coffey,  John Day, Ore. two daughters, Mrs. Nell Kindred and Mrs. Mame C. Davey,  both  of Warrenton; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren."

---

Source: The Centennial History of Oregon 1811-1912 Volume lll The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Chicago 1912 (See title link)


[Victor Hugo Coffey was a son of James Wilson Coffey, a grandson of Lewis Moses Coffey, himself a son of Ambrose and Mildred (Millie) Moore Coffey. Louisa T. Norman was the daughter of James and Sarah A. Harrison Norman.] [NB: He was not MY gg-grandfather.  The author of this piece was not identified in the source]


*Added Nov 29, 2011

I. W. Coffey, MD

When a youth fifteen years of age, Doctor Coffey visited an uncle who was living near Delphos, Ottawa county, Kansas. His ambitious [ambitions] asserted themselves early in life, and although his advantages had not been very auspicious he was resolute and worked his way through the High school, beginning with 1883. He taught school alternately for five years as a means to gain an end; in the meantime took a one year's course in the Campbell University of Holton, Kansas. He then came to Concordia, entered the office of Doctor J.H. McCasey and began reading medicine. The office of Doctor McCasey is where our subject is now and where he has continued since he went in as a student. Doctor Coffey is another of the hundreds of self-made western men. His surplus of cash when he finished his college course was eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents. He graduated from the Kansas City Medical College in 1893. He became associated with Doctor McCasey, but two months later the latter was appointed superintendent for the insane asylum at Topeka, and Doctor Coffey continued alone. He is a general practitioner and devotes considerable time to diseases of the eye and fitting of glasses, having taken a special course in optics while in college.

Doctor Coffey was born in Greenburg, Decatur county, Indiana, in 1866. He is the only member of the family absent from the home circle. His father, Granville Coffey, is a wealthy farmer and stockman; also owns a tile factory and a brickyard and is noted as a man of affairs. His residence is situated twenty miles from the center of population of the United States, according to the census of 1900. Doctor Coffey is one of four children, two sons and two daughters. Doctor Coffey has been successful as a practitioner and is an esteemed citizen. He was married in 1893 to Miss Zoa Wheeler, the only daughter of Mayor and Mrs. S.C. Wheeler. They are the parents of one little daughter, Louise, aged seven. Politically he is a Populist, has served as coroner two terms and is secretary of the Cloud County Medical Society.

Source: (see title link) Transcribed from E.F. Hollibaugh's Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas biographies of representative citizens. Illustrated with portraits of prominent people, cuts of homes, stock, etc. [n.p., 1903] 919p. illus., ports. 28 cm.

Robert Lewis Coffey, Jr. (1918-1949)

COFFEY, Robert Lewis, Jr., a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tenn., October 21, 1918; moved with his parents in early boyhood to Pennsylvania and graduated from the Ferndale High School in 1935; also attended the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State College; employed in coal mines in all positions from coal loader to engineer; appointed a flying cadet September 23, 1939; commissioned a second lieutenant in June 1940; promoted to first lieutenant November 1, 1941, and served in the United States Army Air Force during the Second World War; military air attaché, United States Embassy, Santiago, Chile, from October 1945 to April 1948; resigned his commission as a lieutenant colonel September 1, 1948, to pursue political candidacy; commissioned a colonel, Air Force Reserve, September 2, 1948; awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Presidential Citation, and Belgian and French Croix de Guerre; elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-first Congress and served from January 3, 1949, until his death in an airplane accident in Albuquerque, N.Mex., April 20, 1949; interment in Arlington National Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774-Present

Biography of Osborn N. Coffey

Osborn N. COFFEY, an old and respected citizen and an early settler of Lincoln County, Mo., was born in Casey County, Ky., February 4, 1807, and is the son of Jessee and Elizabeth (RIFFLE) COFFEY, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Their ancestors were from Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was an extensive dealer in hogs, which he used to drive to Richmond, Va., a distance of about five hundred miles. He was a colonel in the War of 1812, was for two terms a member in the State Legislature, and a member of the Constitutional Convention of Kentucky. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and lived to a good old age. They reared a large family of children, of whom Osborn N., is the second. While growing up, he had very poor opportunities for schooling, though he aided himself very much in that direction after attaining his growth. At the age of eighteen he began for himself, and soon after engaged as clerk in a store, where he remained two years. In 1829 he married Miss Jane L. BELL, a native of Lincoln County, Ky., and in their family were seven children who lived to be grown. One of the sons served in the Confederate Army and was twice severely wounded. In 1831 Mr. COFFEY moved to Missouri, and three years later to Lincoln County, where he opened a store in Louisville. At the same time he dealt in hogs and tobacco, but failing in this he purchased the place where he now lives, which consists of 363 acres of land. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years he was a magistrate. He has done quite well, financially, though he has had many reverses and losses.

Source: Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Lincoln County, Missouri, pub: Chicago, 1888

Osborn N. Coffey was a son of Osborn Coffey and Mary "Polly" Nightingale. Osborn was a grandson of John Coffey and Jane (Jean) Graves through the marriage of their son William to Elizabeth Osborne.

Roots Magic 3 Problem Solved!

I wrote about Roots Magic v3 on Sep. 5, and again on Sep. 9.


On Sep. 5 I recommended the software to anyone who might be in the market for new or replacement software with which to maintain their research. I made the recommendation based on my satisfaction with previous versions, both from a design and support standpoint. RM v3 comes with several important upgrades, including the ability to create shareable files and write them to a CD.

The very first new feature I tried was to burn a CD. The software created the files, but never gave me the opportunity to write them to a CD. I made a couple of inquiries in the Roots Magic forum but did not receive a satisfactory response.

On Sep. 9 I resinded my recommendation to buy this software until the developers had an opportunity to investigate and correct my problem. Although several other users of the new version indicated they too had problems, it did not seem to affect all users. There are always differences between computer models (age, memory, harddrive space, processor, etc.)so I figured that was the problem, rather than buggy software.

After contacting RM Tech Support via e-mail I was given a very non-technical method for assuring that the module within the software that does the CD burning was properly installed on my computer. After I followed the simple instructions and ran RM, I was able to properly create the files and burn them to the CD!

I now stand behind my Sep. 5 recommendation. If anyone is ready to upgrade their genealogy software I highly recommend Roots Magic, Version 3.

I do not work for Roots Magic, nor am I in anyway compensated for this endorsement. I am just a very satisfied user of the software.

Iowa Biographies Project

This project is another in a series of Rootsweb projects taken on by volunteers. This particular project is modeled on the US Biographies Project which was modeled on the earlier Kentucky Biographies Project, which apparently no longer exists.

The following biography was found on the Iowa site (click on title link), and was taken from Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa, edited by William J. Moir, Indianapolis, published by B.F. Bowen, 1911:

Robert Coffee, pp. 638-639

Among the well known and representative farmers of Hardin county, where he spent twenty-five years of active life in honest and honorable toil, is Robert Coffee. By diligence in his occupation he gained a competency and is now living in honorable retirement, spending his later years in the society of his friends. In all the situations in which has has been placed, whether as a soldier on the field of battle or a farmer performing some seeming hunble task, he as done his duty.

Robert Coffee was born on February 5, 1838, in Logan county, Ohio, the son of Abraham and Hannah (Dunn) Coffee. His sisters and brothers were Mary, Sarah, William, Isaiah, Hannah and Charles, the latter of whom has lived in Hardin county for about eight years. Robert received his education in the common schools in Ohio, and worked on the farm until he was twenty-one, when he moved to Illinois. On February 2, 1869, he was married to Hannah M. Cheney, of Rock Island county, Illinois. Her father was William C. Cheney, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on September 30, 1819. Her mother was Emily (Sayre) Cheney, also a native of Ohio. In 1842 they came from Ohio to Rock Island county, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The brothers and sisters of Hannah Cheney were Mary Ellen, Alanson and Alma Jane.

Robert Coffee enlisted in Company A, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry, in 1862, and served during the whole war, with the rank of corporal. During a great portion of his term of service he was in the convalescent camp sick, but was never in the hospital, and though he was sick most of the time, he kept on duty all the time. Mr. Coffee lost his health in the army. He was a loyal soldier throughout the entire war and did his duty at all times. Though not as physically able as some of his comrades, he kept at his post all the time, refusing to go to the hospital, preferring to sacrifice everything to bear his part of the heavy burden of war. He is deserving of special praise for the patriotic manner in which he met his duty. He was mustered out June 2, 1865, at Washington, D. C., having marched three hundred and eighty-eight miles to get there to participate in the grand review of troops.

After his marriage he remained in Illinois until 1872, when he came to Grundy county, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land. In 1875 he sold that farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres in the eastern part of Hardin county, in a most fertile region. For this land he paid twenty dollars per acre, and it is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. Here Mr. Coffee spent twenty-five years in general farming, and during that time improved his farm greatly and made a comfortable living. In 1900 he and his wife came to Eldora to live, where they have a convenient and pleasant home.

Mr. Coffee has always been considered as one of the solid and substantial men of this neighborhood, a citizen of sterling worth. He is in politics a Republican. He and his wife have long been members of the Christian church and both exemplify true Christian character.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone researching this family. I believe Abraham probably descends from Peter Coffee, but have no definitive information.

Native American Women Veterans

This website honors the contributions of Native American women to the US military. Barbara Coffey Thayer is just one of many who appear on the website.

Click on the title link to read more about these women.

Jasper Hill Coffey

Jasper Hill Coffey was born Aug. 6, 1838 in Monroe Co., IN, and was a son of Lewis and Harriet E. Powell Coffey. He married China Frances Culp on Dec. 13, 1862 in Albany, Gentry Co., MO.

His father was a son of Thomas Coffey and Sarah (Sally) Fields, himself a son of John and Jane Graves Coffey. Lewis was brother to Larkin and McCaleb whose descendants were subjects of previous blogs.

Lewis and Harriet were parents of at least eight children:


- Martha C., born c1831
- Mary J., born c1833
- Richard L., born c1835
- Harriet A., born c1836
- Jasper Hill, born Aug. 6, 1838
- Saphronia E., born c1843
- Amanda, born unk.
- Sarah, born unk

Jasper became a minister and was a student of the gospel at Franklin College from 1856-58, and Indiana University in 1859.

Click on the title link to read more about Jasper.

Thomas Jefferson Coffey

Thomas Jefferson Coffey was a son of McCaleb and Elizabeth Collett Coffey. McCaleb descended from Edward and Ann Powell Coffey through their son Thomas. McCaleb was a brother to Larkin, who was the ancestor of Anna Lois Coffey, subject of a previous blog.

Thomas was third born of the 14 children of McCaleb and Elizabeth.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone researching the Thomas Jefferson Coffey family.

Anna Lois Coffey Mossman

Anna Lois Coffey Mossman

Anna Lois Coffey was the daughter of Adolphus and Susan F. Stoneman Coffey. She was born Oct. 13, 1877 in Newark, Green Co., IN, and died Jun. 18, 1944 in Chester Co., NJ.

Her father was born Sept. 16, 1836 in North Carolina, and died Mar. 20, 1909 in Quincy, Adams Co., IL. Nothing is known of her mother's birth and death dates or places*. They were married Mar. 12, 1874 in Owen Co., IN.

Adolphus descends from Edward and Ann Powell Coffey through their son John and his son Thomas. Thomas' son Larkin, who married Catherine H. Wilson, was Adolphus' father.

Anna had at least two other siblings: Fanny M., born 1875, and H. Ruel, born 1878. Nothing is known of their Fanny's descendants. H. Ruel married Alice Eklund.

Anna was a school teacher, and author of many educational publications, including Industrial Arts for Elementary Schools which she co-authored with Frederick Gordon Bonser in 1923.

She retired as associate professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia University in 1943, and died when "shot and killed by a ricocheting bullet at her Cherry Hill Farm in Gladstone, New Jersey, Sunday afternoon, June 18th."

I have read that "...it is clear that historians of industrial arts and technology education have neglected to consider that a woman--Lois Coffey Mossman--had more to do with the establishment of industrial arts than did any other person."

Click on the title link to read more about this fascinating woman.

---

Anna's mother was Susan Frances Stoneman, a daughter of Henry and Fanny Stoneman. More information about her family can be found here.

Bryce Funeral Home Records On-line

The Bryce Funeral Home in Troy, New York has been placing on-line their records since 1989. Prior to that they have card files from 1959, and other books in alphabetical order back to 1917.

A quick search of the site found the obituary of Harriet Houston Coffey, age 82, who died on Dec. 22, 2004 in North Greenbush, NY.

Click on the title link for more information about these records.

Lauren Coffey Boucher and Robert Ramsey Smith II Wed

Lauren Coffey Boucher, daughter of Carolyn Coffey Boucher and John Delphis Boucher, was married to Robert Ramsey Smith II on July 20, 2002 in Greenville, SC. Lauren is the granddaughter of the late William Columbus Coffey.

Click on the title link to read the entire wedding announcement.

Athan and Mary McGuire Coffey

Athan was a son of Smith and Hannah Boone Coffey. In all census records from 1850 to 1880 he is recorded as Athan Coffee. He married Mary McGuire, c1840 in North Carolina. He is thought to have been born Jan. 27, 1820 in North Carolina, but his death date and place is unknown.

Mary was born c1821 in Tennessee, although in later census records she reported that she was born in Georgia. Athan also reported Georgia as his place of birth in some census records. Mary's death date and place is also unknown.

Mary and Athan had at least 10 children:

- William Harvey, born 1842
- Michael Smith, born 1843
- Susan Caroline, born 1845
- Josiah B., born 1849
- Mary E., born c1851
- Sarah J., born c1853
- Athan N., born 1858
- Hannah V., born c1859
- Nichols L., born c1863
- Emma S., born c1866

I would appreciate hearing from anyone researching Athan and his descendants.

Ruby Wilson Coffey, 1915-2004

Ruby Wilson Coffey was born Apr. 5, 1915 in Winfield, Scott Co., TN to McKinley and Etta Rowe Wilson.  She married Willard Haskell Coffey in Dec., 1932.  She died on Feb. 13, 2004 at Liberty, Casey Co., KY.

Her obituary:

Ruby Wilson Coffey

Ruby Coffey age 88 years 10 months and 8 days passed away Friday, Feb 13 2004 in Liberty Kentucky.

Funeral services were held Monday Feb. 16, 2004 at the Hickman Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Darrell Karnes, Bro. Don Watters,and Bro. Lloyd King officiating.  Burial was in the Lower Hickory Grove Cemetery.

She was born in Winfield, Tennessee on April 5 1915 to McKinley Wilson and Etta Rowe Wilson.  Ruby graduated from Stearns High School in 1932 and in December of that same year was married to Willard Coffey. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Joan, Phyllis and Nancy.

Ruby was devoted to caring for her family and providing a good home life for them.  Ruby was also a faithful member of First Hickory Grove Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and helped in any capacity whenever she saw a need.  She was a member of Laurel Heights Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  Among her many interests and hobbies Ruby loved to tend her flowers, knit and crochet, read and play the piano.  She had been recognized for her needlework at the Casey County Fair but her family and Church activities gave her the most enjoyment.  She also loved her dog PJ.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, her step mother, Hallie Wilson, two daughters Joann Crabtree and Phyllis Washam.

Judge Silas D. M. Coffey

Silas Coffey was born Feb. 23, 1839 in Owen Co., Indiana, and died Mar. 6, 1904 in Manatee, Manatee Co., FL. He was the son of Hodge Raymond and Hannah Wilson Coffey. This is the Reuben and Sarah Scott Coffey line, descended from John and Jane Graves Coffey.

"He entered Indiana University in 1860, but withdrew when the Civil War erupted. Yet the war did not stop his studies. He carried a copy of Blackstone’s Commentaries with him. After the war Coffey returned home, studied law and opened an office in Bowling Green, Indiana, then the county seat of Clay County. Coffey was an active participant in the Republican Party. In 1881, he was named to the 13th Circuit Court bench where he stayed until he was elected to the Indiana Supreme Court. He sat from January 7, 1889 until January 7, 1895."

Silas D. Coffey enlisted as a private in Co. H, 14th Indiana Volunteers in 1861.

Although the state biography of Silas indicates that he died in Indiana, his obituary disagrees:

News article, Terre Haute Evening Gazette, Monday, March 7, 1904, p1

Judge Coffey Dropped Dead

Brazil Jurist Died Suddenly Sunday Night at Manatee, Fla.

Brazil, Ind., March 7 - (Gazette special). - Judge McGregor received a telegram from Wallace Coffey at Manatee, Fla. this morning announcing the death of Silas D. Coffey who dropped dead last night from an attack of heart trouble. The deceased was one of the best known citizens of the state. He was born on a farm in Owen county, February 23, 1839 and in 1860 entered the University of Bloomington where he remained till the breaking out of the Civil war, when he entered the service a member of the Fourteenth Indiana Infantry and served for three years. He moved to this city in 1879, where he has since been recognized as one of the leading lawyers of the county. He was appointed in 1881 by Governor Porter to fill the unexpired term as circuit Judge of Clay and Owen counties of Judge Turman and was subsequently twice elected to the Supreme bench. In 1883 he served six years. Formed a partnership with Judge McGregor for the practice of law three years ago and since that date this firm has been considered one of the strongest in the state. The deceased's remains will be shipped here for burial. A wife and one son, attorney Wallace Coffey, and three daughters survive him. He leaves a large estate.

Elizabeth A. Coffey Gregory

Elizabeth "Libby" Ann Coffey Gregory of Waynesboro, VA died Sat., Sept. 3, 2005. She was born Feb. 17, 1928 to Lee and Edith M. Sandy Coffey. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Lee and Charles S. Coffey, and twin sisters Jenetta and Juanita Coffey. She is survived by her husband, Cecil H. Gregory.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone researching this Coffey line.

Click on the title link to read the entire obituary.

Amanda "Betty" Cook Coffey

Amanda "Betty" Cook Coffey of Richmond [Indiana] was born in Silverpoint, TN on Apr. 20, 1928 to George Cook and Minnie Steel, and died Sept. 1, 2005 at Cherish Health and Living Center. She was preceded in death by her husband Hewey Coffey.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone researching this Coffey line.

Click on the title link to read the complete obituary.

Minnie Jeanette Curtis Coffey 1935-2005

Minnie Jeanette Curtis Coffey was born June 23, 1935 in Caldwell County, North Carolina to James Ark Curtis and Ola Maggie Crisp, and died Sept. 6, 2005 in Caldwell County. She was preceded in death by her husband Junior Partee Coffey.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone researching this Coffey line.

Click on the title link to view her complete obituary.

Roots Magic Software - Second thoughts!

On September 5 I wrote that I would not hesitate to recommend Roots Magic as the genealogy program to use.

I have since received my copy of the new release Version 3, and immediately attempted to use the "Create a shareable CD" feature.

Guess what! It doesn't work, and several complaints have already popped up on the Roots Magic tech support website.

I withdraw my recommendation until such time as Roots Magic corrects the problem.

Shelby County, Indiana Research Website

This site is probably the best privately created website (e.g., no charge for viewing county records) that I have thus far found. There are links to courthouse records, obituaries, biographies, cemetery records, birth and death records, and much more! The website is maintained by Phyllis Fleming.

Click on the title link to visit the website. There is a site search engine, and I suggest that anyone researching the area use that to zero in on a surname.

If you have Coffey ancestors in Shelby Co., visit the photo gallery page. Then, look about half way down for the Coffey Family Album. Here you will find photos of the James Sylvester Coffey children. James was born about 1812 in Rockingham Co., NC. He marrid Sarah Carter in Shelby Co., IN in 1837.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone researching this family.

Guide to 20th Century African American Resources

Virginia Keys Jones Coffey

Considered to be one of the foremost civil rights leaders in Cincinnati. She was born in 1904 in West Virginia and died in 2003.

Click on the above link to read more about her.

Coffey Swamp

Coffey Swamp is located in Wisconsin, on Washington Island.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who can tell me for which Coffey this swamp was named.

Coffey Family Cemetery, Orange Co., NY

The following Coffey graves can be found at the Coffey Family Cemetery in Monroe, Orange Co., NY:

Coffey Charles, d. 1/24/1855, 20 yrs [or 26 yrs] s/o Rachel and John Coffey
Coffey, Alvin M., d. 6/10/1864, 45 yrs, s/o Rachel and John Coffey 6/10/1864 45 yrs
Coffey, George, d. 4/14/1854, s/o Rachel and John coffey
Coffey, John, d. 1/19/1861, 79 yrs, husb. of Rachel
Coffey, Mary Ida, b. 5/17/1859, d. 4/12/1861, d/o John and Annie Coffey
Coffey, Rachel, b. 1800, d. 9/3/1870, w/o John Coffey
Coffey, Thomas, d. 5/11/1868, 72 yrs

These grave sites have been documented and posted at Interment.net. Click on the title link to view additional names, and directions to the cemetery.

Fred Howard Coffey

Fred was a son of Fred, Sr. and wife believed to be Fern Greene.  Fred, Sr. was a son of John Oliver and Eva Broce Coffey.

Click on the title link to read more about Fred Howard Coffey and the murder and rape of a child.

Coffey Park

This 8 plus acre park is located in New York City, and was named for Michael J. Coffey (1839-1907), a former state senator who was born in County Cork, Ireland.

Michael immigrated to the US with his parents when he was 5-years old. He served in the Union navy during the Civil War. Following the war he returned to NY and became a politician representing the area known as Red Hook Point, but locally known as "Coffeyville."

Click on the title link to read more about Michael J. Coffey.

Genealogy Software

Way back yonder I began keeping my genealogy research on the computer using a program called "Roots." It was a large program; I think it took something like 5 or 6 of the 5.25" floppy disks to hold the program. As I recall there were three or four 3-ring binders to hold all of the instructions. The program was considered "state of the art." Then came Roots II, followed by Roots III and finally Roots IV. I had them all!

Then came the internet boom, and all sorts of companies started publishing genealogy software. I went through several before finally deciding on Family Tree Maker (FTM). I believe it was published by Brouderbund in those early days. I believe Genealogy.com eventually bought them out, and I continued using FTM up through Version 9.

All good genealogy software has, or should have, the ability to reclaim the empty space in a database. Version 9 was no exception. That feature allows for files to be reindexed which in some magical way reclaims all of the previously used space that is now blank after deleting people, sources, events, etc. That means that all of the cross references to individuals within the file are supposed to be faithfully maintained.

I trustingly upgraded to FTM V9 when it was released, and using the GEDCOM feature, moved all of my files from V8 over to V9. Then I reindexed the new files. When I checked to make sure that everything had worked as advertised, I found that hundreds of sources had been reindexed, but for the wrong people! For example, if I had found some information on John Smith and entered the source of that info, it was now indexed to Joe Jones, and someone else's source was indexed to John Smith. It was totally screwed up that I had to stop using Version 9 and go back to Version 8.

FTM had (and still has) a support website, including a forum for users to express ideas, ask questions, and the like. I reported the problem to the moderator, and was told (essentially) that I had apparently done something incorrectly. He could not duplicate the problem! The moderator and I went back and forth for several days with him maintaining that the problem was not a bug in FTM V9. Then, a member of a large FTM user group reported that his genealogy society had recommended that their members not use V9 because of a major bug. The bug was the one that I had reported weeks earlier.

FTM eventually admitted the bug existed, and provided a patch for V9 that corrected the problem. However, the company had waited too long to suit me, and had, in my opinion, treated me like an idiot when I first reported the bug.

I dumped FTM V9, and all previous versions of that software and purchased a program called Family Origins. That software was up to about V3 when I bought it, and it was supported through V5, if I recall correctly. In any event, the company decided not to support the software any longer. Fortunately, others took up the license, renamed the software to Roots Magic and designed it to accept all files created by Family Origins. I have been using Roots Magic for about three years now, and the company is about to release V3.

Version 3 of Roots Magic will have one of the features that I am most looking forward to. It will be able to create shareable CDs. That is, I will be able to create and organize my family history, then burn it to a CD. The CD will have a custom home page with personally created titles, photos and photo descriptions, contact info and a read-only version of Roots Magic. It will also have the ability to backup files to a CD. Right now, when I make a backup I have to use third-party software.

Bottom line: I have no reservations in recommending Roots Magic to anyone in the market for new genealogy software.

Eli and Louisa Caroline Storie Coffey

Descendants of Eli COFFEY
Prepared September 4, 2005

First Generation

1. Eli COFFEY was born in North Carolina about 1813. He appeared in the census on Jun 22, 1880 in Caldwell Co., NC.1 He was the son of James and Delilah Ferguson Coffey whose other children were: Thomas, who married Nancy Barlow; Lovancy, who married Jonas Keller; James Jr., who married Mary Keller; Marvel, who married Nancy E. Pendley; Myra, who married George Laney; and Louisa who married John Jackson.

Eli married Louisa Caroline STORIE on Nov 7, 1852 in Caldwell Co., NC where they first appeared in the census on Jul 31, 1860.2

Caroline and Eli eventually divorced and Caroline took the children and went to Missouri with her parents. Eli remained at the Coffey home place on the Yadkin River in Buffalo (now Yadkin Valley) township. Their children are listed in the 1860 census.

Louisa was born in Apr 1831 in North Carolina. She appeared in the census on Jun 29, 1880 in Camden Co., MO, apparently as widowed/divorced.3 She appeared in the census on Jun 18, 1900 in Camden Co., MO, enumerated as a widow in the household with her son Louis and family. She last appeared in the census on May 3, 1910 in Camden Co., MO, enumerated as a widow in the household with her daughter Louisa Green and family. She apparently died after 1910 in Missouri because she disappears from the census record after that year.

Eli and Louisa had the following children:

i. James COFFEY was born about 1853 in North Carolina.

ii. Joshua COFFEY was born about 1854 in North Carolina.

2 iii. Louisa C. COFFEY (born on Sep 12, 1856).

3 iv. Isaac Milton COFFEY (born about 1858).

4 v. Louis Jasper COFFEY (born on Oct 6, 1860).

Second Generation

2. Louisa C. COFFEY (Eli-1) was born on Sep 12, 1856 in North Carolina, and died on Feb 19, 1942 in Camden Co., MO. She was buried in Feb 1942 in Green Cemetery, Climax Springs, Camden Co., MO. Louisa C. COFFEY married Benjamin F. GREEN about 1878 in Missouri where they appeared in the census on May 3, 1910.4

Benjamin F. GREEN was born on Mar 14, 1857 in Missouri, and died on Dec 5, 1922 in Camden Co., MO.

Louisa and Benjamin had the following children:

i. Fred A. GREEN was born about 1880 in Missouri.

ii. Delia GREEN was born on Nov 30, 1883 in Camden Co., MO. She died on Jan 8, 1884 in Camden Co., MO. She was buried in Jan 1884 in Green Cemetery, Climax Springs, Camden Co., MO.

iii. Eliza R. GREEN was born about 1893 in Missouri.

iv. Charles L. GREEN was born about 1896 in Missouri.

v. William M. GREEN was born about 1898 in Missouri.

vi. Lula E. GREEN was born about 1900 in Missouri.

3. Isaac Milton COFFEY (Eli-1) was born about 1858 in North Carolina. Isaac married Susan F. __________ about 1879 in Missouri. She was born about 1864 in Missouri.

4. Louis Jasper COFFEY (Eli-1) was born on Oct 6, 1860 in North Carolina, and appeared in the census on Jun 29, 1880 in Camden Co., MO, enumerated in the household with his mother. He died on Dec 15, 1947 in Camden Co., MO.5, and was buried in Dec 1947 in Green Cemetery, Climax Springs, Camden Co., MO. He married Alice Ann MOULDER on Jan 7, 1886 in Camden Co., MO. They appeared in the census on Jun 18, 1900 in Camden Co., MO.6, and in the census on Apr 30, 1910 in Camden Co., MO.7 The last appeared in the census on Jan 7, 1920 in Camden Co., MO.8

Alice Ann was born on Jan 5, 1868 in Missouri, and died on Feb 28, 1944 in Camden Co., MO. She was buried in Mar 1944 in Green Cemetery, Climax Springs, Camden Co., MO.

Louis Jasper and Alice Ann had the following children:5

i. Buford G. COFFEY (born in Oct 1889).

ii. George B. COFFEY was born on Feb 8, 1892 in Missouri. He died on Mar 3, 1893 in Missouri, and was buried in Mar 1893 in Green Cemetery, Climax Springs, Camden Co., MO.

iii. Ottis B. COFFEY was born in Jan 1894 in Missouri.

6 iv. Leslie D. COFFEY (born in Feb 1896).

v. Millie May COFFEY was born in Apr 1898 in Missouri.

vi. Elza S. COFFEY was born about 1901 in Missouri.

vii. Ila Mabel COFFEY was born about 1905 in Missouri.

viii. Aubra B. COFFEY was born about 1907 in Missouri.

This could be the Austes B. Coffey and family found in the 1930 Camden Co., MO, Adair Twp.,ED14 census.

ix. Shelby R. COFFEY was born about 1908 in Missouri.

Third Generation

5. Buford G. COFFEY (Louis Jasper-2, Eli-1) was born in Oct 1889 in Missouri. He married Belpha A. __________ about 1912 in Missouri. They appeared in the census on Apr 14, 1930 in Henry Co., MO.9

Belpha A. was born about 1896 in Missouri. She and Buford had the following children:

i. Verdie B. COFFEY was born about 1913 in Missouri.

ii. Finis A. COFFEY was born about 1915 in Missouri.

iii. Agnes V. COFFEY was born about 1918 in Missouri.

iv. Hurle B. COFFEY was born about 1921 in Missouri.

v. Charles L. COFFEY was born about Jun 1926 in Missouri.

vi. Clayton A. COFFEY was born about Apr 1929 in Missouri.

6. Leslie D. COFFEY (Louis Jasper-2, Eli-1) was born in Feb 1896 in Missouri. He married Della M. __________. They appeared in the census on Jan 7, 1920 in Camden Co., MO.10

Della M. was born about 1899 in Missouri.

Sources

1. Ancestry.com. United States Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1880 Caldwell Co., Buffalo Twp., ED56, dwelling/family 147, Coffey, Eli, white male, age 66, married and divorced indicated, farmer, born NC, parents born NC.

2. Ibid., 1860 Caldwell Col, Buffalo Twp., Fort Defiance PO, Page 147, dwelling 1125, family 1055, Eli Coffey, age 47,male, farmer, $525, $400, born NC; Caroline, age 29, female, born NC; James, age 7, male, born NC; Joshua, age 6, male,born NC; Louisa, age 4, female, born NC; Milton, age 2, male, born NC.

3. Ibid., 1880 Camden Co., Russell Twp., ED42, Page 26, dwelling 183, family 183, Coffey, Caroline, white female, age 49, widow/divorced selected, farmer,born NC, parents born NC; Isaac M., white male, age 21, son, married, farmer, born NC; Louis J., white male, age 19, son, single, farmer, born NC; Susan F., white female, age 16, dau-in-law, married in the previous year, housekeeper, born MO, parents born MO; Storie, Mary, white female, age 72, mother, widow, born NC, parents born NC.

4. Ibid., 1910 Camden Co., Russell Twp., ED128, Sheet 1A, dwelling/family 6, Green, Benjamin F., head, male, white, age 52, married once for 32 years, born MO, parents born NC, farmer; Lou C., wife, female, white, age 53, married once for 32 yrs., mother of 10, 7 living, born NC, parents born NC; Fred A., son, male, white, age 20, single, born MO, father born MO, mother born NC; Eliza R., dau., female, white, age 17, single, born MO, father born MO, mother born NC; Charles L, son,male, white, age 14, single, born MO, father born MO, mother born NC; William M., son, male, white, age 12, single, born MO, father born MO, mother born NC; Lula E., dau., female, white, age 10, single, born MO, father born MO, mother born NC; Hix, Manila O., g-dau., female, white, age 6, single, born MO, parents born MO; Coffey, Caroline L., m-in-law, female, white, age 79, widow, born NC, parents born NC.

5. Green Cemetery, Jeanne Ringland online [http://www.rootsweb.com/~moccga/greencemetery.html], accessed Sep 2005.

6. Ancestry.com. United States Federal Census [database online]. 1900 Camden Co., Osage Twp., ED9, Sheet 8A, dwelling/family 140, Coffey, Lewis J., head, white male, born Oct. 1860, age 39, married 14 yrs., born NC, parents born NC; Alice A., wife, white female, born Jan. 1868, age 32, married 14 yrs., mother of 5, 4 living, born MO, father born TN, mother born MO; Buford G., son, white male, born Oct. 1889, age 10, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Ottis B., son, white male, born Jan. 1894, age 6, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO, farmer; Leslie D., son, white male, born Feb. 1896, age 4, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Millie M., son, white male, born Feb. 1896, age 4, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Coffey, Louisa C., mother, white female, born Apr. 1831, age 69, widow, mother of 5, 4 living, born NC, parents born NC.

7. Ibid., 1910 Camden Co., Russell Twp., ED35, Sheet 8A, dwelling/family 136, Coffey, Louis J., head, male, white, age 45, married once for 24 yrs., born NC, parents born NC; Buford G., son, male, white, age 20, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Authur B., son, male, white, age 16, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Leslie D., son, male, white, age 14, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Milla M., dau., female, white, age 12,
single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Elza S., son, male, white, age 9, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Ila M., dau., female, white, age9, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Aubra B., son, male, white age 3, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Shelba R., son, male, white age 2, single, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO.

8. Ibid., 1920 Camden Co., Russell Twp., ED38, Sheet 2A, dwwelling 25, family 27, Coffey, Lewis J., head, owns, farm, male, white, age 59, born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Alice J., wife, female, white, age 51, married, born MO, father born TN , mother born MO; Elza, son, male, white, age 18, single, born MO, parents born MO; Mabel, dau., female, white, age 15, single, born MO, parents born MO; aubra, son, male, white, age 13, single, born MO, parents born MO; Shelby, son, male, white, age 11, single, born MO, parents born MO.

9. Ibid., 1930 Henry Co., Windsor Twp., ED30, Sheet 5A, dwelling/family 111, Coffey, Buford G., head, rents, male,white, age 40, married at age 22, born MO, father born ND , mother born MO, farmer; Belpha A., wife, female, white,age 34, married at age 16, borm MO, parents born MO; Verdie B., dau., female, white, age 17, single, born MO, parents born MO; Finis A., son, male, white, age 15, single, born MO, parents born MO; Agnes V., dau., female, white, age 12, single, born MO, aprents born MO; Hurle B., son, male, white, age 9, single, born MO, parents born MO; Charles L., son, male,white, age 3 yrs, 10 mos., born MO, parents born MO; Clayton A., son, male, white, age 1 yr., 0 mos., born MO, parents born MO.

10. Ibid., 1920 Camden Co., Russell, ED28, Sheet 2A, dwelling 25, family 28, Coffey, Leslie D., head, rents, male, white,age 23, married, born MO, parents born MO, laborer; Della M., wife, female, white, age 21, married, born MO, parents born MO.

I have very little information on the descendants of Eli, and would appreciate hearing from anyone researching this family.

Time for a "funny" break!

Civil Wartime Letters

Here is an interesting site. It contains original letters written during the Civil War but they have been typed out for easier reading.

According to this website, the letters "are in very rough condition" but claim that the typed versions are exact copies.

Click on the title link to visit this site.

John Francis Coffey

John Francis Coffey was a professional baseball player. He was born Jan. 28, 1887 in New York City, and died Feb. 14, 1966 in Bronx, NY.

"Coffey spoke French, Spanish, Italian and German fluently and knew a little Latin and Greek. To practice each language, he traveled and lived in France, Germany, Spain, Mexico and South America. He was also known as "Mr. Birthday" for his reputation for remembering the birth dates of more than 3,000 people, both famous and unknown."

Click on the title link to read more about John.

Junior Coffey

I wrote of Junior in March, 2005 citing his tenure as a professional football player. Today I found a photograph of him.

Click on the title link to read what I wrote about him earlier.