Thomas Stuart Coffey (follow-up)

Thomas Stuart Coffey, born Dec. 12, 1881 in Watauga Co., NC, was a son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Elizabeth (Mollie) Greer Coffey. It has been suggested that Thomas Stuart was named by his Civil War veteran father in honor of J.E.B. Stuart, famed Confederate cavalry officer and often referred to as "the eyes and ears" of Robert E. Lee.

T. S. Coffey married Josephine Carr Sanborn on Feb. 14, 1912 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC. Josephine was born c1844 in North Carolina and died Dec. 17, 1977 in Statesville, Iredell Co., NC. T. S. died Aug. 21, 1970 in Statesville.

Three children were born to the marriage:

Marjorie Elizabeth, born Mar. 28, 1913. She married Phares Vernon Breneman on Jan. 22, 1944 in Statesville. Phares was a son of Daniel and Ella Breneman, and was born Apr. 30, 1906 in Henry, Rush Co., IN. He died May 9, 1976 in Statesville. I have not found any children born to this union. Both married in their 30's and after Phares completed his service in the Army during WW2. He enlisted in the service at Los Angeles, CA on June 17, 1941, just months prior to the Japanese raid of Dec. 7, 1941 on Pearl Harbor.

Thomas Stuart, Jr., born Aug. 1, 1915, died Dec. 16, 1968. He married Mary Stackhouse Macon and was the father of Ann Macon, born Aug. 15, 1946 and Thomas Stuart III, born Jan. 26, 1950. Shortly after the marriage, Thomas, Jr. enlisted in the Army on Jan. 25, 1943 at Fort Bragg, NC. He was described as being 5' 10" tall and weighed 132 lbs.

After returning to Statesville following military service, T. S. Jr. became more active in town and state politics. Numerous articles concerning his life and service in the area can be found in archived copies of The Landmark, a period newspaper of Statesville, NC. One such article, which appeared in the May 17, 1945 edition reads:

S-Sgt Coffey, the son of Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Coffey, 316 East Broad Street, Statesville, is married to the former Miss Mary Macon, Warrenton, North Carolina. A 1935 graduate of Matt Thompson High School, Statesville, he attended the University of North Carolina and was in charge of the Securities division, North Carolina treasury department, Raleigh, before entering the army in January, 1943. Having graduated from engineering school at Greeley, Colorado, he came overseas in June, 1943. Before entering the army, he was an active member of the Raleigh Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Doris Sanborn, born Jan. 19, 1920 in Statesville, died May, 1994 in Statesville. She married Richard Hardin Griggs there on Nov. 7, 1940. Richard was born Sep. 24, 1913 in Gary, McDowell Co., WV and died Jan. 25, 1990 in Statesville. I know of one child, a son, Richard Stuart Griggs, born Apr. 1, 1948.

Additions and/or corrections welcomed.

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William Lemmie and Caroline Hopson Coffey

William was a son of John Jackson "Stumpy" Coffey, Jr. and wife Darcus Elizabeth Parris. He was born Mar. 22, 1872 in Grainger Co., TN and died Dec. 21, 1932 in Washburn, Grainger Co. He married Caroline Hopson, a daughter of Jesse and Julia Ritter Hopson in Oct., 1892 in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co. Caroline was born May 1, 1875 in Thorn Hill and died Aug. 28, 1956 in Pontiac, Oakland Co., MI.
There were at least six children born to this marriage:

William Tarrance, born Jul. 26, 1893 in Washburn, and died Jul 16, 1946, place unknown. He married Susan Maude Melissa Rucker, born Oct. 9, 1897 in Idol, Grainger Co. to Claiborn and Mary Majors Rucker, on Sep. 7, 1919 in Washburn. Their children, all born in Grainger Co., were: Lillian, born c1921; Alta, born c1923, married Conley Hubert Coffman; Kathleen, born Dec., 1925, married Landon Crow Rucker; Wancida, born Jan., 1928; and Delta Lucille, born c1932, married James Leonard Dalton on Jun. 6, 1950 in Grainger Co. James was a son of Joseph Thomas and Martha Hayes Dalton.

Maude Delia, born Jul. 31, 1895 in Washburn. She married Henry A. Presnell on Oct. 16, 1920 in Monroe Co., MI. Their children were Hilda, born c1922 in MI; Alma, born c1924 in KY; Ellen, born c1925 in TN; Dewey S., born c1927 in TN; and Leona, born c1928 in MI. Although both claimed to still be married, the 1930 Grainger Co. census shows Maude and her children residing in the household with her parents, and Henry residing alone elsewhere in the county. Maude could have been visiting her parents.

Parlin John, born Jun. 10, 1898 in Idol, married Maude Wolfenbarger on Jun. 20, 1918 in Washburn. Maude was born c1900 in Idol and died in Dec., 1946 in Michigan. I know of two children: Ethel, born c1922 and Norma.

Amanda Elizabeth, born Sep. 22, 1902 in Idol, married William Frank Breeding on Jun. 29, 1919 in Washburn. William was born May 10, 1897 in Thorn Hill and died Jan. 10, 1976, place unknown. Their children, all born in Michigan, were William Harvey, born Apr. 15, 1921; Wiley Grover, born Nov. 2, 1922; Buford Frank, born May 27, 1927; Clifford Jesse, born Mar. 20, 1933; and Delbert Nelson, born May 15, 1935.

James Nelson, born May 6, 1906 in Idol, died Feb. 6, 1988 in Bean Station, Grainger Co. He married Joycie Clara Dalton, a daughter of William Jasper "Jape" and Cynthia Ann Jordan Dalton. She was born Dec. 21, 1907 in Washburn, and died Jul. 11, 1993 in Bean Station. The marriage was recorded on Feb. 14, 1926 in Washburn. Their children were: Vernon Clare, a dau., born Aug. 21, 1926 in TN; Leland Clarence, born Oct. 6, 1927 in TN and died Nov. 24, 1999 in Hamblen Co., TN; Lela Elizabeth, born Sep. 25, 1929 in Oakland Co., MI; Lemmie Elmer, born Dec. 14, 1931, married Ida Jo. Waddell; Gladys Imogene, born Jan. 6, 1934, died Apr. 6, 1984 in Jefferson Co., TN; Reva Marie, born May 28, 1936, died May 23, 2000; Raymond William, born Aug. 24, 1940.

The last child, known to me, was Julia Isabell, born Jan. 28, 1912 in Washburn. She married Carter Emmitt Smith on Jun. 14, 1920 in Luttrell, Grainger Co. Carter was born Sep. 14, 1911 in Claiborn Co. Their children were: Donald, born Jun. 28, 1931 in MI, and died Feb. 12, 1951 in Korea; Dorothy, born Jun. 28, 1931; Hazel Ruth, born Oct. 11, 1933; and Paris Leland, born May 25, 1940.

Arthur A. & Gatie Ramsey Coffey

Arthur, born Nov. 25, 1876 in Rockcastle Co., KY, was the first child and son of Lee and Isabelle Hiatt [var.] Coffey. Lee was a son of Thomas Jefferson and Perlina Hayes Coffey. Arthur married Gatie [sic] Ramsey on Jan. 28, 1897 in Rockcastle Co.

Gatie is said to have been a daughter of Joseph Love and Martha Jane Bryant Ramsey., born in May, 1881. The 1870 census names only one child, Elly [sic], born c1896 in Rockcastle Co. In 1880 Ella was still the only child in the household. There isn't a census record for 1890, and according to marriage records, Gatie was married by 1897, therefore there is not a way to verify by census that she was born to Joseph and Martha.

After Martha died in 1895, Joseph married Galathia Jane Coffey on Feb. 28, 1898 in Rockcastle Co. Galathia was the second daughter and fourth child born to James Madison and Lydia Ann Wolfe Coffey. She was born in Oct. 1865 and died Jun. 24, 1939 in Madison Co., KY. James was a son of Ausburn and Tildy Dalton Coffey.

There was one known child born to this marriage, a daughter named Janie Lydia Ramsey, born Apr. 8, 1899 in Rockcastle Co., and died there on Apr. 12, 1998. Her headstone stands in the Berea Cemetery, Madison Co. She apparently never married.

The Rockcastle Co. census of 1900 shows Joseph and Galathia in the household with Ella Baker, Joseph's daughter by Mary Jane Bryant.

Children all born in Rockcastle Co. to Arthur A. and Gatie Ramsey Coffey were:

Ella Mae, born Apr. 24, 1898, died Dec. 29, 1983

William Mat, born Nov. 26, 1899, died Sep. 6, 1975. He married Anna Lee Adams on Sep. 28, 1924 in Kenton Co., KY. They were parents of twins, Dorothy and Doris, born Aug. 6, 1927. He and Anna are buried in the Elmwood Cemetery at Mt. Vernon in Rockcastle Co.

Bud, or "Little Buddy", born Apr. 1, 1902, died Apr. 8, 1902. He was buried in the Hiatt Cemetery in Renfro Valley, Rockcastle Co.

Anna Wright, born Apr. 12, 1903, died Mar. 16, 1984.

Robert Lee, born Jul. 7, 1905, died Jul. 8, 1985 in Rockcastle Co. He married Sallie Minerva Livesay, born Nov. 17, 1905, died Jan. 12, 1997. Both are buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Brodhead in Rockcastle Co.

Arthur Earl, born Mar. 16, 1907, died Jul. 14, 2000. He married Norma Nollen Beck on Feb. 4, 1934.

Colonel Ramsey, born Apr. 26, 1911, died Jan. 8, 1912. He is buried in the Hiatt Cemetery in Renfro Valley.

Pearl Givens, born Nov. 15, 1912, married Thelma Lillian Green on Feb. 11, 1940.

Jesse James, born Sep. 17, 1915, married Katherine L. Croddy on Mar. 21, 1935.

Edna Ruth, born Dec. 8, 1917, died Oct. 11, 1919.

Bradford Lewis, born Jul. 30, 1922, died Apr. 23, 1996. He married Blanche Marie Snipes on Dec. 13, 1947. Blanche was born Jan. 20, 1927 in Dayton, Campbell Co., KY and died Jul. 14, 2007 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA. Both are buried in the Elmwood Cemetery at Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle Co.

This obituary appeared in The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA on Jul. 16, 2007:

SHREVEPORT, LA - Blanche Marie Coffey died July 14, 2007 at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Hospital in Shreveport, LA. She was born January 20, 1927 in Dayton, Kentucky, the daughter of Ruth Snipe Schmolt and Robert Lee Snipe. She was the beloved wife of Bradford Lewis Coffey. She served faithfully in gospel ministry with her husband for 45 years.

Blanche's family will receive friends Monday, July 16, 2007 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Survivors include four daughters, Patricia Boswell and husband Gary of Shreveport, Louisiana, Deborah Baker of Memphis, Tennessee, Rebecca Brenner and husband John of Tacoma, Washington, and Martha Harris of Enid, Oklahoma; one sister Mary Carroll of Hamilton, Ohio; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Her husband and two infant sons preceded her in death.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on July 19, 2007 at Elmwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The services will be under the direction of Dowell-Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky.Memorials may be made to the building fund of Westview Christian Church of Shreveport, Louisiana. Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Update 8/20/07: A reader has notified me that there was another child born to Arthur and Gatie: Vearl Hyatt Coffey, b.23 May 1909, Renfro Valley, Rockcastle, Kentucky d.12 Sep 1972 Married Lou Ceil Cross on 15 Jun 1933.

William Obediah & Nancy Coffey Gragg

Updated June 12, 2014

Nancy Coffey was born c1816 in Burke Co., NC, a daughter of Joseph and Isabella Lindsay [var.] Coffey. She died in Caldwell Co., NC in 1887.

William Obediah Gragg was born Apr. 15, 1758 in Virginia and died Oct. 20, 1847 in NC. He and Nancy were married Jul. 4, 1837 in Caldwell Co. Nancy was William's third wife. He is thought to have been previously married to Elizabeth Pulliam and Nancy Dunkle but no records have been found.

At least two children were born to William and Nancy [Coffey]:

Edmund Paza & Mahulda Gragg? Gragg

Indiana Isabelle, born May 16, 1838, died 1909. She married Edmond Gragg on Mar. 10, 1855 in Caldwell Co. He was the son of David Obediah and Elizabeth Webb Gragg as well as a nephew of his new wife.

William Taylor, born May 27, 1846 in either Caldwell or Burke Co., NC and died Nov. 4, 1925 in Avery Co. He married Elizabeth Pendley [var.], Feb. 20, 1875 in Caldwell Co.

Another son was born to Nancy Coffey, Edmund Paza Gragg in May 1849, a couple of years after William's death in 1847. His biological father is not known, but some have speculated that he was a Philyaw.

Edmond Paza was married c1870 to Mahulda Vasty [sic] [Gragg?]. Shortly thereafter he and Mahulda moved to Rabun Co., GA where their children were born:

Margaret E., born Feb., 1872

John Newton, born Jan 19, 1873, died Jun. 22, 1961 in GA; married Della Gosnell Feb. 11, 1906 in Rabun Co., GA; at least two children: Elbert and Gordon.

Daniel L., born Jul., 1877

Elijah L., born Feb., 1879, died Mar 18, 1958 in GA; married Missouri Shed Dec. 17, 1902 in Habersham Co., GA; at least 5 children:  Winona; Harley; Chester; Roy and Ora.

 Albert J., born Apr., 1882, married Sarah Benfield Dec. 24, 1905, Rabun Co. At least one child:  Lee, born c1908, Rabun Co.

Milus M., born c1884

Burgess G., born Apr 16, 1888, Georgia, died Jun. 24, 1970, Clayton, Rabun Co., married Omie Smith, no further info.

Doctor Clinton, born c1891

Descendants of John James Coffee

John James Coffee was a son of Joshua and Delilah Conger Coffee in the Peter Coffee line. He was born on Jan. 9, 1833 in Smith Co., TN and died May 27, 1927 in Lubbock, Lubbock Co., TX. John married Nancy Christine Lamberson on Jul 1, 1856 - probably in TN - who was born May 20, 1830 in Smith Co., and died Jan. 12, 1895 in Howard Co., TX.

A number of years ago I made a trip to Big Spring in Howard Co. to search for and photo the graves of the Lilburn Warren Coffee family. If you have read this blog for very long you may recall that Lilburn was the youngest son of Lilburn and Hannah Taylor Coffee, my 3G paternal grandparents. Lilburn Warren moved to west TX from Hempstead Co., AR shortly after the Civil War and eventually settled in Big Spring, Howard Co.

While exploring the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Big Spring I found a number of Coffee graves that I was unable to connect to my Coffee relative. However, I photographed many of their headstones.

John James was likely buried in Lubbock, but Nancy apparently followed a child to Big Spring. She died there on Jan. 12, 1895 and was buried in Mt. Olivet.

He and Nancy were the parents of nine children:

Richard Cornelius (Dick), born Apr. 16, 1857, died Jun. 10, 1934. Richard married Ollie Catherine (Kate) Anderson on Apr. 13, 1882. She was born in Feb. 1858 in Lamar Co., TX to George Reed and Mahala Cumi Long Anderson, and died Nov. 17, 1917 in Big Spring. Both are buried in Mt. Olivet.

Their children were eight:

- Adonis (Don), born Oct. 14, 1883 in Talpa, Coleman Co., TX and died Dec. 20, 1910 in Dallas. He married Mary Elizabeth Green, born in Madison Co., AL to Charles and Mary Elizabeth Pike Green, and died in Wichita Falls, TX in 1958. They had at least one child, Don Ruth Coffee, born May. 15, 1910, died Feb. 27, 1989. Don Ruth married Fred Merritt on Feb. 12, 1933. He was born in Childress Co., TX in 1906 and died in Tucson, Pima Co., AZ on Dec. 19, 1951. Adonis (Don) and Don Ruth are buried in Mt. Olivet. Fred Merrit was buried in the Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson.

- Christina Mahala, born Feb. 14, 1885 in Talpa, Coleman Co., TX and died Mar. 12, 1964 in Denver Co., CO. She married Robert Edward Chambers on Oct. 24, 1919 in Yokahama, Japan. Robert was born in Bedford Co., VA in 1870 and died Apr. 21, 1932 in Shanghai, China. Their children were Christine, born 1921, Richard, born Sep. 1924, died 1945, and Lois. Christina was Robert's third wife and, they were Baptist Missionaries.

- Zemula Reed (Zema), born Apr. 13, 1886 in Talpa, married Louis W. Demoville on May 14, 1907. Louis died in 1944 and is buried in the Restland Cemetery in Dallas. I have no other information on Zema. Their children were: Louis Coffee, born Oct. 22, 1908, died Dec., 1956. He too is buried in Restland; an unnamed daughter, born 22 Oct. 1908 and died shortly thereafter. She was buried in Mt. Olivet; Kathryn, born Jun. 4, 1910; Irene, born 1912; Margaret, born 1915; Christine, died 1945, and James Edward, born 1918.

- Mary Ellen married Blaine C. Cole. No other information.

- Thomas John, born Dec. 15, 1888, died Apr. 5, 1952 in El Paso. He married Pauline Toitz of London, England on Nov. 15, 1920 in New York City. They had at least one child, a son named Thomas Arthur, born 1922 in Colorado, Mitchell Co., TX. Thomas is buried in Mt. Olivet. I have no other information on Pauline or Thomas Arthur.

- Rebecca Elrissa (Reba), born Feb. 1890, died Sep. 12, 1968 in Big Spring. She married Clyde Edwin Thomas in Jun., 1911. Clyde was born in 1882 and died in 1969. He had been a principal at Big Spring High School. Reba had been one of his students from the class of 1909. They moved to the lower Rio Grande Valley shortly after marriage where he studied law. After passing the bar, the family moved back to Big Spring and he became a widely known attorney, civic and political figure. He was also elected Mayor of Big Spring. I did not find a headstone for either of them in Mt. Olivet. They were parents of nine children: Ollie Adela, born 1912, married Tracy Roberts in 1929; Clyde Edwin, Jr., born 1913, married Eden Lucas in 1940; George Thaddeus, born 1915, married Cleo Lane Higgins. He married second to Mary Madison Sharpnack; Richard Coffee, born 1918, married Mary Oletha Clanton; Ruth, born Jul. 28, 1921, married Howard Salisbury in 1944; Rebecca Mary, born 1919, married Raymond O. Plunkett; Peggy Jean, born Oct. 15, 1923, married John Raymond McDuff; Don Eugene, born Oct. 15, 1923, married Ruby Lee Brown; and Leslie Raymond.

- Ollie May, born Mar. 16, 1892 in Big Spring, married Oliver W. Fannie on Aug. 26, 1917 in Big Spring. They were parents of Oliver, Jr., born 1920; and twins Bill Bradford and Bob Meredith, born Jun. 9, 1922. I believe that Oliver Jr. married Dr. Barbara Acuff and fathered Oliver W. III and Barbara Ann.

- Vera Estelle, died Jan. 13, 1956 in Waco, McLennan Co., TX and was buried in Mt. Olivet.

John James and Nancy's second child was Thomas Joshua Coffey, born Oct. 18, 1858 in Fannin Co., TX. He married Hannah Pauline Dorn on Aug. 18, 1895 at the Dorn home in Mitchell Co., TX. She was born Oct. 13, 1873 in Alabama and died Mar. 20, 1969 in Mitchell Co. Thomas died Jan. 10, 1935. Both are buried at Loraine in Mitchell Co.

Third born was Francis Marion, born Dec. 11, 1859 in Fannin Co., died May 19, 1942. He is buried in Mt. Olivet. He married California Ann (Callie) Donaghe in 1882 in Benton Co., AR. She died Aug. 11, 1929 in Nolan Co., TX and was also buried at Mt. Olivet.

Fourth was John Leonard, born Feb. 26, 1862 in Fannin Co., died Jun. 15, 1935 in LaMesa, Dawson Co., TX. He married Dora George Dourne in 1884. She was born in 1866 and died Jan. 21, 1941 in Dawson Co. Both are buried in LaMesa.

Fifth child was Robert Taylor, born Apr. 9, 1863 in Fannin Co., and died Jun. 7, 1919 in Loraine, Mitchell Co. He married Nancy Emma Smith in Howard Co. in 1896. Robert is buried at Loraine.

Sixth was Samuel Creed, born May 26, 1867 in Fannin Co., died Jul. 11, 1938 in Jones Co., TX. He married Elizabeth Clemetine (Clemmie) Keen in 1893. Samuel is buried in the Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Brown Co., TX.

Seventh was Mary Elizabeth, born Oct. 28, 1868 in McDonald Co., MO, and died c1870.

Eighth born was William Riley (Will) in 1870, McDonald Co., MO. He married Mary Addie Cox. William is said to have died in Louisville, KY.

And, last but not least, was Alfonso James, born 1870 in McDonald Co, died 1906 in Scott Co., MO. He married Ida Hall.

Additions and/or corrections appreciated.

Gilbert and Martha Simmons Coffey

This is an update to the family blog published here.

---

Gilbert was a son of Thomas and Mary Hipsher Coffey, born May 31, 1839 in Grainger Co., TN. He and Martha, born Sep. 23, 1844 in MO, died Aug. 10, 1913 in Polk Co., MO, on Jun. 26, 1858 in Cedar Co., MO. Gilbert died Jun. 3, 1915 in Polk Co., MO.

There were 12 children born to this union:

Henderson, born Aug., 1858 in MO, died Nov. 15, 1925 in Oregon. He married Mrs. Henrietta Press Davis, daughter of Henry and Eliza B. Press, c1898. Henrietta was born in Mar. 1860 in Michigan. They had at least three children: Edna, born Apr., 1891 in Washington, Gilbert Thomas, born Nov., 1898 in Washington, and Homer Russell, born Jul. 20, 1900 in Oregon, died Oct. 23, 1959. The family appeared in the Clackamas Co., OR census from 1900 to 1920. Henderson's death is recorded in the Oregon Death Index (1903-1998), certificate no. 781.

Thomas Cimean [sic], born Oct. 22, 1861, died Oct. 2, 1924 in Polk Co., MO. He married Sarah Alice Combs on Apr. 2, 1881 in Polk Co. Sarah was born Apr. 16, 1865 and died Mar. 22, 1891 in Polk Co. a few days after giving birth to their third child. Their known children were: Alta Lou, born Jan. 1, 1885, William Leonard, born Aug. 28, 1888, and Ernest H., born Mar. 16, 1891. Some genealogies report Thomas married again within a few days to Mahalia Luvenia Crain. She was born Dec. 22, 1870 and died Jan. 30, 1947 in Polk Co. Their children were Girtha Coffey, a son, born Sep. 19, 1892, and Stella L., born Feb. 1895.  Thomas and Mahalia are buried at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Aldrich, Polk Co., MO

Update:  Sarah Alice Combs Coffey apparently died shortly after giving birth to her fourth child, Ernest H., born Mar. 16, 1891 in Polk Co., MO, died Feb. 5, 1978 in Bolivar, Polk Co.  Ernest married Gertrude Lawson, born Jun. 16, 1890 in Bolivar and died there on Mar. 14, 1977

Mary Jane, born c1864 in Polk Co.  She was with the family in 1870 and 1880 and then likely married.  I have not yet located a marriage record.

Amanda Evelin "Manda" born Sep. 23, 1865 in Polk Co., died there on May 6, 1946.  She married John Wesley Scroggins, born Oct. 18, 1863, in Polk Co., died there on Apr. 15, 1935.  Both are buried at the Enon Cemetery in Wishart, Polk Co.

I know little about the next four children:  Alfred, born c1868; Ora, born Jan., 1870 and William Ira, born Dec. 15, 1870, died Nov. 15, 1871 and, Austin, born c1871.

 Lloyd Lawson, born Oct. 28, 1874, died Nov. 14, 1946. He married Ellen Wiley, born Dec. 16, 1874, died Feb. 9, 1964. Lloyd registered for the WW1 draft on Sep. 16, 1918 in Polk Co. He gave his age as "about 46" and did not know his birth date. He was a farmer in Wishart, Polk Co., MO. His death is recorded on Missouri death certificate no. 41645.  Both are buried at Enon Cemetery

Again, I know little about the last three children:  James O., born c1875, died Aug., 1875; Fannie, no information; and Allie, born Sep. 30, 1885.

In 1900 Martha reported to the census taker that she was the mother of 12 children, but only 6 were still living.

Additions and/or corrections welcomed.

Anderson T. Coffey

Anderson T. Coffey was a son of John Davidson and Mary A. Mayfield Coffey. He was born in July, 1863 in Indiana and married Margaret (Maggie) Brown in Carroll Co., IN on Jul. 28, 1886. Maggie was born in Michigan in Dec., 1867.

I know of only one child, a daughter named Mayfield M. Coffey, born Sep. 1887 in Indiana.

Anderson was a railroad agent by profession. He is listed in the Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., IN city directory as an agent for the American Express Co. for years 1887 and 1888. In 1900 the family was in Council Grove, Morris Co., KS where Anderson was enumerated as a railroad station agent. Probably having just arrived in that town, they were boarders in the household of the Lewis Mead family. Mead was the local banker.

In both the 1905 and 1915 Kansas state census the family still resided in Council Grove. They seem to disappear after 1915. I have been unable to find them in any subsequent census. Neither have I been able to find a marriage record for Mayfield. The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) contains an entry for a May Coffey, born in Sep. 1886 and died in Kansas in Aug., 1965. It remains to be proven whether or not she was the daughter of Anderson and Maggie.



Please contact me if you have any additional information about this family.

John Henry and Josie Ella Nora Coffey Sherfey

John Henry Sherfey was born Jan. 30, 1890 in Hawkins Co., TN, a son of James David and Maria Elizabeth Weaver Sherfey. He married Josie Ella Nora Coffey on Jul. 6, 1916 in Three Springs, Washington Co., VA. Josie was born Mar. 11, 1900 in the Globe community of Caldwell Co., NC and died Apr. 24, 1983 in Bristol, Sullivan Co., TN. John died Jul. 10, 1971, also in Bristol.


Josie was the next to youngest child born to Henry Kelly and Sarah Jane Gragg Coffey.

John first married Mary Beechbord [sic] c1909 in Virginia. I'm not certain what ultimately became of Mary, but suspect that she died shortly after the birth of her second child, Stella, born c1911. Her first child was Carson C. Sherfey, born cFeb. 1910. These two children were in the household with John and Josie in the Washington Co., VA census of 1920.

Josie gave birth to at least 16 children between the years 1917 and 1941!

They were:

John Clifton, born Jan. 8, 1917, died Jan. 14, 1917
Earl Bascum (Hammer), born Mar. 11, 1918, died Sep. 13, 1987
Charles Ester (Possum), born c1920
Bertie Estelle, born May 28, 1921
(Rev.) John Claymon (Pinkey), born Apr. 6, 1923
Ella Loraine, born May 20, 1925, died Apr. 17, 1926
James Ellis (Beck), born Jan. 20, 1927
Henry Arthur (Hen), born May 24, 1928, died Nov. 9, 2003
Howard Dwight, borm Mar. 11, 1930
(Rev.) Charles Junion (Pretty Boy), born Jul. 26, 1931
Elsie Margarette (Slim), born Mar. 20, 1933
Ray Richard (Buckles), born Apr. 17, 1935
Rena Sue, born Aug. 24, 1936
Vernon Louis, born Oct. 23, 1938, died Nov. 2, 1938
Verna Louise, born Oct. 23, 1938, died Nov. 3, 1938
Willie Jo (Tootsie), born May 6, 1941

Please send additions and/or corrections to me at this e-mail address:


1910 Washington Co., Goodson Dist.ED127, Sheet 8A, dwelling 111, family 115, Sherfey, Henry, head, male, white, age 20, married once for one year, born VA, parents born US, farmer; Mary, wife, female, white, age 24, married once for one year, mother of 1, 1 living, born VA, parents born VA; Carson C., son, male, white, age 2 mos., born VA, parents born VA

1920 Washington Co., Goodson Dist., ED150, Sheet 4A, Rudy Creek Road, farm 68, family 70, Sherfey, Henry, head, rents, male, white, age 30, married, born TN, father born TN, mother born VA; Josie, wife, female, white, age 30, married, born NC, parents born NC; Carcon C., son, male, white, age 10, single, born VA, father born TN, mother born NC; Stella J., dau., female, white, age 9, single, born VA, father born TN, mother born NC; Earl B., son, male, white, age 2 yrs, 2 mos., born VA, father born TN, mother born NC; Charles E., son, male, white, age 1/24 [sic]

Photos courtesy of Mary Ann Sherfey Westerman

James Blaine & Dartha Jane Coffey Phillips

Dartha Jane Coffey was the eighth child and third of four daughters born to Henry Kelly (Caleb) and Sarah Jane Gragg Coffey. She was born Jan. 29, 1898 in Mulberry, Caldwell Co., NC, and died in Boone, Watauga Co., NC on May 21, 1931. She married James Blaine Phillips on Jun. 15, 1912 in Watauga Co. James was born Mar. 16, 1893 in Wilkes Co., and died May 21, 1954 in Caldwell Co. He was a brother to Zora Phillips, wife of Ellis Empsey Coffey, brother to Dartha.

There were 10 children born to the union of James and Dartha:

Vercie Rosetta, no information

Vesta Ivalee, born Apr. 22, 1916, died May 5, 2006. Vesta married Walter Ranzy Woodring on Jun. 10, 1934 in Watauga Co. Walter was born Mar. 7, 1892 in Watauga Co., and died there on Nov. 3, 1995. They had at least seven children: Edna Louise, two unnamed daughters, Henry Clay, Geneva Belle, Betty Jewel and Kathy Lea. Walter was the son of Henry B. and Martha Angeline Miller Woodring.

Gladys Viola, born Oct. 22, 1919, married Thomas Lee Ellis, born Nov. 25, 1918. There was at least one child, Billy Lee Ellis, born Jul. 16, 1941. Thomas was the son of Jesse and Carrie Mott Ellis.

Ellis, no information

James Glen, born Apr. 8, 1921, died Dec. 5, 1988

Charles Arthur, born Apr. 30, 1923

Mary Elizabeth, born May 23, 1925

William Blaine (Judd), born Apr. 17, 1927, died Dec. 31, 1995. He married Bertha Loretta Coffey on Jan. 1, 1949 in Watauga Co. She was the daughter of William Glenn and Nannie B. Coffey Coffey. William was a son of Jesse Calton and Julia E. Hollifield Coffey while Nannie was a daughter of Jesse Cleveland and Eliza Loudermilt Coffey. William and Bertha had at least three children: Virginia Loretta, born Oct. 8, 1949; Nona Marie, born Sep. 12, 1950, and Dorothy Annie, born Jan. 5, 1953.

Alma Jean, no information

Stella Rhea, no information

Henry Kelly Coffey was married twice more after the death of Sarah Jane. His second wife was Emma Stanberry who he married in Caldwell County in 1906. There was at least one son born to this marriage: Aaron Roosevelt, born Oct. 25, 1907, died Aug. 29, 1951. Aaron married Nellie Bell Critcher c1928 and fathered at least five children: Nellie Louise, born Mar. 22, 1929, James Gray, born Nov. 1, 1931, Ethel Mae, born Mar. 19, 1933, Emilie Lee, born Sep. 29, 1937, and Barbara Lennis, born Dec. 20, 1941.

Henry's third wife was Roberta Ellen Edmisten with whom he had at least one child, Kyda (Kitie), born Feb. 14, 1911, died Aug. 1, 1978. Following Henry's 1911 death Roberta married William Leander Robbins, a son of James and Elizabeth Coffey Robbins. William had previously married Hannah Elizabeth (Lizzie) McGuire on Mar. 8, 1896 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co. Elizabeth Coffey's parents were William, Jr. and Margaret Robbins Coffey.

Links to previous blogs on the Henry Kelly Coffey family:

http://coffeycousins.blogspot.com/2006/06/henry-kelly-caleb-and-sarah-jane-gragg.html

http://coffeycousins.blogspot.com/2006/06/henry-kelly-caleb-coffey-addendum.html

http://coffeycousins.blogspot.com/2006/02/beeler-ester-and-sallie-elizabeth.html

Cleveland Coffey (c1810 - Apr. 1862)

Updated and corrected Jul. 18, 2007
2nd Update Oct. 20, 2011


Cleveland was a son of Jesse and Margaret Edmiston Coffey. He married three times: 1) Susan Hayes with whom he father at least three children:

Andrew Jackson, born Dec. 1, 1833, died Dec. 3, 1903, married Rachel Imes

William Wesley, born c1834, died Jul. 11, 1864, married Gelina Shouse (see previous blog on John Cleveland Coffey)

Susan Elizabeth, born Mar. 31, 1839, died Sep. 1, 1925, married 1) James C. Webb, c1858 in Caldwell Co., NC.; 2) Aaron McGinnis

Cleveland's second wife was Malinda Coffey, a daughter of George and Margaret Rucker Coffey. Malinda was born c1823 in Tennessee. They were married Nov. 11, 1839 in Grainger Co. There were at least six children born to Cleveland in this union:

George Holland, born Jul. 1841, married Samantha Ann Ridgeway. Children were Marvin, Henry William, Clara Bell, Cora Duffie, Willadene, and Thomas Hardy.

Margaret Elvira, born c1842

Nancy Mahala, born c1844

Frances L., birth unknown, married Cicero McAmy Prestwood, parents of John Cleveland Prestwood, born Oct. 14, 1851.

Daniel P.M., born c1849

Perry L., born c1853, died Jun. 8, 1885, married Sally Sanders and was father of Nancy Ann, born Nov. 1876, Viola Virginia, born Sep. 1879, Noah Monroe, born Mar., 1883, and Georgia Alexandria, born Dec. 1885.

Cleveland's third trip to the altar was with Mary Ann Miles on Jan. 8, 1854. They had three children: Sarah A., born c1857, married Tilmond Gurley on Sep. 28, 1879 in Watauga Co., NC; Napoleon Austin, born Mar. 1858 in NC, married Oct. 14, 1895 in Caldwell Co., NC to Mary Ellen Adams. Mary was born in Aug., 1878 in NC. Their children were: Cleveland Napoleon, born c1883; Elmo, born c1883; Lillie A., born May. 1886; Rosa B., born Oct. 1888; Perry Elmore, born mar. 25, 1892; William McKinley, born Feb. 1898; Dollie, born c1903; and Lona, born Jun. 25, 1910.

Their third child was Jesse Cleveland "Red Eye" Coffey who married Lucinda Louise Coffey, a daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey. Jesse and Lou had seven children: Mary Elizabeth, born 1877, died 1956, married Haywood Hatley and, had 11 children; Sarah, born 1879, died 1957, married first to James W. Gragg, had 10 children, married second to John Robert Joshua Gragg; William Calton (Will), born Jan. 1880, died 1957, married Bessie Mae Townsend and had 11 children; Jesse Cleveland born 1888, married 1910 to Eliza Loudermilt and had 6 children, died 1923; Thomas Newton "Black Tom", born May 1890, died 1940, married Ella Mae Loudermilt and had 11 children; James Perry*, born c1891, died 1971, married Bertha Noblett, and had 6 children;  and Rosa Bell (Rosie), born Sep 1893, married Joseph Townsend and had three children.

Question for researchers: Was Cleveland's third wife Mary Ann Miles or Mary Ann Mills? I have seen both surnames applied to her, but never a source.

---

*James Perry's headstone reports a birth date of Dec.25, 1878. Lloyd Coffey of Taylorsville, NC wrote "James Perry Coffey and Bertha Noblett Coffey's gravestone is located at Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Lenoir, Caldwell County, North Carolina. Note the date of birth for James on the stone. One of his greatest exaggerations was his age. He always claimed to be much older than he really was. My mom always said that if you believed Windy Jim when he told you his age, he would soon have you believing that he was older than his father. Mom knew him quite well from having grown up as his neighbor. His children were some of her best friends throughout her life."

William Franklin Coffey

The subject of this rather blurry photograph is William Franklin Coffey. It was enlarged from a smaller print and I was unable to remove sufficient shadow to reveal more than the lower half of his face.

William was born Mar. 14, 1882 (probably in TN) to John Cleveland (Boney John) and Margaret Jane Wolfe. He died Aug. 28, 1950 in Grainger Co. William married Nancy Leoda White, born to Thomas Jefferson and Susan Isabell Dalton White on Mar. 20, 1893, on Sep. 6, 1912 in Grainger Co. Nancy died in Grainger Co. on Jan. 12, 1977

"Boney John" was a son of William Wesley and Gelina E. Shouse Coffey. John was born Nov. 4, 1859 in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., and died there on Jun. 2, 1936. Margaret Jane was born Jul. 29, 1863 in Hancock Co. to William and Maleta Hipsher Wolfe. She died Sep. 8, 1935 in Thorn Hill. They were married on Jan. 7, 1880, probably in Grainger Co.

William was the eldest of 12 children born to "Boney John" and Margaret. Children born to him and Nancy were:

Velva, born c1914, married Cornelius E. Dalton on Sep. 4, 1930. Cornelius was born Dec. 3, 1893 in Grainger Co., and died there on Mar. 22, 1964. Dates for Velva are unknown. They were parents of 10 children: Edna, Bernice, Kermit, Ray Von, Coy L., Mary Ruth, Jeanette, Gary Wayne, Elora, and Leoda. Leoda, born Jan. 7, 1953, married John Wayne Shortridge.

John Thomas, born Mar. 19, 1915 in (probably) Grainger Co., died Aug. 29, 1990. He married 1) Ethel Raines, 2) Mageline Gamble.

Ida Belle, born 1917 in (probably) Grainger Co., and died Sep. 23, 1995. She married Chester Atkins and was the mother of 11 children: Evelyn Jean, Joyce Ann, Buddy, Billy, Hugh Gardner, John Henry, William Frank, Joe Steve, Virginia Sue, Sarah Ruth, and Carylon.

Charles Jeff (Charlie), born c1919 in Tennessee, married Lena Artimus King on Nov. 28, 1938 in Tazewell, Claiborne Co., TN. They were parents of six: Betty Louise, Janie Lynn, Charles Douglas, Judy Saundra, Arnold Joe, and Karl Dennis.

Linda M., born Nov. 12, 1921, died Oct. 9, 1927.

Jessie Willard (Jess), born c1925, died Apr. 4, 1993. Jess married Margie Harville.


Please contact me at the e-mail address below with additions and/or corrections.


Thanks to Jean England of Talbot, TN for much of this family information.

The Coffey / Chenault Connection

Fred Coffey, in collaboration with Rev. John Chenault of Frankfort, KY has made several discoveries that provide clues to probable descendants of Annister Coffey, daughter of Edward Coffey and Ann Powell.

Click on the title link to view Fred's discussion.

Walter Douglas Coffee, Jr.

I rarely blog about my own line because there are so few descendants available with an interest in our ancestors. However, from time to time I go back to my line to see if I can fill in any blanks.

Walter Douglas Coffee, Jr. was a grandson of Lilburn Warren Coffee, a brother to my gg-grandfather, James M. Coffee. Walter's father, Walter, Sr. was born Jul. 25, 1882 in Hays Co., TX and died in California on Oct. 29, 1947 from injuries received in an automobile accident. He had married Sarah Ruth Moore on Sep. 9, 1926 in Big Spring, Howard Co., TX and, from that union was born Robert Lee on Mar. 5, 1926, died before 1930. Their second and last child was Walter, Jr., born Jul. 18, 1927, died Sep. 11, 1985. Ironically, Jr. also died from injuries received in a vehicular accident in California.

As I recall, Walter, Jr. was a truck driver for SafeWay. On the morning of Sep. 11, he was driving north on California highway 101 in Mendocino Co., apparently enroute to deliver stock. At mile marker 43.57 he was involved in some sort of accident that took his life. His death certificate reads that death was caused by "acute congestive heart failure caused by respiratory inadequacy as a result of inhalation of superheated air." His body was moved to Hayward in Alameda Co., CA and later interred at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward.

Other information found in his death certificate indicates that he was married and his wife's name was Hattie Rose. For a long time I considered Rose to be her middle name and searched without success for a marriage record, or other document, that would provide her maiden name.

Just recently however, I discovered four California birth records for children born to a Coffee; their mother's maiden name was Rose. This information has given me new impetus to find some rather long lost Coffee cousins who many still live in California.

They were all born in Alameda Co., and their names and dates of birth are:

Marilyn Kay Coffee, born Oct. 11, 1951
Douglas Eugene Coffee, born Dec. 4, 1953
Barry Wayne Coffee, born May 25, 1955
Cindy L. Coffee, born Jan. 12, 1958.

Please contact me at the e-mail address below if you have any information.

Nebuzaradon Coffey (1789-1867)

Nebuzaradon was a younger brother to Nathan, subject of the previous blog, and was born Aug. 29, 1789 in Wilkes Co., NC. He married Elizabeth Easley, daughter of William and Sarah Ann Lester Easley, on Sep, 13, 1810 in Wayne Co., KY. They appeared as a family in the 1850 and 1860 Marion Co., OR census. Elizabeth was found in the 1870 Marion Co. census as a widow. Neb died Jan. 20, 1867 and Elizabeth on Jan. 21, 1880. Both are buried in the Aumsville Cemetery, Marion Co., OR.

Their children were:

Cassandra, born Aug. 23, 1811, died Jan. 18, 1885

Martha, born Jul. 7, 1813, died May 17, 1903

Thomas C., born Oct. 27, 1815, died Jul. 1, 1859

Mary, born Jan. 27, 1818, died 1870

Sarah, born May 1, 1820, died Nov. 20, 1848

Catherine Jane, born Nov. 12, 1822, died Feb. 13, 1850

Sidney J., born Apr. 19, 1825

German J., born Nov. 17, 1827, died 1874

Elizabeth, born Mar. 8, 1830, died Nov. 1, 1863

Denton D., born May, 28, 1832, died c1851

Louisa, born Mar. 22, 1834

A family group sheet and some photographs of cemetery headstones can be found here at the Coffey Cousins website.

Additions and/or corrections can be sent to me at the e-mail address below.

Nathan Coffey (1788 KY - 1834 IL)

Nathan or, perhaps, Nathaniel Coffey was a son of Joel and Martha Stepp [var] Coffey. He was born Jan. 10, 1788 in Kentucky, and married Sarah (Sally) Meredith on Nov. 11, 1806 in Adair Co., KY. Sarah was the daughter of David and Hannah Cook Meredith.

Twelve of their 13 children were born in KY, the last there in Feb., 1829. Their last was born in IL in Jan., 1831. These dates indicate that the family left Adair Co. in about 1830 for IL, and arrived there before Jan., 1831. Nathan died in Pike Co., IL on Sep. 19, 1834. Sarah died there on Dec. 26, 1853.

Their children were:

Martha Bagby, born Jan. 8, 1808, and married Charles M. Benbook in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Mar. 18, 1826.

Woodson Rickets, born Oct. 1, 1809.

Elizabeth Graham, born Apr. 27, 1811.

Meredith Washington, born Mar. 3, 1813, married Eliza Hutchinson on Jul. 24, 1836 in Pike Co., IL. They appeared in the 1840 census in Pike Co.

Joel Woodson, born Mar. 5, 1815.

Daniel Franklin, born Apr. 18, 1817, died Sep. 22, 1867. He married Elizabeth Conner, born c1820 in KY, on Aug. 6,1842 in Pike Co., IL. Daniel died Sep. 22, 1867 in Griggsville, Pike Co., IL. Their children were: Sarah E., born c1843; Nathan F., born c1845; J. Hardin, born c1847; Tabitha (Delitha?) M., born c1849; Daniel Franklin, Jr., born c1851, married Nancy M. [LNU] c1876 in IL. their children were Russell J., born c1877 and Burton B., born Feb. 1880. Burton B., born c1853; Thomas M., born Apr. 2, 1855, married Lillian May Hathaway on Jul, 5, 1883 in Pike Co., IL; Lillian was born c1862 in Griggsville, Pike Co.; Mary J., born c1857; Grace L., born c1861, died May 19, 1914 in Kaw, Jackson Co., MO. The family appears in the 1850 and 1860 in Griggsville, Pike Co. census.

Hannah Jane, born Mar. 19, 1819, married William Wells Apr. 12, 1835 in Pike Co. William was born c1815 in KY and apparently died before 1860. He was not present for the census that year. However, two of the children born to Hannah Jane were born after 1860, making it possible that William was away at war, returned before 1863 and died before the 1870 census. Their children were Haster M., born c1837; William, born c1843; John, born c1845; Hardin, born c1849; Jane, born c1851; Frances, born c1854; George, born c1863, and Nelly, born c1865. William is with the family in the 1850 Griggsville, Pike Co. census, but was absent in 1860 and 1870.

Kizia Catherine, born Jan. 9, 1821, married Archibald Campbell Mar. 9, 1840 in Pike Co. Archibald was born c1817 in KY. Their known children were as son, J. W., born c1843 and E. E., a daughter, born c1846. She and Archibald were in the 1850 Pike Co. census.

Thomas Chelton, born Dec. 18, 1822, married Rebecca J. Daigh, Jun. 11, 1848 in Pike Co. Rebecca was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Daigh. Thomas later married Helen L. Brower. They were in the 1850 Pike Co. census in the household with Rebecca's parents.

Eliza Emeline, born Mar. 10, 1825 in Simpson Co., KY, died Dec. 9, 1901 in Pike Co., IL. She married John Porter Nov. 28, 1850 in Pike Co. He died May 27, 1895 in Pike Co., and Eliza died there on Dec. 9, 1901. Their known children were: Emma, born Jan. 8, 1852; Sarah, born Oct. 6, 1856; Jane, born c1858; and John D., born Sep. 23, 1860. They appeared in the 1860 through 1880 Newburg Twp., Pike Co., IL census.

James Cleveland, born May 31, 1827.

Sarah Ann, born Feb. 4, 1829, married Charles Tomlinson Nov. 14, 1863 in Pike Co. Charles was born c1831 in New Jersey. They appeared in the 1870 Macon Co., MO census and in 1880 in Warrensburg, Johnson Co., MO. They had no known children.

Corrections and/or additions can be sent to me at the e-mail address below.

Marion Oliver & Lydia Ruth Edmisten Coffey

Marion Oliver was the twelth of thirteen children born to Thomas Carlton and Martha Ellen Cook Coffey.

Thomas was a son of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey, and was born Jan. 1, 1853 in North Carolina. He died in Watauga Co. on Dec. 17, 1915. Martha was the daughter of Thomas D. and Mary Elrod Cook, and was born Jul. 3, 1858 in Watauga Co. She died there on Mar. 25, 1939.

Marion Oliver was born Dec. 15, 1896 in North Carolina and died in Boone, Watauga Co. on Nov. 29, 1995.

His obituary:

Marion Oliver Coffey, 98, of Route 4, Boone, died Wednesday, Nov. 29, 1995, at Glenstone Health Care Center.

He was born Dec. 15, 1896, in Watauga County to the late Thomas and Ellen Cook Coffey. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Lyda Edmisten Coffey; four children; one granddaughter, Martha Fox; and a great-grandson, Matthew Higgins.

Coffey was a retired farmer and a member of Laurel Fork Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Bill Coffey of Quaker Hill, Conn.; three daughters, Mrs. E. B. (Eula Mae) Fox and Mrs. David (Nancy) Haas of Boone and Mrs. Stanley (Geneva) Hall of Hudson; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral is Saturday at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Dean Coffey and Dr. Lamar King officiating. Burial will be in the Edmisten Cemetery.

The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 9 at the funeral home in Boone.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Project on Aging or to Meals on Wheels, 783 West King St., Boone, N.C 28607

He married Lydia Ruth Edmisten on Dec. 30, 1917 in Watauga Co. and raised their family there. They appear in the census record for that county for 1920 and 1930. Both are buried in the Edmisten Cemetery at Perkinsville, Watauga Co.

They were the parents of at least eight children:

One child, a son, was born Jun. 16, 1919 and was apparently still born.

William Ray, born May 27, 1920, died Nov. 10, 1996. William married Amanda Hortense Wood, a daughter of Walter Raleigh Wood. She was born in Ashe Co. in 1920. It is believed that Amanda is still living somewhere in North Carolina.+ Their children were: Wanda, William, Jr., Sharon, Debra and Sheila.

His obituary:

William Ray "Bill" Coffey Sr., 76, of Quaker Hill, Conn., formerly of Watauga County, died Sunday, Nov. 10, 1996, at the residence.

He was born May 27, 1920, in Blowing Rock to the late Marion Oliver and Lyda Ruth Edmisten Coffey.

Mr. Coffey was a retired employee of Electric Boat as a sheet metal trade worker. He was a member of the Electric Boat Athletic Club Baseball League.

Survivors include his wife, Hortense Amanda Wood Coffey of the home; one son, William Ray Coffey Jr., of Ledyard, Conn.; four daughters, Mrs. Frank (Wanda) Reid of Hudson, Mrs. Don (Sharon) Beck of Waterford, Conn., Mrs. Joe (Debra) Paskwich of New London, Conn. and Mrs. Bill (Sheila) Muscella of Lebanon, Conn.; three sisters, Mrs. E. B. (Eula Mae) Fox and Mrs. David (Nancy) Haas, both of Boone, and Mrs. Stanley (Geneva) Hall of Hudson; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

The funeral is Friday at 11 a.m. at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel in Boone with the Rev. Joe Paskwich officiating. Burial will be in the Coffey Family Cemetery, George Hayes Road, Boone.

The family will receive friends Friday from 10 until 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

+According to Bill Muscella, Amanda's son-in-law, she has lived in Quaker Hill, CT for some time. This update from an e-mail to me dated 8/13/2016.


John Robert, born Aug. 12, 1922

Marion Audra, born Oct. 6, 1924

Sadie Ruth, born Mar. 4, 1926

Eula May, born May 4, 1929. She married Everett Burton Fox, Jr., son of Everett and Texie Creola Adams. Everett, Jr. was born Mar. 15, 1927 in Watauga Co., and died there on Jun. 18, 2003. Their children were: Martha, Everette III, Charles and George. Eula May is thought to still be living somewhere in North Carolina.

Geneva Fay, born Sep. 17, 1931 in Watauga Co, married Stanley Hall on Mar. 21, 1953 in Watauga co. I do not have any additional family information.

Nancy Ellen, born May 16, 1934, married David Perry Haas. They had at least two children: David Bryan and Timothy Oliver.

Additions/Corrections can be submitted using the e-mail address below.

Benjamin Franklin Coffey (KY 1851 - KY 1918)

Benjamin Franklin Coffey, Jr. was the son of Ben, Sr. and Martha Lorilla Dobbs. Ben, Sr. was born Feb. 10, 1851 in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY and died in McCreary Co., KY on Apr. 6, 1918. Martha was born Mar. 18, 1850 in Wayne Co., and died in McCreary Co. on Mar. 5, 1938. Ben, Sr. was a son of Nelson and Keziah Watters Coffey.

1. Benjamin Franklin COFFEY was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Feb 10, 1851. He died on Apr 6, 1918 in McCreary Co., KY.

Benjamin Franklin COFFEY and Martha Lorilla DOBBS were married on Dec 5, 1872 in Whitley Co., KY. They appeared in the census on Jun 22, 1880 in Wayne Co., KY.1 Martha Lorilla DOBBS was born in Wayne Co., KY on Mar 18, 1850. She appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY as a widow.2 Martha died on Mar 5, 1938 in McCreary Co., KY. Benjamin and Martha had the following children:

i. Nelson COFFEY was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY about 1874.
2 ii. Benjamin F. COFFEY Jr., born on Feb 16, 1876, Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY; married Sallie Belle CLARK, on Nov 11, 1902, KY.
3 iii. Tolbert M. COFFEY, born on Feb 5, 1878, Wayne Co., KY; married Sarah LNU, about 1899, Wayne Co., KY.
4 iv. Nettie COFFEY, born on Jun 10, 1881, Kentucky; married George PHILLIPS, on Jan 24, 1906, Kentucky; died on Feb 20, 1973, McCreary Co., KY.
v. Gertie COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1883, and died about 1886 in KY.
5 vi. Henderson COFFEY, born on Mar 29, 1886, Kentucky; married Alice CLARK; died on Jan 5, 1909, KY.
6 vii. America COFFEY, born on Mar 11, 1890, Wayne Co., KY; married Litten KEITH; died on Nov 29, 1993, KY.
7 viii. Maggie COFFEY, born in 1893, Kentucky; married James KEITH.
8 ix. James Perkins COFFEY, born on Aug 24, 1896, Kentucky; married Clara CORRELL, on Jan 16, 1924, Kentucky; died on Feb 14, 1929, KY.


Second Generation

2. Benjamin F. COFFEY Jr. (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Feb 16, 1876.

Benjamin F. COFFEY Jr. and Sallie Belle CLARK were married on Nov 11, 1902 in Kentucky. They appeared in the census on Jan 17, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY,3 and the census on Apr 3, 1930 in McCreary Co., KY.4 Sallie Belle CLARK was born in Kentucky on May 3, 1884, and died on Nov 20, 1966 in McCreary Co., KY. Benjamin Jr. and Sallie had the following children:

i. Martha COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1905.
ii. Benjamin Franklin COFFEY Jr. was born in Kentucky about 1907.
9 iii. Rebecca F. COFFEY, born on Sep 12, 1908, Wayne Co., KY; married John H. COFFEY, on Nov 15, 1928, McCreary Co., KY; died on Aug 9, 2000, McCreary Co., KY. John was the son of William and Laura Belle Jones Coffey.
iv. Tony M. COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1911.
v. Leroy COFFEY was born in North Carolina about 1913.
vi. Henry O. (A.?) COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1914.
vii. James H. COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1917.
viii. Dovie COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1920.
ix. Delphia COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1926.
x. Vianie COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1927.
xi. Grover COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1928.

3. Tolbert M. COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Feb 5, 1878.

Tolbert M. COFFEY and Sarah LNU were married about 1899 in Wayne Co., KY. They appeared in the census on Jun 14, 1900 in Wayne Co., KY.5 Sarah LNU was born in Kentucky in Jan 1883. Tolbert M. COFFEY and Sarah LNU had the following children:

i. Martha COFFEY was born in Wayne Co., KY in Oct 1899.

4. Nettie COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky on Jun 10, 1881. She died on Feb 20, 1973 in McCreary Co., KY.

Nettie COFFEY and George PHILLIPS were married on Jan 24, 1906 in Kentucky. They appeared in the census on May 2, 1910 in Wayne Co., KY,6 and in the census on Mar 10, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY.7 George PHILLIPS was born in Wayne Co., KY about 1884, and died on Jul 25, 1974 in McCreary Co., KY. Nettie COFFEY and George PHILLIPS had the following children:

i. Flonnie PHILLIPS was born in Kentucky on Oct 22, 1906.
ii. Mattie PHILLIPS was born in Whitley Co., KY on Aug 13, 1908.
iii. Otto PHILLIPS was born in Whitley Co., KY on Jul 3, 1910.

5. Henderson COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky on Mar 29, 1886, and died on Jan 5, 1909 in Kentucky.

Henderson COFFEY and Alice CLARK were married. Alice CLARK [Still being researched]


6. America COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Mar 11, 1890, and died on Nov 29, 1993 in Kentucky.

America COFFEY and Litten KEITH were married. They appeared in the census on Jan 16, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY.8 Litten KEITH was born in Kentucky about 1891.


7. Maggie COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky in 1893.

Maggie COFFEY and James KEITH were married. They appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY in the household with Maggie's widowed mother. James KEITH was born in Kentucky about 1887.


8. James Perkins COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky on Aug 24, 1896. He appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in Slavans, McCreary Co., KY as a single man in the household with his widowed mother. He died on Feb 14, 1929 in Kentucky.

James Perkins COFFEY and Clara CORRELL were married on Jan 16, 1924 in Kentucky. Clara CORRELL was born in Kentucky in 1905, and died on Sep 25, 1995.




Third Generation

9. Rebecca F. COFFEY (Benjamin F.-2, Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Sep 12, 1908, and died on Aug 9, 2000 in McCreary Co., KY.

Rebecca F. COFFEY and John H. COFFEY were married on Nov 15, 1928 in McCreary Co., KY. John H. COFFEY (son of William COFFEY and Laura Belle JONES) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Mar 29, 1910. He died on Oct 1, 2002 in McCreary Co., KY.

Sources

1. United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1880 Wayne Co., Dist. 5, ED110, Page 24, dwelling/family 212, Coffey, Benjamin F., white male, age 29, married, farmer, born KY, father born NC, mother born KY; Martha Z., white female, age 30, wife, married, keeping house, born KY, father born KY, mother born NC; Nelson, white male, age 6, son, single, born KY, parents born KY; Benjamin F., white male, age 4, son, single, born KY, parents born KY; Bonapart, white male, age 2, son, single, born KY, parents born KY.
2. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., Slavans, Dist 179, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 29, Coffey, Martha, head, female, white, age 69, widow, born KY, parents born KY; James, son, male, white, age 23, single, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Keith, James, son-in-law, male, white, age 33, married, born KY, parents born KY, farm laborer; Keith, Maggie, dau., female, white, age 26, married, born KY, parents born KY.
3. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., Slavans Twp., ED179, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 30, Coffey, Benjamine F., head, male, white, age 43, married, born KY, parents born KY, coal miner; Sally B.,wife, female, white, age 36, married, born KY, parents born KY; Martha, dau., female, white, age 14, single, born KY; Benjamine F., son, male, white, age 13, single, born KY; Rececca F., dau., female, white, age 11, single, born KY; Tony M., dau., female, white, age 9, born KY; Lee R. [sic], son, male, white, age 7, born KY; Henry A., son, male, white, age 5, born KY;James H., son, male, white, age 3 yrs., 5 mos.
4. Ibid., 1930 McCreary Co., Whitehead Twp., ED6, Sheet 2A, Wolf Creek Road, dwelling/family 19, Coffey, Benjamin F., head, male, white, age 54, married at age 26, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Sallie B., wife, female, white, age 44, married at age 17, born KY, parents born KY; Benjamin F., son, male, white, age 23, single, born KY; Tony M., dau., female, white, age 19, single, born KY; Leroy, son, male, white, age 17, single, born KY; Henry O., son, male, white, age 16, single, born KY; James, son, male, white, age 13, born KY; Docie, dau., female,white, age 10, born KY; Dorothy, dau., female, white, age 7, born KY; Delphia, dau., female, white, age 4 [?], born KY; Vianie, dau., female, white, age 3, born KY; Grover, son, male, white, age [?], born KY.
5. Ibid., 1900 Wayne Co., Pct. 6, ED130, Sheet 9B, dwelling 162, family 163, Coffey, Talbert [sic], head, white male, born Feb. 1878, age 22, married 1 yr., born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Sarah, wife, white female, born Jan. [?], 1883, age 17, married 1 yr., born KY, parents born KY; Marthy, dau., white female, born Oct. 1899, age 7 mos., born KY.
6. Ibid., 1910 Wayne Co., Rock Creek Pct., ED229, Sheet 3B, dwelling 97, family 101, Philips, George, head, male, white, age 25, married once for 4 yrs., born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Nettie, wife, female, white, age 24, married once for 4 yrs., born KY, parents born KY; Flonnie, dau., female, white, age 3, born KY; Mattie, dau., ffemale, white, age 1 yr., 4 mos. [Census is light and difficult to read].
7. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., White Head Pct., ED178, Sheet 1A, Alum Creek Road, dwelling/family 4, Phillips, George, head, male, white, age 36, married born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Nettie, wife, female, white, age 40, married, born KY, parents born KY; Flonna, dau., female, white, age 14, single, born KY; Mattie, dau., female,whtie, age 12, single, born KY; Otto, son, male, white, age 9, single, born KY.
8. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., Slavans, Pct. 16, ED179, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 31, Keith, Litten, head, male, white, age 28, married, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; America, wife, female, white, age 29, married, born KY, parents born KY.

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You Will Never Find The Truth

That is the cryptic title of the work presented at the Melungeons.com website by Donald N. Panther-Yates. His work exhibits scholarly thought relating to the origin of those people in lower Applachia. Although he decries the scholarly description of his work, it appears to me, as one completely uneducated in the origins of the Melungeons, to be quite well thought out and presented.

Click on the above link to visit the home page, or on the title link to read the Panther-Yates work.

Thomas Coffey

The success attained by Thomas Coffey furnishes one instance in thousands testifying to the marvelous oppor- tunities, in this country, for the accumulation of wealth by one who is willing and anxious to work.
Mr. Coffey was born in Ireland, in 1846, to Peter and Mary (Parley) Coffey. In 1859, at the age of thirteen, he ran away from home and engaged as seaman on board a British vessel bound for America. He reached New York after a voyage of over three months, the munificent sum of two cents constituting his entire wealth. He first obtained employment in bridge-building in the City of New York, for which he received seventy-five cents per day. He worked at this employment until he had accumulated enough to take him to Cincinnati, Ohio, where, for a time, he followed the business of a painter. After working in Cincinnati for a year, he went to St. Louis, and engaged in a gas-fitting and plumbing establishment, where he partially learned the trade. At the end of two years he found employment with the St. Louis Gas Light and Coke Company, where he learned the business that he has followed ever since, and in which he has been quite successful.



So begins the short biography on Thomas Coffey, Irish emigrant. Click on the title link to read the remainder. Thomas' bio is well down the page so use your browser's "find" function to locate him.

Visit the home page for this website to find more genealogy related information.