James Bluford Coffey, his ancestors and descendants in America

I often receive requests for information concerning the availability of the much sought after book, James Bluford Coffey, his ancestors and descendants in America by Marvin Dale Coffey. 

Marvin died several years ago but his research lives on in this book, as well as in version 2 of of his well researched family history.  Because it was privately printed and ordered directly from the author, not many copies were available to the thousands of Coffey researchers who wanted one.

Not all is lost, however.  The book is available on microfilm from the Mormon Library in Salt Lake City through your local Family History Library (FHL).  A search of the library catalog will provide more details about the book than I will list here but, these are the call numbers for both versions:

Call Number - Location - Status


929.273 C654cm - FHL FAM HIST Book - Available

929.273 C654cm v. 2 - FHL FAM HIST Book - Available


It has been some time since I've visited a FHL, but I believe that anyone wanting to read the book can simply order the film through their local FHL at minimal cost.  The librarian can provide exact details.

William Coffey - Ireland to Pennsylvania to Wyoming

William Coffey

"A native of Ireland, where his birth occurred in 1849, William Coffey is descended paternally from French ancestry, his mother's people being of English lineage.  William Coffey, his paternal grandfather, was born in France and there married Marcely Plunkett, or Plonquette, also a native of that country.

"Shortly after their marriage this couple removed to the Emerald Isle, where they reared their family and passed the remainder of their lives, both dying a number of years ago in County Westmeath.  Among their children was a son by the name of John, who was born in the above country and there died in 1854.   His wife, also a native of Westmeath, bore the maiden name of Rose Dotten.  She was the daughter of Michael and Bridget (Reed) Dotten of England, both going to Ireland when young and living the rest of their days in that country.

"Mrs. Coffey spent all of her life in County Westmeath, dying there about nine years ago at the age of sixty-three.  William Coffey, of this review, is the son of John and Rose Coffey, mentioned above.  He remained at home until he had attained the age of sixteen, when he left the parental roof and went to England, where during the ensuing five or six years, he worked at coal mining.

"In 1882 he came to the United States, and soon after landing, made his way to the coal regions of Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in mining for a period of five years.  Hearing favorable reports from the mining districts of Wyoming, and being desirous of taking advantage of the opportunities which obtained there, he servered his connection with his Pennsylvania employers in 1887 and came to Sweetwater county, this state, engaging in the mining business near Rock Springs soon after his arrival.

"He continued mining with encouraging success until 1897, when, by reason of injuries which materially affected his eyes, he was compelled to retire from active life and seek easier employment than manual labor.  Meanwhile, in 1892, he was elected on the Democratic ticket as a justice of the peace for Rock Springs and, on retiring from the mines, he devoted his entire attention to the duties of this office, which he has continued to hold by successive reelection to the present time.  He has proved an able and exemplary judicial officer, much importation litigation having been brought to his court and properly adjudicated therein.  His decisions are characterized by a strict adherence to the statutes governing the cases tried before him and few of them have suffered reversal at the hands of higher courts.  He is well versed in the fundamental principles of jurisprudence, has a profound regard for justice, and endeavors always to be guided by equity, as well as by the law, in rendering judgements.

"As a man, Mr. Coffey is genial and courteous in his social relations but very positive in his convictions of right.  He is thoroughly devoted to the interests of his city and county, assists to the extent of his ability all measures having for their object the material, moral and intellectual improvement of the community and stands high in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

"Fraternally, he holds membership with both the Knights of Pythias and Order of Eagles, being an active worker in each organization and at different times he has held in them important official positions.

"Mr. Coffey is a married man, the father of four children, whose names are Christopher, Rosanna, John and William.  Mrs. Coffey, formerly Miss Catherine Langdon, is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Bilbo) Langdon, both parents having their birth in Ireland.  The very felicitous marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coffey was solemnized in 1887."

Source:

---

Progressive Men of the State of Wyoming, By A.W. Bowen & Co, A.W. Bowen & Co

Published by A. W. Bowen & Co., 1903, 965 pages

James Bert Blunt

James Bert Blunt

James Bert Blunt was a son of Hugh R. and Mary Ann Bishop Blunt.  Hugh was my second great grandfather on my paternal side.  James Bert was not only my great-uncle, he was also my first cousin, three times removed.

"Jim" moved from Louisiana to Texas in 1880, then back to Louisiana in 1890.  He finally settled in Rush Springs, Indian Territory.  In his later years, he often said that were he a younger man he would go to Canada, a "land of opportunity."  He is said to have owned a number of very fine farms, but would always sell out and move on.

Alpha Anna Delafield

His first wife was Georgia Ann Slack who he married on Aug. 25, 1872.  Georgia died a year later and on Jan. 20, 1876, he married Alpha Anna Delafield.   He and Anna raised eight children:  Joel Edgar, Mildred Irene, Rosie Relura, James Bert, Jr., Nova Arizona, Pierce, Albert Batron, and Alpha Anna.

Alpha Anna descended from Thomas Delafield, Vicar of Great Milton.  His son Nicholas Delafield was born c1720 in England.  A Texas Historical Marker erected in 1972 near Hallsville in Harrison Co., describes Nicholas as a cooper in the English navy in the 1740's and an artisan who lived in Mecklenburg Co., VA in the 1760s.  According to Bonded Passengers to America*, Nicholas was sentenced to transport to the American Colonies for a period of seven years in the summer of 1752 for "stealing at Stoke Church."

Nicholas' son, William, served as a private in 1779 in the Mecklenburg Co., VA militia commanded by Catp. Reuben Vaught.  William's son, John Glass Delafield was Alpha's grandfather, and John's son, William Jasper was her father by his wife, Cynthia Moore.  Both William and Cynthia died and are buried in Sarepta, Webster Parish, LA.

The story is that when the Delafield family arrived in Louisiana from Tennessee, one or more of their oxen refused to go any further, and wandered back to Tennessee, leaving the family stranded on somewhat poor farm land.

James "Jim" Bert Blunt died on Apr. 19, 1928 in Rush Springs, Grady Co., OK and is buried in the local cemetery:

His obituary:

James B. Blunt was born in Columbia County Arkansas, March 11, 1851. He became a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and lived a devoted Christian life until his death which came April 19, 1928.

He was married to Georgia Ann Slack August 25, 1872 but this union was broken one year later by her death.  He was again married January 20, 1876 to Alpha Anna Delafield.  Born to this union were eight children, four girls and four boys, of whom only one has passed away, Joel Edgar who was buried in 1909.  This wife died April 11 1893 and was put to rest in the Cromwell Cemetery at Cromwell, Texas.

James B. was well known in and around Rush Springs as he had made this his home since 1901.  He had a score of friends and all who knew him loved him for what he was, a good citizen and a worthy gentleman always. He is mourned by his many friends and relatives but God knew best and took him home where he will suffer and sorrow no more. Everything that loving hands could do was done but God wanted that he should be in Heaven with him and sent his angels for him.  Weep not dear kinsmen for he left with the hopes to meet you in a better world above.

He leaves seven children:

Millie Irene Barksdale, James B. Blunt, Jr., Nova Carson, Albert Blunt of Rush Springs, Rosie Lulu Caudill of Cal., Pierce Blunt of Arizona, Anna Buford of Arkansas.

A sister Amanda Braley, of La. A brother Nelson of Arkansas, several grandchildren, and a host of friends.

The funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church at 2:30 o'clock, April 20, 1928 after which his body was placed in its final resting place, in the Rush Springs cemetery, to await the Judgement Day.

The Lord preserves the going out.
The Lord preserves the coming in.
His Angels guard the round about
To keep thy soul from every sin,
And when the going out is done
And when the coming in is o'er
When in the dear and followed place,
Thy feet can come and go no more,
The Lord preserves they going out
From this fair world, from friends and kin,
While angels stand (the rest is unreadable)

Alpha Anne died on Apr. 11, 1893 in Vernon, Wilbarger Co., TX and is buried at Crowell in Foard Co., TX.

*Peter Wilson Coldham, Gen. Pub. Co., Baltimore, 1983, Vol. IX,

Another of America's "Greatest Generation" is gone!

Mr. Bill was the father of my oldest friend, Bill K., Jr.  Junior and I met when we served in the same Army unit in Germany in 1966-67.  We've been friends since that time.  I never had an opportunity to meet Jr.'s mother Lella, who died in 2001.

Bill Jr. and his wife visited with us in Louisiana a few years ago and brought Mr. Bill with them.  We enjoyed the best two weeks with Mr. Bill and his beloved Henry!  A couple of years ago we visited with Mr. Bill for a few days at his home near Keizer, OR.  My wife and I reveled in his sense of humor and graciousness.

As example of his humor, Jr. told me that his father had slipped off of a dining room chair, and lay on the floor for sometime before a neighbor discovered him there.  The neighbor asked if he was ok, and when he responded that he was "fine," the neighbor asked why he had not gotten back into the chair.  Mr. Bill exclaimed that it was "more comfortable on the floor!"

I knew that Mr. Bill was not well several months ago, and through Bill, Jr. kept up with his declining health.  Still, it was with sadness and a feeling of personal loss when Jr. told me that Mr. Bill had died peacefully in his sleep.

The following is his obituary from Oregon's Wilamette Valley newspaper, The Statesman Journal, on-line edition of Nov. 16, 2008:


Col. Bill K. Chapman, U.S. Army, Ret. January 8, 1916 - November 12, 2008 SALEM - Bill K. Chapman, 92, died peacefully at home on November 12. Bill dedicated his life to his family and his country. He proudly served his country in WWII in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he continued to serve his country in the Army and the Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Bill held many prominent positions during his military career, including Base Superintendent in Portland and ranking positions in the State Military Department. After retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling, fishing, golf, and gardening with Lella, until her death in 2001, and spending time with family and friends, and their beloved dog, Henry. He is survived by his sons, Bill Jr. (Teresa) of Keizer and Stephen of Salem; daughter, Judy Chapman of Orange, Calif.; sister, Marylou Palmer of Salem; grandsons, Brian Chapman (Sarah) of Hillsboro and Mark Chapman (Dawn Boras) of Beaverton; serveral nieces and nephews; a special friend, Eva McIntire; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lella; four brothers; and his parents. Private interment will be at City View Cemetery. Contributions in his name may be made to Union Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army. Arrangements are by City View Funeral Home.

Arkansas Gravestone Project

I received this e-mail on Friday from Ira Sharp Dennis ["aka Tootie, a woman with a man's name"] outlining the goals of the Arkansas Gravestone Project:

We are a group of Volunteers who are attempting to photograph every gravestone in every county of the 75 counties of Arkansas. We work as County Coordinators (CC's). Every County has a CC that takes care of the cemeteries in that county. We are still short a few CC's but are beginning to add more as we go. We went on line Dec 2007 and have almost 100,000 photos up. Please will you take a look at our site. We want to thank you for the use of your pictures.

We have a Google Group site where the 45 of us exchange information, stories and good ideas. We are also active in saving old, neglected and lost cemeteries when found. We are all about Arkansas. We are looking for more Volunteers and always need help.

My line is off the Sharp's of Sharp County, Arkansas.

Would love to hear from you! Your e-mail will appear with every picture. Thank you for helping to save part of Arkansas history and for your time. Thank you for sharing your pictures of Arkansas gravestones!.

Ira Sharp Dennis aka Tootie woman with man's name.
~Co-State Coordinator
Arkansas Gravestones Project
www.arkansasgravestones.org

Please check out this well designed website if you have any interest in finding and/or sharing information and gravestone photographs of your Arkansas ancestors.

Click on the title link to access the website.

2009 Coffey Cousins' Reunion News and Updates

2009 Reunion News and Updates

Arrangements for the 2009 Coffey Cousins' Reunion are coming together.  As previously announced, it will be held at Lake Cumberland State Park Convention pavilion in Jamestown, KY from Apr. 30 to May 2, 2009.

Rates for rooms are:  Single or Double:  $80.96 plus 10% tax, per night.  Two bedroom cottages with two full baths will be $143.91 plus 10% tax, per night.   Except for campsites, the cabins appear to be the best value.  Campsites with electricity will run $22 plus 10% tax, per night.

Please make arrangements by calling the park at 1-800-325-1709.  Be sure and inform the clerk that you will be attending the Coffey Cousins' Reunion.  IMPORTANT:  Deadline for registration is April 1, 2009.  After that date all rooms currently blocked out for Coffey Cousins' will be open to others.

For more info on the park, visit the Lake Cumberland website at:

http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/lc/

The activity center has been reserved for us at no charge.  It is a 6000 sq. ft. facility and will be open for our use on Friday and Saturday.  This is also where we will have our banquet and business meeting on Saturday evening.

The banquet will be hot and served at a cost of $16 per person.  The menu has not been confirmed yet, but will PROBABLY consist of roast turkey and dressing or, fried catfish and hushpuppies and, choice of vegetables and a desert.

The Russell County library and courthouse should be open for research.  More information on this county, as well as Rockcastle and Pulaski counties will be available later.

Watch the Coffey Cousins' newsletter for more info.  If you are not a subscriber, visit the Coffey Cousins' website.

This blog will also be updated as more details are confirmed.

American Red Cross: Holiday Mail for Heroes

Last year a lot of us were scammed by some websites which falsely indicated that Holiday Greetings could be sent through them to our fighting men. This year, the American Red Cross is getting a jump on them by sponsoring "Holiday Mail for Heroes."

Readers wishing to send greetings can visit the Red Cross website by clicking on the following link.

American Red Cross: Holiday Mail for Heroes

More Joel Coffey Family Photos

These photos are also courtesy of Theresa Masters.  The first is a wider view of the Coffey family plot at Fern Prairie.  The second is a closer shot of the monument marking the burial site of Alexander Lewis Coffey, a son of Joel and Sarah Mackey Coffey.

Alexander was born Mar. 15, 1831 in Booneville, Cooper Co., MO, and died Aug. 8, 1913 in Vancouver, Clark Co., WA.

Alexander's death certificate:

Please contact me if you have any information on the descendants of Alexander. 

Joel and Sarah Mackey Coffey

I have received some really nice photographs of the headstone for Joel Coffey, son of Chesley, Jr. They were sent to me by Theresa Masters of California:






Theresa tells me that Joel's headstone was broken and in poor condition.  The cemetery commissioner at Fern Prairie, Mr. Will Zalpys, had the good piece preserved and set into another headstone that was placed where the original marker had stood.  I think you'll agree that it is a beautiful stone!

For some, it may be difficult to read the obverse inscription in the photo.  It reads as follows:

Joel Coffey
1789 - 1855

Joel Coffey was born June 15, 1789 in Wilkesboro, TN, the son of Chesley Coffey and Margaret Baldwin.  His wife, Sarah Mackey, died in 1851 in Boonesville, MO.  He took his children; Amanda, Elizabeth Angeline, Alexxander L., Terrel Mackey, and Mary Louisa across the Oregon Trail, arriving in Clark County, WA in 1852.  Coffey received a 160 acre land grant in Fern Prairie.  Shortly before his death, his daughter Elizabeth married into the Van Vleet family.  He was laid to rest in what is now known as Fern Prairie Cemetery.

This cemetery was first the Van Vleet family plot, adjacent to their farm.  Joel was the first recorded burial.

You can read more about Joel and his family by clicking on the title link.  Van Vleet information can be found here.

Contact me at the above e-mail address to add to or to correct any of this information.

We're Moving!

We have sold our home on the lake in eastern Louisiana, and will be moving to south Louisiana shortly after Thanksgiving.

It has been an enjoyable 10 years living in the peaceful quite of this extremely rural area, just a tad north of Saint Joseph, LA.  However, there are few medical facilities and even less in the way of shopping.  It is not uncommon for us to drive 120 to 150 miles, round-trip, to stock up on a couple of weeks of groceries.

All of our children and grandchildren live hundreds of miles away.  With work and weekend duties with their children, it's sometimes months before we see any of them. 

So, we've decided to move a tad closer, and to a more convenient location for us to visit together more often.  We're moving to Sunset, a small town in south Louisiana, north of I-10 and west of I-49.  Doesn't that sound like an appropriate place name for a pair of "senior citizens" to live out the remainder of their lives?

As a result, and because no one has taken me up on my standing offer to guest edit, Coffey Call blogs will be few and far between until after the first of the year.  I do have a few more blogs that I need to publish before we move, and hope to get them out shortly.

Howard Milton & Deatte Elsie Coffey Bolick

Today's issue of the Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC News-Topic contains the obituary for Howard Milton Bolick of Lenoir.  He was born on May 11, 1923 in Caldwell and died there on Nov. 3.

His obituary:

Obituary, The News-Topic, Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC, Nov. 5, 2008

Howard Milton Bolick, 85, of Lenoir, went home to be with his Lord and his loving wife on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

He was born May 11, 1923 in Caldwell County to the late David Anthony and Dovie Bolick. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Deatte Bolick; two brothers; eight sisters; and one grandson.

Mr. Bolick was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church. He was retired from Hammary Furniture Industry.

Survivors include three daughters, Jean Nelson of Lenoir, Gail Bass and husband James of Lenoir, and Phyllis Billings of Lenoir; three sons, Lonnie Ray Byrd of Collettsville, Gerald Keith Bolick and wife Barbara of Lenoir, and Dale Bolick of Avery County; son-in-law, Claude Billings Jr.; two sisters, Emmie Hollars of Blowing Rock, N.C., and Velma Story of Kannapolis, N.C.; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and all of his hunting and fishing buddies and friends; and a brother in heart, Wayne Coffey; and his Hospice friends Gene and Sadie Woods.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at the Meadowbrook Baptist Church with the Rev. John Jackson and the Rev. Steve Butler officiating. Mr. Bolick will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 at the Meadowbrook Baptist Church.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Hampton, Terry Huffman, Bruce Baldacci, James Bass, Corey Bolick and Skip Smith.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Meadowbrook Baptist Church, 914 Meadowland Dr., Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be made at www.bass-smithgranite@charterinternet.com.

Bass-Smith Granite is serving the Howard Milton Bolick family.

Howard had lost his wife, Deatte Elsie Coffey on Aug. 24, 2007 in Caldwell Co.

Her obituary:

Deatte Bolick

Deatte Coffey Bolick, 87, of Peak Place, Lenoir, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, August 24, 2007 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

She was born May 30, 1920 in Caldwell County to the late Samuel M. Coffey and Josephine Dellinger Coffey. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by seven brothers, four sisters and one grandson.

Mrs. Bolick was a member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband Howard M. Bolick of the home; three sons, Lonnie Ray Byrd of Collettsville, Gerald Keith Bolick and wife Barbara of Lenoir, Thomas Dale Bolick and wife Lisa of Avery County; three daughters, Jean Nelson of Lenoir; Gail Bass and husband James of Lenoir, Phyllis Billings and husband Claude Jr., of Lenoir; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, August 27, 2007, 12:00 noon at Meadowbrook Baptist Church with Reverend Steve Butler and Reverend Boyd Coffey Jr., officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 prior to the service at Meadowbrook Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers will be Skip Smith, James Bass, Bruce Baldacci, Roger Hamby, Roger Coffey, and Timothy Bolick. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645 or to MeadowBrook Baptist Church, 914 Meadowland Dr., Lenoir, NC 28645.

Bass-Smith Granite Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

On Nov. 6, 1959 Nelda M. Laurent (pure Cajun) and I were married in Lawton, Comanche Co., OK. At the time, I was a proud member of the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Sill. Through my sister, Nelda and I had met just about three months earlier in our hometown of Baton Rouge, LA..

We had a few dates prior to my enlistment, and continued to write to each other while I underwent Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. We dated several times during my visit back home after Basic, and while at Fort Sill I proposed to her in a letter.

She responded by hopping a Greyhound to see me, just before I was scheduled to go overseas. She agreed to marry me then and there.

As fate would have it, I did not go overseas until late in 1960. After I was settled in Verdun, France, Nelda came to me, but instead of hopping a Greyhound, she hopped an Air France flight to Paris where she informed me that she was pregnant with our first child.

Three years in France and two more in New Mexico found us with two children. After a couple of more stateside assignments we were off to Germany for a couple of years. We left the military in 1968 and a couple of years later we had our third and final child.

This photo and card arrived yesterday from Bill, Jr. and Teresa Chapman, and Bill, Sr. of Keizer, OR. Bill, Jr. is our oldest friend from our Army days. It was taken at Silver Falls State Park, south of Portland, near Aumsville, OR. The park is said to be the largest state park in OR, and we toured it during a visit to the state in 2006.

Day after tomorrow Nelda and I will have been married 49 years. We have three children and seven grandchildren ranging in age from 3 yrs to 22 yrs.

Now you know more about me than you ever wanted to know!

John Carroll Coffey

John Carroll Coffey was a son of William Clayton and Sarah Greene Coffey. He married Nancy Evelyn Hartley on Sep. 18, 1873 in Watauga Co., NC.

John's death certificate reports his death from pneumonia on April 5, 1926 in Globe Twp., Caldwell Co.

Given that, the child in the photo must be incorrectly identified. The child appears to be between one and two years old. According to birth records, Millie was born in 1929. I would think that the child is likely to be Floyd Pinkney, born May, 1924. It could even be Pink and Iler's first child, James, born 1922.

Iler Jane was born Jun., 1888 in NC and died in 1981 in Caldwell Co. Pinkney David, a son of Gideon and Martha Teague Philyaw, was born May 31, 1880 in NC and died in Forsyth Co., NC on Jun. 24, 1945. They were married in 1921.

Other children were:

James Thomas, born May 23, 1922. He married Toye Becler Green, born in 1918 in Caldwell Co.

Floyd Pinkney, born May 17, 1924, died May 7, 1993 in Hudson, Caldwell Co.

His obituary:

Floyd Philyaw

Floyd Pinkney Philyaw, 68, of 670 Hillcrest St., Hudson, died Friday May 7, 1993, at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born May 17, 1924, in Caldwell County to the late Pinkney David Philyaw and Ila Coffey Philyaw.

A member of Hudson Church of God, Philyaw was preceded in death by an infant daughter; two brothers, Herman and James Philyaw, a half-brother, David Philyaw; and a half-sister, Jesse Tickle.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Coleen Philyaw, of the home; six sons, Doug Philyaw of Ocean Springs, Miss., Carroll Philyaw of Lenoir, Burl Philyaw of Canton, N.C., and Malvin Philyaw, Malcolm Philyaw, and Byron Philyaw, all of Granite Falls; five daughters, Mrs. Rover (Doris) Summerlin of Lenoir, Mrs. Scott (Sarah) Lankford of Blowing Rock, Gail Philyaw of Hudson, Karen Philyaw of Lenoir, Ms. Harriet Philyaw of Lenoir; a sister, Millie Bowman of Lenoir; a half-sister, Allie Coffey of Lenoir; 17 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

The funeral is Monday at 11 a.m. at the church with the Revs. Rick Brackett and Stoy Lankford officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service.

Burial will be in Rich Cemetery in the Maple Grove Community.

The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hudson Church of God, 333 Cedar Valley Rd., Hudson, N.C. 28638

Herman Lee, born in 1927, and died in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. on May 7, 1975.

Millie died in 2000. The NC Death Index lists her name as Millie Evelyn Phillyaw Bowman.

Please contact me at the above e-mail address to add to or to correct any of this information.

Photo courtesy Margaret Coffey Farley

The Daughters of Silas & Maggie Philyaw Coffey

 

Left to Right:  Wilma Jessie Coffey Cook; Eva Frances Ingram wife of Silas' son, Floyd Raymond Coffey; Lillie Faye Coffey (top), wife of John J. Keller; Opal Rebecca Coffey, wife of John Banks Myers; and Edith Evelyn Coffey, wife of Ernest Wayne Robbins.  Photo was probably taken between 1930 and 1933.

  

 Left to Right:  Wilma, Opal, Lillie and Edith.  This photo is said to have been taken in 1955 at the 50th anniversary of their parents.  However, it appears to me that the ladies are older than 50 so the photo was likely taken at some later family event.

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

Photos courtesy Margaret Coffey Farley

Silas Milton & Margaret Caroline Philyaw Coffey

Silas was born Jun 16, 1886 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co., NC to John Caroll and Nancy Evelyn Hartley Coffey. He died there on Nov. 4, 1961 and was buried in the Globe Baptist Church Cemetery at Lenoir in Caldwell Co., NC.

Margaret Caroline was born in 1889, the daughter of Gideon and Martha Teague Philyaw. She died Sep. 16, 1975 in Caldwell Co. and, although I do not have proof, is likely buried with Silas at Globe.

They were married on Nov. 5, 1905 and the photograph is a record of their 50th Anniversary celebration.

There were at least 10 children born to Silas and Margaret:

Wilma Jessie, born Dec. 5, 1909 in Mortimer Twp., Caldwell Co., and died Feb. 27, 1997 in Caldwell Co. She married Ray L. Cook there in 1930.

Beeler, born Jul. 17, 1911 in Globe Twp., Caldwell Co., and died Mar. 20, 1968 in Whitnel, Caldwell Co. His wife was Lema Lou Green, a daughter of Harlan and Lou Ellen Bolick Greene. They were married in Caldwell Co. in 1932. Lena was born Jan. 16, 1915 in Caldwell Co., and died there on Aug. 3, 2000. They had at least three children: Hazel, born Apr. 25, 1938, died Mar. 11, 2003; Kenneth Walter, born Oct. 14, 1940, died Sep. 26, 2001; and Bealer Wayne, born Jan. 20, 1943, died Jul. 5, 2000.

Lema's obituary:

Lema Lou Greene Coffey, 85, of Congress St., Lenoir, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, at Caldwell County Hospice.

She was born Jan. 16, 1915, in Caldwell County to the late Harlan Greene and Lou Ellen Bolick Greene. she was also preceded in death by her husband, Bealer Coffey; one son, Bealer Wayne Coffey; one daughter, Margaret Ellen Williams; one brother, Claude Greene and one sister, Alma Hartley.

She was a homemaker and a member of Globe Baptist Church.

Survivors include two suns [sic] Kenneth Coffey of Hudson and Larry Coffey of Granite Falls; three daughters, Dare Austin, Doris Bumgarner and Hazel Johnson, all of Granite Falls; 23 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a number of great-great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 962 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Floyd Raymond, born Jul. 19, 1913 in Edgemont Twp., Caldwell Co., died Oct. 9, 1983 in Caldwell Co. He married Eva Frances Ingram who was born Jun. 11, 1915 in Caldwell Co. They had at least one child, a son Charles Author [sic], born Feb. 3, 1934 and died Feb. 10, 2003 in Valdese, Caldwell Co.

His obituary:

Charles Author Coffey, 69, of Lakeview Acres Drive, Valdese, formerly of Lenoir, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2003, at the residence.

He was born Feb. 3, 1934, in Caldwell County to Eva Ingram Coffey of Valdese and the late Floyd Coffey. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Marty Dean Coffey and Danny Michael Coffey.

He was owner of Coffey & Sons Concrete Finishing Co. and was a member of Light House Ministries in Drexel.

Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Dollie Crump Coffey of the home; two sons, Jimmy Richard Coffey of Hildebran and Gary Steve Coffey of Gamewell; a daughter, Donna C. O'Neal of Valdese; a brother, Charles Melton Coffey of George Hildebran; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Mike Ferree, Becky Trammel and Cecil Hamby officiating. Burial will follow at Globe Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Coffey, Greg Moore, Rob McGee, Shane Marshall, Scott McLeod and Nolan Clark. Bauch Coffey will be an honorary pallbearer.

Horace M., born 1915

Dock Edward, born 1917, died Jul., 1979. He married Nancy Louise Crump, born Aug. 4, 1924 in Avery Co., NC, died Jan. 29, 2003 in Hickory Twp., Catawba Co., NC.

Nancy's obituary:

Nancy Louise Coffey, 78, of 10th Street Blvd., NW, Hickory, formerly of Lenoir, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at Frye Regional Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 4, 1924, in Avery County to the late Bill and Mary Jane Woodruff Crump. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Doc Edward Coffey; three brothers, Percy, Arnold and Joe Crump, and four sisters, Alma Crump, Nell Wallace, Eva Pearson and Edith Pat Hartley.

She was retired from American Efird Mills and Bernhardt Furniture Industries and was a caregiver. She was a member of Harrisburg Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Marshall Edward Coffey of Boone; two daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Linda) Miller of Lenoir and Mrs. Randy (Crystal) Setzer of Morganton; a brother, Jim Crump of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Ted Williams and Ron Miller officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and other times at the home of her daughter, Linda Miller, 1433 Bass Lane, Lenoir.

Pallbearers will be: Robbie Coffey, Chad Miller, Curt Miller, Buddy Detter, Alan Miller and Tommy Coffey.

Opal Rebecca, born Nov. 3, 1920 in Caldwell Co., died there Oct. 11, 2006. She married John Banks Myers, born Oct. 26, 1915 to Henry Dayton and Rose Dameron Myers. John died Apr. 13, 2005 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. John was a veteran of WWII and is buried at the Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir. Opal is also buried there.

Opal's obituary

Opal Coffey Myers, 85, of Union Grove Road, Lenoir, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at her residence.

Mrs. Myers was a homemaker and a devoted member of Union Grove Baptist Chu-rch for 59 years. She will be remembered especially for her dedication and love to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Mrs. Myers was preceded in death by her parents Silas and Maggie P. Coffey; her husband, J. B. Myers; a daughter, Brenda Frances Myers; a grandson, J. B. Myers III; three sisters, Wilma Cook, Edith Robbins and Faye Keller and six brothers, Horace, Doc, Bealer, Clarence, Herman and Floyd Coffey.

Opal is survived by four children, Richard Myers, Pat Myers, Sharon Jenkins and J. B. Myers Jr., all of Lenoir. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Kimberly Robbins and husband Billy, Alison Crawford and husband Jason, Emily Freeman, Addie Tucker and husband Stuart, Cody Myers and Michael W. Jenkins Jr., all of Lenoir; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor, Rhett, Nathaniel, Hannah, J.B., Reagan, Colson and Grayson.

Funeral services will be held at Union Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 3 p.m. with Reverend Sam Craven and Reverend James Lambert officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael W. Jenkins, Jr., Cody Myers, Billy Robbins, Stuart Tucker, Jason Crawford, Austen Jud, Johnny Williams and Bobby Robbins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Union Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1808 Union Grove Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Herman, born c1921

Edith Evelyn, born in Caldwell Co. on Oct. 15, 1924, and died there on Feb. 5, 2005. She married Ernest Wayne Robbins.

Edith's obituary:

Edith Evelyn Coffey Robbins, 80, of Union Grove Road, Lenoir, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

Robbins was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Caldwell County to the late Silas Milton and Margaret Caroline Philyaw Coffey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: six brothers, Dock Coffey, Clarence "Cub" Coffey, Bealer Coffey, Herman Coffey, Horace Coffey and Floyd Coffey; one sister, Wilma Cook, and a granddaughter, Lisa Herman.

Mrs. Robbins was a homemaker. Her family was her life and she was ours.
Survivors include: her husband, Ernest Wayne Robbins, of the home; two sons; Wayne Milton Robbins and wife Gail, and Bobby Robbins and wife Debbie; four daughters, Carolyn Robbins Hicks, Donna Robbins Herman and husband R.L., Cherry Robbins, and Lynn Robbins Roberts and husband Joe; two sisters, Opal Myers and husband J.B., and Faye Keller and husband John; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service was 2 p.m., Tues., Feb. 8, 2005, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Lynn Hawkins officiating. Robbins' eight grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Pendry's Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Lillie Faye, born Apr. 16, 1928 in Caldwell Co., died Sep. 15, 2005 in Hudson, Caldwell Co. She married John J. Keller.

Lillie's obituary:

Lillie Faye Keller, 77, of Hawthorne St., Hudson, died Thursday, September 15, 2005 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

She was born April 16, 1928, in Caldwell County, to the late S. M. Coffey and Maggie Philyaw Coffey. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ginger Webb; a great-grandson, Caleb Webb; six brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Keller was a Homemaker and of the Baptist Faith.

She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John J. Keller of the home; a son, Johnny Williams and wife Shelia of Granite Falls and a sister, Opal Myers of Lenoir.

Graveside service for Mrs. Keller will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11 am at Dry Ponds Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Rick Crouse officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of Johnny Williams, 22 Valley Street, Granite Falls.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Mackie-High Funeral Home is serving the Keller family.

The last child was Clarence (Cub), born Sep. 13, 1033, died May 18, 1977.

Please contact me at the above e-mail address to add to or to correct any of this information.

Photo courtesy of Margaret Coffey Farley

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