Lula Eloise Coffey

Lula was born c1866 in Caldwell Co., NC to William Elbert and Margaret Anne Kincaid Coffey and, was the third of at least seven children born into that family.  She married Corey [1] Thomas Cain c1885 in NC.  Corey was born Jul. 17, 1860 in Wake Co., NC and died Oct. 27, 1921 in Statesville, Iredell Co., NC.

Corey and Lula had at least three children, two of which survived to adulthood.  Their first child, William Elbert was born Nov. 10, 1886 in Burke Co., NC and died there on Apr. 5, 1887.  Their other two children, both girls, were born years apart, leading me to believe that more children were born that did not survive.

The second child was Mary Margaret, born Dec. 6, 1890 in Burke Co., died May 3, 1955.  I do not know where she died but, her grave site can be found at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton, Burke Co.

Earle Thaddeus McGillicuddy
"Earle Mack"

Mary Margaret married Earle Thaddeus McGillicuddy in Philadelphia, PA on Sep. 28,1915.  The only census record found so far is the 1930 when they were still residing in that city.  They had one child then, a son also named  Earle.

Earle Thaddeus McGillicuddy was born to Cornelius and Margaret Hogan McGillicuddy on Feb. 1, 1890 in Spencer, Worcester Co., MA.  Cornelius was known professionally as Connie Mack.  Earle was also known professionally as Earle Mack.  He played for the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team from 1900-1914.  His father, Connie managed the Athletics for 50 years, from 1901 until his retirement at age 88.


Ivetta was the third child born to Corey Thomas and Lula Eloise Coffey Cain.  She was born in Burke Co. on Mar. 4 1899 and died on Mar. 6, 1982 in Statesville.  He spouse was Elbert Miller Shelton, born in NC on Oct. 22, 1897, died in Statesville on Aug. 10, 1972.  Elbert was a 1919 graduate of Princeton University.  Ivetta was also a college graduate but I have not yet found her Alma Mater.

After graduation, Elbert worked for his father, Joseph who was president of the Statesville Plywood and Veneer Co. in Iredell Co.  In the Statesville city directory for 1946-47, Elbert was listed as Vice-President and Sales Manager of the Statesville Plywood and Veneer Co.

"Eb" Shelton died of a heart attack at his home in Statesville, N.C. on Aug. 10.  He was born in Statesville and had lived there all his life coming to Princeton from Erskine College.  During World War I he joined the Naval Reserve, returning to graduate with the Class in 1919.  During junior and senior years he roomed with Bill Baker in 44 Blair.

After graduation Eb was association with his father in the Statesville Furniture Co and then served as president of the Statesville Plywood and Veneer Co. until retirement.  A community leader he served 11 years on the City Council, was active in his church, the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.

"Eb" became one of 1919's most faithful participants at our June reunions together with his love wife Ivetta whom he married in 1927.  He was a loyal and generous supporter of the University even though at times perplexed by some of the reports from the campus.

The Class has lost a loyal member and a genial host to those classmates fortunate enough to have visited the Sheltons in Statesville.  He had missed recent reunions because of family illnesses but will always be remembered with deep affection by those who were privileged to know him well.  The Class extends our sincerest sympathy to his beloved wive, Ivetta.

The Class of 1919[2]

I do not believe any children were born to this union.  Both Elbert and Ivetta are buried at the Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville.

Updates and corrections welcomed.

 Jack

[1] His given name was spelled Cary in the 1900 and 1910 census.  In 1920 he was enumerated as Thomas T.  His death certificate reads Corey.
[2] "Princeton [University] Alumni Weekly", Sep. 26, 1972, Vol. 73, Page 19.