Ausburn and Winnie K. Berry Coffey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Genealogy Library in Bentonville, AR

According to The Morning News website, an on-line summary of news for the Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Fayetteville areas in Arkansas, the city of Bentonville is going to build a new library.

The library will include a local history and genealogy research room.

The article indicates that The Coughlin library will total 38,000 square feet and wi-fi access, electronic tablets and laptop computers to loan to patrons while they are in the building.

The Wal-Mart and Sam's Club foundation was a major contributor to the construction. The building will be named for Tom Coughlin, a former Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. executive.

Click on the title link for the complete story.

A Privacy Issue?

Recently, I received an e-mail from someone demanding that they be removed from my database, and from a genealogy website that I own (not Coffey Cousins'). Not satisfied with merely making the demand, they insinuated that an attorney relative had assured him I had no legal right to use his name on the web.

It was apparent that the writer - a very young man according to my records - was using the old "I'll get my attorney onto you" ploy, or had one that had failed the bar exam! I reminded the young man that "public records" means that the records belong to the public. Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, property transfers, and the like appear in newspapers, and on the web. Many of those notices are posted by the person(s) involved. Except for some remote possibility of copyright infringement, there is nothing illegal about using that type of "public" information in a genealogy file.

Most family historians recognize that some people are paranoid that others may find out about them. My wife tears our names and address off envelopes before discarding them. I have often reminded her that our name and address is listed in several area telephone directories, not to mention the city directory, and such websites as Switchboard.com! I am not always happy about removing someone from my files; that has happened perhaps three or four times in the years that I have been researching family. But, I do it no matter how reluctant I am. I do understand privacy issues, and make every effort to restrict public postings of living people to their names only.

Fortunately, I had already published a book that contains the young man's ancestry. The book can be found in several Arkansas and Louisiana libraries, and future generations of his family will not wonder why their ancestors did not appear in the family history.

I would be interested in learning the views of other researchers on this subject.

Coffee/Coffey in Hempstead Co., AR

From my personal files:

Thomas Coffee - 1835, Hempstead Co., AR List of Lands, 1868, p280, Section 10, TS13S, Range 25W and Section 11, TS13S, Range 25W

Lilburn Coffee - 1853, Hempstead Co., Marks, Brands, and Estrays, 1819-1959, Hempstead Co., Gen. Soc., (HCGS) 1991 (MB&E) - Principal on bond, Lilburn Coffee; Security, Martin Mouser; Appraisers, L. D. Lawrence, Martin Mouser, James Jones; JP, Eugene Block

John T. Coffee - 1854, Hempstead Co., MB&E - Principal on bond, John T. Coffee; Security, Joseph R. and Wm. Bennight; Appraisers, John Tyree, Wm. Bennight and Joseph Bennight; JP, James S. Jones

Jesse Coffee - 1854, Hempstead Co., married Polly Rogers Dec. 10, 1854 by James S. Jones, JP. Marriage Book A, page 222

Jesse Coffee - 1855, Hempstead Co., Original Purchasers of Land in Southwest Arkansas from 1826, Book 1, HCGS, 1990, Township 1, Range 23, page 17, tract book 3, roll 1302825

Lilburn Coffee - 1855, Hempstead Co., MB&E, Principal, Eliza Lawrence; Security, L.D. and A.B. Lawrence; Appraisers, John Taylor, Lilburn Coffee, George Mouser; JP, J. M. Phillips

Jessee Coffee - 1855 Hempstead Co., Arkansas List of Lands, 1868 Index, page 135, Section 31, Township 12S, Range 23W

Jesse Coffee - 1855 Hempstead Co., Jesse and wife to John T. Coffee, Dec. 8, 1855, Book M., page 345, NW of Sec. 31, TS 12S, R23W; Jesse Coffee and wife to Joseph B. Bennight, Dec. 8, 1855, Book M, page 346, Section 31, TS12S, R23W

John T. Coffee - 1856 Hempstead Co., MB&E, Principal, Joseph Bennight; Security, John T. Coffee; Appraisers, John T. Coffee, L. N. Kirk and Asbury Coffee; J.P., T. J. Purtell of Caruse Twp.

Lilburn Coffee - 1856 Hempstead Co., Original Purchasers of Land in Southwest Arkansas from 1826, (OPL) Book 1, page 186 by HCGS, 1990, tract book 3, roll 1302825

Lilburn Coffee - 1856 Hempstead Co., List of Lands, 1868, index, references to "see Hardin, Daniel." That reference names Abraham Hardin; p376, and pertains to Section 24, Township 9S, Range 27W, 1851 with further reference to Daniel Hardin (assign Coffee, Lilburn, p210, S16, TS13S, R24W in 1859 and (assg) Logan, John, same property.

Joel Coffee - 1856 Hempstead Co., OPL, TS12, R23W, page 18, tract book 3, roll 1302825

Franklin Tribble Coffee - 1860 Hempstead Co. marriage records, to Vitumna Jane Milson, 23 Sep. 1860

Hannah Coffee - 1860 Hempstead Co., Arkansas Mortality Schedule, age 38, female, married, born TN, died Mar. 1860 of Typhoid Fever (This was Hannah Taylor, wife of Lilburn Coffee)

Henry Wesley Coffee - 1867 Hempstead Co., marriage records, married Rosa Moss Dec. 26, 1867

Mary E. Coffee - 1869 Hempstead Co., marriage records, married Finis Ames, Sep. 5, 1869 (daughter of Lilburn Coffee)

James R. Coffee - 1889, Arkansas Gazette, Washington Telegraph, Aug. 16, 1889 edition relates story of "Jim" Coffee confined in county jail for murder of cousin Fred Coffee near Howard Co line. Indicates that evidence was circumstantial. Mob threatned to hang "Jim". Jan. 29, 1904 Washington Post article reports escape of "Jim" shortly after trial, and had been living in Bakersfield, CA under assumed name. Recaptured in 1904 and escaped again while transferring trains in Fort Worth. He was never recaptured.

Arkansas History Commission and State Archives

E-mail just arrived from Russell P. Baker, CA, Archival Manager of the Arkansas History Commission and State Archives in Little Rock:

ITS OFFICIAL

HISTORY COMMISSION TO REOPEN ON SATURDAYS

The Arkansas History Commission and State Archives will be open on Saturdays, beginning June 4, for the convenience of those who can’t come during regular weekday hours. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff, including either an archivist or librarian, will be on hand to assist researchers and visitors. “We’ve had a lot of demand from the public for Saturday hours,” said Wendy Richter, the new state historian who took office on May 16. “We are aware that it is difficult for some people to visit the archives during the work week, especially those from out-of-town. Being open on Saturdays will make the information more accessible to the public, whether they’re doing genealogical or historical research, or both.”

A treat is in store for those who have never visited the archives, located on the second floor of the Multi-Agency Complex building at One Capitol Mall, west of the State Capitol building. The areas open to the public represent a microcosm of both American and Arkansas timelines. The oldest information owned by the agency is French Louisiana records purchased from France that cover the time frame 1680 to 1800. Some of the other earliest papers on file include “Matrimonios De Blanco” which loosely translated is “White Marriages,” those that took place at "Poste de Arkansea" from 1791 to 1840. These files, along U.S. Census, county, church and military records, are mostly accessible on microfilm.

A couple of Arkansas history gems on view in the offices that are sure to thrill the history buff include Edward P. Washbourne’s original Arkansas Traveller painting, and the original 1912 Arkansas flag design submission by Willie Kavanaugh Hocker of Wabbaseka. An interesting note missed by most is that the original flag did not include the state’s name. A mock-up of the winning entry to which Arkansas has been added hangs below the original. nother popular exhibit is one of authentic Civil War currency, which is available for viewing by appointment. Portraits of well-known personages that had an impact on the state, such as Henri de Tonti, plus famous Arkansans like Albert Pike, line the walls. A rotating exhibit of artifacts owned by the Commission can be viewed just outside the office’s main entrance.

For more information, contact Wendy Richter at (501) 682-6900 or e-mail wendy.richter@arkansas.gov . Directions on how to reach the offices can be found on the official History Commission Web site: www.ark-ives.com

The Pro Football Encyclopedia

One Coffee and four Coffey men are named in the Pro Football Encyclopedia. They are Pat Coffee, Don Coffey, Junior Coffey, Ken Coffey, and Wayne Coffey.

Pat Coffee was James Lilburn Coffee, a brother to my father, Frank Hurley Coffee. Pat played for the Chicago Cardinals in 1937 and 1938, after graduating from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he starred on the gridiron for the Tigers.

The Encyclopedia describes Pat as being 5' 11' tall, weighed 183 pounds, a graduate of Minden (Webster Parish) High School and of Louisiana State. He was born August 3, 1915 in De Ann, Arkansas, and died January 25, 1976 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In 1937 he was listed on the Cardinal roster as a half-back, and quarterback. That year, as a rookie, he scored one rushing touchdown on 55 attempts, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. The next year he was carried on the roster as a half-back, and scored two touchdowns. At the quarterback position in 1937 he attempted 119 passes and completed 52 with 4 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. In 1938 he attempted 39 passes, completed 16 for no touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He apparently left pro football after the 1938 season to attend medical school.

Don Coffey was born August 18, 1939 in Burnsville, North Carolina. After graduation from high school in Morristown, Tennessee, he attended the University of Memphis. He was drafted into the American Football (San Diego) and National Football leagues (San Francisco) in 1961. He played in three games while at Denver in 1963 before "retiring" to do other things. He is described as being 6' 2.25" tall, weighed 190 pounds, and played free linebacker in those three Denver games.

Junior Lee Coffey was born March 21, 1942 in Kyle, Texas. He graduated from Dimmitt (Texas) high school, and was drafted by the AFL Houston Oilers, and the NFL Green Bay Packers in 1965. He was describd as being 6' 1" tall, and weighed 211 pounds. He was listed on all rosters as a half-back or running back. In 1965 while playing for Green Bay he rushed for 12 yards on 3 carries, no touchdowns. From 1966 to 1967 he played for Atlanta where he rushed for 1612 yards and 9 touchdowns before moving on. In 1969 he played for the NY Giants where he rushed 82 times for 343 yards and one touchdown. The following year he rushed for 511 yards on 131 attempts and 2 touchdowns. In 1971 he rushed for 70 yards on 22 attempts, and no touchdowns. Over his career he averaged 7.6 yards per catch and 5 touchdowns.

Ken Coffey was born November 7, 1960 in Rantoul, Illinois. He played high school football in Big Spring (Howard County) Texas, and played college football at Tyler Junior College and Southwest Texas State. He was drafted in 1982 by Washington where he played Safety for three years (1983-84, and 1986). He was described as being 6' tall, and weighed 198 pounds.

Wayne Coffey, 5' 7" tall at 158 pounds went to high school in Abillene, Texas, and played college football at Cisco Junior College and Southwest Texas State. He was drafted in 1987 by New England as a wide receiver, He had three catches that season for 66 yards.

Alexander Curry Yell and Martha D. "Patsy" Coffey

Thanks to Betty Landers for giving me a lead to the family of Martha Coffey, daughter of Rice Coffey and Sarah "Sally" Bradford.

According to information found at:

http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com./~jameseastonburns/emery.htm (Apparently no longer on-line)

Alexander Curry Yell was born Nov. 12, 1805 in Rutherford Co., TN. He married Martha in Fayettville, Washington Co., AR. Martha died Oct. 24, 1881 in Robinson, Washington Co., AR.

From a Bedford Co. Family History book summited by Linda Pitts via Betty Landers (dclanderXX@bellsouth.net) on Dec. 18, 2004:

Martha D. Coffey daughter of Rice Coffey 1805-1849 d. in Benton Arkansas married in 1831 to Alexander Curry Yell 1805-1881 b. in Rutherford Co. Tn. d. in Benton Arkansas. they reared six children who all died in Arkansas.

A census search for this family finds them in Washington Co., AR in 1840, but a female of the correct age to be Martha is not found with the family!

Alexander and his children are found in the 1850 Benton Co., Ball Township, AR census:

Sheet 52, dwelling/family 115, A. C. Yell, age 44, male, farmer, $2000, born TN; Sarah J., age 21, female, born TN; Mary E., age 19, female, born TN; Martha E., age 15, female, born TN; Elizabeth, age 9, born AR; Marna E., age 6, female, born AR; Archibald M., age 2, male, born AR

According to information found at:

http://users.htcomp.net/benny/d46.htm#P6092

Alexander's parents were Moses Archibald Yell, born about 1746, location not given; married Jane Curry about 1790 in Delaware. He died in 1817 at Wartrace, Bedford Co., TN. Jane was born Feb. 1, 1764 in Kent Co., DE, and died Jan. 27, 1832 in Shelbyville, Bedford Co., TN.

Anyone with additional information on Alexander and Martha is invited to contact me at jkcoffeeXX@yahoo.com

Note: To reach anyone in this document via e-mail, remove the XX from their e-mail address.