Nancy Caroline Gragg 1837-1919

Watauga Democrat, May 27, 1920, Vol. XXXI, No. 32, Page 1, Col. 1

Mrs. Nancy Caroline Gragg

Born June 14, 1837; Fell Asleep December 28, 1919

(E. N. Joyner in Lenoir News-Topic.)

There passed out, from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kelley Coffey, in the Rosborough Settlement, Avery county, on the Lord’s Day, December 28, 1919, the soul of one of “Our Fathers” most faithful daughters.  This was Mrs. Nancy Caroline Gragg.  She was the mother, and grandmother and the great-grandmother of the whole settlement.  A life like hers deserves more than a passing notice, by reason of its own quality, and as a guide-post to other way-farers.

Mrs. Gragg was born June 14, 1837, in the neighborhood of what is now Pineola.  At sixteen she was married to Madison Gragg twenty years her senior who died in November 1893.  With him she came to his home, within a few hundred yards of where she fell asleep in her 83^rd birthday.  She was the mother of thirteen children of whom four are living:  N. Madison, Mary wife of Mr. T. C. Gragg, Mrs. Norah Philyaw, and L. Carroll, all except Mrs. Philyaw in the same neighborhood of their birthplace.

She was a true and faithful member of the Baptist Church.  But she was even more than that for her Christian heart was as wide as the compass of all the churches, for she tried to follow in the footsteps of her Lord Jesus the Christ, Whose greatest distinction was that “He went about doing good.”  She gave her busy years to her children as long as they needed her, helping them to live and showing them how; she was always ready for any kind of service, as far as she knew of its need; and could go.  She was never idle.  Whatever her hands found to do, for her own support or the benefit of others, she did it with her might.  There has scarcely been a child born in all that region for many years whose coming she did not welcome with a tender skillfulness.  Everywhere she was affectionately known as “Granny Gregg.” [sic].  She was an example in all robust virtues, as well as denying herself some of the most common vices, for, among other things, she never used tobacco in any form, and she felt contempt for liquor, and for those who let them come under its slavery.  Industry was a habit with her; in one chief thing she ever rejoiced, and that was to “sow and reap.”  Every year, even the very last, she “made a garden.”  No one could keep her from it, and now some are enjoying the fruit of her planting after her spirit has fruited in the Paradise of God.

Under the burden of her years she had grown more and more feeble until last summer she had a sudden and very serious attack.  This, to the surprise of all, she survived, and was able to go around again, even to dig in her old garden at the house where she lived so many years; and it was according to the spirit and custom of her life that the day before she found rest she compelled them to put her on horseback that she might go several miles to minister to one of her friends in trouble, whom she had promised.  She returned on Sunday afternoon from this “Good Samaritan” visit, and was tired, ate a bit of lunch, laid down to rest, and went to sleep.  Yes, “asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep,: and the more blessed because it came to her wearied old body, and on the Sabbath Day, just after she had forces it in spirit to take a hard journey that she might be “going about doing good.”

She had made her home with her grandson, Mr. Kelly Coffey, who, with his wife, left nothing undone for his comfort.  Her funeral was conducted by her good friend, the Rev. Oscar Dellinger, according to the rites of her own church.

He who writes this incomplete record of her noble live regards it a sacred privilege to have known her, to have rejoiced in her cherished friendship, and to have had again and again the assurance of her prayers.  He thinks it an hour [sic] to thus bear sincere testimony to the beauty of her character, and to those who stand nearest to her in ties of blood, nor to any, could he wish a greater fortune that to find and to follow in the path she trod, of which the Book says:  “The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more until the perfect day.”

Mrs. Caroline Gragg died December 28, 1919, and her obituary written by Rev. E. N. Joyner for the Lenoir News-Topic, is as true, I believe, as could be written.  Mrs. Gragg was a daughter of John Gragg, Sr. he being a son of William Gragg, a soldier of the Revolutionary war.  Wm. Gragg, with his family, came to North Carolina soon after the Revolutionary war, and settled on John’s River, Caldwell county.  John was born in Appleton county, Va., in 1781.  He was twice married, first to Elizabeth Mayns and second to Susan Barrier.  To the first marriage were born 7 boys and one girl, Nicey, mother of ex-Sheriff W. H. Calaway, of Watauga.  To the second marriage were born seven girls and four boys, making in all nineteen children.  John Gragg, Sr., died in 1852, sitting in a chair in the house where Jack Smith now lives at Vilas.  Mrs. N. C. Gragg left surviving her two brothers and a sister, Empsie Gragg, of Watauga, W. W. Gragg of Farmington, Wash., and Mrs. Margaret D. Qualls, of Overton, Tennessee, mother of J. Lee Qualls, of Boone.  Mrs. N. C. Gragg was a twin sister of Mrs. Adeline Presnell, wife of W. W. Presnell, who died Feb. 12, 1907.  She was the aunt of the Rev. E. M. Gragg, Mrs. Will Henson and others.

by: W. W. Presnell [same source as above]

---

Who Was Who?

James Madison Gragg was born Jul. 1824 in Caldwell Co., to David Obediah Gragg and Elizabeth Webb.  He died in Nov., 1893.  Both he and Granny Gragg are buried at the Gragg Cemetery in Gragg, Avery Co., NC.  It was David Obediah who was the son of William Obediah Gragg, known as “Revolutionary Bill” Gragg.  His wife was Elizabeth Pulliam.  Parents of Elizabeth Webb were James Crittenden Webb, Jr. and wife Jane Hight.

N. Madison Gragg was Newton Madison, born July 1869, died 1936 in Linville, NC.  His wife was Mary Jane Crump, born 1872, died 1968 in Banner Elk, Avery Co.  Her parents were David and Mahulda Jane Clarke Crump.

Mary Gragg, wife of Thomas C. Gragg.  Mary was born in 1871 and died in 1938.  Her husband Thomas was born in 1867 and died in 1944.  He was a son of Jesse Gragg and wife Matilda Shull.  Thomas and Mary are undoubtedly related but I have not made that connection.

Nora, born in 1880, married a Philyaw but I have not yet made that connection.

L. Carroll was Leason Carroll, born 1882, died 1951.  He married Dora Belle Beane in 1900.  She was a daughter of John Locke Beane and Alice C. Philyaw, born 1882, died 1966 at Crossnore in Avery Co.  Rhona Gragg, a daughter of Leason and Dora, married Aaron Paul Blalock, son of the infamous William McKesson “Keith” Blalock.  A son, Daniel Windom Gragg married Lavinia Viola “Vinnie” Coffey in 1926.  She was a daughter of David Columbus and Julia N. Baird Coffey.  And, another son, Shelby Delon Gragg married Esslene Coffey, she being the daughter of Grover Cleveland and Cora E. Gragg Coffey.

A friend of mine, Margaret Coffey Farley, now deceased, was born in Mercer Co., WV but raised around Coffey’s Gap in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain once told me “…if you scratch a Gragg you’ll find a Coffey.”  She didn't stretch the truth. 

The Rev. Oscar C. Dellinger was a son of Martha Ann Dellinger, a daughter of Elkanna and Elizabeth Godsey Dellinger.  I do not know who his father was.  He was born in 1882 and died in 1966 at Collettsville in Caldwell Co.  He was married twice, first to Minnie Dellinger, daughter of Thomas R. and Eveline McKinney and his first cousin. She died in 1922 and he married Annie Mae Crisp in 1930.

William Kelly Coffey was a son of Thomas M. & Martha Cordelia Gragg Coffey  Martha was Granny Gragg’s child, born c1867 in her marriage to James Madison Gragg.  The wife of William Kelly was Bessie May Philyaw to whom he was married on Mar. 17, 1907 in Caldwell Co.

Granny's Find A Grave Memorial can be viewed here; her husband's memorial here.

John & Rachel Barrier Coffey

John was born Feb. 24, 1818* in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY to James and Sarah Emerline Sumpter Coffey.  He married Rachel Barrier, born Aug. 17, 1824*, in KY and probably also in Wayne Co. to Aaron and Susan Chrisman Barrier.  John died May 5, 1882 and Rachel died on Dec. 28, 1914, both in Pulaski Co., KY and were buried at the remote John Coffey family cemetery at Yamagraw in McCreary Co., KY.

I am aware of six children for them, all born in Wayne Co.:

Sarah Jane, born Jan. 10, 1849.  She remained unmarried and died of heart disease on Jun. 2, 1918 in McCreary Co.  She is probably also buried at the family cemetery but, her death certificate reads only that she was buried in that county.

Nancy Elizabeth, born Mar. 10, 1850, died in McCreary Co. on Feb. 25, 1935.  It appears that she also remained unmarried for her headstone at the family cemetery reads "Nancy E. Coffey."  Of course, she could have married a Coffey but I have no evidence of that.

Shelby "Shelly," born Apr. 29, 1852, died of measels at Denney, KY, Wayne Co.**  He is buried at the Martha Coffey Cemetery at Ritner, Wayne Co.  He was married at least twice.  His first was to Sarah Perkins on Dec. 26, 1872 in Wayne Co.  Sarah was born Jul. 4, 1856 in KY and died in Wayne Co. on Mar. 7, 1912.  His children with Sarah were:

Rachel, born Oct. 8, 1874 in Slavans, McCreary Co., died of pulmonary tuberculosis on Jun. 30, 1950 in Wiborg, McCreary Co.**  Her spouse was W. H. Abbot, born c1878, died c1955 in KY.  She is buried at Flat Rock Cemetery in McCreary Co.  Her spouse is probably buried there as well.

John, born Sep. 18, 1875, died unknown.  He married Kizzie Coffey, a second cousin and daughter of Richard Henderson and Catherine C. Jones Coffey, date unknown.  Kizzie died Oct. 2, 1959 in McCreary Co.***

Lewis, born c1878, also married a second cousin, Ada E. Keith, born Mar., 1882 to William H. & Sarah Elizabeth Coffey Keith.

James Austin, born Jan. 4, 1881, died May 11, 1960 in Monticello, Wayne Co.  His wife was Canzada Foster, daughter of George S. and Selda or Zelda Foster.  Canzada was born May 8, 1885 in Wayne Co., and died Feb. 8, 1966 in Monticello.  They were married on May 30,1907.  Both are buried at Elk Spring Cemetery in Monticello.

Jay, born Mar. 31, 1883, no further information.

Joseph Francis "Joe," born Jun. 3, 1885, died Dec. 12, 1969 at Smith Town in Stearns Co., KY.  His wife was Dora Roberts. He is buried at the Methodist Cemetery in Whitley City, McCreary Co.

Rebecca, born Jul. 1887, no further information.

Jesse, born Jan., 1890, married Margaret Foster, born c1898 in Wayne Co.

Sarah J., born Mar., 1892, no further information.

William Nelson, born Jun. 21, 1894, died Mar. 14, 1963 at Oneida in Scott Co., TN.  His wife was Lelia Mae Abbot, born Jul. 18, 1899 in Wayne Co., died in Oneida on Feb. 26, 1969.  Both are buried at the Holloway Cemetery, Marshes Siding, McCreary Co.

James Aron, born Feb. 20, 1854, died Nov. 5, 1913.*  Buried at the Coffey Family cemetery at Yamacraw. I have found no of a marriage for James.

Joseph, born Mar. 11, 1856 at Whiteoak Creek, Wayne Co.  He married c1888 his first cousin, once removed, Emily G. Coffey, daughter of Joseph and Louisa J. Jones Coffey.  Louisa and Cathereine Jones, wife of Richard Henderson Coffey (above) may be related but, I have not investigated that connection.

The last child of John and Rachel Barrier Coffey was Francis Marion, born Feb. 5, 1858, died Jul. 15, 1926* in Yamacraw.

Shelly's second wife was Martha Thompson with whom he had Hattie, born 1919, died 1990.  She married Robert Barney "Bob" Clark, born Jun. 15, 1911, died Sep. 1, 2006.  She and Bob are buried at the Martha Coffey cemetery in Ritner.  Their second child was Charles, born Jan. 11, 1923, died at the VA hospital at Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN on Jun. 13, 1985.  He too is buried at the Martha Coffey cemetery.

John and Rachel had a number of grandchildren which likely resulted in scads of grandchildren.  Unfortunately, Shelby is the only one for whom I have a good list of descendants.  Readers are invited to fill in the blanks.

---

*Headstone
**Death Certificate
***Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000

John M. & Mary Ellen Ragland Coffey

John was a son of Hugh and Mary Roman Coffey, born Dec. 11, 1848 in Scottsboro, Jackson Co., AL.  Mary Ellen was a daughter of Burrell & Matilda Gentry Ragland, born Jan. 6, 1853 in Omaha, Morris Co., TX.  She and John were married on Jan. 19, 1871 in Omaha.

To them were born at least eight children, all in Omaha:

William Edgar, born Apr. 17, 1872, died Apr. 1, 1948 in Quanah, Hardeman Co., TX.  William married Nora M. Thigpen on Dec. 27, 1894 in Morris Co.  She was a daughter of John and Harriet A. Thigpen.  Nora died Feb. 22, 1902 and William Apr. 1, 1948 in Quahah.  Nora is buried in the public cemetery at Omaha while William was laid to rest in Quahah Cemetery, Hardeman Co., TX.

Update:  William Edgar was married at least three times.  Nora was his first.  Second was Ella May Johnson, born Mar. 5, 1873 in TX, died Apr. 20, 1924 in Hardeman Co., TX.  She is also buried at Quanah Cemetery.  I have a third for him named Anna who appeared with him in the 1930 Hardeman Co. census.  I have found no children for him with either wife.

Thomas Jefferson, born Oct. 14, 1874 in TX, died Jan. 19,1920 in Omaha.  He married Lillian R. Ray on Mar. 6, 1901.  Lillian was born date unknown in Archer Co., TX and died in Omaha in 1971. I have two children for them:  Thomas Ray, born 1909, died 1985 in Shawnee, OK and, Evelyn Lucille, born 1911.

Update:  Still searching for their burial site.  Thomas Ray married Edna Mae Poindexter, c1935, who was born Jul. 26, 1914 in TX, died Nov. 6, 1986 in OK.  Both are buried at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee, Pottawatomie Co., OK.  They had at least two children but, I can find only one:  Thomas Ray, Jr., born Sep. 22, 1936, died Jun. 23, 2010.  He is also buried at Resthaven.  The other was Evelyn Lucille, born c1911 in TX.

Robert Novel, born Jan. 9, 1877, died Nov. 10, 1951 in Dallas.  He married Della S. Barrier on Dec. 27, 1896 in Morris Co.  Della was the daughter of Columbus C. & Dartha E. Cason Barrier.  She was born Feb. 26, 1879 in Omaha and died Nov. 20,1957 in Dallas.  Both are buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dallas.  I know of one son, John Columbus, born Sep. 15, 1900 in Omaha, died in Dallas on Mar. 1, 1971.  John married a lady by the name of Inez B.  She was born Oct. 25, 1902 and died May 5, 1996 in Tarrant Co., TX.  They are also buried at Mount Calvary.

Hugh Burrell, born Jul. 4, 1879 in Omaha, died Apr. 19, 1944 in Fort Worth.  He first married Vassie Alberta Lewis on Jul. 22, 1900 in Morris Co.  Together they had at least  two children:  Vanita Ann, born May 19, 1902 in Omaha, died Feb. 24, 1997 in Fort Worth.  Vanita Ann married Sebia Ambrose Bell on Aug. 31, 1910 inDallas.  He was born Jul. 21, 1899 in Odell, Wilbarger Co., TX and died Apr. 7, 1962 in San Francisco, CA.  Vanita Ann died Feb. 24, 197 in Fort Worth and is buried in Dallas at Greenwood Cemetery.  Hugh and Vassis's second known child was Tom H., born Sep. 14, 1903 in Omaha and died there on Oct. 4, 1904.  Hugh's second marriage was to Ella Hood on Apr. 16, 1905 in Omaha. Ella apparently died or, they were divorced for sometime after 1910 he married Josephine Angela Blackmon. She was born Dec. 19, 1898 in Dallas; died Jan. 18, 1952 in Fort Worth and was buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas.

Odia L., a son, born Nov. 27, 1881, died Feb. 18, 1901.  He is buried at Concord Cemetery in Omaha.

Lillie May, born Sep. 11, 1884, died Jan. 30, 1941.  She married George Edward Kimmel on Morris Co. on Nov. 2, 1902. George was born Jul. 7, 1879 in TX and died in Naples, Morris Co. on Sep. 16, 1959.  They had at least three children:  John Edward, born 1903, died 1959; Sibyl Meadow, born 1904, died 1999 in Omaha and, Alice Marie, born 1907, died 1953 in Ajo, Pima Co., AZ.  George and Lillie are both buried at Concord Cemetery.

Mary Ann "Annie," born Jun. 7, 1889 in Omaha.  Annie was married three times.  Her first husband was James Marvin Glass, a son of James W. & Alberta Farrier Glass on Dec. 25, 1907 in Omaha.  James was born Jan. 2, 1884 in TX and died Feb. 23, 1934 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX.  He and Annie apparently divorced sometime prior to 1915 because c1914 he was married to Gertrude Malone, a daughter of George W. and Florence Evans Malone.  Gertrude was born in TX on Dec. 30, 1885 and died Oct. 23, 1964 in San Antonio.  She was a retired public school teacher.  Gertrude is buried with her folks at Mount Vernon cemetery in Franklin Co., TX.  James is buried at Omaha but I do not know which cemetery.  Annie's second marriage on Oct. 20,1932 was to Dr. Wm. Carl Ledbetter.  He died in Bristol, TX in 1950.  They apparently also divorced because Annie married Benjamin Harrison Ledbetter on Oct. 20,1939.  I presume without proof that the Ledbetters were close kin.  I have found no children born to her with any of her husbands but she apparently had at least one.  She died Jun. 4, 1966 in Bristol, Ellis Co., and was buried in Dallas

Obituaries:

Mrs. Ledbetter Services Held

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Ledbetter, 76 , of Bristol, were held at 2p.m. Monday at Bristol Baptist Church, with the Rev. William Biggs officiating. Interment followed in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas,  with arrangements by Bunch Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were E. E. Ray and Noble Willis, Bristol, Tex; Thomas Beasley, Omaha, Tex.; Fred H. Bell, Arlington, Loyd Legg, Mt. Pleasant, and Willie Carl  Beasley, Dallas.

Mrs. Ledbetter was born June 7, 1889, at Omaha, Tex., daughter of John M. and Mary Coffey.

Her husband, Dr. W. C. Ledbetter of Bristol, died in 1950.  Mrs.Ledbetter had lived in California and Dallas prior to moving to Bristol,Tex.  in 1942.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bristol, Tex.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Nora E. Leeves of Dallas; a niece, Mrs.Walter Cox Johnston of Fort Worth, and several other nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Mary A. Ledbetter

BRISTOL,-Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Ledbetter, 76, who diedSaturday in Ennis, will be held at 2 P.M. Monday in the First Baptist  Church here.  Burial will be in Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.*

Among her survivors is a sister, Mrs. Nora Leeves of Dallas.

Ledbetter

Mrs. Mary Ann, Bristol, Tx.  Survived by sister, Mrs. Nora E. Leeves, Dallas; niece, Mrs. Walter Cox Johnston, Fort Worth; several other nephews and nieces.  Services 2 P.M. Monday, First Baptist Church,Bristol.  Interment, Restland, Dallas.  Bunch Funeral Home, Ennis.

John and Mary Ellen's last child was Nora Eva, born Jun. 1, 1892 in Omaha.  She married George Virgil Leeves, a son of A. J. and Dora McDaniel Leeves on Jun. 21, 1914 in New Boston, Bowie Co., TX.  George was born Feb. 15, 1888 in Naples and died Nov. 6, 1941 in Dallas.  Nora Eva died Apr. 11, 1979 in Fort Worth.  George is buried at Restland in Dallas.  Nora is probably there as well, but I have not found any evidence.

Obituaries:

DEATH CLAIMS G. V. LEEVES

Office Manager of Dairy Concern Succumbs to Heart Attack

George Virgil Leeves, 53, of 5738 Vanderbilt Avenue, office manager for the Triangle Dairy Company, died of a heart attack at this home Thursday. Dr. George W. Truett, pastor of First Baptist Church of which Mr. Leeves was a member, will officiate at funeral services at 2 P.M. Friday at the George A. Brewer Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Restland Memorial Park. Mr. Leeves was a native of Morris Co..  He came to Dallas eighteen years ago from Naples and had been associated with the Triangle Diary Company for many years. He is survived by his widow, a brother, E.J. Leeves of Naples, and two sisters, Mrs. C. L. Smith of Port Neches and Mrs. Lloyd Legg of Paris.

Pallbearers will be A.N. Phillips, Paul C. Ledbetter, Elmer Adams, George Short, R. Schenkel and R. L. Pou.

G.V. Leeves Died In Dallas

G. V. Leeves died at about one o'clock Thursday morning at his home in Dallas.

Virgil was born and raised near Naples and left here about thirty years ago making his home in Dallas since.

He is survived by his wife, one brother, E.J. Leeves of Naples, and two sisters, Mrs. Clayton Smith of Port Neches and Mrs. Lloyd Legg ofMarshall

Funeral will be in Dallas at 2o'clock this afternoon.

Deaths and Funeral Notices

LEEVES-George Virgil, are 53, died at the residence, 5738 Vanderbilt,Thursday.  Surviving are his wife, one brother, E.J. Leeves, Naples,Tx.;two sisters, Mrs. C. L. Smith, Port Neches, Tx. and Mrs. Lloyd Legg, Paris, Tx.  Services at the Geo. A. Brewer Funeral Chapel 2 P.M. Friday, Dr. George W. Truett officiating.  Interment Restland Memorial Park. Pallbearers:  A.N. Phillips, Paul C. Ledbetter, Elmer Adams, George Short, R. Schenkel, R.L. Pou.

---

*"Mary Ann (Coffey) Ledbetter is buried at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Tx.  in Section T, Blk 19, Row M, Space #1

"Mary Ann was married to a Mr. J.M. Glass Dec. 25, 1907 (Glass Lake in Omaha, Tx.).  They divorced and her last marriage was to Dr. W. C. Ledbetter. She was his 3rd wife and theirs was a rocky marriage according to his grandson.

When he died in 1950 Mary had to sue his 1st wife for part of the estate as he left her nothing.  Mary got widow's rights to the house and a small settlement.  I have returned  Dr. Ledbetter's doctor's bag to Vaughn as it belongs to his family, not mine."  by Vaughn (Joan) Sims, Madison, MS

William Henry Harvey & Martha L. Coffey Clark

---

William Henry Harvey Clark

William Henry Harvey Clark was born Dec. 25, 1845 in North Carolina, perhaps Caldwell or Avery Co.  I suspect Caldwell based on the mere fact that he and Martha Coffey were married there.

Martha L. Coffey was the sixth child and fourth daughter of Enoch and Martha Calloway Coffey and was born to them in Sep., 1846 in Caldwell Co.  I believe Martha Calloway was the second wife for Enoch.  His first was Prudence Gragg; third was Fannie Sims.

The Clark-Coffey marriage occurred on Apr. 15, 1866.*  William and Martha, like many families in the south following the Civil War who were trying to live through reconstruction, carpetbaggers and other petty officials, seem to have avoided the 1870 census.

[Update 8/4/2011 - Thanks to Lloyd Coffey of Taylorsville, NC I now know that William and Martha did not miss the 1870 census.  They, along with first child Charlotte were in  Johns River Twp., Caldwell Co. (Collettsville Post Office) that year.]

Their first known child was Charlotte L., born Sep. 15, 1869 in Caldwell Co., died Feb. 21, 1958 in Banner Elk, Avery Co.  Charlotte Married George W. Bowman but I have no further information on their family.  Charlotte is buried at Jonas Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Burke Co., NC

Joseph Enoch was their second child and first son.  He was born after the family moved from Caldwell to Avery Co. and entered the world on Mar. 12, 1871.  Joseph married Edna Ann Coffey, a daughter of Margaret A. Coffey who was the daughter of Jesse Patterson and Elizabeth M. Coffey Coffey.  Edna was born July 4, 1887 and died Aug. 28, 1959. Joseph died Dec. 3, 1965 in Crossnore, Avery Co.  Both are buried at the Tate Family Cemetery** in Linville, Avery Co.

[The family probably did not physically move.  They likely lived in that part of Caldwell that was taken to form Avery Co. in 1911]

Rebecca followed Joseph.  She was born May, 1874 in Avery Co., and died there on Sep. 13, 1943.  She married a Mr. Tilley but nothing more is known of their family.  Rebecca's death certificate reports her burial at Clark Cemetery at Pineola, Avery Co.**

Della May was child number 4, born Jun. 30, 1875, died Sep. 18, 1950 at Marion in McDowell Co., NC.  Della married Elam Gather Barrier c1896 and had a number of children, including William Seth; Inez; James Gudger; Gladys Susan; Tom Harvey and Myrtle Chloe.  Della is buried at the Tate Family cemetery while Elam is buried at Jonas Ridge Baptist Church cemetery in Burke Co.


Willard F. was next, born c1877 in Caldwell Co., died Jul. 27, 1927 in Linville.  He was buried at Calloway Cemetery in Jonas Ridge.  His wife was Bettie Kates.

Douthard "Douth" Charlie was born Apr. 15, 1879 and died Dec. 12, 1957 at Crossnore.  He is also buried at Tate.

Martha Ann was born May 12, 1881 and died May 25, 1964 at Crossnore.  She married Walter Puett.  Martha is buried at Jonas Ridge.

William Elgie was born May, 1883.  No further information.

Pinkney was born Jul. 31, 1886 and died Oct. 27, 1973 in Morganton, Burke Co.  He married Mary Jane Webb, born Jan., 1894, daughter of Theodore M. and Sarah Elizabeth Coffey Webb.  Sarah Elizabeth was a daughter of Bryce Brisco and Susannah Gragg Coffey.  No further info on Pinkney and Mary Jane.

Dovie Jane was the last known child of William Henry and Martha.  She was born Sep. 15, 1890 and died Jul. 3, 1968 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co.  Her husband was Monroe Coffey, a son of Thomas M. & Martha Cordelia Gragg Coffey.  Monroe was born Jan. 26, 1883 in Avery Co. and died Nov. 3, 1955 in Collettsville, Caldwell Co.  He and Dovie Jane were married in Caldwell Co. in 1910.***  Monroe was the first US Forest Ranger in the Globe and "...oversaw the fledgling agency’s activities in an era just before the Civilian Conservation Corps ended it efforts at forestry and went off to fight WW II."¹

Dovie Jane and Monroe had at least eight children:  Ruby, Ruth, Bruce, Sarah Nell, Jack; Blanche, Martha Louise and Clyde Hedrick.  More information is available.

Corrections and additions welcomed.

Update  Aug. 2, 2011 - Rebecca Clark's husband was John A. Tilley, born c1860 in NC.  They were married c1892.

---

*North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org), Marriage Register, Book 3, Page 157.

**This cemetery has been called by various names; e.g., Tate-Love and Clark Family Cemetery, and has appeared in several places in genealogy reports as one or the other.  It can be found on Find-A-Grave as Clark Cemetery as well as Tate.  The official name is Tate Family Cemetery and it is located at Linville. Enter coordinates 36 2 37.14, -81 54 8.69 (copy and paste) into maps.google.com for exact location.  The resulting map repeats the error by referring to it as Clark Cemetery.


***Caldwell County, North Carolina Register of Deed's Index Search, Wayne L. Rash, Register of Deeds online, Marriage Register, Book 22, Page 180.

¹Tracing Timber’s History in the Globe, by Randy Johnson, High Country Press, on-line, Jul. 28, 2011

Thanks to Bradley Ingels for his wonderful headstone photos and additional information on some of these families.

Aaron & Susan Chrisman Barrier

Aaron and Susan of Wayne Co., KY had at least three children that eventually married into the Coffey family of that county.

The first was Richard, born Dec. 17, 1822, died Oct. 4, 1907 in Wayne Co.  Richard married Permelia Ann Loveall on Nov. 4, 1842.  Permelia was born May 7, 1826 in Wayne Co., and died there on Mar. 17, 1889.  Their daughter, Sarah Margaret Barrier was born Jan. 14, 1844 and died in Oil Valley, Wayne Co. on Dec. 2, 1932.

Sarah married James Nelson Coffey, a son of Nelson N. and Keziah "Kizzie" Watters Coffey.  James was born Mar. 23, 1835, perhaps in Eadsville, Wayne Co.  He died Feb. 20, 1915 in Oil Valley.  He and Sarah were married on May 9, 1861.  Both are buried at the Ingram Cemetery in Monticello, Wayne Co.

Sarah gave birth to at least 12 children:

Jane, born 1862, died 1927 in Wayne Co.,  Married Emerson Lafayette Foster on Jan. 15, 1885.  He was born May 11, 1863, died Apr. 21, 1937.  They too are buried at Ingram Cemetery.

Nelson C., born 1864, died 1934.  He married Sarah Emerine Worley, daughter of Willis and Rachel Jones Worley.  She was born Jan. 4, 1867 and died Oct. 10, 1957.  Both are buried at Ingram.  Children were: Rachel, Emmerine, James Nelson, Albert, Wilbern, Alice, Sarah Margaret and Kizzie Elizabeth.

Richard, born Apr., 1865, died Mar. 12, 1958.  He married Roseanna Foster c1889 in KY.  She was born in Aug., 1866 and died May 27, 1958 in Wayne Co.  Their children were Thomas, Martha L., Bertie, and Oliver.

Next in 1866 was Keziah.  No further information.

Amelia, born Mar. 15, 1868, died Jan. 24, 1943.  She apparently died unmarried and is buried at Ingram.

Henderson, born Oct., 1870, died Jan. 31, 1960.  He married Margaret Coffey, a daughter of Richard Henderson and Catherine C. Jones Coffey on Feb. 27, 1902.  Margaret was born Nov. 6, 1870 and died on Nov. 9, 1946.  They are also buried at Ingram.  Their children were Ida, Garnett, Walter, Lexie and Everett.

Pruda, born Mar. 15, 1873, died Jan. 14, 1965 in Monticello.  She married Calvin Koger, son of John and Elizabeth Gregory Koger on Apr. 7, 1898.  Both are buried at Ingram.  Children were Elbert G., Indie, Mack (?), Edgar and Fronia.

Adinna, born Jan. 24, 1876, married Cooper Burnett on Dec. 30, 1903.  No further information.

Mary Melvina, born Jun. 22, 1878, died Nov. 18, 1947, married John D. Cooper on Jan. 11, 1900 in Wayne Co.  John is buried at Ingram.  Best info I have on Mary is that she was buried at Oil Valley.  Children were Stella P. and Wilfred F.

Nancy, born Mar., 4 1881. No further information.

Burl, born Jan. 14, 1884, died May 15, 1971.  He married Camely Steele on Mar. 7, 1903.  She was the daughter of John M. and Eliza Steele and was born Dec., 1884.  Both are buried at Elk Spring Cemetery in Monticello.  Children were Mabel, Earnie, Oscar, Mayme, Mary Jane, Leslie, Frederic, Woodroe, Dortha, and Shoff G.

The last child was Susanna who married John Messer.  No further information.

Another of Aaron and Susan's children was Rachael, born c1824.  She married John Coffey, a son of James and Sarah Emerline Sumpter Coffey on Jan. 28, 1848 in Wayne Co.  Their children were Sarah Jane, Elizabeth, Shelby "Shelly," James A., Joseph and Francis M.

The third of Aaron and Susan's children to figure into the Coffey families of Wayne Co. was Elizabeth, born c1830.  She married Josiah Dodson c1850 in Wayne Co.  Their daughter Susan Ann, born Apr., 1855, married Leander T. Denney c1880.  Leander was born to Cyrus and Betsey Littrell Denney on Jan. 2, 1857 in Wayne Co.  He and Susan had several children including Lottie Susan Denney who married Albert Coffey.

Albert was another son of Nelson and Sarah Emerine Worley Coffey.  He was born Apr. 7, 1891 in Wayne Co. and died on Nov. 13, 1966 in Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH.  Lottie was born Nov. 11, 1893 and died in Cincinnati on May 7, 1969.  Their children were Earl Edison, Roy Lee, Clarence Nelson, James C., Ruby, James O'Dell, Wendell Albert, Susie O., Milus (?) E., Sarah Doris, Wallace Ernest and Ann M.

---

I have some descendants of most of their children and, of course, their ancestors.  Drop me a note to add to or correct any of this information.

Note:  I have seen references to Ingram Cemetery as Ingram-Coffey and Ingram-Vickery-Goddard Cemetery.  It is located about 5 miles SE of Monticello on the Ingram Coffey Cemetery Road.  A map link is included below.

Burl & Camely Steele Coffey

Burl was a son of James Nelson and Sarah Margaret Barrier Coffey.  He was born on Jan. 14, 1884 in Kentucky - probably Wayne Co. - and died May 15, 1971 in that county.  He is buried at Elk Spring Cemetery at Monticello, KY.  Burl married Camely Steele, a daughter of John M. and Eliza Steele on Mar 7, 1903. Camely was born in Dec., 1884 in Wayne Co..  Her death date is unknown but, she is also buried at Elk Spring Cemetery.

Burl shares his headstone with his second wife, Emma Lee Gregory who he married c1941.  Emma was born Sep. 25, 1897 to George Washington and Gemima Elizabeth Worley Gregory.  She died Dec. 5, 1986.

Burl registered for the WW1 draft on Sep. 12, 1918 at the age of 34 years.  He and Camely lived in Barrier, Wayne Co. at the time where he was a farmer.  The record describes him as being of medium height and build with blue eyes and light brown hair. Twenty-four years later, on Apr. 27, 1942 and at age 58, he registered for the WW2 draft in Benton Co., IN.  He was described then as weighing 160 lbs and 5' 9" tall.  He eyes were still blue but his hair was gray.  Rather than Emma, he named Shoff Coffey of Oxford, IN as someone who would always know his address.  Perhaps he and Emma married later than 1941?

Burl and Camely were the parents of at least 10 children, all born in Wayne Co.:

Mabel, born c1905
Earnie, born c1907
Oscar, born c1909
Mayme, born Aug. 6, 1911
Mary Jane, born c1912
Leslie, born Aug. 24, 1913
Frederic, born c1915
Woodrow, born May 31, 1918
Dortha, born Feb. 13, 1921
Shoff G., born Jul. 29, 1925

Mayme married Addir R. Tuggle c1927 in KY.  He was born c1904 to James Wyatt and Rice Ellen Brown Tuggle.  Addie died Aug. 18, 1977 in Pulaski Co.  He was a resident of Lincoln Co. at the time of death and, is probably buried in that county.  There were at least two children born to this union:  Eugene (?) R., born c1927 and Lula Mae, born Nov. 14, 1929 in Wayne Co.

Cullem Leonard Coffey

Lula Mae married Cullem Leonard Coffey on Feb. 14, 1948, in KY and probably in Wayne Co.  Cullem died on Dec. 2, 2010 in Monticello, Wayne Co. and, was likely buried at Elk Spring.  Lula Mae died May 24, 2007 and, she is buried at Elk Spring.  Cullem was the son of Edward Cullem and Gertie Evana Taylor Coffey.

Shoff G. married Eva Mae Rainwater on Jan. 7, 1942 in Indiana.  She was born Feb. 12, 1923 in Liberty, Casey Co., KY to parents Louis F. and Grace "Gracie" Wilson Rainwater.

Death records for Shoff and Eva have not been found.  However, an obituary has been found for (second wife?) Adela L. Coffey, wife of Shoff G. Coffey.  She died in Fuquay-Varina, Wake Co., NC and, her obituary appeared in the The (Asheboro, N.C.) Courier-Tribune

FUQUAY-VARINA - Adela Laster Coffey, 59, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999.  Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church, Angier.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Fuquay-Varina.

Surviving are husband, Shoff G. Coffey; daughters, Sandra Betts of Asheboro, Sharon Inman of Archdale; son, Karl Haper of Fuquay-Varina; brothers, Haywood Laster of Chesapeake, Va., Donald Laster and David Laster, both of Portsmouth, Va., Robert Adams of Sophia; granddaughter, Amber Haper of the home; five other grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

The family will be at the church noon-2 p.m. on Thursday.

Thomas Funeral Home, Fuquay-Varina, is in charge of the arrangements.

Drop a comment or e-mail to add to or to correct any of this info.

---

Photo of Cullem Leonard Coffey is courtesy of Jacqueline Coffee Daffrin

---

1910 Wayne Co., Elk Creek Pct., ED222, Sheet 13A, dwelling/family 240, Coffey, Burl, head, male, white, age 26, married once for 7 yrs., born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Comely, wife, female, white, age 25, married once for 7 yrs., mother of 3, 3 living, born KY, parents born KY; Mabel, dau., female, white, age 5, born KY; Earnie, son, male, white, age 3, born KY; Oscar, son, male, white, age 6 mos., born KY.

1920 Wayne Co., Oil Valley Pct., ED258, Sheet 5B, Cooper Road, dwelling 96, family 100, Coffey, Burl, head, female, white, age 35, married, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Camely [sic], wife, female, white, age 35, married, born KY, parents born KY; Mabvel, dau., female, white, age 15, single, born KY; Ernie, dau [sic], female, white, age 13, born KY; Oscar, son, male, white, age 11, born KY; Mary Jane, dau., female, white, age 8, born KY; Leslie, son, male, white, age 7, born KY; Frederic, son, male, white, age 4 yrs., 6 [?] mos., born KY; Woodrow, son, male, white, age 1 yr., 7 mos., born KY.

1930 Benton Co., Otterbein, ED1, Sheet 3A, dwelling 65, family 67, Coffey, Burl, head, male, white, age 46, married at age 18, born KY, parents born KY, farm laborer; Camely, wife, female, white, age 45, married at age 17, born KY, parents born KY, farm laborer; Oscar, son, male, white, age 20, single, born KY, farm laborer; Lulie (?), son, male, white, age 18, single, born KY; Frederick, son, male, white, age 15, born KY; Woodrow, son, male, white, age 12, born KY; Dorothy, dau., female, white, age 10, born KY; Shoff, son, male, white, age 4, born KY.