Clyde Elmore & Elsie Conner Mahler Coffey

Elsie Mahler Coffey Boyhan

Henry Davis Coffey and his wife Lydia Susan A. Campbell were the parents of at least seven children.  Clyde Elmore was their fifth child and fourth son.  He was born Feb. 13, 1896, probably in Nelson Co., VA, but perhaps in Louisa.  Henry and Lydia were married in Nelson county in 1885 but, by the time of the 1900 census they were residing in Louisa Co.

Clyde married the beautiful Elsie Conner Mahler, a daughter of Swiss-born Gotlieb Alfred Mahler and his wife, Ella Virginia Brooks.  Gotlieb was born Apr. 7, 1862; Ella on Jul. 16, 1862.  Both died in the early-to-mid 1940's in Virginia.  Elsie was born in Waynesboro, VA in 1894.

Elsie and Clyde were married in Lynchburg, Campbell Co., VA on Dec. 6, 1915.  They became parents of at least five children:  Clyde, Jr.; Harold; Ruth; John; and Lois.  Lois was born in 1926 and by 1930 Elsie and Clyde were divorced.  That year, Clyde was counted for the census in Lynchburg.  Children Buddy, age 12; Junior; age 14; Ruth, age 10; and John, age 8 were living with him.

In the meantime, Elsie Coffey was enumerated in Norfolk, VA where she lived with her daughter, Lois, age 4,,  She was a saleslady employed to sell "rubber goods."  She also apparently lived with Joseph M. Boyhan, who was enumerated as as 24-year old "seaman on ship;" he was listed on this census as a "boarder."  The couple were married in Norfolk on Jul. 11, 1934 when Elsie was 40 years old and Joseph Michael Boyhan was 29.   He was born in 1905 at Phoebus, Hampton City, VA to Patrick and Julia Linehan Boyhan.

Joseph died at the age of 85 in Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC.  According to his death record, he was widowed and, was buried out of state.  I have not found his burial place, nor have I located any information concerning the eventual fate of Elsie.

Update, July 31, 2013:

Obituary, Norfolk, VA Ledger-Dispatch, Dec. 26, 1960

Mrs. Elsie Mahler Boyhan, 66, daughter of the late Alfred G. and Mrs. Ella Virginia Brooks Mahler, died at the residence, 2401 Early Street, East Coleman Place, on Sunday at 6:20 a.m. following a long illness. She was a native of Waynesboro and had lived in this area for 40 years. She was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John S. Hill of Lynnhaven and Mrs. Ruth Leonard of Lynnwood, Calif.; three sons, Clyde E. Coffey Jr. and James H. Coffey, both of Norfolk, and H. Winston Coffey of Freeport, Tex.; three sisters, Mrs. Effie Kite, Mrs. Mabel White, and Mrs. Margaret Cannon, all of Waynesboro; three brothers, Henry Mahler of Newport News, Frank Mahler and Charles Mahler, both of Waynesboro,; 10 grandchildren, one great grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews. The body was removed to the Cox Funeral Home.

I'm still searching for her burial site.

Update Apr 9, 2016 The recent find of an obituary shows that Clyde and Elsie had a son, James Howard Coffey, born c1923 in Virginia.  James died in Chesapeake, VA on Jun. 4, 1995 and was buried at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens on Jan. 6.  His obituary reads:

JAMES H. COFFEY SR.

Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) — Monday, June 5, 1995

James Howard Coffey Sr., 73, of the 500 block of Longdale Crescent, a retired plant superintendent, died June 4, 1995, in Chesapeake. 

Mr. Coffey was born in Portsmouth. He had retired from Shell Oil Co. in 1984 after 38 years. He was a past member of Southside Lions Club. He was predeceased by his parents, Clyde E. and Elsie Mahler Coffey Sr. 

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Robertson Coffey; a daughter, Sharon Coffey-Wilson of Chesapeake; a son, James H. Coffey Jr. of Chesapeake; a sister, Lois Coffey Hill of Virginia Beach; a brother, Clyde E. Coffey Jr. of Virginia Beach; a granddaughter, Lisa Alewine and a grandson, Joshua Alewine, both of Chesapeake. He will be sincerely missed by family and friends. 

The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Ernest L. Trueblood. The family will be at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel, today from 7 to 8 p.m.

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The photo of Elsie is credited to Paul Hill.  It was probably taken on her wedding day to Clyde Elmore Coffey.

Peter Jordan Coffey

There were two men with this name, each born and died in Nelson Co., VA around the same time.

One was born c1836 to William W. and Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey.  William was a son of William and Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles Coffey.  Sarah Jane Coffey was the daughter of Reuben and Nancy Giles Coffey.  Because Nancy and Betsy were sisters and William and Reuben were brothers, Sarah and William were double-first cousins.

Peter Jordan was the fourth of at least nine children born to William and Sarah.  Peter's first wife was Elvira C. Wood, the daughter of George W. and Martha Ann "Patsy" Coffey Wood.  Patsy was the daughter of William Benjamin and Mary F. "Molly" Demasters Coffey.  William was a son of Edmund F. & Elizabeth Burger Coffey.  Edmund was the son of William and Elizabeth Osborne Coffey.  Edmund's sister was Jane, thought to be the mother of Jordan, the "founder" of Coffeytown at Alto in Amherst Co.

Groom's Name: Peter J. Coffey Groom's Birth Date: 1836 Groom's Birthplace: Nelson Co. Groom's Age: 23 Bride's Name: Alvira C. Wood Bride's Birth Date: 1840 Bride's Birthplace: Nelson Co. Bride's Age: 19 Marriage Date: 29 Aug 1859 Marriage Place: Rockbridge, Virginia Groom's Father's Name: Wm. W. Groom's Mother's Name: Sarah Bride's Father's Name: Geo. W. Bride's Mother's Name: Dicey Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Single Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Single Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M86879-0 System Origin: Virginia-EASy Source Film Number: 32734 Reference Number: pg 7 ln 27 Collection: Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940

His children by Elvira were:

Andrew Jack, born c1861.  He married Signora L. "Nora" Stinnett on Feb. 17, 1881 in Amherst Co.  I do not know when Andrew died, but his widow - naming her parents as Peter and Nancy Elizabeth Coffey - married Daniel B. Henson on Aug. 15, 1885 in Amherst Co.

Mahalia Coffey, born c1865, married W. S. Stinnett on Feb. 17, 1881 in Amherst Co.  W. S. was a brother to Signora.

Eliza Ann, born c1868, married Marian G. Stinnett on Jan. 7, 1886, a brother to Signora.

The Stinnetts were children of Benjamin R. and Lucy F. Stinnett.  I haven't found a maiden name or marriage date for Benjamin and Lucy.

Norben Lee, born c1870, married Nellie B. Camden on Jun. 11, 1891 in Nelson Co., VA.  She was the daughter of William Sydney and Letitia Black Hight Camden.  Nellie was born Jan. 12, 1869 and died Apr. 26, 1956.  Norben died on May 1, 1941.  Both are buried in the Camden Family Cemetery at Woodson in Nelson Co.  Their children were:  Frank, Connie, Annie, Nellie, Sidney, Edward, Bettie and Virginia.

Some genealogies put a son named Eldridge in this birth position.  However, I cannot independently confirm that.

Their last child was Mildred Frances, born Jan. 9, 1872, died unknown. She married twice; first to the oft married Marion Lewis "Tip" Humphries on Oc. 14, 1887 in Amherst Co.  He did not die until 1909, but there is a marriage record for her having married Jefferson Kenneth Massie on July 26, 1896 in Nelson Co.  Her children with Massie were Horace, born 1897 and Jeanette, born 1898.

Peter's second marriage was to Nancy Elizabeth Fitzgerald in Lyndhurst, Augusta Co. on Jan. 1, 1874.  Nancy was born in 1856 and died Apr 29, 1939.

Groom's Name: Peter J. Coffey Groom's Birth Date: 1838 Groom's Birthplace: Nelson Co., Va. Groom's Age: 36 Bride's Name: Nancy E. Fitzgerald Bride's Birth Date: 1856 Bride's Birthplace: Augusta Co., Va. Bride's Age: 18 Marriage Date: 01 Jan 1874 Marriage Place: Greenville, Augusta, Virginia Groom's Father's Name: Wm. W. Coffey Groom's Mother's Name: Sarah F. Coffey Bride's Father's Name: Sam'L. Fitzgerald Bride's Mother's Name: Lovella Hite Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Widowed Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Single Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M86847-3 System Origin: Virginia-EASy Source Film Number: 30416 Reference Number: No 3278 Collection: Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940

I do not have a confirmed death date or place for Peter or Nancy.  One genealogy that I have seen reports that Nancy died on Apr. 29, 1939.

There were at least 11 children born to this union, all in Amherst Co:

Laura, born c1877

Rose Forest, born Mar., 1878.  In the 1880 census the child was recorded as a 2-year old male.  The relationship to the head was "daughter" but, that was struck out.

Henry Loving, born Apr 16, 1882, died Nov. 27, 1951. Married Sarah "Sallie" Campbell.  Had at least one child, Lucille, born Mar. 30, 1923, died Mar. 4, 1924.  Lucille is buried at Bridge Hill cemetery in Alto [Coffeytown]m Amherst Co.

Elvira Catherine, born c1884, married Mel. [sic] Ponton on Apr. 22, 1903 in Nelson Co.

Lelia F., born May, 1887

Maggie B., born Jan., 1889

Nina Belle, born Mar., 1891

Chester Berry, born Apr., 1897.  Said to have married Ruby Monique Fitzgerald and had children:

Monnie May, born Jan. 11, 1922, died Oc. 26, 2003.  Married Woodrow D. Campbell, son of Aylett and Arminda Coffey Campbell.  He was born Apr. 24, 1916, died Jun. 25, 1976.  Arminda was a daughter of Floyd Lee Coffey through his marriage to Mrs. Mary Jane Weaver.

Swanson James, born May 27, 1923 at Montebello in Nelson Co., died Sep. 2, 2009 at Stuarts Draft in Augusta Co.  He married Magdelina Lucy "Madge" Campbell, born Jan. 13, 1924 at Montebello, died Feb. 3, 2008 at Stuarts Draft.  One known son, Fred James "Freddie", born Nov. 26, 1946 at Waynesboro, VA, died at Stuarts Draft on Aug. 9, 2008.  His parents are buried at the Mennonite Church Cemetery in Stuarts Draft; he at Augusta Memorial Park in Lyndhurst.

Van and Bernard.  No further information.

The last three children of Peter and Nancy are said to have been Minnie, Ella and Ollie.  However, I have not yet found them in any record.

Peter Jordan died before 1900. Nancy Elizabeth appeared as a widow in the Temperance, Amherst Co. census that year.  The children in the household at that time were Rosa F., born Mar., 1878; H. L., born Apr., 1882; L. F., [Lelia], born May., 1887; M. B., [Magie], born Jan., 1889; Nina, born Mar., 1891; M. A., a daughter, born Feb., 1894 and C. B., [Chester Berry] a son, born Apr., 1897. 

There is a gap of about six years between the birth of Nina and Chester where Minnie, Ella and Ollie could have been born and perhaps die in infancy.  I do not yet know!

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The other Peter J. Coffey was born in April, 1840 at Massies Mill, Nelson Co. to Benjamin J. and Candis W. Coffey Coffey.  Benjamin's parents haven't been identified yet, but may be William and Betsy Giles Coffey.  Candis was one of three daughters born to Nancy Coffey, another sibling of Jane, Jordan's mother, without benefit of marriage.

This Peter was a member of Co. B, 52d Infantry Regiment, Virginia.  He enlisted on Jul. 10, 1861 at Fairfield in Rockbridge Co.  On Sep. 28, 1861 he the 2d Rockbridge Light Artillery Regiment.  He apparently never married and lived with his parents at Massies Mill, Nelson Co. through the 1870 and 1880 census and then as a single man living alone in the 1900 Lovingston, Nelson Co. census.  He is said to have died in Sep., 1925.

Descendants of William and Catherine Campbell Ramsey

According to the Journal of the Clan Campbell, Vol. 17-19 (1990, page 52), Catherine Campbell, a daughter of James and Judith Fitzgerald Campbell, married William Ramsey in Amherst Co., VA.  Virginia marriage records report the date as Jan.. 10, 1805.

They were the parents of at least eight children; 5 boys and three girls. 

The first son was Joshua Madison, born Oct. 16, 1820 in Rockbridge Co., died Jan. 21, 1897.  He is buried at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Strasburg, Shenandoah Co., VA.  He married Nancy C. "Nannie" Steele on Aug. 5, 1839 in Nelson Co..  Nannie was the daughter of John and Mary "Polly" Coffey Steele.  Mary was a daughter of Edmond Stewart and Nancy Barnett Coffey and was born c1781.  Nannie died in Spottswood, Augusta Co., and is buried there at the Old Providence Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Joshua's second wife was Elizabeth Coffey, a daughter of Reuben G. and Nancy Giles Coffey.  They were married on Sep. 30, 1850 in Nelson Co.  I haven't yet found Elizabeth's death date or burial place.

By his first wife, Joshua was the father of:

Melvina, born c1839

Delilah, born c1842.  She was twice married; first on Sep. 20, 1860 to Colston Harrison Coffey, a son of John W. and Margaret Susanna Coffey Coffey.  Colston died in the Civil War Dec. 2, 1862 at Lyndhurst in Augusta Co.  He was a member of Lamkin's Amherst-Nelson Light Artillery Regt.  He had enlisted in that regiment on Jul. 8, 1862.  Delilah's second husband was Cornelius W. Mahone, born 1842 in James City Co., VA.  They were married on Oct. 19, 1865 in Augusta Co.

Dabney Coleman, born Oct., 1842, married Feb. 9, 1864 in Augusta Co. to Lavenia E. Fauver, also born in Augusta Co. in 1842.

Andrew Jackson, born Jun. 2, 1846, died Mar. 23, 1889 in Nelson Co.  He married Lucy Ann Ham on Feb. 1866 in Augusta Co.

Mary Susan Ramsey, born c1848.

Susan Virginia, born c1849, married Jacob Hamilton.  Their daughter, also named Susan Virginia, was born Mar. 16, 1875 in VA, died Sep. 23, 1912 in Cairo, Allen Co., OH.  She married Allen P. Sherman Coffey on Jun. 24, 1891 in Rockbridge Co.  He was a son of Jesse C. & Nancy F. Allen Coffey.  Their children were:  John Henen, born 1892, died 1962; Jacob William, born 1894, died 1971; Susan Emily, born 1896, died 1964; Minnie Bell, born 1898, died 1960; Anna May, born 1903, died 1993; Forest Allen, born 1906, died 1959; Naomi Peark, born 1908; George Robert, born 1911, died 1967; Henry McDonald and Walter Lee.

Joshua and Elizabeth Coffey had at least one child, a daughter named Editha, born c1860 in Nelson Co.  Nothing more known.

Joshua's brother, Lewis Levi married Susan Jane Campbell on Feb. 1, 1838 in Rockbridge Co.  They were parents of at least 10 children:

Hezekiah, born c1837 in Nelson Co., married Susan Massie Fitzgerald, a daughter of Robert Alexander and Lucy Ann Coffey Fitzgerald.  Lucy Ann was a sister to Elizabeth, Joshua's second wife.

James M., born c1837, married Mary Sneed on Oct. 18, 1860 in Nelson Co.  Children were:  James, Jr., born c1862, married Sarah Jane Coffey Aug. 16, 1883, daughter of William Montebello and Cynthia Wood Coffey; Willie Jane, born c1867, married Henry B. Steele on Apr. 15, 1883 in Amherst Co.; Matthew Henry, married Delilah Coffey, sister to Sarah Jane, Aug. 21, 1887 in Amherst Co.; Stuart Lee, born c1871, married Annie Lee Coffey, sister to Sarah Jane and Delilah, Sep. 9., 1895 in Rockbridge Co.

Mary: No information

Elizabeth, born 1846 in Amherst Co., married Peach W. Cash on Aug. 28, 1878 in Amherst Co.

Richard Benjamin; Ambrose Coleman and Louisa:  No information

William Marshall, born 1851 in Amherst Co., married Mary E. Hamilton, daughter of James and Susan Hamilton, Apr. 4, 1877 in Amherst Co.

Leroy, born 1855 in Nelson Co., married Jun. 3,1878 to Mary "Mollie" Ramsey, a daughter of William F. and Fannie Tomlinson Ramsey.  William was a brother to Joshua and Lewis.

 Marcellus McDonald:  No information

Horace Justin Coffey

I recently received thess photos from Denise Herndon Risch, a descendant of Horace Justin and Maggie through their daughter, Virginia Rebecca who married Tom T. Herndon.

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Horace Justin, born Feb. 27, 1882 in Nelson Co., VA, was a son of Andrew J. and Rebecca E. Campbell Coffey.  Horace died Feb. 18, 1953 in Goochland Co., VA and was buried in Sandy Hook at the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Maggie, Adell & Horace

His wife, Maggie May Haden was born on Jan. 6, 1882 and died in Goochland Co. on Dec. 17, 1961.  She is also buried at Oak Grove.

Their children were:

Adell Hallie, born Jan. 6, 1905, died Oct. 2, 1977 in Goochland Co.  She apparently never married.  She was also buried at Oak Grove.

Virginia Rebecca, born Feb. 20, 1908, married Tom T. Herndon on Jun. 4, 1929 in Goochland Co.

Virginia R. Coffey Herndon

Jackson Nelson, born Oct. 26, 1909, died Apr. 15, 1976 in Goochland Co.  He married Cecil T., born Oct. 2, 1915, died Apr. 23, 1987 in Goochland Co.  They too are buried at Oak Grove.  They had at least one son, Jackson Nelson, Jr., born Jan. 14, 1945, died Sep. 14, 1996 in Goochland Co., and was buried at Oak Grove.

Horace, Jr. was born May 1, 1911.  No other information.

Teddie Rosevelt, born Oct. 4, 1912.  No other information.

Twins - born Nov. 22, 1913; one died unnamed, one survived:  Wilbur Haden, died May 14, 1991.  He married a lady named Kathleen P. (Kitty), born Nov. 26, 1916, died Feb. 4, 1984 in Goochland Co.  They are buried at Byrd Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Goochland, Goochland Co.
.
Madge Justine, born Oct. 6, 1918.  No other information.

Helen Vera, born Jan. 27, 1920.  No other information.

More information coming on this family as it becomes available.

Clayton Maywood & Ella Virginia Waterman Coffey

Clayton Maywood Coffey was born Feb. 27, 1877 in Nelson Co., VA, the first child of Henry Alexander and Sarah Rebecca Campbell Coffey.  He was married c1908 to Ella Virginia Waterman.

His obituary:

Daily News Leader, Staunton, VA, Jul 1943

Clayton Maywood Coffey

Ella Virginia Waterman

Funeral services for Clayton M. Coffey, who died early Friday at his home on Staunton route five, were conducted from the residence at four o'clock Monday, with his pastor, the Rev. W. J. B. Livingston of Hebron Presbyterian church, officiating, assisted by the Rev. David F. Glovier. Hymns used were "Rock of Ages," "The Old Rugged Cross," and "Abide With Me." Mr. Coffey was born in Nelson county, Feb. 27, 1877, coming to Augusta in early childhood, spending the remainder of his life in and around Staunton. He was a son of the late Henry A. Coffey and Sarah Campbell Coffey. Those surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ella Waterman Coffey; three daughters and two sons, Mrs. Albert Dull, Mrs. Harty Burford, Mrs. David Hoover, Charles M. Coffey, all of Staunton; Elwood Coffey,. U. S. Army, Nashville, Tenn.; seven grandchildren; six sisters and one brother, Mrs. Walter Keefauver, Roanoke; Mrs. Gilbert Craig, Lynchburg; Mrs. Vinton Cook and Mrs. O. H. Lee, Richmond; Mrs. Howard Plumb, Waynesboro; Miss Lottie Coffey, Winchester and J. H. Coffey, Landover, Md. Active pallbearers were H. F. Talhaferro, W. C. Shiflett, R. T. Mosley, J. D. Hoover, John Dull, and M. E. Elliott; honorary, Frank Leitch, A. R. Moore, Dr. Glenn C. Campbell, Sam Cook, W. A. Crawford, F. M. Tutwider, J. L. Jamison, L. M. Drake. Burial was in Thornrose cemetery.

[I wonder about the spelling of some of the surnames in the obituary.  Is Talhaferro really supposed to be Taliaferro and Tutwider supposed to be Tutwiler?]

Ella was the daughter of Harry B. and Emma Jane Harris, born Jan. 31, 1883 in Staunton, Augusta Co., VA and died there on Dec. 23, 1955.  Both are buried at the Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

 - Clayton and Ella were the parents of at least five children; three daughters and two sons:

Emma Jane Harris Waterman

Janet Lucille Coffey Dull

 - Janet Lucille, born May 24, 1911, died Jun. 20, 1984.  Janet married Albert Alexander Dull, born Oct. 3, 1908, died Jan. 4, 1965.  They are also buried at Thornrose.

 - Henry Elwood, born July 18, 1912 and died May 11, 1955.  He married Ferbie Virginia Smith on Sep. 29, 1943 in Augusta Co.  A few years after Henry died, his widow married Charles Maywood, Henry's brother.  All are buried at Thornrose.

Henry Elwood Coffey

Charles Maywood Coffey

 - Helen Joyce, born Dec. 1, 1913, died Feb. 23, 1998, married Joseph Hardy "Pete" Burford on Jun. 14, 1929 in Hagerstown, Washington Co., MD.  Pete was born Jan. 3, 1909 and died Jun. 13, 1998.  They are also buried at Thornrose. No photo available for Helen.












- Catherine, born ca Dec., 1916. Nothing else known; may have died young. [After re-reading Clayton's obit, I realized that Catherine is Mrs. (John) David Hoover.]

 - Charles Maywood, born Aug. 29, 1920, died Jun. 19, 1989.  Neither Charles nor his brother Henry are known to have fathered any children with Ferbie.

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Update Oct 25, 2011:

Charles Maywood Coffey was first married to Nellie Elaine Woodzell in 1941.  They divorced c1947 and Nellie later married Joseph Gatlin Gray in 1957, Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY.  Charles then married Ferbie c1958.  Joseph was born Apr. 7, 1918 in Laurel, Jones Co., MS and died in Tell City, Perry Co., IN on Dec. 29, 2001.  Nellie was born Dec. 12, 1919 in Millboro, Bath Co., VA to Charley B. and Sarah E. Woodzell.  She died Apr. 20, 1984 in Tell City.  She and Joseph are buried there in Greenwood Cemetery.

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All photos are courtesy of Wayne Coffey.

A Downside to using Headstone Info

Monroe Cleveland or Jesse Cleveland Coffey?

Within a couple of days of writing the previous blog about headstones, I received this from Lloyd Coffey, a grandson of Jesse Cleveland Coffey.  Jesse was a son of  Jesse "Red Eye" and Lucinda Louise Coffey Coffey:

"My grandfather, Jesse Cleveland Coffey, son of Jesse C. 'Red Eye' Coffey, is buried in Glencoe Cemetery in Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia.  It is in southwestern Virginia and is the location of the 'Richmond District' about which I wrote you earlier.  For some reason, his grave marker has his name as Monroe Cleveland Coffey.  I know that the name Monroe is in our family several times, but I do not know how it got attached to my grandfather.  I have attached a picture of his gravestone.  I do not know the source of any of the information on the stone."

Unless this information is passed on through the family, future researchers looking for Jesse Cleveland's grave site will be disappointed when it cannot be found.

Jesse Cleveland, who I'm sure I've written about in earlier blogs, married Eliza Loudermilk, a daughter of Finley T. & Mary Clark Loudermilk in Caldwell Co., NC in 1910. Eliza was born on Dec. 3, 1892 and died Mar. 18, 1987 in Hiddenite, Alexander Co., NC.

Her obituary:

The Watauga Democrat, Boone, NC Mar. 20, 1987

Mrs. Eliza Coffey

Hiddenite Resident

Mrs. Eliza Coffey, 94, of Route 1, Hiddenite, died Wednesday, March 18, at the residence following an illness of one week.

She was born in Caldwell County, Dec. 23, 1892. She was a daughter of the late Finley Loudermilk and Mary Clark Loudermilk. She was a homemaker. He husband, Cleveland Coffey, preceded her in death.

Survivors include three sons, Lester Coffey and Rayford Coffey, both of Lenoir, and Eugene Coffey of Statesville, two daughters Mrs. Zelma Campbell of Hiddenite and Mrs. Nettie Hodge of Lenoir; one brother, Daniel Loudermilk of Taylorsville, and 36 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Services were held today at 2 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville. Officiating were the Revs. Homer Baity and Bobby Eads. Burial was in the Rocky Face Baptist Church Cemetery in Alexander County.

Adams Funeral Home in Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.

She and Jesse were parents of six children:

1 - Annie Rivers "Nannie", born Jan. 1, 1910 in Avery Co., NC, died Apr 15, 1952 in Boone.  Annie married her second cousin, William Glenn Coffey and had at least one son, Jerry Guy, born Sep., 12, 1933, died Jan. 25, 1998 in NC.

2 - Lester Deverlin, born Apr. 12, 1913 in NC, died Jul 20, 1988 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co.  His wife was Grace Thelma Bennett, born Jul. 27, 1924 in Avery Co., died Feb. 22, 2005 in Lenoir.

Her obituary:

The Hickory Daily Record, Catawba Co., NC, Feb. 25, 2005

GRACE B. COFFEY

LENOIR - Grace Bennett Coffey, 80, of Rosedale Drive, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at Gateway Nursing Center.

She was born July 27, 1924, in Avery County to the late Jesse Cleveland and Etta Naomi Hardin Bennett.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Deverlin Coffey; four brothers; and two sisters.

Mrs. Coffey was a homemaker and a member of Zacks Fork Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Donald Odell Coffey Sr. of South Sioux City, Neb., Lloyd Everette Coffey of Taylorsville and Benson Howard Coffey and wife, Teena, of Lenoir; a daughter and son-in-law, Estie Loretta Coffey Smith and Tallie Smith of Lenoir; a stepbrother, Jimmy Kirksey of Hickory; three sisters, Mrs. Virginia Whittington of Lenoir, Mrs. Ollie Coffey of Boone and Mrs. Jean Holdridge of Gainesville, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Jerry Smith, Sharon Smith Clonch, Wayne Smith, Jeannie Smith Childress and Stella Coffey, all of Lenoir, Donald Coffey Jr. of Granite Falls and Gail Coffey Farmer of Arizona; 16 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Jerry Smith, Ken Osier and Eliza Bishop.  Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers will be Cregg Clonch, Ryan Smith, Dustin Smith, Josh Coffey, Scott Coffey, Victor Whittington and Shane Whittington.

The family will receive friends tonight, Thursday, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

For additional information, the family contact person will be Sharon Clonch, granddaughter, at 1216 Cottrell Hill Road, Lenoir.

Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 9140 Arrowpoint Blvd., Suite 380, Charlotte, N.C. 28273, or the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association, Western N.C. Chapter, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, N.C. 28801-2644.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

3 - Zelma Izora, born Sep. 1, 1915 in NC, died Aug. 6, 1993 in Alexander Co.  She married Lex Garland Campbell, born 1910, died Mar. 8, 1992, also in Alexander Co.  They had at least two children, Betty Lou, born 1935 in Alexander Co., died in Harmony, Irdell Co. on Jan. 24, 2005 and, Gary Lee, born Nov. 25, 1947 in Alexander Co., died Jul. 30, 2005 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC

I have obituaries for both of these and will forward on request.

4 - Charley, born 1918 in Avery Co., died Apr. 14, 1919 in Wilson Creek Twp., Avery Co.  His death record gives his name as Chasley, but Lloyd tells me that is an error.

5 - Nettie J., born Feb. 27, 1920 in Watauga Co.  No further info.

6 - Jerry Baxter, born Mar. 21, 1923 in NC, died at Blowing Rock, Watauga Co. on Jan. 14, 1973.

Albert Galatin and Lois Senora Garrison Coffey

Albert was a junior, son of Albert Galatin senior and his wife Annie E. Campbell.  He married Lois Senora Garrison on Jun. 20, 1911 in Pawhuska, Osage Co., OK.  She was born in North Carolina on Mar. 2, 1891.  Albert, Jr. was born on Jan. 7, 1884 in Lincoln Co., KY.  He died in Fergus Co., MT on Jun. 20, 1967 and was buried at the Winnett City cemetery in Petroleum Co.  Lois died much earlier, on Nov. 1, 1929 shortly after giving birth to her eighth child in 15 years.  She was also buried at the Winnett cemetery.

The family left Oklahoma sometime before Sep. 12, 1918 and lived for awhile in Port Orchard, Kitsap Co., WA where Albert worked as a riveter at the navy yard.  It was on that date that Albert registered for the draft.  He and Lois lived at 1513 Elizabeth St. in Bremerton.  Albert was described on the draft registration as being tall and slender with brown eyes and black hair.  He was 34 years old at the time.

When 1920 arrived the family was still in Kitsap and Albert still worked in the navy yard.  Soon however, the family left for Montana and settled in Petroleum Co.  By 1930 Albert was a widower farmer, raising eight children by himself.  He apparently never remarried.

Children of Albert and Lois were:

Marguerite S. "Deat", born Sep. 12, 1914 in Soper, Choctaw Co., OK, died Apr. 14, 1981 in Lewistown, Fergus Co., MT.  Marguerite married Very Stanly Cook, born 1907 in Sandpoint, Bonner Co., ID, on May 22, 1943 in Winnett.  Vern died in Lewistown on Dec., 1978.

Alberta Lillian "Corky", was born in 1916, probably in Choctaw Co. as well.  She married Stanley August Zeismer, born Dec. 21, 1913 in McGrath, Aitkin Co., MN, died Nov. 9, 1990 in Seattle, King Co., WA.  Alberta died in Dec., 1989 in Winnett.

Joseph Galatin, born 1920, probably in Choctaw Co., married Margarette Livingston on May 12, 1961.  She died on Jun. 10, 1989 in Harrison, Madison Co., MT.

Twila A., born 1921 in MT, married James McCue.  He died in 1971 in Winnett.

Bill Dale, born Mar. 10, 1923 in MT, died there on Jun. 17, 1940.

Lois Madaleen, born 1925 in MT, died there on Mar. 11, 1926.

Robert E. "Bob", born 1927 in Dovetail, Petroleum Co., married Winnie Lorraine Magee in Mississippi on Aug. 14, 1959.

Mary Lou, born 1929 in Montana, married Joseph Bevis.

More information is available from the Petroleum County Public Library publication, A History of Petroleum County, Montana, Vol. 1, 1989.  The book is also available as a pdf at Rootsweb.

Coffey in Beckham Co., OK

Some children of Calvin and Serena White Coffey left NC in the late 1800's and moved into TX and OK.  Henry Milton Coffey was one of those. 

Henry, along with his wife Margaret Lucinda Pennell and five children left Catawba Co. between the middle of 1886 and the middle of 1888 and moved into St. Jo, Montague Co., TX.  From there the family moved into OK, finally settling in Buffalo Twp. in Beckham Co. Many of Henry's children and grand-children are buried in the Buffalo cemetery at Sayre.

Except for the following, I have identified most of the Coffeys buried in that cemetery, but need help in identifying the remaining.  If you can help, please contact me.

Cleta J. Price Coffey, wife of Harold W. Coffey, born 1916, died unknown
Cynthia Coffey, wife of H. M. Coffey, born 1851, died 1919
Harold W. Coffey, born Feb. 1, 1916, died Aug. 26, 1979
J. L. Coffey, born 1917, died Apr. 2, 1978
Ina Oletia Campbell Coffey, w/o J. L. Coffey, born/died unknown
J. W. Coffey, born May 23, 1925, died Sep. 1, 1925
Josie Coffey, born 1911, died 1913
Ora A. Coffey, w/o Joe L. Coffey, born Jun. 26, 1887, died Jul. 25, 1951
Orville A. Coffey, born Dec. 1914, died Mar 12, 1916, son of Thos. T. Coffey
Ruth B. Coffey, born Oct. 8, 1908, died Nov. 5, 1908
Thomas Clifford Coffey, born Jul. 22, 1927, died Jan. 12, 1975
Verlin Coffey, born 1920, died 1920
Rosetta Joy Coffey Dorsey, born May 17, 1938, died Mar 27, 1977 w/o Luther Conway Dorsey

A case of two Kelleys

In my records - which translates to The Edward Coffey Project - I had Killey "Kill" Massey Coffey as a son of Peter William and Mattie A. Demastus Coffey.  That was an error.  Killey - real name Kelley - was really a son of Henry Lee and Mildred Ann "Millie" Campbell Coffey.

That Kelley was born on Apr. 1, 1901 and died on Jul. 9, 1970 in Nelson Co.  He married Lena Gaynell Fitzgerald.  She was born May 18, 1905 in Whiterock, Nelson Co., VA and died in VA on Jan. 22, 1997,

Both are buried at Mountain Top Christian Church Cemetery in Nelson Co.  This church is located off the Blue Ridge Pkwy at the Love Road.  If you use a GPS, the coordinates are 37° 52' 56.00" N and 79° 0' 57.00" W.

I discovered the Kelley Massey error while searching for other Coffeys in Staunton, VA and stumbled over the headstone for Kelley Elwood Coffey.  A little research showed that Kelley Elwood was the son of Peter William.

Kelley Elwood was born Jul. 17, 1903 in Augusta Co., VA and died Feb. 17, 1977 in Staunton.  He married Ada Lavell Hyden, born Feb. 8, 1903, died Jan. 31, 1971. 

To add a bit of confusion to this, there are two headstones for Kelley Elwood in the Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery at Staunton.  He shares one with Ada but his death date is not engraved.  He shares another with  Blanche Hyden and it is engraved with his death date.

I am thinking perhaps the two Hyden girls were related, but were not sisters.  If you can provide a connection, drop an e-mail to me at the above address or, leave a comment here.







Headstone photos courtesy JLB and FindAGrave.com

John Coffey - Fort Hembree, Cherokee Co., NC

Some of the Coffey families on this census page are in one way or another connected to the Rice Coffey-Dortha Jane Medaris family.

However, I have been unable to connect the John Coffey family to anyone.  Based on the surname of the children, it appears that John married Mary, the former wife of a Campbell.

If anyone can identify John, please contact me at the above e-mail address.

Levi Lafayette Coffey

Levi Lafayette Coffey was a son of Elisha and Anna Harmon Moody Coffey. He was born May 30, 1833 in Burke Co., NC and died Feb. 11, 1925 in Watauga Co., NC. At the time of death he was a retired farmer.

Temperance (Tempie) Calloway was the daughter of James and Nicey Gragg Calloway, and was born c1844 in North Carolina, and died there in c1890. She and Levi were married c1859.

In 1860 they were in the Valle Crucis district of Watauga Co. With them was their first child, Lavina, age 5 months. They remained in Watauga county through the 1880 census. Tempie apparently died sometime between June 7, 1880 and Jan. 1, 1882 when Levi married his distant cousin, Mary Ella Coffey.

Children of Levi and Tempie were:

Caroline Lavinia, born Mar. 6, 1860 in Watauga Co., died Feb. 13, 1923. She married David Nathaniel Coffey, a son of Austin Coffey and Mary A. Blalock.

Joseph DeKalb, born 1863 in Watauga Co., and died there on Jan. 24, 1939. He married Letitia Walters on Apr. 9, 1899 in Watauga Co. She was born Sep., 1879 in North Carolina and died in Watauga Co. in 1960. Joseph apparently had a wife before Letitia, but she is yet unidentified.

Judith, born c1866 - no further information.

Emma, born Oct. 19, 1869 in Watauga Co., and died in Hickory, Catawba Co. on Jan. 3, 1938. She married William M. Coffey, a son of Smith W. and Charity Elizabeth Redmond.

James Wesley, born May 2, 1873 in Watauga Co., and died Dec. 6, 1960 in Boone, Watauga Co. He married Callie Ward, a daughter of James Ward and Mary Hicks. Callie was born Mar. 30, 1898 in Watauga Co., and died there on Aug. 25, 1975. James had also been previously married to Donnie Brewer. She was the daughter of Marvel Brower, and was born Dec. 15, 1883 in Watauga Co., and died there on Jun. 22, 1924.

Archie E., born c1875 in North Carolina and died there on Apr. 11, 1903. He married Virginia Frances (Jennie) Brown on Sep. 30, 1900 in Watauga Co. She was the daughter of Samuel Walker and Nancy Jane Joyce Brown. Jennie died Jul. 1, 1962 in Taylorsville in Alexander Co., NC. Virginia had been previously married to Leroy Starnes, and after the death of Archie, she married Henry Boone Coffey, a son of Smith and Charity.

[Note: A reader has reported that Leroy Starnes was Jennie's third husband]





A child of Jennie and Archie was Paul Arch Coffey, born Aug. 30, 1902, and died Mar. 25, 1957. He married Margaret Allen Linney on Dec. 6, 1926 in Watauga Co. She was born Apr. 27, 1906 in Boone and died there on un. 10, 1994. Their son, Paul Armfield Coffey married Rachel Ann Rivers, a daughter
of Robert Campbell and Bonnie Jean Lewis Rivers. Rachel's grandfather acquired the Watauga Democrat in 1889, a year after it was founded. Rachel took over the paper in 1975 after the death of her father and sold it in 1999.



Oscar Lee, born Sep. 7, 1878 in North Carolina and died Jul 1, 1977 in Davidson Co., NC. He married Ollie Belle Calloway, a daughter of William Henderson and Almirah M. Johnson Calloway. Ollie was born Mar. 10, 1886 in Watauga Co., and died on Apr. 23, 1943 in North Carolina.

More information is available on the children and their descendants.

According to her death certificate, Mary Ella Coffey was born in 1865 in North Carolina and died on Mar. 27, 1949 at Shulls Mill, Watauga Co. She was the daughter of Smith W. and Charity Elizabeth Baker* Redmond Coffey. She is buried in the Coffey Cemetery at Shulls Mill.

The only child that I have for them is Henry Oliver Coffey, born Jul. 25, 1889. Henry married Zettie Chloe Honeycutt on Mar. 23, 1913 in Watauga Co. She was the daughter of Luke Jackson Honeycutt and Lithia Rotenberry. Luke was born in Alexander Co. in 1860 and died at Shulls Mill, Watauga Co. on Jul 4, 1939. Lithia was born in Mt. Airy, Surry Co., NC in 1860 and died at Shulls Mill on Oct. 7, 1930. Zettie was sister to Ada who married Lee Nelson Coffey, a son of Smith and Charity.

Children of Henry and Zettie were:

Unnamed female, born and died on Dec. 28, 1913

Henry Clay, born Mar. 31, 1916

Mary Helen, born Jan. 30, 1918

Litha Louise, born Jan. 24, 1920

Ruth Odena, born Nov. 25, 1921, died Aug. 27, 1931

Betty Lee, born Jul 26, 1927

Drop me a note at the above e-mail address to add to or correct any of this information. I will also be happy to provide more information on this famiy to anyone who needs it.




*Laurence Coffey gives this name as Elizabeth Baker Redmond, indicating that she was probably married previous to her marriage to Smith. However, in an e-mail dated Aug. 23, 2007, a family researcher wrote this to me:

"Elizabeth was born 6/25/1836 and died 5/20/1912. She was not married prior to her marriage to Smith Coffey on June 25, 1854 (that was her 18th Birthday). According to the Caldwell County Court of Pleas and Quarter Session, Volume II – January Term 1848, Elizabeth, an orphan child of 11 years of age, was bound to Lucinda Baker (that is where the Baker name originated) until age 18, at which time she was give[n] her freedom, $6.00, a new suit of clothes, a bible and she was to be taught to read and write."

Another reader has recently informed me that "She was also a Cherokee. We never learned her Native-American name. "Chariety" which is from her headstone) is the only nickname we know of. (Sounds a lot like Cherokee) Redmond or Redman could refer to "a red Man" (Indian) this , of course, is family speculation. She needed a Surname for marriage."

The Edward Coffey Project (Update 2)

This project is active again on the Coffey Cousins' website.

I have not included photographs or sources in this upload. Rather than ask for a CD, a few "researchers" have been spending hours downloading thousands of pages. They are not only stealing my work, and the work of those that have contributed to the project, but are also monopolizing my server, effectively denying access to others. I am certain that they will continue to download the file, but at least it will not take them hours to do it because they will not be able to download the documentation.

A CD containing all of the information that I have compiled on Edward and his descendants is available. The CD will include photographs, obituaries, complete source citations (when available), and other family and/or individual facts. It represents several years of personal research plus the time and effort of everyone who has contributed their family information to assure an accurate as possible picture of the family.

Besides 7000+ Coffeys, the compilation contains such surnames Campbell, Dalton, Fitzgerald, Gragg, Hayes, Wolfe, Shockley, and others. The CD will also now contain the descendants of Jordan Coffey.

I have attempted to remove everyone from the CD who was born after 1930 and for whom I have no death information. Please contact me ASAP should you find yourself, or your immediate family (father, mother, siblings, spouses and their children) in this compilation, and would like to have them removed.

The CD is free. I now charge $10.00 for postage and materials. It can be ordered from me, Jack Coffee, 110 Lydia Road, St. Joseph, LA 71366. CDs are burned when an order is received thereby assuring every CD is the most up to date available.

Andrew J. and Rebecca Campbell Coffey

I received e-mail on Dec. 5, 2009 from Paul Hill in Suffolk, Virginia in which he corrected an error.

Paul wrote that Andrew "...actually died in Lynchburg and his son H.D. had him shipped via train to Arrington Station, Nelson County and then by wagon to the H.B. Coffey cemetery on their old homeplace."

Paul also passed this along:

"Andrew J. Coffey was conscripted into the Confederate Army but deserted when Robert E. Lee entered Maryland before the battle of Antietam in September 1862. He went to Philadelphia and enlisted with the Union and fought the Confederacy for three years before being sent to N. Dakota in 1865 to fight Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. He was discharged in Iowa in 1865 and sent home to live amongst his kin all of whom fought for the south!"

---

Andrew J. (Jackson?) Coffey was born in Oct., 1836 in Nelson Co., VA. He was the eldest son of the Rev. Henry Benjamin Coffey and his wife Mary (Polly) Campbell.

In addition to Andrew, Henry and Polly were parents of Nancy Jane, born 1843, married her first cousin, Joseph C. Coffey, Jr.; and Benjamin Franklin, born 1847, died 1926, married Elizabeth Fitzgerald. Elizabeth was the daughter of Moses and Mary Ann (Polly) Coffey. Elizabeth Fitzgerald and Ben were likely cousins, but I have not yet made a connection between her mother and other Coffey families in that area of Virginia.

Andrew married Rebecca Feb. 5, 1861 in Nelson Co.1 Rebecca was born in Virginia c1841. She is very likely some relation to Henry's wife, Polly, but again, no connection has been made.

The couple lived their early life together in Nelson Co. They were married there and resided in the county until after 1880 when they relocated to Louisa Co., and later, in 1910, to Campbell Co. Andrew died in Nelson Co. in 1911 and was buried there in the Henry B. Coffey Family cemetery.

I have not yet found Rebecca's death date. At the time of the Feb., 1920 census, she was 79 yrs. old, and residing in the Brookville Dist., Campbell Co., VA. In the household with her then was Bessie Campbell, a grand-daughter, and Shelby H. Coffey, a grand-son.

The children of Andrew and Rebecca were:

Henry Davis, born Nov., 1861, died Sep. 6, 1947. He married Lydia Susan A. Campbell. She was born c1868 in Virginia and died Oct. 24, 1918 in Lynchburg, Campbell Co. Their children were: Leonard, Pearl, Ray, Lester, Clyde, Raymond and Shelby.

Minettei E., (Lettie) born c1867 in Nelson Co., married G. L. Campbell, born c1872, on Jan. 8, 1890. His parents were Francis Jefferson and Catherine Stover Campbell. I do not have any children for them.

Francis Marion, born c1869 in Nelson Co., died Mar. 26, 1956. He married Emma D. Campbell, born c1874, died Jan. 12, 1942. I do not have any children or them.

Mary M., born Oct. 12, 1871, Nelson Co., died Dec. 8, 1893, in Nelson Co. She married Joseph T. Campbell Jan. 22, 1885 in Nelson Co. He was born c1874 but date of death is not known. He is buried in the Henry B. Coffey Family Cemetery in Nelson Co.2

Arthur T., born Dec., 1873 in Nelson Co., married Essie Fitzgerald Jan. 27, 1895 in Nelson Co. Their children were Clement D., Warren L., Eugene K., and Luther. There may have been others. Luther is said to be buried in the Martin L. Fitzgerald Family Cemetery in Nelson Co.3

Edgar R., born 1874 in Nelson Co., married c1900 to a lady named Lucy, born c1880 in Virginia. No other information.

Charles C., born c1877 in Nelson Co., married c1909 to a lady named Mae, born c1891 in Virginia. No other information.

Annie L., born Sep., 1879. No other information.



Horace Justin, born Feb. 27, 1882 in Nelson Co., died Feb. 18, 1953 in Goochland Co., VA. He married Maggie M. Haden, born Jan. 6, 1882, died Dec. 17, 1961 in Goochland Co. Their children were: Adell Hallie, born Jan, 6, 1905, died Oct. 2, 1977; Virginia Rebecca, born Feb. 20, 1908; Jackson Nelson., born Oct. 26, 1909, died Apr. 15, 1976; Horace, Jr., born May 1, 1911; Teddie Rosevelt, born Oct. 4, 1912; Wilber Haden, born Nov. 22, 1913*; Madge, born Oct. 6, 1918; and Helen, born Jan. 27, 1920. Horace and Maggie are buried in the Sandy Hook Cemetery in Goochland Co.**


Gracy, born c1888. This may not be a child of this family. She is not found in any census record.

I have some additional information on this family. Please contact me with additions and corrections, or to get more information.

---

Update: Sep. 13, 2010

Reader Denise Risch recently forwarded this  scan of a page from a Bible that belonged to her great aunt Madge. The first five names are in one hand while six through eight are in another.  The entry for child nine was likely made by a third hand.

---

Sources:
1 Marriage Reg, Nelson Co.; 5 Feb 1861, A. J. Coffey, age 24 yrs., to Rebecca Campbell, age 20 yrs.; parents of groom: Henry B. and Mary Coffey; parents of bride: Jesse C. and Polly Campbell
2 White Rock Rd. on left going towards Rt. 56, just before Evergreen Church, enclosed in a stone wall. [Description from Rootsweb]
3 This cemetery can be reached from Rt. 56 turn onto Fork Mt. Road, go about a mile take a right onto a logging road, 4X4 a must from here, go more than a mile around the mountain, when you can look across the mountain range and see directly into the head of Crabtree Falls you are close to this cemetery. Very well maintained and fenced, about 1/2 mile from Snead Cemetery. [Description from Rootsweb]
US Census Records

*Wilber had a twin that died at birth. 

**The name of this cemetery is questionable (12/01/2009)

James Madison Coffey (VA, 1836-1923)

James Madison Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA on Sep 15, 1836* to Charles B. and Theodora Everette Coffey. He was the eldest of nine children born to Charles and Theodora. [The obituary for his brother Peter Virgil names their mother as Ophelia]

On Feb 3, 1920 he was found as a widower in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his son Robert. He died in Virginia on Aug 15, 1923, and was buried in the James M. Coffey/ Cox's Creek Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.

James and Esther Jane Smith were married on Nov 2, 1865** in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jun 14, 1880, the census on Jun 23, 1900, and the census on May 2, 1910, in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. Esther Jane, a daughter of John Smith, was born in Virginia on Feb 9, 1843, and died in Nelson Co, VA on May 11, 1917.

A source*** for Esther's death indicates that her birth date was in Oct., 1884. This is unlikely, since she appears in the 1880 census as James' wife in Nelson Co., VA.

She was buried in May 1917 in Cox's Creek Cemetery in Nelson Co., VA.

Her headstone indicates that she was the mother of 11 children.

Her name is spelled Easter in most census records, but spelled Ester in 1910.

James Madison and Esther Jane Smith Coffey had the following children:

- Lucy Alice Coffey, born about 1867, Nelson Co, VA; married James Sterling Claiborne Snead, on Jan 5, 1888 ; died in 1931, Nelson Co, VA.
- Robert J. Cofffey, born on Jan 18, 1869, Nelson Co, VA; married Mary S. Wood, on Oct 30, 1895, Nelson Co, VA ; died in 1948, Virginia.
- Mary Elizabeth Coffey, born in Mar 1871, Nelson Co, VA; married King Daniel Nash, on Jan 30, 1890, Nelson Co, VA ; died in 1952, Nelson Co, VA.
- James Alexander Coffey, born in Jan 1872, Nelson Co, VA; married Selina B. (Lina) Fitzgerald, on Jan 12, 1893, Nelson Co, VA ; died on Apr 3, 1959, Virginia.
- Henry Lafayette Coffey born in Oct 1873, Nelson Co, VA; married Ethel M. Ramsey, on Jul 26, 1914, Nelson Co, VA; died on Jul 22, 1943, Virginia.
- Easter (Jennie) Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1876. On Jun 14, 1880 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Charles Franklin Coffey, born on Jul 27, 1878, Nelson Co, VA; married Lacy M. Campbell; died on Feb 3, 1966.
- William Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA in Feb 1880. On Jun 14, 1880 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.
- Odius V. (Ody) Coffey, born on May 5, 1882, Nelson Co, VA; married Ester Line Coffey+; died on Oct 1, 1954, Virginia.
- Lacy M. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jun 6, 1884. On Jun 23, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. She died on Jan 23, 1976 .

- Lucy Alice Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1867. On Jun 14, 1880 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Jun 2, 1900 she lived in Rockfish Dist., Nelson Co., VA.

In 1900 Lucy had two Snead children and was a widow. In 1910 her husband was back, they had been married for 22 years and there were eight more children in the family.

She died in Nelson Co, VA in 1931, and was buried in 1931 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Lucy Alice and James Sterling Claiborne Snead were married on Jan 5, 1888. They appeared in the census on Apr 19, 1910 in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA.

[This family needs additional research. Lucy is found in the 1900 Nelson Co., Rockfish dist. as a widow with Walter O., age 19, and Woody, age 8 in the household.]

James Sterling Claiborne Snead (son of John M. Snead and Lucinda __________) was born in Virginia about 1857. On Aug 12, 1870 he lived in Augusta Co., VA in the household with his parents. He died in Nelson Co, VA in 1937, and was buried in the Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Lucy Alice and James Sterling Claiborne Snead had the following children:

- Walter Operton Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jul 18, 1880. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 12, 1880 in Nelson Co, VA. [Update:  Walter was a son by James' first wife, Margaret, last name unknown]
- Woody Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA in Dec 1891. On Jun 2, 1900 he lived in Rockfish Dist., Nelson Co., VA in the household with his mother. He registered for the WWI draft on Jan 5, 1918 in Nelson Co, VA.< br /> - Mary J. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1892. Married Linday O. Evans, Dec. 6, 1911, Nelson Co.
- Matty A. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1894.
- Oda Snead, born Dec., 1892 - Robert Luther Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA Nov., 1896.
- Otha Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA on Aug 15, 1897. He registered for the WWI draft on Aug 24, 1918 in Nelson Co, VA.
- Willis Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1900.
- John Mason Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1901.
- Lacy P. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1902.
- Caskie G. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1903.
- Juanita N. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1906.

- Robert J. Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jan 18, 1869. On Jun 14, 1880 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He died in Virginia in 1948, and was buried in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Robert J. Coffey and Mary S. Wood were married on Oct 30, 1895 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jan 30, 1920 in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. Mary S. (daughter of R. D. WOOD and Sarah __________) was born about 1873.

[Is this the correct name for Robert's wife?]

Robert J. and Mary S. Wood Coffey had the following children:

- Jesse Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1900.
- Elizabeth Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1904.
- Myrtle M. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1906.
- Charley Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1908.
- Jenny Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1910.
- Cedcey[?] Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1915.

- Mary Elizabeth Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA in Mar 1871. On Jun 14, 1880 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. She died in Nelson Co, VA in 1952, and was buried in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Mary Elizabeth Coffey and King Daniel Nash were married on Jan 30, 1890 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jun 15, 1900, the census on May 2, 1910, the census on Jan 29, 1920,. And the census on May 1, 1930, all in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. King Daniel,(son of Daniel NASH and Ann M. __________) was born in Virginia about 1867. He died in Nelson Co, VA in 1953, and was buried in 1953 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

- James Alexander Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA in Jan 1872. On Jun 14, 1880 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He died in Virginia on Apr 3, 1959, and was buried in Apr 1959 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

James Alexander and Selina B. (Lina) Fitzgerald Coffey were married on Jan 12, 1893 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jun 12, 1900, the census on Apr 25, 1910, the census on Jan 12, 1920, and in the census on Apr 2, 1930, all in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. Selina B. (Lina) FITZGERALD (daughter of Reuben P. FITZGERALD and Amelia __________) was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA about 1873. She died in Lynchburg, Campbell Co., VA on Oct 24, 1968 .

Her Obituary, Lynchburg News, Lynchburg, VA, Oct. 26, 1968

Mrs. J. A. Coffey MASSIES MILL-Mrs. Selina Fitzgerald Coffey, 95, of Massies Mill died Friday morning at Liberty House Nursing Home in Lynchburg. Born in Nelson County, she was a daughter of Rueben P. Fitzgerald and Emelia Campbell Fitzgerald. She was a member of Jonesboro Baptist church and the widow of James Alexander Coffey. Surviving are two sons, J. K. Coffey of Lynchburg, and Robert B. Coffey of Detroit; four daughters, Mrs. Frank Williams and Mrs. Frances Kemp, of Roanoke Rapids, N. C., Mrs. H. H. Good of Richmond, Mrs. Leo C. Frank of Laurel, Md.; a brother, Conrad D. Fitzgerald of Staunton; six grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday in Preston-Parr Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Hugh Boyd. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery.

She was buried on Oct 26, 1968 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA. James Alexander COFFEY and Selina B. (Lina) FITZGERALD had the following children:

- James Kimbro Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in Apr 1893. On Jun 12, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Apr 25, 1910 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Jun 5, 1917 in Nelson Co, VA. On Jan 12, 1920 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.
- Ruby L. Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in May 1895. On Jun 12, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Ora A. Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in Sep 1896. On Jun 12, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Jincy M. Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in Sep 1898. On Jun 12, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Robert Bruce Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1902. On Apr 25, 1910 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Jan 12, 1920 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.
- Mary S. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1906. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Jan 12, 1920 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- William K. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA on Dec 1, 1908. On Apr 25, 1910 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Jan 12, 1920 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.

- Henry Lafayette Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA in Oct 1873. On Jun 14, 1880, and on Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 2, 1917 in Amherst Co., VA. He died in Virginia on Jul 22, 1943, and was buried in Jul 1943 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Henry Lafayette Coffey and Ethel M. Ramsey were married on Jul 26, 1914 in Nelson Co, VA. Ethel M. was born in Nelson Co, VA on Oct 15, 1888, and died in Nelson Co, VA on Oct 22, 1918 . She was buried in Oct 1918 in Mt. Paran Baptist Church Cemetery, Montebello, Nelson Co., VA.


- Charles Franklin Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jul 27, 1878. On Jun 14, 1880, and on Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 17, 1918 in Albemarle Co., VA. He also registered for the WWII draft on Apr 27, 1942 in Nelson Co, VA. He died on Feb 3, 1966.

Charles Franklin and Lacy M. Campbell were married. Lacy was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jun 6, 1884, and died there on Jan 23, 1976.


- Odius V. (Ody) Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA on May 5, 1882. On Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 12, 1918 in Nelson Co, VA. He died in Virginia on Oct 1, 1954, and was buried in Oct 1954 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Odius V. (Ody) and Ester Line Coffey appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in Nelson Co, VA. They were married. Ester Line (daughter of John COFFEY and Roxanna J. (Roxie) NASH) [No further information is known]

Odius V. (Ody) and Ester Line Coffey had the following children:

- Flossie A. (Flo) Coffey, born about 1910, Woodson, Amherst Co., VA; married Byron Roman, in 1928; died on Jan 19, 2005, Lynchburg, VA.
- Bernice R. Coffey was born in Virginia about 1913.

- Flossie A. (Flo) Coffey (Odius V.-2, James Madison-1) was born in Woodson, Amherst Co., VA about 1910. She died in Lynchburg, VA on Jan 19, 2005 .

Her Obituary, News Advance, Lynchburg, VA, Jan. 20, 2005

Flossie (Flo) Coffey Roman

Flossie (Flo) Coffey Roman, 95, of Lynchburg, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005.

Born in Woodson, she was the eldest of four children born to O.V. and Ester Coffey.

She was a resident of Nelson County, and was the oldest surviving member of the Fleetwood School System. In 1928 she married Byron Roman of Sidney, Ohio. He was supervisor of the Southern Minerals Plant in Piney River. From 1943 until 1998 she and her family resided in Lewiston, N.Y. She moved to Virginia in 1998 and since October 2004 had lived at the Summit in Lynchburg.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron and brother, Ody William Coffey of Massies Mill.

She is survived by a son, Donald Coffey Roman and his wife, Jill, of Indianapolis, Ind.; and six grandchildren, Kimberly Krakower of Centerville, Blair Roman of Sausalito, Calif., Wendy Conner of Quincy, Mass., John Roman of Quincy, Mass., Michael Roman of Plymouth, England, Scott Roman of Newport, R.I.; and one great-granddaughter, Chelsea Walsh of Sausalito, Calif. Also surviving are her two sisters, Bernice Taylor of Monroe and Kathleen Taylor of Springfield; and five wonderful nieces she adored.

Flossie loved fishing, camping, gardening and was a proud member of the NRA. She was fearless in her approach to life’s challenges. She was well known for her culinary skills and loved to entertain with dinner parties. Mrs. Roman was a lifelong antique collector, dealer and appraiser. She and her husband were active members of the Lasalle Yacht Club in Niagara Falls, N.Y. They were competitive bridge players and active in several historical societies. Flossie reached out with energy for every life experience within her power; if you ever met her you would never forget her.

Mrs. Roman elected to be cremated with a memorial service to be held at a later date. Her remains will be interred at the Jonesboro Cemetery in Nelson County.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Rd., (434) 239-2405.

Flossie A. (Flo) and Byron Roman were married in 1928.



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




*Rootsweb [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-cof05.txt]
**ibid [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt]
***ibid [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-cof05.txt]
+Esther was the daughter of John and Roxanna J. Roxie Nash Coffey

Lawson H. Coffey - Update 5/24/2010

Updates highlighted

1. Lawson H. COFFEY was born on Aug 15, 1820.1,2

[Although the Warde1 report indicates that Lawson was born in Indiana, all census records indicate that he was born in Iowa. The census records could be in error or, the enumerator using the accepted abbreviation of Iowa (IA) for Indiana.]

[Census records indicate that Lawson might have been born closer to 1823.]

He died on Aug 7, 1904 in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO and buried at Jennings Cemetery.

Obituary, The Albany Ledger, Albany, MO, Aug. 19, 1904, Page 2


(Provided to Coffey Cousins by Margaret Wooderson)

Lawson Coffey, Sr., was born in Owen county, Indiana, August 15, 1820, and grew up to be a quiet, orderly young man. He was highly esteemed by all, spent much of his time in the employ of his brother-in-law, David Allen, in buying and selling stock. In his business transactions he was regarded as trustworthy, honest, and reliable. He was baptized and united with the Baptist church at Bethel, Owen County, Indiany [sic], about 60 years ago, and always took delight in the old songs that were sung by many sweet, famillar [sic] voices now hushed in death.

In 1850 he was united in marriage with Polly Adoline [sic] Litton. Two boys were the result of this union, one of whom is still living. His first wife died in 1857 and he was united in marriage with Eliza Ann Campbell, on the 15th day of August, 1858. Eight children were the result of this union, 5 boys and 3 girls, 6 of whom are now living - 4 boys and 2 girls.

He moved from Indiana to the village of Alanthus, Mo., in Gentry county, one of the most beautiful garden spots in the world. In 1856, he united with the Christian church in Alanthus, Mo, about 30 years ago and lived a quiet and peaceable life of faith and hope, and was regarded by all as a faithful brother and friend whose voice was always heard on the side of right. No one loved quiet and order better than he. In his home he struggled to rule in love, and was always happy in the joy and happiness of loved ones there.

His faithful companion will miss him most of all, for she has stood by him and he has been her constant care during the long years he has been a patient sufferer.

He came to the end of life's journey on Sunday at 12:30 a.m., August 7, 1904. The funeral took place at the Baptist church, conducted by Elder J. H. Coffey, August 9, at 10:00 a.m., after which all that was mortal of Lawson Coffey, Sr., was laid to rest in the Jennings cemetery to await the resurrection morning.

Elder J. H. Coffey

He was buried in Aug 1904 in Jennings Cemetery, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO.3

[His obituary says that he was born in Owen Co., IN, but that is probably too early for this family to have moved there.]

[It also relates that his first wife Polly, died in 1857 after giving birth to two sons. It also provides the date for his marriage to Eliza. They later moved to Gentry Co., MO.]

Lawson H. COFFEY and Mary Adeline (Polly) LITTON were married on Feb 1, 1850 in Indiana.4 Mary Adeline (Polly) LITTON (daughter of Joel LITTON and Sarah BRIDGES) was born in Monroe Co., IN on Oct 25, 1827. She died in 1857 in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO. Lawson H. COFFEY and Mary Adeline (Polly) LITTON had the following children:

2 i. Columbus COFFEY was born in Iowa about 1851. He died on May 1, 1895 in Gentry Co., MO.5 He was buried in May 1895 in Jennings Cemetery, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO.3

From the Warde1 report:

"1860 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., District 63 (part 2) Hugginsville post office census under "Coffee" lists Lawson, Eliza, Columbus age 9 and Noah age 7. Someone else transcribed the same census in 1956 naming children as Columbine age 9 and Noah age 7. According to the Coffey family bible, Columbus and Noah were the children of Lawson Howard Coffey and 1st wife Matilda Adeline Litten b. 25 Oct. 1827 and Columbus was born in 1845. If this is so, then the Grave in Jennings Cem. Gentry Co., MO. next to Lawson Howard is his son. Marker says Columbus Coffey, died 5/1/1895 at age 50. This would match the family bible death records."

3 ii. Noah COFFEY was born in Iowa about 1853.

Lawson H. COFFEY and Eliza Ann CAMPBELL were married on Aug 15, 1858 in Monroe Co., IN. They appeared in the census on Jul 19, 1860 in Gentry Co., MO.6

The children in the 1860 census may be those by Lawson's first wife, Mary "Polly" Litton.

They appeared in the census on Aug 23, 1870 in Gentry Co., MO.7 They appeared in the census on Jun 19, 1880 in Gentry Co., MO.8

[His obituary indicates that he and Eliza Ann were the parents of 5 boys and 3 girls. One boy is missing from this genealogy and needs to be identified.]

Eliza Ann CAMPBELL (daughter of William CAMPBELL and Artie ROUNDTREE) was born in Monroe Co., Moreau Twp., IN on Jun 18, 1836.9 She appeared in the census on Apr 18, 1910 in Gentry Co., MO.10 She died of gangrene and organic heart disease on Mar 6, 1915 in Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.11

Obituary from The Herald newspaper:

Eliza A. Coffey was born in Monroe county, Mo., June 18th, 1836, and died in Stanberry [sic], Mo., March 6th, 1915, aged 78 years, 7 months and 12 days. [recalculation shows that she was aged 78 years, 8 months and 18 days of age at time of death] She was the wife of Lawson Coffey, who preceded her in death Aug. 4, 1901. They moved to Gentry county in their early married life and this has been her home for nearly 50 years.

To this union were born eight children - five boys and three girls. Wm. A. died when about two weeks old; Amanda E., wife of Charley Rainey, who died Oct. 29, 1899; Richard B., and Geo. S. Coffey, of Stanberry, Mo.; Mrs. M. F. Barton, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Chas. T. of Deadwood, S.D.; Lawson, Jr.; [sic] of Phoenix, Ariz.; Mrs. S. L. Rodecker of Topeka, Kans.

(Grandma Coffey confessed her faith in Christ when 18 years of age and for 60 years she has been true to her convictions. She had a wonderful memory and a great vitality, always cheerful, even when suffering great pain.)

The funeral services were held at her Stanberry residence, conducted by Eld. Lee. H. Barnum, and assisted by Bros. Wilkins and Tandy. A farther [sic] service was held in Alanthus by Eld. Henry Smith at the church. Interment in Jennings cemetery Tuesday afternoon.

Peaceful be thy rest, dear mother.
'Tis sweet to breath thy name;
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

More and more each day we miss you,
Friends may think the wound is healed,
But they little know the sorrow
That lies within our hearts concealed.

Through the columns of the Herald we desire to thank all the neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our mother. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The Coffey Children

A handwritten note attached to the obituary reads:

"Statement by Mrs. Dora (Coffey) Miller Granddaughter of Reuben Coffey the 2nd of Owen Co., Ind. and his wife Exea Sophronia Stepp

Mrs. Miller lives in Stanberry Mo.

Many of his grandchildren live there.

This is the obituary of Eliza Ann Campbell Coffey wife of Lawson Coffey.

They were married at Sweet Home Mo. on horseback but I have not been able to find marriage record as they tell me the court house was not there in Maryville Mo. at that time

The Mrs. Barton mentioned is Mrs. Mary Francis [sic] Boatwright. In later years she married Rev. H. C. Barton, a Baptist Minister. She died in St. Joseph, MO."


She was buried in Mar 1915 in Jennings Cemetery, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO. Lawson H. COFFEY and Eliza Ann CAMPBELL had the following children:

+4 i. Richard Bill COFFEY, born on Dec 2, 1860, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO12; married Ella ROSS, on Aug 28, 189513; died on Jan 25, 1930, Gentry Co., MO.
+5 ii. Amanda E. COFFEY, born on Jan 2, 1862, Gentry Co., MO14; married Charles RAINEY, on Dec 2, 188615; died on Oct 29, 1896, Gentry Co., MO.
+6 iii. George Lafayette COFFEY, born on May 26, 1863, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO16; married Gertrude DERR, on May 24, 189417; married Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN, on Aug 12, 1907, Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., KS18; died on Jul 20, 1945, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO19.
+7 iv. Mary Frances COFFEY, born on May 23, 1867, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO20; married Martin Perry WALKER, on Dec 4, 188121; married David B. BOATWRIGHT, on Sep 6, 188922; married John BARTON; died in 1920.
8 v. Charles T. H. COFFEY was born in Missouri on Dec 15, 1870.23
+9 vi. Lawson Sylvester COFFEY, born on Jan 4, 1874, Missouri24; married Robbie H. __________, about 1908; died on Aug 11, 1951, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.
10 vii. Cornella F. COFFEY was born in Missouri on Feb 10, 1878.25

Second Generation

4. Richard Bill COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO on Dec 2, 1860.12 He died on Jan 25, 1930 in Gentry Co., MO. He was buried in Jan 1930 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

Obituary, Stanberry Headlight 26 July 1945

George L. Coffey

A resident of Stanberry and Alanthus for many years, died last Friday at St. Joseph. Services were held Sunday from the Phillips Mortuary by Lawrence H. Cox, pastor of the Stanberry Baptist Church, interment in High Ridge Cemetery. The son of Lawson & Eliza Ann Coffey, born 26 May 1863 at Alanthus Grove, was 82 years of age. United with the Christian Church early, married Miss Gertrude Dorr 24 May 1894 and had one son, Earl. Married Miss Elsie Randleman 12 Aug. 1907 & parents of two sons, William Lawson Coffey & Otto Marion Coffey; a brother Lawson L. Coffey of Los Angeles.

Richard Bill COFFEY and Ella ROSS were married on Aug 28, 1895.13 Ella ROSS was born on Apr 22, 1872.13 She died on Jan 14, 1935 in Gentry Co., MO.13

Obituary, Stanberry Headlight 20 June 1935

Dau. of John A. & Martha (Howell) Ross; m. Richard B. Coffey 28 Aug. 1895; died at the home of her sister, Mrs. B. R. Williams in Macon, MO., born 22 March 1872.

She was buried in Jan 1935 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

5. Amanda E. COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Gentry Co., MO on Jan 2, 1862.14 She died on Oct 29, 1896 in Gentry Co., MO. She was buried in Nov 1896 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.

Amanda E. COFFEY and Charles RAINEY were married on Dec 2, 1886.15 Charles RAINEY was born on Aug 4, 1862. He died on Jun 6, 1922 in Gentry Co., MO. He was buried in Jun 1922 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.26 Amanda E. COFFEY and Charles RAINEY had the following children:

+11 i. Frank Lester RAINEY, born on Jul 26, 1889, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO27,28; married Agnes Catherine (Tot) ROETTGER; died on Apr 13, 1975, Gentry Co., MO.
12 ii. Charles Frederic RAINEY was born on Jul 21, 1894.29
13 iii. Goldia M. (Goldie) RAINEY was born on Jul 30, 1896.30 She died on Mar 3, 1918 in Gentry Co., MO.13 She was buried in Mar 1918 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

6. George Lafayette COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO on May 26, 1863.16 He died on Jul 20, 1945 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.19

George L. Coffey Obituary: From the Stanberry Headlight News Paper dated 7/26/1945

George L. Coffey Died Last Friday

Well known resident of Stanberry and Alanthus succumbed last Friday. Funeral here Sunday.

Geo. L. Coffey, for many years a well-known resident of Stanberry and Alanthus, died last Friday at St. Joseph. He had been in ill health for several years.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Phillips Mortuary, conducted by the Rev. Lawrence H. Cox, pastor of the Stanberry Baptist church. Interment was in the High Ridge Cemetery.

Mr. Coffey, the son of Lawson and Eliza Ann Coffey, was born on May 26, 1863, at Alanthus Grove, MO. He was 82 years old at the time of his death. He was a member of one of the pioneer families of Gentry County and, with the exception of a few years spent in Oklahoma, the greater part of his life was spent in the county.

In early life, Mr. Coffey united with the Christian church and remained loyal in that faith throughout his life. For many years he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and he had many friends and acquaintances in this and the Alanthus vicinity.

He was married on Aug. 12, 1894, to Miss Gertrude Dorr. They were the parents of one son, Earl, who lives in Oklahoma.

He was married on Aug. 12, 1907, to Miss Elsie Randleman. They are the parents of two sons, William Lawson and Otto Marion. Both are in service in the Navy, the former being stationed at a California camp and the latter serving in the South Pacific.

In addition to the three sons, Mr. Coffey is survived by one brother, Lawson L. Coffey, of Los Angeles, and by several nephews and nieces. There are numerous other relatives and friends left to mourn his death.

He was buried on Jul 29, 1945 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

George Lafayette COFFEY and Gertrude DERR were married on May 24, 1894.17

[Other genealogies and the obituary for George L. Coffey indicates that Gertrude's maiden name was Dorr. The cited Bible reference gives her name as Dean.]

Gertrude DERR was born on Feb 13, 1868.31

The page that this family records appears on is in family order; e.g., father, mother, children. Gintie appears to be a misspelling of Gertie.

George Lafayette COFFEY and Gertrude DERR had the following children:

14 i. Richard Earl COFFEY was born in Oklahoma on Dec 7, 1895.32 He registered for the WWI draft on May 25, 1917 in Edmond, Oklahoma Co., OK.33

George Lafayette COFFEY and Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN were married on Aug 12, 1907 in Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., KS.18 They appeared in the census on Jan 6, 1920 in Gentry Co., MO.34 Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN (daughter of Joseph Marion RANDLEMAN and Mary Jane HALTERMAN) was born in Warren Co., IA on Oct 11, 1881.35 She died on Apr 24, 1954 in Santa Ana, Orange Co., CA. George Lafayette COFFEY and Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN had the following children:

+15 i. William Lawson COFFEY, born on May 21, 1908, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO5; married Jeanette Louise Caroline SWORE; died on Sep 24, 1978, Sun City, Riverside Co., CA.
+16 ii. Otto Marion COFFEY, born on Jun 4, 1910, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO36; married Marjorie L. STEWART; died on May 2, 1971, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA.

7. Mary Frances COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO on May 23, 1867.20 She appeared in the census on Jun 15, 1900 in Gentry Co., MO.37 She died in 1920.

[The Salathiel Coffey book indicates that Mary Francis died in infancy.]

Mary Frances COFFEY and Martin Perry WALKER were married on Dec 4, 1881.21 Martin Perry WALKER was born on May 11, 1862.38 Mary Frances COFFEY and Martin Perry WALKER had the following children:

+17 i. Daisy WALKER, born on Dec 15, 188239; married James Lowry GRANTHAM, on May 10, 1900; died on Feb 6, 1966.
+18 ii. Elza Ackert WALKER, born on Aug 21, 1884, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO40; married Bertha Etta (Cookie) COFFEY; married Jennie HANSEN; died in Nov 1949, Buchanan Co., MO11.

Mary Frances COFFEY and David B. BOATWRIGHT were married on Sep 6, 1889.22 David B. BOATWRIGHT was born in Montgomery Co., MD in Nov 1850.41 He was buried in Kingfisher Co., OK. Mary Frances COFFEY and David B. BOATWRIGHT had the following children:

+19 i. Bertha M. BOATWRIGHT, born on Jun 12, 189042; married Manly JUDD, on Jun 6, 190443.

Mary Frances COFFEY and John BARTON were married. John BARTON [Still being researched]

9. Lawson Sylvester COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Missouri on Jan 4, 1874.24 He appeared in the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Los Angeles Co., CA.44 He died on Aug 11, 1951 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Lawson Sylvester COFFEY and Robbie H. __________ were married about 1908. They appeared in the census on Apr 29, 1910 in Gentry Co., MO.45 Robbie H. __________ was born in Missouri about 1887.

[Gertrude had a daughter Blanche, born c1887 in Kansas.  She appeared in the 1910 household with her mother and brother in Edmond, Oklahoma Co., OK and was employed as a teacher in the city school.  Blanche's father is unknown.]




Sources

1. Descendants of Lawson H. Coffey, Genealogy Report, Dec. 30, 2004, Sandra Warde (Sandra.Warde@maotis.ang.af.mil) (Tp: xxx-xxx-xxxx). "Lawson H.7 Coffey (Benjamin Reuben6, Reuben5, John4, Edward3, John2, Hugh1) was born 15 Aug 1820 in Owen Co., IN...".
2. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Lawson H. Coffey wasa borned August 15th 1820.
3. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/cemeteries/c1000001.txt].
4. Descendants of Lawson H. Coffey, Genealogy Report, Dec. 30, 2004, Sandra Warde (Sandra.Warde@maotis.ang.af.mil) (Tp: xxx-xxx-xxxx). Information about the Lawson H. Coffey family comes entirely from the cited genealogy report.
5. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files).
6. United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1860 Gentry Co., Twp. 63, Hugginsville PO, Page 153, dwelling 1002, family 1008, Lawson Coffee, age 31, male, farmer, $1400, $400, born IA; Eliza, age 24, female, born MO; Columbus, age 9, male, born IA; Noah, age 7, male, born IA.
7. Ibid., 1870 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., Page 1, dwelling/family 5, Coffee [sic] Lawson, age 45, male, white, farmer, $1920, $660, born IN; Eliza A., age 33, female, white, keeping house, born MO; Noah, age 17, male, white, works on farm, born IN; Richard, age 9, male, white, born MO; Amanda, age 6, female, born MO; George, age 5, male, born MO; Mary F., age 3, female, born MO.
8. Ibid., 1880 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., ED271, Page 31, dwelling 214, family 239, Coffey, Lawson, white male, age 57, head, married, farmer, born IA, father born KY, mother born NC; Eliza W., white female, age 44, wife, married, born MO, parents born KY; Coffey, Richard Bell, white male, age 19, son, single, at home, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Amanda E., white female, age 16, dau., single, at home, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; George S., white male, age 15, son, single, at home, born IA, father born IA, mother born MO; Mary F., white female, age 13, dau., single, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Chas. T. N., white male, age 9, son, single, at home, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Lawson S., white male, age 6, son, single, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Cornella N., white female, age 2, dau., single, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO.
9. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Eliza Coffey was borned June 18th 1836.
10. United States Federal Census. 1910 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., ED92, Page 3, dwelling 34, family 35, Coffey, Eliza A., head, female, white, 73, widow, mother of 8, 7 living, born MO, parents born KY.
11. Death Certificate; State of Missouri; (Missouri State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics;).
12. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Richard Coffey was borned December 2nd 1860.
13. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/cemeteries/campbell-farr.txt].
14. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Amanda A. [sic] Coffey was borned January 2, 1862.
15. Ibid., Charles Rainey and Amanda Coffey was married December 2, 1886.
16. Ibid., George L. Coffey was Borned [sic] 26th of May 1863.
17. Ibid., George L. Coffey was married May 24, 1894 to Geretrude Dean (May 24, 1894).
18. Ibid., George L. Coffey was married to Elsie Rondleman [sic] August 12, 1907 at Leavenworth, Kansas.
19. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/obits/coffeyg.txt].
20. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Frances M. Coffey was borned May 23rd 1867.
21. Ibid., Martin P. Walker and Mary F. Coffey was married December 4, 1881.
22. Ibid., David B. Coatbright and Mary F. Walker was married September 6, 1889.
23. Ibid., Charles T. H. Coffey was borned December 15, 1870.
24. Ibid., Lawson L. [sic] Coffey was borned January 14, 1874.
25. Ibid., Nellie N. Coffey was borned February 10, 1878.
26. Rootsweb. Rainey, Charles 1862 - 1922; (grave beside Charles with no marker); Obit: Stanberry Herald 8 June 1922; Charles Rainey b. 4 Aug.1862 d. 6 June 1922, a Standard Oil Representative, m. 1st Amanda Coffey who died 1896 (3 ch) m. 2nd 1907 Lucretia Bell, one child, Eilleen Bell Rainey. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/cemeteries/neal-scofield.txt].
27. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Frankie Lester Rainey was born July 26, 1889.
28. Missouri Birth & Death Records Database, Missouri Secretary of State online [http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/birthdeath/births.asp?id=93574], accessed June, 2005. Date of Return: 13 Aug 1889, Rainey, [no first name given], male, first child; born Jul 26, 1889 in Stanberry, MO; Nat of Father: American, [POB not given], age 28; Nat. of Mother: American, [POB not given], [age not given]; Full name of Mother: Amanda Rainey, maiden name: Coffey, residence: Stanberry, MO; Full name of Father: Chas. Rainey, farmer; S. B. Hinkley, MD.
29. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Charles Frederic Rainey was born July 21, 1894.
30. Ibid., Goldia M. Rainey was born July 30, 1896.
31. Ibid., Gintie [sic] M. Coffey was Borned 13th of February 1868.
32. Ibid., Richard Earl Coffey was borned December 7th 1895.
33. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 . National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. Richard Earl Coffey, age 21, born Dec. 7, 1895 near Edmond, OK, registered for the draft on May 25, 1917 in Edmond. He was described as being of medium build and height with blue eyes and brown hair. He was a student with the US Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Roots. He claimed exemption because of his elderly mother. [Fort Logan is in present day North Little Rock, Exit 150 off I-40].
34. United States Federal Census. 1920 Gentry Co., Cooper Twp., Stanberry city, ED87, Sheet 3B, South Maple St., dwelling 58, family 60, Coffey, George L., head, male, white, age 53, married, born MO, father born IN, mother born MO, laborer in packing house; Elsie, wife, female, white, age 39, married, born IA, father born IN, mother born IA; William L., son, male, white, age 11, born MO, father born MO, mother born IA; Otis M., son, male, white, age 9, borm MO, father born MO, mother born IA.
35. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Elsie Coffey born Oct. 11, 1881.
36. Ibid., Otto Marion Coffey born June 4, 1910.
37. United States Federal Census. 1920 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., ED91, Sheet 5B, dwelling 99, family 101, Boatwright, Mary F., head, white female, born May 1867, age 33, widow, mother of 3, 3 living, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Walker, Elza A., son, white male, born Aug., 1884, age 15, single, born MO, parents born MO, farm labor; Boatwright, Martha M., dau., white female, born Jun, 1890, age 9, born MO, parents born MO.
38. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Martin P. Walker was born may [sic] 11, 1862.
39. Ibid., Daisy M. Walker was born december [sic]15, 1882.
40. Ibid., Eliza [sic] A. Walker was born august [sic] 21, 1884.
41. Ibid., David B.Boatwright was born november [sic] 1850, Montgomery County, Md.
42. Ibid., Birtha [sic] M. Boatwright was born June 12, 1890.
43. Ibid., Manly Judd and Bertha Boatwright were married Jun6, 1904.
44. United States Federal Census. 1930 Los Angeles Co., Los Angeles, ED730, Sheet 7A, 206 North 6th St., Dwelling 9, Family 13, lodger in boarding house, Coffey, Lawson S., lodger, male, white, age 54, married at age 28, born MO, father born IN, mother born MO, commercial traveler. [No indication of wife's residence].
45. Ibid., 1910 Gentry Co., Cooper Twp., Ward 3, ED84, Sheet 10B, dwelling/family 228, Coffey, Lawson S., head, male, white, age 35, married once for 2 yrs., born MO, father born IN, mother born MO, traveling salesman for packing co.; Coffey, Robbie H., wife, female, white, age 23, married once for 2 yrs., born MO, father born KY, mother born MO.

Other sources include Ancestors of Richard Earl Coffey by Susan Coffey Wooten, received May 23, 2010.