Ephraim Ellison & Elizabeth Coffey

The Characters:

Nathan Coffey, born c1760 in Rowan Co., NC, died 1823 in Jackson Co., AL.  Married Mary Saunders c1823 in Wilkes Co., NC.

His daughter Elizabeth, born c1791 in NC, died 1837 in Jackson Co., AL.  Marriage records in Adair Co., KY show that “Betsy Coffey, daughter of Nathan Coffey, married James Coffey on Mar. 4, 1804.  James is said to have been a son of Joel and Martha Stepp/Stapp Coffey.  Joel is said to have been a son of Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey.

Salathiel Coffey, currently believed to be a brother to Nathan and Joel, was born between 1750 and 1855, died Jul. 28, 1784 in Wilkes Co., NC.  Married Elizabeth Gore and also had a daughter named Elizabeth, born between 1781 and 1784 in Wilkes Co.  She is said to have married Rutherford Coffey, son of Nathan on Mar. 17, 1891 in Green Co., KY

Newton Coffey, born c1773 in Wilkes Co., married Sarah Meredith c1802 in Adair Co., KY, a son of Salathiel.

Longtime Coffey researchers and readers of this blog will know that no documents have ever been found that proves Chesley existed.  The fact that a Chesley, Jr. did, makes that a clear possibility, however.

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Ephraim Ellis-Elizabeth Coffey
Marriage Bond

Ephraim Ellison posted bond to marry Elizabeth Coffey in Wilkes Co. on Dec. 18, 1799; Thomas Cole was the bondsman.  I have been unable to determine who Elizabeth’s parents were.  I have a theory that she is somehow closely connected to Salathiel and Elizabeth Gore Coffey, and is perhaps their daughter.

Salathiel died intestate in 1784 in Wilkes Co.  Elizabeth Gore Coffey was named in the administration of the estate but no children were.  Following that, Elizabeth Gore Coffey and her children moved to that part of Green Co., KY that in 1801 became Adair Co.  Salathiel and Elizabeth had a daughter named Elizabeth.

A marriage record exists in Green Co., KY that shows the marriage of an Elizabeth Coffey to a Rutherford Coffey on Mar. 17, 1801.  Rutherford was a son of Nathan and Mary Saunders Coffey.  Nathan also had a daughter named Elizabeth but it is unlikely that Rutherford married his own sister.  Nathan's Elizabeth married James Coffey, son of Joel and Martha Stapp/Stepp Coffey.  Joel is thought be a brother to Salathiel and Nathan.

The best information that I have shows Rutherford was born in 1786*, meaning he would have been 15 years old at the time of his marriage to Elizabeth, who would have been between 17 and 20 years old.  Reatherford [sic] Coffey does appear in Adair Co. on Dec. 30, 1802 as a witness to Nathan’s obligation to obtain a property deed.  I suspect that he would already reached majority age in 1802 meaning that he was born closer to 1780 or 1782.

So, Rutherford’s marriage to Elizabeth Coffey in KY is after Ellison’s marriage to the Elizabeth Coffey in Wilkes Co. making it a bit unlikely that Ellison’s Elizabeth is the same one that married Rutherford.  Either Elizabeth could be Salathiel’s daughter but, which one.

Ephraim Ellison and Elizabeth Coffey were married in Wilkes Co. on Dec. 18, 1799.

In Oct., 1805 Ephraim Ellison named Newton Coffee [sic] of Adair Co., KY as his attorney to “…demand…amount of a bond or obligation I have on William Dudley and Thomas Robins of Wilkes County” NC…for $300 or a young negro.  This was witnessed by Joel and Ely Coffee.

On Dec. 16 of that same year, Ephraim again appointed Newton Coffee [sic] as his lawful attorney to “manage any suit or suits in the county court for the County of Wilks and State of N. C. either for or against me… To collect…the proceeds of a bond dated the 20th day of December 1804 and signed by William Dula and Thomas Robins and purported to have by them executed to me for a young negro boy or girl… or 300 dollars…”

This makes it clear that Ephraim Ellison and his Coffey wife were closely connected to Newton.

It is possible that Elizabeth and Ellison did not follow through with their marriage plans and that Elizabeth then married Rutherford once they arrived in KY.

Who were parents of Elizabeth Coffey who married Ephraim Ellison?  Perhaps she had been previously married to a Coffey and then widowed?

Looking for clues! 

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*Traditional birth year, but some researchers believe he was born much earlier, e.g., 1779 or even earlier.  However, Nathan and Mary Saunders did not marry until c1785 calling into question even the 1782 birth year.  Perhaps another Coffey's son?

Tom Dula

Remember the 60's hit Tom Dooley by The Kingston Trio?  It was a ballad about the young Thomas C. Dula who was tried (twice), found guilty both times and finally hung on May 1, 1868 for the death of Laura Foster.

Tom was born to Thomas P. and Mary Keaton Dula on Jun. 20, 1844 in Wilkes Co.  According to tales, he was as promiscuous as most young men when they reach puberty and had been known to have been intimate with Laura as well as other young women, married or single, in his neighborhood in Wilkes Co.

He enlisted in Co. K, 42d NC Infantry Regiment on Apr. 24, 1862.  Following enlistment, Tom spent Nov. 1 through Nov. 24 in the hospital at Petersburg, VA.  On Dec. 3, 1862 he was in the Episcopal Church Hospital at Williamsburg, VA and on Dec. 25, 1862 rejoined his regiment.  In Jan. and Feb., 1863 he was present with his unit but reported sick.  His rank was Musician.

He and his unit were in defense of Petersburg, VA for four months beginning Jul. 17, 1864.  He was again reported in the hospital at Richmond in Oct. 1864.  He had been admitted to the hospital on Aug. 10, 1864.

In March of 1865 he and his unit were in battle at Kinston, NC where he was captured and sent to Point Lookout in MD.  It was from there that he was paroled after signing the oath of allegiance on Jun. 11, 1865.

 Ann Foster was the illegitimate daughter of Carlotta "Lotty" Foster.  She was sometimes known as Angeline Pauline Foster and sometimes as Angeline Pauline Triplett.  Her father has never been determined.  Ann eventually married James Melton on Jun. 22, 1859 and had a daughter, Martha Jane, born c1861.  Some people contend, unto today, that Tom was the father but that has never been proven.

Laura Foster was some distant cousin to Ann.  She was the daughter of Wilson and Martha Bowman Foster, born c1843 in Caldwell Co.

Pauline Foster was a second cousin to Ann Foster Melton and had come to Caldwell Co. from Watauga to work for Ann and her husband.  She was eventually a "key witness" against Tom but described by a reporter for the New York Herald as "remarkable for nothing but debasement...".  Someone had overheard an argument between Pauline and Ann Foster Melton, apparently related to the death of Laura.  Authorities were notified and Pauline agreed to testify.

What's this to do with Coffey?  Well, Thomas P. Dula, father of Thomas C. was brother to John Dula; both sons of Bennet and Anna Stowe Dula.  John Dula married Mary Trivette and had a number of children, including Thomas Wesley, born Jan., 1837, died Feb. 16, 1924.

Thomas Wesley married Laura E. Laxton on May 19, 1856 in Caldwell Co. and, among others, had Arthur Hill Dula who married Mary Jane Coffey, the daughter of Thomas Avery and Louisa Gragg Coffey.  Arthur's sister, Mary Laura, married John Wesley Coffey, brother to Mary Jane.

To read more about Tom Dula and his trial, check out Death in North Carolina Piedmont by Francis H. Gasstevens, The History Press, Charleston, SC, 2006.  See also the Blue Ridge Country article by Sharyn McCrumb.

Arthur Hill & Mary Jane Coffey Dula

I have written previously about this family.  Interested readers can find that blog here.

1910 Snippet

While attempting to reconcile their (minimum) nine children with the census records, etc., I found some of their names to be quiet different in each census.

Notice on the 1910 snippet the child Rzela enumerated after Beatrice.  In other records she is Ruby Dula or Ruby Evelyn Dula, born Jan 19, 1910.*   Ernest D. is actually Ernest Drexell Coffey Dula and he was born on Oct. 18, 1908.  This birth date was found on his death certificate.**

Following Ernest on the census is a daughter named Lena R., born in 1910.  I haven't found a birth record for her.  But, note her age is given as 3 months which pretty much coincides with Ruby's birth date.

1920 Snippet

Then, we come to 1920 where the child following Beatrice is named Rosavelt.  Again, the census taker apparently misunderstood.  She was aged 15 meaning that she was born 1904-05 time frame and must be Ruth, who was born Aug. 5, 1904.‡

By 1930, the only child left at home was Cleda, age 12.  She was born Sep. 17, 1917.†

To recap all the children:

Clyde Lester Dula

Catherine G. Coffey

Clyde Lester, born Jul. 23, 1893 in Watauga Co., died Aug. 2, 1973 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.  Married first wife Bertha Mae Robbins, a daughter of Joshua Rufus and Margaret Alenza "Maggie" Coffey Robbins, born Mar. 9, 1897 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 23, 1982 in Avery Co.  Their marriage produced three unnamed daughters between 1916 and 1918.  Mary Elise was born Feb. 8, 1923 and Anna Mae was born Sep. 26, 1926.  Clyde and Bertha divorced some c1930 and Catherine Gwendolyn Coffey, a daughter of Austin Blaine and Emma Mahalia "Hailey" Harris Coffey became his second wife.  Catherine was born Aug. 1, 1919 in Watauga Co., and died in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC on Aug. 19, 1997.  I am not aware of any children born to this union.  Clyde was 45 years old and Catherine was 19 when they married on July 4, 1939.  Both Clyde and Catherine at buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.  I do not know where Bertha was laid to rest.

Julius A. Gragg

Charlotte N. Dula

Charlotte Nevada, born Jan. 21, 1895, married Julius Allen Gragg.  He was born Jun. 25, 1892 in Caldwell Co. to Julius Leander and Margaret Jane "Maggie" Henley Gragg and died on Jun. 17, 1979 in Boone, Watauga Co.  Charlotte died on Jul. 14, 1989 in Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC.  Both are buried at Boone Fork Community Cemetery in Blowing Rock.  Their children were Lester Merrill, born 1916; Wanda Lee, born 1918, died 1965, married Clarence Richard Lamkin on Mar. 23, 1939 in Blowing Rock.  He was born in 1917 at Lenoir, Caldwell Co., and died Jan. 30, 1987 in Hickory, Catawba Co.  Both are buried at Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir.  Their third and last known child was Virginia Katherine "Jackie," born Dec. 1, 1924 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 30, 1999 in Lenoir.  Her husband was Earl William Ward, born Nov. 8, 1911, a son of Miles A. and Hester Elizabeth Trivett Ward.  Jackie and Earl was married Aug. 11, 1946 in Blowing Rock.  He died Sep. 24, 2002 and they are also buried at Boone Fork.

Anthony Cory

Olive Manila, born Feb. 26, 1899, died Dec. 17, 1985.  She married at least three times.  Here first was Robert Lawrence Coleman, born to Thomas and Emmerette Wright Coleman on Feb. 19, 1891 in Watauga Co.  They were married there on May 1, 1917.  I have not found a death record for Robert.  He and Olive apparently divorced because Robert married again c1924 to a lady named Frances J. and, they had at least one child, May R., born c1928 in West Virginia.  Olive's second husband was Anthony Cory [sic], born Jul. 6, 1881 in the Syrian Arab Republic.  He died on Nov. 15, 1946 in Watauga Co. and was buried at Boone Fork.  Olive's third husband was Will Estes, born 1877 in NC, died Jan. 7, 1971 in Boone.  It appears that Olive did not have any children by either of her husbands.

Beatrice Rema was born Jul. 7, 1902 in Watauga Co., died Nov. 16, 1977 in Winston-Salem.  She married twice, first to Joseph John Teague on Sep. 21, 1920 in Blowing Rock.  He was born Jul. 27, 1895 in Patterson, Caldwell Co., to Hiram John and Julia A. Coffey Teague.  Julia and Beatrice's mother were distant cousins.  Joseph died on Feb. 25, 1961 in Durham Co., NC.  There was one known child, a daughter Ophelia Hartt Teague, born in 1921, died in 1999 in Davie Co., NC.  She married Paul Roberson Coffey, born Mar. 17, 1922 in Caldwell Co. to Charles Alexander "Charlie" and Julia Evelyn Knight Coffey.  Joseph and Beatrice apparently divorced because before his death, she married Kenneth Wilmont Lentz on Mar. 20, 1954 in Forsyth Co., NC.  He was born Feb. 5, 1884 to Adam W. and Maggie Miller Lentz and died on Oct. 13, 1963 in Winston-Salem.  Beatrice died there on Nov. 16, 1977.  Both are buried there at Salem Cemetery.

Ruth Virginia married Zenobian Michaels Koontz on Nov. 12, 1927 in Forsyth Co.  He was born Jul. 12, 1902 in Davidson Co., NC and died in Winston-Salem on May 8, 1981.  Ruth died there on Sep. 2, 1990.  She is buried at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem; he at Wallburg Baptist Church Cemetery in Davidson Co.  They had at least two children, both daughters:  Ramona Jane in 1929 and Nancy, birth date unknown.  On Jun. 21, 1950 Ramona married Francis A. McKenna in Forsyth Co., NC

Ernest Drexell was born Oct. 18, 1908 and died in Winston-Salem on Sep. 7, 1974.  He married Jessie O. Coome on Jan. 19, 1929 in Forsyth Co.  He is buried at Forsyth Memorial Park.

Ruby Evelyn Dula

Murray Harris Coffey

Ruby Evelyn was born in Caldwell Co. on Jan. 19, 1910 and died in Guilford Co. on Apr. 13, 1999.  Her husband was Murray Harris Coffey, brother to Catherine who married Clyde Dula.  They were married in Watauge Co. on Nov. 19, 1938.  Murray died Apr. 5, 2003 in Blowing Rock.  Both are buried at Boone Fork Community Cemetery.  I know of only one child, a son M. Vern Coffey, born Oct. 5, 1939, died Oct. 3, 1990.

Lois Esther (sometimes spelled Estha) was born in Watauga Co. on Jun. 3, 1912 and died in Eden, Rockingham Co., NC on Oct. 29, 1999.  Lois married a Mr. Self.  I have been unable to find any information about him.

Cleda Elizabeth was the last child, born Sep. 17, 1917 in Watauga Co.  She married J. T. Nicholson on Aug. 24, 1939 in Forsyth Co.  I have found no other information about them.

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Rites held for Mr. Dula

Clyde Lester Dula, age 80, of Blowing Rock died Thursday in Blowing Rock Hospital after an extended illness.

Mr. Dula was born in Watauga County to Arthur and Mary Jane Coffey Dula.  He was a retired fuel oil distributor having been employed by the Colvard Oil Company for thirty-four years.  He served on the Blowing Rock Town Council for eight years and the local Recreation Commission for several years.  He also served as Elder at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church.
 
Surviving are his wife, Gwendolyn Coffey Dula of Blowing Rock; four daughters, Mrs. Elyse Milum of Lakeland, Florida, Mrs. John Broyhill of Blowing Rock, Miss Linda Dula of Blowing rock and Mrs. Mike Wilson of Boone; seven sisters, Mrs. Aileen Gragg of Boone, Mrs. W. H. Estes of Blowing Rock, Mrs. Beatrice Lentz of Winston-Salem, Mrs. Murray Coffey of Blowing Rock, Mrs. Virginia Willis of Winston-Salem, Mrs. Estha Self of Eden, Mrs. J. T. Niehulson [sic] of Los Angeles, Calif. and one brother, Ernest Dula of Winston-Salem; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church by Rev. Richard Holshouser and Rev. George Stenhouse.  burial was in the Blowing Rock City Cemetery.
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Charlotte Dula Gragg
Watauga County Native

Charlotte Dula Gragg, 94, of Asheville, and a native and former resident of Boone, died Friday, July 14, 1989, at Biltmore Manor, a nursing care center in Asheville.

She was born Jan. 21, 1895 in Watauga County to Arthur and Mary Coffey Dula.

Mrs. Gragg was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Lamkin of Lenoir.

Surviving are one daughter, Jackie Ward of Asheville; four sisters, Mrs. Cleda Nicholson of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Ruby Coffey of blowing Rock, Mrs. Estha Self of Eden, N.C., and Mrs. Virginia Finney of Winston-Salem; five grandchildren, including Barbara Lamkin Price of Lenoir, seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Boone Fork Community Cemetery.  The Rev. Murray Coffey and the Rev. Howard Hodges will officiate.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Boone.

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*Name: Ruby Evelyn Dula Date of Birth: 19 Jan 1910 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Caldwell Parent1 Name: Arthur Hill Dula Parent2 Name: Mary Jane Coffey; North Carolina Birth Indexes, Roll No. B_C017_68001, Vol. 24, Page 257.

**Drexell Coffey Dula, Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC death certificate No. 31539 (7 September 1974).

‡Name: Ruth Virginia Dula Date of Birth: 5 Aug 1904 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Arthur Hill Dula Parent2 Name: Mary Jane Coffey Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes, Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 14 Page: 70.

†Name: Cleda Elizabeth Dula Date of Birth: 17 Sep 1917 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Arthur Hill Dula Parent2 Name: Mary Jane Coffey North Carolina Birth Indexes, Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 3 Page: 549.

Robey James and Nelia Joan Moretz Coffey

Robey James was born Jul. 16, 1888 in the Globe Twp, Caldwell Co., NC. He was a son of Henry Kelly (Caleb) and Sarah Jane Gragg Coffey.

The given name of Robey was a somewhat popular name for boys in NC in the 1800's, and can be found spelled many ways; e.g., Roby, Robey, Robie, etc. I am not sure why the name was so popular in many Coffey families in western NC. Perhaps there was a well loved preacher, doctor or other prominent person with that name in that time. It's rather like some other popular names such as Finley and Avery, names of politicians and pioneers, given I suppose to boys in all families, not just Coffeys. I can only wish that more pioneers, politicians and people of note had been honored, and not so many named Jesse, James, Edward, Sarah, Mary and Elizabeth.

Be that as it may, Robey married Nelia Joan Moretz on Mar. 11, 1907, probably in Watauga Co. She was born Dec. 5, 1888, again probably in Watauga Co., to Jerome C. and Epsie E. Hagaman Moretz. Moretz ancestors were some of the early settlers in western NC.

Robey died Oct. 19, 1957 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co., and Nelia died Dec. 22, 1979 in Watauga Co. He is buried in the Pisgah Chapel Cemetery in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. I do not know where Nelia is buried, but presume that she lies adjacent to Robey.

When he registered for the draft on Jun. 5, 1917, he was 29 years old, and described himself as being stout with a medium build, blue eyes and was partially bald with light colored hair. He gave his occupation as farmer and blacksmith. There were five children in the household. A sixth child was born not too long after he registered.

I have found six children born to them:

Clarence Alexander, born Dec. 7, 1907, died Jul. 27, 1995. Clarence married Sarah Verlee Bryant, a daughter of Wilson Bradshaw and Nora Townsend Bryant. She was born Jul. 27, 1906 in Caldwell Co., and died Jun. 7, 2006 in Lenoir. Both are buried as Pisgah. Their children are: James Wilson, Walter Wayne, Charles Alex, Donald Raymond and Roy Lee.

His obituary:

Clarence Alexander Coffey, 87, of Route 13, Lenoir, died Thursday, July 27, 1995 at Valdese General Hospital.

He was born Dec. 7, 1907 in Caldwell Co. to the late Roby James Coffey and Nealie Hagaman [sic] Coffey. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Linny Coffey.

Mr. Coffey was a retired sawmiller and member of Harrisburg Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Verlee Bryant Coffey of the home; five sons, Ray lee Coffey of Granite Falls, James Wilson Coffey, Walter Wayne Coffey, Donald Raymond Coffey and Charles Alex Coffey, all of Lenoir; one brother, Frank Coffey of Lenoir; two sisters, Epsie Greene and Gracie Smith, both of Lenoir; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday at Pendry's Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Ted Williams and Tommy James officiating. Burial will be in the Pisgah baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends tonight from 6 until 8:30 at the funeral home.

Gracie Jane, born Oct. 6, 1909 in Mulberry, Caldwell Co. and died in that county on Jul. 8, 1996. She is thought to have married a James E. Smith but, I have found no records. Gracie is buried at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Lenoir.

Her obituary:

Gracie Coffey Smith, 86, of Pope Place, Lenoir, died Monday, July 8, 1996 at Quality Care Rest Home.

She was born Oct. 6, 1909, in Caldwell County to the late Roby J. and Nelia Moretz Coffey. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence and Linney Coffey, and one sister, Eula Greene.

Mrs. Smith was a retired hosiery mill employee and a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, James E. Smith of Lenoir; one brother, Frank Coffey of Lenoir; and one sister, Epsey Greene of Lenoir.

A graveside service will be Wednesday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Evans officiating.

Mackie-High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Eula Ruth, born 1912, died 1980. No further information.

Henry Frank, born Aug. 13, 1914 in Caldwell Co., and died there on Jul 13, 2003. He married Carlue (Charlene?) Hamby c1942. They had at least four children: Judy Elaine, Joseph Edward, Bonnie Kaye and Lynnie Jean.

His obituary:

Henry Frank Coffey, 88, of Churchview Lane, Lenoir, died Sunday, July 13, 2003, at the residence.

He was born Aug. 13, 1914, in Caldwell County to the late Roby Coffey and Nelia Moretz Coffey. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, C. A. Coffey and L.J. Coffey, and two sisters, Eula Greene and Gracie Smith.

Mr. Coffey was a member of Mulberry Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include three daughters, Judy Tripeltt of Lenoir, Bonnie Dodson of Robinsville and Lynnie McLoud of Trinity; two sons, J. E. Coffey of Lenoir and Joey Coffey of Boone; their mother, Charlue Greene of Robinsville; a sister, Epsie Greene of Lenoir; seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be may made to: Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

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

Linney James, born in Watauga on Aug. 21, 1916, died in Caldwell on Dec. 1, 1995. He married Margaret Myrtle Walsh and they were the parents of Brenda Joyce, Patricia Ann and Kathy Sue.

Epsey Lou, born Oct. 13, 1918 in Boone, and died oct. 6, 2003 in Lenoir. She married Arvil Hansford Greene, a son of Alexander and Mollie Church Greene. He was born Jan. 2, 1917 in Watauga. I have not found a death date for him. Their children are: Otis Hubert, Juanita Dare, Treva Ann, and one unnamed child.

Her obituary:

Epsey Coffey Greene, 84, of Hollywood Ridge Road, Lenoir, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, at Lenoir Healthcare Center.

She was born Oct. 14, 1918 in Watauga County to the late Robey J. and Nellie Moretz Coffey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence Coffey, Lenny Coffey and Frank Coffey, and two sisters, Gracie Smith and Eula Greene.

Mrs. Greene was a homemaker and a member of Yadkin Valley Baptist Church where she was a former Sunday school teacher.

Survivors include her husband, Arvil H. Greene of the home; two sons, Otis H. Greene and Maynard C. Greene, both of Lenoir; two daughters, Ms. Juanita Dare Sparks and Mrs. Allen (Treva) Hennessee, both of Lenoir; nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Revs. Bobby Pritchard and Paul Dula. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

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

Serving as pallbearers will be: Lonnie Greene, Henry Sutton, Clayton Watson, Dean Barrett, Mark Dula and Dylan Faulk.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Marriage dates for some families are difficult to come by. Please contact me at the above e-mail address if you can add to or correct any of this information.

Happy New Year!

This new year ushers in my 69th on earth and 49th in marriage! I've been researching family ties since the early 1980's, and have been blessed with an understanding wife who has followed me around the world in both my military and civilian life in pursuit of various goals. She has (more or less) supported me in all of my hobbies. I have been a fox hunter, with all that entails, a radio amateur (WD5ELJ, WS5X, 9V1UQ, and currently W5JKC) and since 1978-9 when I bought my first Tandy TRS-80 Model 1, a "computer freak" (as she tells her friends) "with a weird habit of reading obituaries from all over the country."

She is also a licensed radio amateur with the call sign WB5TQL. The TQL part does NOT stand for "tender, quiet and loving." Well, maybe T and L is accurate, but surely not Q!

Neither of us are any longer active on the bands, but we do keep out licenses current.

For the most part 99.9% of all researchers that I have met over the course of my "genealogical life" have been great people. Many of them have remained great friends over the years to both me and my wife. Hopefully, I have been just as good a friend to them.

Forgive me while I digress!

The purpose of this blog is to provide information, seek to make it accurate and, to give it to as many people as need it. Errors are a given. It's up to you to correct them.. I am always glad to hear from anyone who can provide correct info on any family I write about.

Only occasionally does someone come along with an attitude that really chaps my $@#!

Fortunately, that happened only once in 2007. It was a tirade-turned-hissy-fit by someone who failed to recognize that what I do here is neither advertised as 100% accurate, nor is 100% accurate. Neither is it 100% inclusive. That is, I might not have found all children; some names may be spelled incorrectly, etc. It's sometimes difficult to determine just how a person's first name was spelled, or even what it really was. Family members may have grown up hearing it said one way and spelled it phonetically when they put together the family tree.

That very thing arose the other day when I received a very nice e-mail from someone whose ancestor's first name was Dorothy. Someone else had written to me earlier about her and had spelled her name as Dartha. Names being what they are - labels applied by our parents - it's impossible for me to determine if a name given to me by a descendant is accurately spelled.

At any rate, the greater majority of readers understand and relate courteously to what I attempt to do here.

I am grateful and thank you for your support!

Digression over!

One of my resolutions for 2008 is to continue to put together the best documented genealogy that I can of the descendants of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey. That project has turned into a more-or-less genealogy of the descendants of their son John and his wife Jane Graves. I don't know of any researcher who descends from any of Edward and Ann's other children. And, I have yet to meet a researcher interested in Ann's sons, William and Thomas, by her second marriage to a Mr. Duling (Dulin, Dula, Dooling?). They of course, would be half-siblings to her children by Edward.

Feel free to write, ask questions, make corrections, or even to just say 'Hi-de!'

Be nice, and please have a safe New Year!


















*Bulletin Board Service

The Candy Kitchen

The Candy Kitchen had been owed by a Mr. Anthony Cory. He was, I believe, the second of the three husbands of Olive Manila Dula. Olive was the daughter of Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula.

Cory was born in the Syrian Arabic Republic and immigrated to the United States about 1901. The original spelling of his name may have been Khouri.

He appeared in the 1920 and 1930 Winston-Salem, NC census as Anthony Cory. In 1930 he was a 49-year old divorced man living in the household with his widowed mother, Rosa Jakayre [sic], He listed his occupation as owner of the Candy Kitchen.

Sometime later Mr. Cory sold the store to Zenobian Michael Koontz.

In this photo of the interior, the lady in the white top is Cleta (or Cleda) Dula who married J. T. Nicholson. The lady in black is Ruth Virginia Dula Koontz. Next to her is her husband, Mr. Zenobian Michael Koontz. Ruth and Mr. Koontz were owners of the store. Both ladies were children of Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula, and sisters to Olive Manila.

Ruth was born Aug. 5, 1904 and Cleda was born on Sep. 17, 1917. Ruth and Zenobian married on Nov. 12, 1927 in Forsyth Co. He was born Jul. 12, 1902 in Davidson Co., NC and, died in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co. in May, 1981. I have found only one child for them: Ramona Jane, born May 3, 1929 in Watauga Co.

I have not found any children that were born to Cleda and Mr. Nicholson.

Mary Jane Coffey Dula was the daughter of Thomas Avery and Louisa E. Gragg Coffey. She was born in Aug., 1874 in Caldwell Co., NC and died on May 26, 1955. Arthur Hill Dula was born Jan., 1867 and died on Sep. 7, 1948. They were married on Oct. 11, 1892 in Watauga Co. Arthur Hill Dula was brother to Mary Laura Dula who married John Wesley Coffey, brother to Mary Jane.


This photo is Mr. Cory at the store front before selling to Koontz. The store was located on the east side of Winston-Salem in Forsyth Co., NC. I have heard that the building is still standing.

Corrections and/or additions can be sent to me using the e-mail address above.

Austin Blaine Coffey

Austin Blaine Coffey was a son of David Nathaniel and Caroline Levinia Coffey Coffey. He was born in Watauga Co., NC on Jan. 14, 1887 and died there on Aug. 28, 1970. He is buried alongside his first wife, Emma Mahalia (Hailey) Harris Coffey, at Boone Fork Baptist Church cemetery in Watauga Co.

Blaine represented Watauga Co. in the NC House of Representatives for several years, beginning in about 1917. He was still seated in The House in 1923 when his mother died.

Austin Blaine Coffey

Austin married Emma Mahalia (Hailey) Harris in Caldwell Co. on mar. 1, 1914. Hailey was the only child of Anderson Perkins and Frances Catherine Ennis Harris. Hailey had given birth to a son, Ralph A. Harris on Nov. 22, 1911. Ralph enlisted in the US Army in 1929 and subsequently killed in an automobile accident while stationed in Pensacola, Escambia Co., FL.

Hailey Harris

His obituary appeared in the Watuage Democrat on May 19, 1932:

Funeral Services Held for Ralph A. Harris

The body of Ralph A. Harris, 20, a private in the U.S. Army who was killed in an automobile accident near Pensacola, Fla., on May 7th, arrived at Lenoir on May 11th, in charge of Private Floyd Burkett, who was a friend and comrade of the deceased. Funeral services were held at Blue Ridge Advent Church on Thursday, May 12th by the Rev. S. E. Gragg, in the presence of the largest congregation ever assembled for a burial in this section.

Young Harris was a well liked by all who knew him. He completed his high school education at Crossnore, N.C., enlisted in the US Army in 1929, served three years, reenlisted and was serving his second term when the accident occurred. His death has caused widespread sorrow.

Pallbearers were Spencer Collins, Archie Simms, Spencer Henderson, Staple Collins, Mayrel Gragg, Frank Jones, Cecil Critcher, Jesse Coffey, Randel Pyatte, Melvin Calloway, J. C. Church, Ernest Simms and Seldon Wright.

Flower girls were led by little Ernestine Collins and Norma Collins, were as follows: Ruby Richards, Irene Jenkins, Sally Collins, Ruby Dula, Hailey Harris, Ruby Henderson, Rosetta Hollifield, Bessie Wooten, Jessie Hollifield, Ruby Byers, Ophelia Teague, Verdola Coffey, Fay Rupurd, Edith Calloway.

Burial took place at Boone's Fork graveyard.

Hailey died less than a year following the death of her son Ralph.

Ralph A. Harris

Hailey and Austin's children were:

Murray Harris Coffey, born May 9, 1915, died Apr. 5, 2003. He married Ruby Evelyn Dula on Nov. 19, 1938 in Watauga Co. Ruby was born Jan. 10, 1910 in Caldwell Co., and died Apr. 13, 1999 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. She was the daughter of Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula.

Murray's obituary appeared in the Watauga Democrat on Apr. 7, 2003.

Rev. Murray Coffey

Rev. Murray H. Coffey, 87, of 157 Murray Coffey Road, Blowing Rock, died Saturday morning, April 5, 2003, at Blowing Rock Hospital.

He was born May 9, 1915, in Hudson, Caldwell County, to the late Austin Blaine and Hailey Harris Coffey.

Rev. Coffey was a retired stone mason and a minister. He was a member of Blue Ridge Advent Christian Church where he formerly served as pastor.

Both Rev. Coffey and his father, Blaine Coffey, served in the North Carolina Legislature as representatives from Watauga County.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Imogene Poteat of Davidson; and one son, Terry Coffey of Blowing Rock; one granddaughter, Kimberly Coffey of Asheville; three grandsons, Paul Poteat Jr. of Coppers Cove, Texas, Mike Poteat and family of Charlotte, and Lynn Solesbee and wife, Melissa, of Mauldin, S.C.; one great-granddaughter, Anna Solesbee and one great-grandson, Ben Solesbee, both of Mauldin.

He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Dula Coffey; a son, Vern Coffey; a sister, Mrs. Gwyn Dula; and a brother, Hardin Coffey.

Services were conducted Monday morning at the Blue Ridge Advent Christian Church in Blowing Rock, officiated by the Rev. Gordon Noble.

Entombment followed in the Coffey Family Mausoleum in Boone Fork Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boone Advent Christian Church, in care of Joyce Sherrill, 375 Shady Bark Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Catherine G. Coffey

Katherine Gwendolyn Coffey, born Aug. 1, 1919 in Watauga Co., died Aug. 19, 1997 in North Carolina. She married Clyde Lester Dula on Jul. 4, 1939. Clyde was brother to Ruby who married Murray.

Hardin Blaine Coffey

Hardin Blaine Coffey, born Apr. 23, 1923 in Watauga Co., died Oct. 7, 2000 in North Carolina. He married Beulah Mae Coffey, born Mar. 24, 1924 to Joseph Merritt and Susan Augustus Childs Coffey. Joseph Merritt and Austin Blaine were distant cousins.

Hardin's obituary:

Mr. Hardin Blaine Coffey, 77, of Ransom Street, Blowing Rock, died Saturday morning, Oct. 7, 2000, at his home.

He was born April 23, 1923 in Blowing Rock. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock.

Mr. Coffey was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a 56 year charter member of the Blowing Rock American Legion Post 256. He retired with 30 years service at Tweetsie Railroad as a steam locomotive engineer. A snow making pioneer, he installed the first snow making equipment at Blowing Rock Ski Lodge and Hound Ears Club.

Survivors include his wife, Beulah C. Coffey; one daughter, Judith Wesson of Boone; one son, Joe Coffey and wife, Cathy, of Snowmass Village, Colo.; three grandchildren, Michael Jason Wesson of Boone and Samuel Ryan Coffey and Joanna Haley Coffey, both of Snowmass Village, Colo.; a brother, Rev. Murray Coffey of Blowing Rock; and three nieces, Gail Pitts of Blowing Rock, Cathy Wilson of Boone and Linda McCullach of Millers Creek; and one nephew, Terry Coffey of Blowing Rock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin Blaine and Hailey Harris Coffey; one sister, Gwyn Dula and a nephew, Vern Coffey.

Services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Dean Coffey.

The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 1-1:45 p.m., prior to the services, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Austin Blaine Coffey's second wife is said to have been Sally Phillips of West Virginia. Sally had been married previously to Doctor [given name] Hill Wright, a son of Thomas A. and Margaret Ann Coffey Wright.

Update 2/11/2012:  There is another marriage record in Watauga Co. for Blaine Coffey, age 47, to Anna Lee Phillips on 20 Mar. 1934.  A Nov. 13, 1951 marriage record has also been found for Austin Blaine Coffey to Sally Phillips Wright.  The marriage register put together by Appalachian State University at Boone and published in 1995, notes that this "marriage lasted 4 days."

Clyde Lester and Katherine G. Coffey Dula

Corrected Feb. 3, 2011 - See highlighted below.

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Clyde Lester Dula was a son of Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula. He was born Jun. 23, 1893 in Watauga Co., NC and died Aug. 2, 1973 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.

Clyde first married Bertha May Robbins on Sep. 18, 1915 in Caldwell Co. They were parents of five daughters, three of which were still born between Mar. 1916 and Mar., 1918. Two daughters survived: Mary Elise, born Feb. 8, 1923 in Watuaga Co., and Anna Mae, born Sep. 19, 1926 in Iredell Co., NC.

The WW1 draft registration files show that Clyde registered in Watauga Co. on Jun. 5, 1917. He was described as being of medium height and build with brown eyes and hair. He gave his age as 23 years, born Jul. 23, 1893 in Kelsey [Watauga Co.], NC. Clyde was employed as an Engineer with the Boone Fork Lumber Co. at Shulls Mill and resided in that community with his wife [not named on the registration card].

Katherine G. Coffey

They divorced sometime before Mar. 15, 1948* when Clyde married his second cousin, Katherine** Gwendolyn Coffey, a daughter of Austin Blaine and Anna Mahalia (Hailey) Harris Coffey. Katherine was born Aug. 1, 1919 in Watauga Co., and died Aug. 19, 1997 in North Carolina.

Katherine and Clyde were parents of at least four children, again all daughters for Clyde. The first known child was Brenda Gail, born 1942, followed by a still born daughter on Dec. 13, 1943. The third child was Linda Jane, born 1945 and last was Mary Katherine, born 1946.

Bertha May Robbins Coffey was born Mar. 9, 1897 in Watauga Co. She never remarried, and died on Jun. 23, 1982 in Avery Co., NC.

Contact me at the e-mail address below to add to or correct this information.

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*There seems to be a problem with the marriage date vs: birth dates of children.  However, the marriage record reports that date:

Groom's Name: C. L. Dula Groom's Birth Date: 1890 Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: 58 Bride's Name: Gwendolyn Coffey Bride's Birth Date: 1920 Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: 28 Marriage Date: 15 Mar 1948 Marriage Place: Avery County, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: A. H. Dula Groom's Mother's Name: Mary Jane Dula Bride's Father's Name: Blane Coffey Bride's Mother's Name: Haley Coffey Groom's Race: White Groom's Marital Status: Unknown Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: White Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M73603-9 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 1689181 Reference Number: cn940

**Spelled Catherine in her obituary

Austin and Mary Blalock Coffey Reunion

Descendants of Austin and Mary Blalock Coffey, including the Dula and Wright families, or any other family connected to this couple are invited to attend a family reunion.

The reunion will be held at Davant Field at 11AM on Aug. 19, 2007 in Blowing Rock, NC.

Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish and a chair.

David N. Coffey

In the photo from left to right, is Arthur Hill Dula*, his wife Mary Jane Coffey; Theodicia Coffey Blalock, and David Nathaniel Coffey.

Mary Jane and Theodocia are sisters, and children of Thomas Avery and Louisa E. Gragg Coffey. Thomas Avery and Nathaniel were brothers, sons of Austin Coffey and Mary Blalock.

Theodocia married Columbus Filmore (Lum) Blalock, a son of William McKesson "Keith" and Sarah Malinda Pritchard Blalock. "Keith" was a son of Mary Blalock by an unknown father.

David Nathaniel married Caroline Lavinia Coffey, a daughter of Levi L. and Temperance Calloway Coffey. Levi and Austin were second cousins.

The dress seems to indicate that the photo was taken in the 1920's. Columbus (Lum) and Theodocia went to Bend, OR where they were enumerated in the 1920 census. Lum died in Bend on Oct. 6, 1925**. Theodocia later married Luther Farthing, and died in Watauga Co., NC on Feb. 14, 1941. Lum had been previously married, first to Emma McNeely in 1884 and second, to Esther Caldonia Calloway.

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*See earlier blog on this family
**Oregon Death Index, 1903-98. Salem, Oregon: Filmed by the Oregon State Archives and Records Center, [1998-] . Name: Blalock, Columbus Filmore County: Deschutes Death Date: 6 Oct 1925 Certificate: 118

Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula

Arthur Hill Dula and Mary Jane Coffey were married in Watauga Co., NC on Oct. 11, 1892. Mary Jane was the daughter of Thomas Avery and Louisa E. Gragg Coffey.

Arthur & Mary J. Coffey Dula

Arthur, called Hill, was born Jan., 1867 in NC and died Sep. 7, 1948 in Watauga Co., NC. Mary Jane was born in Aug., 1874 in Caldwell Co., NC and died May 26, 1955 in Watauga Co. Both are buried at Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery in that county.

Nine children were born to this marriage:

Clyde Lester Dula, born Jul. 23, 1893, died Aug. 2, 1973. Clyde was first married to Bertha May Robbins, born Mar. 9, 1897 in Watauga Co. His second wife was his cousin, Katherine Gwendolyn Coffey, born Aug. 1, 1919 to Austin Blaine and Emma Mahalia Harris Coffey.

Charlotte Nevada Dula was born Jan., 1894 and died Jul. 14, 1989 in Asheville, NC. She married Julius Allen Gragg, born Jun. 25, 1892, died Jun. 17, 1979 in Boone, Watauga Co.

Olive M. Dula, born Feb., 1899

Beatrice Rema Dula, born Jul. 7, 1902

Ruth Virginia Dula, born Aug. 5, 1904

Earnest Dula, born c1908

Ruby Evelyn Dula, born Jan. 19, 1910. Ruby was married on Nov. 19, 1938 to Murray Harris Coffey, born May 9, 1915 in Hudson, Caldwell Co., and died Apr. 5, 2003 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co. Murray was a brother to Gwendolyn who married Ruby's brother, Clyde Lester. Their children were Imogene Dula Coffey, born Aug. 19, 1930; Vernon Coffey, born Oct. 5, 1939, and Terry Lee Coffey, born Nov. 3, 1947.

Lois Esther Dula, born Jun. 3, 1912

Cleda Elizabeth Dula, born Sep. 17, 1917

Additions and corrections welcomed.

Thomas Avery & Louisa Gragg Coffey

Thomas Avery Coffey was a son of Austin and Mary A. Blalock Coffey. He was born June 3, 1854 in Watauga Co., NC and died Dec. 21, 1917 in Avery Co., NC. Thomas married Louisa E. Gragg on Sep. 20, 1873 in Caldwell Co. Louisa was a daughter of Johnson P. and Nancy Jane Cuthbertson Gragg. Louisa died in 1922.

They are believed to have had 10 children, but I have found only eight:

Mary Jane, born Aug., 1874, died May 26, 1955. She married Arthur Hill Dula on Oct. 11, 1892 in Watauga Co. Arthur was born Jan. 1867 in North Carolina and died Sep. 7, 1948 in that state. Their children: Clyde Lester; Charlotte Nevada; Olive M.; Beatrice Rema; Ruth Virginia; Earnest; Ruby Evelyn; Lois Esther; Cleda Elizabeth.

John Wesley, born Jan. 28, 1878 in Caldwell Co., died Mar. 17, 1962 in North Carolina. He married Kizzie Ann Hatley on Oct. 9, 1902 in Watauga Co. Kizzie was born Feb. 12, 1882 in North Carolina and died Jun. 19, 1962 in that state. Their children were: Ira Vance; Edgar Hugh; Lillian Delana; Opal; Louise; Avery Jamison; Ernest Reid; and Adell

Milton F., born about March, 1880 - no further information

 Lee Ella, born Nov., 1881 in Caldwell Co., died Dec. 16, 1963. Married 1) Joseph Commodore Church and 2) William Washington Collins

 James Hardy, born Jan. 1884 in Caldwell Co., died Apr. 5, 1936 in Avery Co., married Lillian May Gray.

Theodocia (Docia), born Aug. 28, 1884 in Caldwell Co., and died Feb. 14, 1941 in Watauga Co. She married 1) Columbus Filmore (Lum) Blalock (son of William McKesson "Keith" and Sarah Malinda Pritchard Blalock). Child by Lum was Hazel, born c1913. She married 2) Luther Farthing. Lum had previously married 1) Emma McNeely and 2) Esther Caldonia Calloway.

Emma Viola, born Nov. 2, 1888 in Caldwewll Co., died 1988 in North Carolina. She married Emory Joel Young on Dec. 28, 1907 in Watauga Co., NC. Emory was born Apr. 4, 1882 and died Mar. 14, 1929 in North Carolina. Their children were: Charles Howard; Mary Lou; Thomas Wood; Emery Hugh; Hardin Darrell; and Rawleigh Edgar.

 Kelsey A, a son, born Dec. 7, 1891 died Aug. 12, 1907 and buried at White Springs in Blowing Rock.

Thomas is buried in Avery Co. It is said that the snow was too deep to bring him to White Springs. Louisa is buried in the White Springs Cemetery in Watuaga Co.

Please contact me to add to or correct this information.

David Nathaniel Coffey

David Nathaniel Coffey was born Aug. 25, 1853 in Watauga Co., NC and died there on Dec. 30, 1930. David was the son of Austin Coffey and Mary A. Blalock. He married Carolina Lavinia Coffey, a daughter of Levi L. and Temperance Calloway Coffey. Caroline and David were distant cousins, both descendants of John and Jane Graves Coffey.

Their children:

A. Austin Blaine Coffey, born Jan. 14, 1887 in Watauga Co., died Aug. 28, 1970 in Watauga. He married Emma Mahalia Harris, born May 8, 1888 in Watauga Co., died Jul. 6, 1933, also in Watauga, in 1914 in Caldwell Co.

Their children were Murray Harris, born May 9, 1915 in Hudson, Caldwell Co., died Apr. 5, 2003 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co., married Ruby Evelyn Dula, born Jan. 19, 1910 in Caldwell Co. Their children were Vernon, Terry and Imogene. Second child was Katherine Gwendolyn, born Aug. 1, 1919, and Hardin Blaine Coffey, born Apr. 23, 1923. Hardin married Beulah Mae Coffey, a distant cousin.

B. Vera Esther Coffey, born Sep. 20, 1889 in Watauga Co., died Oct. 28, 1954 in North Carolina. She married Walter (Watt) Lenoir Sims and had one known child, Archie Sims, born Sep. 11, 1916, died May 1939 while serving with the military in the Philippines. Vera later married Joseph Commodore Church, born Jul. 1878 in North Carolina, died May 11, 1956, also in North Carolina. Joseph was married at least twice prior to Vera. His first wife was Lella (Lee Ella) Coffey with whom he had one child, Alma Church. His second wife was Nora Rebecca Hollifield. Lee Ella later married William Washington Collins.

C. Winford B. Coffey, born Jan., 1896 - no additional information.

D. Olin James Coffey - see his story here.

I am still searching for additional information on Walter (Watt) Lenoir Sims, son of Elisha and Charity Sims. He disappeared from Watauga Co. after 1900. That year he was age 16 and in the household with his widowed mother. His brother, Abraham L., age 20, was also still in the household.

In 1910 Charity was still head of household, but both sons were gone. In their place was Mabel M., age 21, Charity's daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, Annie L., age 3, and Ernest W., age 7 or 9 months. We do not know which of Charity's sons was the father of these children.

In 1920 Charity was found in Watauga Co. in the household with another son, Hampton, age 48, and his family.

Please contact me with additions or corrections.

Olin James and Estie Coffey Coffey

Revised 12/20/07

Olin Jay Coffey was a son of David Nathaniel and Caroline Lavinia Coffey Coffey. He married his second cousin, Edna Estie Coffey, daughter of Julius Calvin and Clarissa Adams Coffey. I have not found a marriage date for them. However, based on birth date of their first child it appears they were married in late 1920 or early 1921 in Watauga Co., NC

Olin and Estie had two children. One, a son whose first name I have not discovered, was born Jun. 8, 1922 in Watauga Co. The second, a daughter, Norma Pauline was born Jun. 3, 1924.

Shortly after Pauline's birth her mother died, and Olin allowed Pauline to be adopted by William Washington and Lee Ella Coffey Collins. Lee Ella and Olin were first cousins. The child born in 1922 apparently died shortly after birth.

Olin never remarried, and at age 42 on Nov. 18, 1942 at Camp Croft, SC he enlisted in the US Army. He died on May 28, 1986 in Watauga Co.

His obituary:

Mr. Olin Jay Coffey

Retired Farmer

Mr. Olin Jay Coffey, 86, of Blowing Rock, died Wednesday afternoon, May 28, at Blowing Rock Hospital.

He was born in Watauga County, April 5, 1900, a son of the late David and Caroline Coffey. He was an Army veteran of World War I and a member of the American Legion in Blowing Rock. He was a retired farmer.

Mr. Coffey is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Howard (Norma) Hodges of Boone; one niece, Mrs. Gwendolyn Dula of Blowing Rock; two nephews, the Rev. Murray Coffey and Hardin Coffey, both of Blowing Rock. He is also survived by two granddaughters, three great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Services were conducted this morning at 10 at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. Officiating were the Rev. Vaughn Earl Hartsell and the Rev. Howard Hodges. Burial was in the Boone Fork Community Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion in Blowing Rock.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

An article in The Blowing Rocket, a Watauga Co. weekly, dated Oct. 7, 2004, reads:

"This man was one of Blowing Rocks most popular resident and one if its most respected leaders. He was a Postmaster for a few years, sold real estate and served on a number of community and municipal boards. He was the town's authority on elections, serving for years as registrar, judge and other election official duties. In his later years he could always be found playing a game of checkers at the post office."

Norma married Howard Thomas Hodges and had several children before she died on Jun. 3, 1924 in Denton, Davidson Co., NC.

Her obituary:

Norma Coffey Hodges, 79, of Denton, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at her home. A memorial service will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church in Morganton, where she was a member.

Mrs. Hodges was born June 3, 1924, in Watauga County to Olin J. and Estie Coffey Coffey. She was a homemaker. She was married to the Rev. Howard Thomas Hodges, her husband of 56 years, who died April 20, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her foster family, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Collins, Sally Collins and Spencer and Staple Collins.

Surviving are two daughters, Rebecca Parsons and her husband, Lloyd, of Denton and Susan Bullard of Fort Mill, S.C., and six grandchildren, Jessica, Caitlin and Rob Bullard of Fort Mill, S.C., Matthew and Jen Parsons of Richlands and Amanda Perez of High Point.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cedar Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1048, Linwood, N.C. 27299.

Briggs Funeral Home in Denton is assisting the family.

Photographs courtesy Margaret Coffey Farley.

Confederate Soldiers of Caldwell [Co., NC]

The following is from Annals of Caldwell County, W. W. Scott, Lenoir, NC, 1930, Chapter 10, page 28:

Fifty-Eighth Regiment

Colonel - John B. Palmer, of Mitchell.

Lieutenant-Colonels - Edmund Kirby, of Virginia, killed at Chickamauga in 1863; Thomas J. Dula, of Caldwell, resigned Aug. 29, 1864; S. M. Silver, Thaddeus M. Coleman.

Majors - T. J. Dula (Caldwell), wounded at Chickamauga, promoted to lieutenant-colonel Aug. 14, 1864; A. T. Stuart (Caldwell), killed at Jonesboro, Ga.; S. M. Silver; G. W. F. Harper (Caldwell), promoted in November, 1864 from captain of Co. H.

Surgeons - W. A. Collett, of Burke; W. H. Harris.

Sergeant-Major - D. D. Coffey, of Caldwell

Quartermaster Sergeant - John E. Medearis, of Caldwell.

Drum Majors - H. Estes and J. Caldwell Blair, both of Caldwell

Company E, of Caldwell

Captains - A. T. Stuart, Thomas J. Coffey.

Lieutenants - J. B. Marler, T. J. Coffey, W. E. Coffey (dropped).

Company H, of Caldwell

Captains - T. J. Dula; G. W. F. Harper, wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864; Larkin W. Gilbert.

Lieutenants - W. W. Lenoir, promoted to captain in 37th regiment July, 1862; G. W. F. Harper, E. M. Hedrick, A. D. Lingle, L. A. Page, killed in 1864 at Dalton, Ga.; L. W. Gilbert, promoted to captain.

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Thomas J. Coffey was Thomas Jefferson Coffey, son of McCaleb and Elizabeth Collett Coffey. He was born 1828, died 1901.

Thomas Jefferson Coffey was born in 1828 near Patterson, in present-day Caldwell county. Before the war, he was a schoolteacher in Valle Crucis, North Carolina and later a merchant in Eastern Tennessee. When the war started, he enlisted, at age 33, as a private in Company E of the 58th North Carolina. Later he was promoted to 2nd and then 1st lieutenant as well as assistant quartermaster of the regiment. In this tintype he holds a Whitney of C. S. manufactured Spiller & Burr revolver. His sword, although covered in gilt paint, resembles a type manufactured in Richmond. Coffey was hospitalized at Charlotte on March 14, 1865 with phthisis, which is a wasting away of the body, usually caused by tuberculosis. He was furloughed on the same date. He returned to Tennessee and joined his brother in business. Before his death he and his brother entered into an agreement that whichever survived the other should carry on the firm business as long as he thought fit, and then divide the property. Coffey died in 1901.

D. D. Coffey was Drury Dobbins Coffey, son of Daniel Boone and Clarissa Estes Coffey. He was born Apr. 23, 1838 in Burke Co., NC and died 1913 in Caldwell Co., NC. He was husband to Harriet Elizabeth Collett who was born Nov. 25, 1840, and died Jan. 13, 1921. Harriet was undoubtedly descended from Charles Collett "of the family for whom Collettsville was named, it having been changed to its present name from the name of John's River Store. He was clearly of Huguenot stock, the name Collett being a well-known French name current at this day." [Annals of Caldwell Co.]

W. E. Coffey is probably William Elbert Coffey, born c1840 in Caldwell Co., married Maggie Kincaid. William was the son of Gilliam and Mary (Polly) Moore Coffey.

Please contact me if anyone has more detailed information on William or Drury.