Samuel and Mildred "Milley" Coffey Coleman

Samuel Coleman was born c1752 in Albemarle Co., VA to James and Elizabeth Leake Coleman.  According to one Todd County Kentucky history1, Samuel was a Rev. War veteran, a Todd Co. pioneer and a grandson of Samuel Coleman and his wife Ann Mourning Christian.

James and Elizabeth had at least two other children; Maskey2, born c1750 who was married c1780 to Bartlett Fitzgerald, a native of Orange Co., Virginia.  Bartlett was the son of John Joseph and Mary Hawkins Bartlett Fitzgerald and a brother to Benjamin Hawkins Fitzgerald who married Jane Coffey, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Osborne Coffey of Nelson Co., VA.  Readers may recall that Jane is considered to be the mother of Jordan Coffey, founder of "Coffeytown."

Maskey's sister was Lucy who married Evan Thomas Watson (1759 VA-1834 Bowie Co., TX) on Jan. 4, 1772 in Albemarle Co., VA.  They named a son Coleman Watson, born Jan. 23, 1800 in Logan Co., KY, died Jul. 6, 1876 in Grayson Co., TX.  There is a problem with either Evan's birth date or their marriage date.  The dates given here mean that Evan married at age 12!

In any event, Coleman Watson married his first cousin Lucy Mildred Coleman, the daughter of Samuel and Mildred Coffey Coleman, in Kentucky on Sep. 23, 1821.  They were parents to at least nine children:  Morton Price; Emily E.; Mary Susan; Samuel, Jr.; Evan Thomas; Lucy Ann; Louisa Jane; Nancy Margaret and Edward A.

Another daughter of Samuel and Mildred Coffey Coleman was Elizabeth Leake Coleman - obviously named for her paternal grandmother.  Elizabeth was born on May 6, 1786, probably in Virginia, and died Aug. 2, 1862, probably in Texas.  She married Collin McKinney, a man who was destined to become a Texas legend.  An article in a Daughters of the Republic of Texas source on Collin3, submitted by member Maryln Jones Cherry, reads:

Collin McKinney (1766-1861) was born in New Jersey, the second of 10 children born to Daniel McKinney (1735-1809) and Mercy Blatchley (1745-1825).  He married twice and had 10 children.  Proor to 1824, his adult life was spent in Tennessee and Kentucky, where he owned a trading post and managed the vast Nashville estates of George W. Campbell, who had been appointed by President Madison as Minister to Russia.

In 1824, Collin, with his brother, Daniel and their families, began the long trek down the Southwest Trail, first settling in Arkansas, believing themselves to be in Texas, later moving to present Bowie and Red River counties.  On Aug. 4, 1830, Collin McKinney took the oath and signed the Register of the Wavell Red River Colony, Aug. 4, 1830 [sic].

He became the close confidant of Benjamin Rush Milam, a fellow Kentuckian, and the first survey Milam ran from his new land office was for Collin McKinney in present Bowie County.  Collin's youngest daughter, Elizabeth, married Milam's nephew, Jefferson Milam, a surveyor for Wavell County.  In 1835, when Ben Milam journeyed to Moncolva, Mexico with the colonists' land petitions, he left his business and personal papers in care of his friend, Collin McKinney.  (The original document signed by the Red River colonists each pledging $5 toward Milam's expenses is the McKinney-Milam Papers at the University of Texas at Arlington.)  By December of that year, Santa Anna's invasion of Texas was well underway; the Red River Colony was asked to raise $200 to equip a company of riflemen to join Sam Houston's army.

In January 1836, a mass meeting was held at Collin McKinney's plantation to elect five delegates to attend the general convention 300 miles away at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 1, 1836.  Collin, age 70, was the oldest elected delegate and was destined to outlive most of his colleagues.  He traveled with Richard Ellis, who was elected president of the convention.

Collin McKinney was one of five men to draft the Texas Declaration of Independence, and as the oldest of the 59 signers, was presented the signing pen.  He represented Red River settlements in four congresses of the Republic of Texas.  During his 95 years, he was a planter, land surveyor, developer, merchant, deacon, lay preacher, politician and a citizen of eight different governments - born a subject of King George III of England; a citizen of the Thirteen colonies; a citizen of the United States; a citizen of Mexico; a citizen of the Provisional Government established by Texans in 1835; a citizen of the Texas Republic; after annexation, again a citizen of the U.S.; and when death came in 1861, it found him (against his will) a citizen of the Southern Confederacy.

Along with his nephew, H. C. McKinney, he was active in establishment of the Disciples of Christ Church in his last home community.  The Rev. G. Gates, a visiting minister from Indiana, in a letter to his church journal, wrote:  "Brother McKinney, an old disciple from Kentucky...noted for his integrity, hospitality and good works as a Christian, is the natural elder to preside over his flock...The old gentleman had a number of slaves who are, I believe, members of the church and love their master as they would a father."  Archibald Burton, a cousin back in Lincoln County, KY, wrote to Collin, "Collin McKinney, I want to see you more than any man alive."  The town of McKinney and Collin County are name for this remarkable Texas Pioneer.

Collin and Elizabeth Leake Coleman McKinney had a number of children, including:  William C., Annie, Amy, Peggy, Elisa and Younger Scott.

I believe some of the Colemans, McKinneys, Coffeys and Watsons must have known some of my own Coffee family members.  Some of them must have moved together into Arkansas down the Southwest Trail into Hempstead Co., AR, as well as into Bowie and Red River Counties in TX.  My paternal great-grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Bowman Coffee married a Watson in Bowie Co. following the loss of her first husband, James M. Coffee.  Her father and grand-father (Joseph and Jesse Bowman, respectively) are known to have been in those counties in the same period, and were active in the battle for Texas independence.

---

1Todd County Kentucky Family History, Vol. 1, Turner Publishing Co., Paducah, KY 1995, p161
2Apparently named for her maternal grandmother, Judith Mask or, perhaps her uncle, Mask Coleman
3Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Compilers, Daughters of the Republic of Texas: Texas History, Vol. 1 of many (New York & Nashville: Turner Publishing Co., n.d.), Page 192.

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!

--

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

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.

Benjamin J. Coffey and Candis W. Coffey

Benjamin was born c1813 in Virginia and, married Candis W. Coffey, born c1814, on Jan. 28, 1836 in Nelson Co., VA. [Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850; Benjamin Coffey Candis W. Coffey 28 Jan 1836 Nelson] His parents are unknown.

Candis' father is also unknown; her mother was Nancy Coffey, daughter of William Coffey, Jr., and Mary (Polly) Rippetoe. William, Jr. comes from John Coffey and Jane Graves through their son William, Sr.

Another of William Sr. daughters is Jane who is thought to be the mother of Jordan Coffey who settled Coffeytown in Amherst Co., VA. She later married Benjamin Hawkins Fitzgerald.

Nancy apparently bore at least two other daughters out of wedlock: Sophia, born c1815 and Ann, birth date unknown.

Known children of Benjamin and Candis are:

Peter, born c1839
Susan, born c1842
Sarah A., born c1844, married A. N. North on 23 Oct. 1866 in Nelson Co. [Nelson Co. Book 2, Page 16, Line 70]
Paulina M., born c1848, married J. J. Fonkhoutzer in Dec., 1880, Nelson Co. [Nelson Co. Book 2, Page 46, Line 111]
George W., born 20 Jun 1858, died Aug. 26, 1937, Nelson Co.; married Mary E. Saunders Feb. 1, 1885 [Nelson Co. Book 2, Page 58, Line 9]
Elizabeth (Betty), born c1857, married J. N. Adams Dec. 20, 1881. [Nelson Co. Book 2, Page 48, Line 80]

Please contact me if you can identify the parents of Benjamin and/or the father of Candis.

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

James Alexander and Selina B. Fitzgerald Coffey

This James Alexander Coffey was born Mar. 25, 1871 in Nelson Co., VA to James Madison and Esther Jane Smith. He died on Apr. 3, 1959 in Virginia and, was buried at Jonesboro Baptist Church Cemetery in Roseland, Nelson Co.

He was married to Selina B. (Lina) Fitzgerald on Jan. 12, 18931 in Nelson Co. She was born c1874 and died Oct. 24, 1968 in Lynchburg, Campbell Co., VA. Line is also buried at Jonesboro.

Her obituary:

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.

I have their children as:

James Kimbro, born c1894
Ruby L., born c1896
Ora A., born c1897
Jincy M., born c1899
Robert Bruce, born c1902
Mary S., born c1906
William K., born Dec. 1, 1908

Not much is known about this family and their descendants. They appeared in the 1910 through 1930 Nelson Co. census records.

I would appreciate information on the children. Additions and/or corrections can be sent to me at the following e-mail address:

1 Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA, Page 81, Line 5: 12 Jan 1893, J. A. Coffey, age 20 yrs., to S. B. Fitzgerald, age 19 yrs.; parents of groom: J. and E. J. Coffey; parents of bride: R. P. and Amelia H. Fitzgerald

Census:

1910 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED98, Sheet 6A, dwelling/family 80, Coffey, James A., head, male, white, age 38, married once for 17 yrs., born VA, parents born VA; Selina B., wife, female, white, age 37, married once for 17 yrs., mother of 7, 7 living, born VA, parents born VA; James K., son, male, white, age 16, born VA, parents born VA; Ruby L., dau., female, white, age 14, born VA, parents born VA; Ora A., dau., female, white, age 13, born VA, parents born VA; Ginny (Jincy?) M., dau., female, white, age 11, born VA, parents born VA; Robert B., son, male, white, age 8, born VA, parents born VA; Mary S., dau., female, white, age 4, born VA, parents born VA; William K., son, male, white, age 1, born VA, parents born VA

1920 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED108, Sheet 7A, dwelling 126, family 133, Coffey, James A., head, male, white, age 47, male, born VA, parents born VA; Selina B., wife, female, white, age 46, married, born VA, parents born VA; James K., son, male, white, age 26, single, born VA, parents born VA; Robert B., son, male, white, age 17, single, born VA, parents born VA; Mary S., dau., female, white, age 14, born VA, parents born VA; William K., son, male, white, age 11, born VA, parents born VA

1930 Nelson Co., Massies Mill, ED6, Sheet 1A, dwelling/family 10, Coffey, Alex, head, male, white, age 68, married at age 20, born VA, parents born VA; Selina, whife, female, white, age 57, married at age 19, born VA, parents born VA

Descendants of Eli Davis COFFEY

Eli Davis COFFEY was born in Virginia on Feb 2, 1868.1 and died on Oct 29, 1942 in Nelson Co., VA.1 He was buried in Oct 1942 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Eli and Frances Catherine (Fannie) COFFEY, first cousins, were married on Mar 25, 1890 in Nelson Co., VA.2 They appeared in the census on Apr 22, 1910, 3 Jan 26, 1920,4 and on Apr 9, 1930, all in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA.5 He was a son of David A. and Mary Jane Fitzgerald Coffey, and Frances was a daughter of Alexander S. and Sarah Ann Fitzgerald Coffey. David and Alexander were brothers. Sarah and Mary Jane were likely related, but I have not yet found the connection.

Unnamed infant twins of Eli and Frances are buried at White Rock Cemetery in Nelson Co., VA.

Frances Catherine (Fannie) COFFEY was born in Virginia in Mar 1874,1 and died on Jun 6, 1948 in Nelson Co., VA.1 She was buried in Jun 1948 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

They had the following children:

+2 i. Zina COFFEY, born in 1892, Virginia1; married Henry M. TAYLOR, about 1913, Nelson Co, VA; died on Feb 27, 1927, Nelson Co., VA1.
+3 ii. Hersey F. COFFEY, born on Jul 9, 1895, Virginia; married Lawell B. (LNU) about 1923, Virginia; died on May 28, 1956, Nelson Co, VA.
4 iii. Gwendolen (?) COFFEY was born in Virginia about 1898.
5 iv. Lester Thornton COFFEY was born in Virginia on Jun 12, 1901. He died on Aug 26, 1964.

Zina COFFEY (Eli Davis-1) was born in Virginia in 1892,1 and died on Feb 27, 1927 in Nelson Co., VA.1 She was buried in Feb 1927 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Zina COFFEY and Henry M. TAYLOR were married about 1913 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jan 9, 1920.6 Henry was born in Virginia on Mar 12, 1890.1 He appeared in the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Nelson Co, VA as a widower.7 Henry died on Apr 6, 1963 in Nelson Co., VA,1 and was buried in Apr 1963 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Henry and Zina COFFEY had the following children:

6 i. Asa (Orsey?) W. TAYLOR was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1914.
+7 ii. Willard Vane TAYLOR, born on Jun 6, 1915, Montebello, Nelson Co., VA1; married Wavie Ann TAYLOR; died on Jul 24, 1990, Charlottesville, Fairfax Co., VA1,8.
8 iii. Elwood TAYLOR was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1924.

3. Hersey F. COFFEY was born in Virginia on Jul 9, 1895 and died on May 28, 1956 in Nelson Co, VA. He was buried in May 1956 in Hatter Cemetery, Tyro, Nelson Co., VA.

Hersey F. COFFEY married Lawell (LNU) were married about 1923 in Virginia. They appeared in the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA.9 Lawell was born in Virginia about 1904.

They had the following children:

9 i. Margie COFFEY was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1922.
10 ii. Laura COFFEY was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1923.
11 iii. Laurene COFFEY was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1925.

7. Willard Vane TAYLOR (Zina COFFEY-2, Eli Davis-1) was born in Montebello, Nelson Co., VA on Jun 6, 1915,1 and died on Jul 24, 1990 in Charlottesville, Fairfax Co., VA.1,8

Obituary, The Staunton News Leader, Jul. 25, 1990

CROZET - Willard Vane Taylor, 75, of Meadow Drive died Tuesday morning (July 24, 1990) at Martha Jefferson Hospital Charlottesville. He was born at Montebello June 6, 1915, a son of Henry and Zina (Coffey) Taylor. He was a member of White Rock Christian Church, Tye River. He is survived by his widow, Wavie (Fitzgerald) Taylor of Staunton; three daughters, Mrs. Ermon Griffin of Reva, Mrs. Robert Henderson of Afton and Ms. Patricia Pugh of Charlottesville; two brothers, Orcie and Elwood Taylor, both of Waynesboro; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday at McDow Funeral Home by the Rev. Howard Payne, with burial at White Rock Christian Church Cemetery, Tye River. Pallbearers will be Sonny, Donald and Butch Taylor, William Coffey and Elwood and Donald Quick. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends attending the service. The family will receive friends at 7 tonight at the funeral home and at the home of Mrs. Robert Henderson, on Rt. 2 Afton.

He was buried in Jul 1990 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Willard Vane TAYLOR married Wavie Ann TAYLOR. Wavie Ann was born in Virginia on Apr 22, 1922,1 and died on Aug 25, 1998 in Nelson Co., VA.1 She was buried in Aug 1998 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Sources

1. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-whtrk.txt].
2. Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA - Part 1 is from Marriage Register, Book No. 2, 1854 - 1926 and only includes entries for Allen and Coffey surnames thru 1899. See the files located at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt. 25 Mar 1890, Eli D. Coffey, age 22 yrs., to Fns. C. Coffey, age 16 yrs; parents of groom: David A. and Mary J. Coffey; parents of bride: Alex S. and Sallie Coffey.
3. United States Federal Census: 1910 Nelson Co., Massies Mill, North Fork of Tye River, ED98, Sheet 3B, dwelling/family 68, Coffey, Eli D., head, male, white, age 42, married once for 20 yrs., born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Frances C., wife, female, white, age 36, married once for 20 yrs., born VA, parents born VA; Z[?], dau., female, white, age 15, single, born VA; Hersey F., son, male, white, age 14, single, born VA; Gwendola [?], dau., female, white, age 11, born VA; Lester T., son, male, white, age 8, born VA.
4. Ibid., 1920 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED not given, Sheet 10A, dwelling 163, family 164, Coffey, Eli D., head, male, white, age 50, married, born VA, parents born VA; Frances C., wife, female, white, age 46, married, born VA, parents born VA; Hersey F., son, male, white, age 23, single, born VA, parents born VA; Lester T., son, male, white, age 18, single, born VA, parents born VA; Ramsey, Cland [?], Lodger, male, white, age 13, born VA, parents born VA.
5. Ibid., 1930 Nelson Co., Massies Mill, Nash, ED5, Sheet 4B, dwelling 76, family 89, Coffey, Elli [sic] D., head, male, white, age 62, married at age 22, born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Fannie, wife, female, white, age 58, married at age 18, born VA, parents born VA.
6. Ibid., 1920 Nelson Co., Montebello Pct., ED107, Sheet 4A, dwelling 59, family 60, Taylor, Henry M., head, male, white, age 28, married, born VA, parents born VA, farm laborer; Zinnia [sic], wife, female, white, age 27, married, born VA, parents born VA; Orsey [sic] W., son, male, white, age 6, born VA; Willard, son, male, white, age 4 yrs., 6 mos., born VA.
7. Ibid., 1930 Nelson Co., Nash, Massies Mill Dist., ED5, Sheet 4B, dwelling 73, family 86, Taylor, Henry M., head, male, white, age 28, widower, married at age 20, born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Asa [?], W., son, male, white, age 16, single, born VA; Willard V., son, male, white, age 14, single, born VA; Elwood, son, male, white, age 6, born VA; Taylor, Martha J., mother, female, white, age 70, widow, married at age 20, born VA, parents born VA. [Enumerator was Forrest Coffey].
8. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/augusta/obits/tay01.txt].
9. United States Federal Census. 1930 Nelson Co., Nash, Massies Mill Dist., ED5, Sheet 4B, dwelling 77, family 90, Coffey, Hersey F., head, male, white, age 33, married at age 26, born VA, parents born VA, clerk in grocery store; Lawell B., wife, female, white, age 26, married at age 19, born VA, parents born VA; Margie, dau., female, white, age 8, born VA; Laura, dau., female, white, age 7, born VA; Laurene, dau., female, white, age 3 yrs., 7 mos., born VA.

Please send additions and/or corrections to my e-mail address below.

Reuben G. Coffey

Reuben G. Coffey married Nancy Giles, sister of William's wife, Elizabeth. I have not researched the Giles family, and do not know of anyone currently researching that family. Some that I have exchanged info with tell me that the Giles sisters were daughters of William and Margaret Giles, but I have no independent supporting data. Reuben and Nancy were married Sep. 5, 1801 in Amherst Co., VA. Reuben died Nov. 24, 1845 in Nelson Co.

Nancy must have died sometime shortly after the birth of her 11th child in 1824, because Reuben married for a second time, this time to Margaret Snead. Their first known child was born c1832. But, because Reuben had so many young children to care for by himself, he and Margaret may have married much earlier than it appears by the birth date of that first child.

Children by Nancy:

Margaret Susanna, born c1803, died c1877, married John W. Coffey, son of Edmond Stewart, Jr., and Matilda (Tildy) Fitzgerald Coffey. Children: Nancy, born c1823; Mildred Annister (Milly), born c1828; John Henry, born c1832; Colston H., born c1833.

Mildred Ray (Millie), born Dec. 20, 1803, died Mar. 14, 1883, married John Everitt. Children: Nancy R., born Oct. 21, 1833, died Jan. 14, 1874; Susan J., born Aug. 13, 1836, died Dec. 23, 1905; Elias, born Dec. 12, 1842, died Sep. 13, 1931.

Nancy, born c1800, died c1874, married Garland Coffey Mar 17, 1825 in Nelson Co., VA, son of William and Elizabeth Giles Coffey. Children: William, born c1826; Nancy, born c1829; Reuben Wetzel, b orn Jul. 4, 1832,died Dec. 3, 1903; Jesse C., born Jan. 12, 1833, died Aug. 5, 1887; Elizabeth A., born c1834; John W., born c1839; Moses, born c1842; Harrison, born c1844; Alfred, born c1846.

Frances, born c1810, died Nov. 27, 1886, married Woodson Robert Fitzgerald on Aug. 23, 1830

Children: Mary Jane, born Mar. 17, 1834, died Feb. 14, 1922; Edward Addison, born c1838, died 1915; Philander Hersey, born Feb. 1844; Sarah Ann, born Sep. 12, 1846, died Apr. 15, 1926; Napoleon Dewey, born c1850, and Josephine, born c1852.

Winny, born Apr. 15, 1812, died Jan. 10, 1890, married Silas M. Ramsey May 3, 1834 in Nelson Co., VA.

Sarah Jane, born c1812, married William W. Coffey Feb. 18, 1832, another son of William and Elizabeth Giles Coffey. Children: James H., born c1833; William Montebello, born Apr. 15, 1834, died Jun. 26, 1905; Robert W., born c1834, died c1905; Peter J., born c1837, died Sep. 28, 1925; Marvel Maurice, born c1838, died May 20, 1862; Joseph Rodney, born Sep. 29, 1841, died Jun. 5, 1883; Elizabeth, born Jun. 21, 1845; Zachariah, born c1849; Mary, born Jun. 8, 1853.

Reuben C., born c1814, married Margaret Bolling May 7, 1840 in Nelson Co. Children: Marcellus B., born c1843 and Augustus, born c1847; Elizabeth, born c1816, married Joshua Madison Ramsey Sep. 30, 1850 in Nelson Co. One known child was Editha Ramsey, born c1860. Joshua's previous wife was Nancy Steele. Mary, born c1820, married Zephaniah Fitzgerald Aug. 27, 1833; Achiles Washington, born Aug. 8, 1844, died Feb. 5, 1917; Emily, born c1821; Lucy Ann, born c1824.

Children by Margaret Snead:

Meredith J., born c1832, married Mildred H. Carr Mar. 24, 1854 in Nelson Co. Children were Mary Jane, born Mar. 4, 1855, died Jun. 24, 1939; Martha N., born c1858

James Solomon, born c1833, married Elizabeth Hatter Mar. 19, 1855; children: Queenetta; Susanna R., Anna S., Amelia M., Lallie T., and James P.

Missouri A., born c1836

Amanda Jane, born c1846, married Philander Hersey Fitzgerald, son of Woodson Robert and Frances C. Coffey Fitzgerald. Frances was daughter of Reuben and Nancy Giles Coffey. Children were Ruth J., James J., Linda J., Anna P., Perry D., Dora, and Gilbert W.

The Will of Reuben G. Coffey:

Will: Reuben G. Coffey Source: Nelson Co., VA Will Book G, Page 173.

Contributor: Shirley Houk


I Reuben G. Coffey, of the County of Nelson & State of Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory, but weak in body, do make and constitute this to be my last will and testament revoking all will or wills made by me.

1st. My desire is that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid in the most convenient way that my executors may think proper, whom I shall hereafter name

2nd. I give to my daughters Betsey and Lucy and my son Reuben C. Coffey my tract of land on the Fork Mountain where Forbesh formerly lived, to be equally divided between them, share and share alike.

3rd. I give to my Reuben C. Coffey, my Cupboard and Bureau extra for past favors he had done for me which he shall not be accountable to my estate for in any future division. I also deem it unnecessary to say anything about the disposition of the negro girl Daskus which I formerly owned as I have heretofore sold and she is now the property of my son Reuben C. Coffey for which he has the bill of sale.

4th. I heretofore sold a tract of land lying on the Fork Mountain known by Clarks place to William W. Coffey for the payment of Six Thousand pounds of Toba which is hereafter to be paid and my desire is that the said sale shall stand good by one third of the payment or bond for said payment to be given to my wife, Margaret on the condition that she joins my executor or legal representative in making right of said to the said William W. Coffey.

5th. I give to my beloved wife, Margaret during her natural life or second marriage the one third part of all my estate of every description, which is not before disposed of to be enjoyed by her and her three children Meredith, Soloman and ____ and at the death of my wife Margaret, or second Marriage, she is at liberty to dispose of ?? childrens part between all my children in any that she may think proper, of the third part left to her.

6th. The other two thirds of my estate, at my death, my desire is that it shall be equally divided between all my children Milly, Polly, Nancy, Susan, Jane, Betsey, Fanny, Reuben, Winny, Lucy, Emily, Meredith, Solomon and ____ share and share alike taking into consideration what I have heretofore advanced to them which advancement I have made in writing.

7th. The One third part of my estate which I gave to my beloved wife Margaret during her natural life or second marriage after the childrens part, I gave her the liberty to take out at her death or second marriage my will is that the balance be also equally divided between all my children as before named share and share alike.

Lastly I do hereby appoint my son Reuben C. Coffey my executor of this my last will and testament. Given under my hand this 22nd day of September 1825.

Reuben G. (X) Coffey
Witness:
Joseph B. Coffey
Nancy Campbell
Nancy Parrish
Sylvanus Meeks

At a Court held for Nelson County the 2_th day of November 1845 This last will and testament of Reuben G. Coffey decd, was this day presented in said Court and proved by the oaths of Sylvanus Meeks and Joseph B. Coffey, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Reuben C. Coffey the executor named in said Will, who made oath thereto and together with Nelson Clarkson his security entered in and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Six hundred dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining probate of said Will in due form of law.
Teste Sp. Garland, Ck.