Mrs. Sophia Porter

"Mrs. Sophia Porter.

"Noted Woman Passed Away At Preston, Texas

"She Entertained Lee, Grant and Jackson at Her Grayson County Home Before the War.

"The Denison Herald

"Died - At Preston, Grayson county, Texas, Friday, August 27, 1897, Mrs. Sophia Porter, aged 81 years, 8 months and 24 days.

"Four score and two years covers many interesting events in American history, and especially that of the great Southwest, and as Mrs. Porter has been so peculiarly identified with the history making events of her own time and environments, some family historian will doubtless seek to preserve the honorable record.

"Sophia Suttonfield was born at Fort Wayne, Ind., September 3, 1815.  Colonel Suttonfield, her father, was a Virginian by birth and served as an officer in the war of 1812.  He erected the first house at Fort Wayne and was there with his family in 1814.  There was neither railroad, telegraph nor steamboat this side of the Atlantic, and Spain owned a vast area of country northwest of New Orleans.  Mexican independence had not yet been secured, although the republican cause seemed in a promising way.  Many chivalrous Spaniards who had fought against the great Napoleon and had been compelled to flee from Spain after the restoration of the Bourbons, were impelled to lend the swords to the patriot cause in Mexico.  Don Jose Manuel Herrera, Don Luis Aury, Colonel Young, Colonel Perry and other Gallant Spanish and American officers had selected Galveston Island as the base of operations and a place of rendezvous for the privateers, and on the 12th of September, 1816, organized a government and unfurled the flag of independence.  Commodore Aury was made civil and military governor of Texas and Galveston Island, and took the oath of fealty to the republic of Mexico.  Five years after this the indomitable Stephen Fuller Austin - a worthy son of immortal Moses Austin - led the first body of immigrants into Texas by way of Natchitoches¹, pitching their camp in what is now Washington county, and thus beginning the permanent settlement of Texas by Anglo-Americans.

"While her future home was thus being established by deeds of heroism and self-sacrifice, such as have never been paralleled, this child of destiny was developing into a beautiful woman.  Her graces and refinement brought her first and greatest sorrow, for her accomplishments attracted the attention of a German officer with whom she was persuaded to elope to the Southwest in 1835.  Their first Texas home was in Waxahachie, but his desertion and subsequent death left this friendless young widow among people who were then in the midst of their supreme struggle for independence, and before the decisive battle of San Jacinto she was with the refugees protected by the army of Sam Houston.

"Colonel Holland Coffee was at this time one of the most prominent men in Texas and in 1838 was elected to the third house of representatives from the new county of Panola.  While upon a visit to Waco Colonel Coffee met the subject of this sketch, and the result was their marriage at the close of that year.  Colonel Coffee had received large grants of land for his gallant military services, and much of it had been located in the rich bottom of Red river.  In 1839 the bride and groom established their home at what is now known as Preston Bend, in this county.  They were indeed pioneers and lived at first in a stockade as a necessary protection against the roving bands of Comanche Indians.  Denison's wooded site was the shelter of thousands of buffalo and other wild game.  Sherman was not yet in existence, and only a very small settlement at Bonham.  Colonel Coffee was killed in 1847.  His wife remained a widow until 1852, when she was married to Major George Butts, a typical Virginian of the bluest blood, who was connected with the Federal army.  Again the home was stricken by a violent death, for Major Butts was killed by bushwhackers during the first year of the war.  This bereavement prompted Mrs. Butts to leave the plantation, and she moved to Waco, taking with her a large number of slaves.  These faithful servants were then hers by the acknowledged right of possession and most of their remained to the end of their days in a service that had brought to them all the benefits of emancipation except actual freedom.

"Mrs. Butts was a remarkably well preserved woman at the age of 50, and her charms compelled the admiration of the grace and chivalric.

"Among those who met this thrice-made widow and who became a successful suitor, was Judge Jonas Porter of Missouri, an officer in the Confederate army, who had stopped at Waco on his way to Mexico.  Judge Porter was a widower whose wife had died while he was in the war.  He was at one time a member of the Missouri legislature and had risen to a high place in Masonry and Odd Fellowship.  A quiet wedding in 1865 and a removal to the bride's home at Preston, brought this remarkable woman back to the community that is now mourning the loss of its best friend.

"Judge and Mrs. Porter are remembered by many who are still living as being ideal entertainers, who had preserved intact the regime of that incomparable Southern hospitality so characteristic of ante-bellum days.  Judge Porter was courteous and scholarly and greatly assisted his wife in retaining at this home the attractions of refinement and education.

"In 1869 they visited Indiana and Mrs. Porter entered the Suttonfield home for the first time since her abrupt departure as a runaway bride many years before.  The aged mother was still living and welcomed the daughter with all the joy that can be expressed by a never-dying mother love.

"The year 1886 brought another sorrow into this history of a life, as Judge Porter was stricken with a fatal disease and passed peacefully away.

"Mrs. Porter was still vigorous, and did not relax her interest in all that concerned the good of those about her.  She had been a consistent member of the Southern Methodist church since 1869, and gave the ground near by upon which was built what is known as "Coffee Chapel."  To this she was also a large contributor and gave it five acres in another place for camp meeting purposes.  A few years ago she presented the Georgetown university three hundred and fifty acres of improved land, valued at ten thousand dollars.

"Thus passed away the sweet spirit of 'Aunt Sophia,' surrounded by relatives and neighbors and by servants who had been born into the household as slaves bu had considered it the highest freedom to remain with their former mistress.

"The old house seems to voice the universal sorrow, for age and decay have touched it in many places; yet the beauty has not all departed.  The broad avenue leading from the entrance to the house is lined with immense catalpa trees, grown from seed planted by Mrs. Porter, the seed having been brought by the father of Governor Throckmorton.  The grounds are full of flowers and palms, rare plants and cacti, and the spacious verandas have afforded a welcome retreat for many distinquished people.  Jefferson Davis, U. S. Grant, Ben Butler, Robert E. Lee, George B. McClellan and General Arbuckle were among the famous soldiers who enjoyed its hospitality in the early days.  Many of Quantrell's men were quartered there during their sojourn in this region.

"'Glen Eden' was known and visited by the pleasure seekers of all Northern Texas and the strangers as well as the most intimate friends were made welcome at all times."

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Source:  The Houston daily post. (Houston, Tex.), 30 Aug. 1897. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86071197/1897-08-30/ed-1/seq-3/>

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¹Natchitoches is a city in Natchitoches Parish, LA, established in 1714 as part of French Louisiana.  Its sister city is Nacogdoches, TX.

Burnett Mayo Hamilton and Rubinis H. "Ruby" Coffey

Ruby was the eldest of at least four daughters born to Elias and Fary Letcher Coffey Coffey.  She was born Mar. 20,1908 in West Virginia - probably Red Star or Harvey  in Fayette Co. - and died on May 11, 1967 at Beckley in Raleigh Co., WV.

Her father was a son of John and Annie Maria Ogden Coffey, born Dec. 6, 1875 in Amherst Co., VA and died in Harvey, WV on Nov. 14, 1949.  Her mother was Fary Letcher Coffey, a daughter of Jordon and Rebecca Pettis Grant Coffey, born at Irish Creek in Rockbridge Co., VA on Jul. 18, 1885 and died in Harvey on Jun. 17, 1947.  Both are buried at Hill Top Cemetery in Oak Hill, Fayette Co.

Ruby & Burnett Marriage Record

Ruby married Burnett Mayo Hamilton on Feb. 23, 1929 in Scarbro, Fayette Co.  Burnett was born Jan. 10, 1904 in Amherst Co., VA and died in Fayette Co. on Sep. 4, 1986.  I have not yet discovered his parents.  They are also buried at Hill Top.

I have located them in the 1930 Fayette Co. census but not yet in the 1940 enumeration.  In 1930 Burnett was enumerated as Bernard, a 25-yr old coal miner, born in VA; Ruby was 22.  They had only been married one year and had no children at the time.

The children that I have found, all born in Harvey, were:

Herbert Franklin, born Mar. 11, 1931, died Jul. 22, 1952 at Thurmond, Fayette Co. He was single, age 21 and died of accidental drowning.  He is also buried at Hill Top.

Betty Lou, born Feb. 19, 1933, died Feb. 22, 1933.  She was also buried at Hill Top.

Robert Elwood "Slick," born Apr. 2, 1934 and died Nov. 24, 1976 at Cincinatti in Hamilton Co., OH when his automobile was struck by a train.  He was married and was a resident of Warren, OH when he died.  I have not found his wife's name.  His death record does not give his burial location.

Charles Donald Hamilton was born Sep. 4, 1936 and died Aug. 30, 1937.  He too is buried at Hill Top.

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Blanch May Coffey, sister to Ruby was born Nov. 15, 1911 at Red Star and died May 5, 1940 at Beckley.  She married William Arthur Short (date unk.), born Aug. 11, 1903 at Knobs in Monroe Co., WV, died Aug. 26, 1988 in Fairlea, Greenbrier Co.,WV. They had at least one child, a daughter named Charlotte, born Jun. 22, 1934 in Raleigh Co.

Additions and corrections welcomed.

Davis Finley Coffey [Revised Aug. 17, 2009]

Some months ago I wrote a short blurb on Davis Finley Coffey as part of a blog on his parents, John Calvin and Nancy Caroline Tuttle Coffey. At that time I did not have much on Davis and his wife, Rose Amanda Grant.

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Davis was born Oct. 3, 1883 in Risden*, Caldwell Co., NC and died Dec. 17, 1970** in Goldendale Klickitat Co., WA. Rose Amanda was born in Jan., 1888 in Wisconsin to Barton H. and Nellie Cook Grant. She died Apr. 24, 1972** in Spokane, Spokane Co., WA. I have not yet discovered their burial place. They were married in March, 1912 in Ritzville, Adams Co., WA.***

I know of eight children born to this union, all born in Washington state:

Helen M., born c April, 1913, died Mar. 31, 2007 in Yakima Co., WA. She married George Hitzler. Washington state death records contain an entry for two men with this name. The likely spouse of Helen is the one born in 1897 and died March, 1977 in Yakima Co. No children identified so far.

Vera Pearl, born Jan. 9, 1915 in Marengo, Adams Co., died Feb. 19,1998. She married a Mr. Morgan. No further information.

Byron W., born Dec, 15, 1916, died Nov. 14, 2000 in Granger, Yakima Co.

Ralph Calvin, born Nov. 11, 1918, died Dec. 7, 2003 in Yakima Co., married Bonnie LNU.

Gladys, born c1921, said to have married Larry Sybouts.

Edith, born c1923, died Jun. 24, 2004, said to have married a Orville C. Jauhola.

Robert, born c1925, Married Wanda LNU

Barbara, born c1929, said to have married a Mr. Swett.

If you can add to or correct any of this info please drop me a note at the above e-mail address. I would especially like to know where Davis and Rose are buried.



*I have not found a town by this name in Caldwell Co.
**SSDI and Washington State Death Index
***IGI (International Genealogical Index)

John Calvin Coffey (1848-1930)

John Calvin Coffey was the sixth child and fourth son born to Welborn and Sarah Cottrell Coffey. He was born Apr. 30, 1848. 1 He married Nancy Caroline Tuttle, born Jan. 10, 1854 in Caldwell Co., but I have been unable to find a marriage date. Their first son, Horace Grayson Coffey was born in Dec., 1886, so they probably married in late 1885 or early 1886. John died in Caldwell Co. on Feb. 27, 1930, and Nancy died there on Mar. 10, 1939.

The children born after Horace were:

- Nora E., born c1874 Caldwell Co., married James Laxton
- W. Lemuel, born c1879 Caldwell Co., married 1) Fauna Lamberth; 2) Mamie Neff
- Ida V., born Oct. 1881 Caldwell Co., married David Glass
- Davis Finley, born Oct. 3, 1883 2 Caldwell Co., married Rose Amanda Grant
- Bessie M., no info
- Rufus Anson, born Jul 21, 1888 3 Caldwell Co., married Beatrice Chloe Moore
- John Ross, born May 1890 Caldwell Co., married Mary Woods
- Wellborn Cary, born Oct. 5, 1892 4 Caldwell Co., married Jennie Woods
- Clarence T., born Dec., 1895, Caldwell Co., married Nancy Caroline Tuttle

Horace left Caldwell Co. before 1900, and headed west. He was found in Whitman Co., WA in the 1900 census. By 1902 he was married to Brintie Wilkie. In 1910 they were still in Whitman Co., and the parents of two children: Albert, born c1907, and La Verne, born c1908. Horace registered for the WW1 draft in Colfax, Whitman Co. on Sep. 12, 1918. He was a farmer living at Colfax and was 41-yrs old. He listed his two sons as his nearest relatives. Horace was described as being tall with slender build, blue eyes and sandy colored hair. I have not found Horace in any later census records, but he is said to have married a second time to Pearl Jaynes. Their children are unknown to me.

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[Aug. 17, 2009]  Brintie is buried in the Hay Cemetery in Whitman Co., WA.  Horace's gravesite has not been discovered yet.

Thanks to John Coffey for photo of Brintie's headstone and location of her gravesite.

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Davis followed Horace westward. The first record that I find for him is the Mar., 1912 5 marriage to Rose Amanda Grant in Ritzville, Adams Co., WA. They remained in Adams Co. through the 1920 census, but in 1920 were in Yakima Co. Davis died on Dec. 17, 1970 in Klickitat Co. 6 Rose died Apr. 24, 1972 7 in Spokane Co., WA. Together they had at least eight children: Helen, born c1913; Vera Pearl, born Jan., 1915; Byron W., born c1917; Ralph Calvin, born Nov., 1918; Gladys, born c1921; Edith, born c1923; Robert, born c1925, and Barbara, born c1929.

I have limited information on the remainder of the children. Please contact me if anyone needs more information, or can add to or correct any of the above.


1 Book 17, Page 174, Caldwell Co., NC Register of Deeds at
http://rod.co.caldwell.nc.us/Resolution/search_menu.asp [book 17, p174]
2 ibid [book 10, p161]
3 ibid [book 15, p41]
4 Civilian Draft Registration WW1
5 IGI
6 SSDI and Washington Death Index, 1940-1996