William Perry Coffey (1857-1926)

Part IV

William's first wife, Jane Helen Wemple passed away sometime between Jun 15, 1880 and Jul. 7, 1882.  She was present in the household at the 1880 census and on that date in 1882 [date unproven], William married her sister, Mary Ellen.

Mary Ellen had been previously married to John J. Roark on Oct. 8, 1876 in Howell Co., MO1 In 1880 she was living with her father but Mr. Roark was not in the household and, there were no Roark children in the family. William and wife Jane were enumerated in an adjacent household.

The children born to William and Mary Ellen were as follows:

Vital Record Amendment to Birth
Record for Allene Margruette Coffey (Hart)

Samuel Wemple, born Mar. 25,1883 in Howell Co., died Dec. 28, 1951 in Santa Cruz Co., CA.  His spouse was Etta M. Fritz. [marriage date unknown]  One child was born to this union.  She was Allene Marguerette Coffey, born Nov. 10, 1912 in Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ.  Her name is obscured on the face of the document.  However, an Amendment to Vital Record was found in which personal affidavits by her aunt, Rosa L. Daugherty and cousin, Donald E. Doris in March, 1959, and a Baptism and Confirmation certificate by the Latter Day Saints Church, James W. Challis, Mission President, dated May, 1954 confirms her name and birth date.2  This same document shows the Registrant's name as "Allene Margruette Coffey (Hart)"

Etta may have died at the birth of Allene because in 1930 Sam appeared in the census for Pittsburg, Contra Costa, CA with wife Audrey B., a stepson named Howard Minkler, age 16, born in Oregon and Allene, daughter, age 17, born in Arizona.3  A bit of luck caused me to stumble upon the grave of Martha Jane "Mattie" Miller4 at Find A Grave.  An obituary and bio on that site told me that she had been previously married to Frank Ransome Minkler.  I believe there is an error in the bio however.  She was likely Frank's first wife, and not his first.  I also discovered that in addition to Howard, Audrey and Frank had a daughter named Audrey, born c1916. She does not appear in the 1930 census with Samuel and Audrey.

Frank Ransome Minkler and Audrey last appeared together as a family in the 1920 census for Eureka, Humboldt Co., CA.

Samuel Coffey died on Dec. 28, 1951 in Santa Cruz Co., CA.  Neither Etta, Audrey nor his burial site is known.

Lula, second child born to William and Mary Ellen, arrived in West Plains on Oct. 16, 1884.  She married George Washington Roberts there on May 22, 1905.  George was born in Caney, Montgomery Co., KS on Dec. 22, 1884 and died in Eureka Humboldt Co., CA on Oct. 20, 1948.  Lula died there on Feb. 11,1955.  Both she and George are thought to have been buried at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka.  They likely had more children but I know of only three:  Georgia Ellen; Frank Andrew and Gladys Louise.

Minnie followed Lula on Dec. 5, 1887 in West Plains but died there the following August and was buried there, site not known.

The family moved south from Missouri into Arkansas for awhile.  It was there in Newport, Jackson Co. that the fourth child, Rose Etta was born on Jan. 14, 1889.  The family moved on from there into OK where Rose is said to have married Clarence Elwood Woods on Aug. 6, 1911 in Nowata Co. [no marriage record found]  In 1920 she and Clarence were found in Drumright, Creek Co., OK and 1930 in Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK.  Some genealogies report that Rose was first married to James Cook but, I have found no evidence of that.  She and Woods were divorced and, in the 1940 census, Rose was enumerated as a divorced woman with seven children residing in Eureka, Humboldt Co., CA.  That record shows that she was living in Sand Springs, OK in 1935 and in 1940 worked as a sales lady.  Mr. Woods has not been located in that census and is said to have died in Los Angeles in Mar., 1948.

Their children were:

Elmer Clarence, born Jun 3, 1912 in Coffeyville, Montgomery Co., KS, died there in Apr., 1915. [no locations or confirmed sources]

Glen Walter, work Aug. 9, 1914 in Coffeyville, married Jun. 8, 1940 to Obabel Ingerbretsen.  [no locations or confirmed sources]

Grace Margaret, born Aug. 27, 1916 in Drumright, Creek Co., OK.; married Ethridge Strickland on Sep. 1, 2939 and died on Feb. 20, 1987.  [no locations or confirmed sources]

Bruce Howard, born Sep. 30, 1919 in Bristow, Creek Co., OK; married Twila Schadawitz in 1943.  [no locations or confirmed sources]

Lula Ellen "Bunny," born Jul. 7, 1922 in Bristow; married Howard Divinie on Sep. 12, 1946. [no locations or confirmed sources]

Donald Woodrow, born Jun. 9, 1924 in Bristow, married Margaret Hansen in 1947.  [no locations or confirmed sources]

Elizabeth Ruth, born Sep 1, 1926 in Bristow, married Thurman Lanning on Dec. 20, 1952.  I am unsure of the marriage date.  Thurman had been previously married to Irene Alice Kasza in 1942.  She died in Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 19, 1952 and was buried at Glendale, Los Angeles Co. in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in that city.  Thurman died on Jul. 18, 2007 in Springfield, Lane Co., OR; Ruth died earlier on Jul. 27, 2002.  Both are buried at Springfield Memorial Gardens, in Springfield, Lane Co., OR.  Both Thurman and Ruth were Coffey Cousins.

There were two other children born to Clarence and Rose Etta; a son Bernard Vernon, born Jul. 18, 1929 in Bristow and a daughter, Barbara, born c1933 in OK.  [no locations or confirmed sources]

Questions, additions, corrections welcomed!

  Jack

---

Sources:

1"Missouri Marriages, 1750-1920", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V28N-KST : accessed 06 Aug 2013), John J. Roark and Mary E. Wimple, 1876.

2Arizona Dept. of Health Services at http://tinyurl.com/qxwqb47

3"United States Census, 1930," index and images,  FamilySearch  (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XCXP-69X : accessed 05 Sep 2014), Sam W Coffey, Pittsburg, Contra Costa, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 0019, sheet 15A, family 383, NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 114.

⁴http://tinyurl.com/qbu22fk

Other sources from which info has been extracted include the documents "Descendants of William Perry Coffey" submitted by Judy Shinn Coffey in Feb., 2006 and, the document "Descendants of William E. Coffey" by Shirley Dawson in July, 2005. Shirley noted that the family surname was spelled Coffey from Edward.  However, beginning with William E. forward, the family has been spelled Coffee. For photographs, see Parts I and II.  

James Calvin & Lucinda Elizabeth Coffey Welker

A day or so ago I wrote about James and Sarah Emerline Sumpter Coffey.  I have some concerns of whether or not the James Coffey, Jr who married Sophia Gibear was their son.  I still have not figured that out but, will publish what information I have been able to gather on James and Sophia's children, especially their son Glenton Oliver Welker.  See also Aug. 30, 2010 blog for more info about this family.

---

John Calvin Welker

Lucinda Eliz. Coffey

 John Calvin Welker was born in Cinque Homme Twp., Perry Co., MO on Jul. 9, 1858 to Louis and Mary Salina Will Welker.  Lucinda Elizabeth Coffey was the daughter of James, Jr. and Sophia Giebear Coffey.  She and John were married on Sep. 24, 1877 in Perry Co., MO.

To them were born at least eight children, all born in Cinque Homme:  William E., Victoria Edith, Ola Elma, Jesse Clarenton, Glenton Oliver, Mary Ethel, Annie Della, and Reath Rosa.  I have been able to find some descendant information on all except Ola.

William was born on Aug. 30, 1877 and died on Jun. 8,1950 in Friedheim, in Cape Girardeau Co., MO.  His spouse was Josephine Maria Lappe, born Dec. 15, 1880 in MO, died there on Jun. 10, 1968.  Their marriage took plae on Jul. 30, 1901 in Perry Co.  Children:  Rudolph A., born c1905 and, Elmo T., born c1908, both in Cape Girardeau Co.  William and Josephine were buried at Saint Maurus Catholic Church Cemetery in Biehle, Perry Co.

Victoria Edith was born Oct. 28,1881 and died in Nebraska on Jun. 26, 1988.  Her husband was Joseph A. Baudendistel, born in MO c1855.  They were married there c1908.  Joseph died Aug. 28, 1937 in Rulo, Richardson Co., NC.  Both are buried at the Rulo city cemetery.  The census record shows this family lived for a time in North Dakota and on the Iowa Indian reservation in Brown Co., KS.  They had at least eight children:  John E., born c1910 in ND; Raymond S., born c1912 in NC, died 1977 in Rulo; Victor, born Oct. 7, 1914 in MO, died in St. Louis on Sep. 1, 1916.  He was buried at McBride in Perry Co.; Lillian, born c1917 in MO; Paul, born c1921 in KS; Mildred, born c1923 in KS; Juanita, born c1925 in KS and Wesley E., born c1927 in KS.

Jesse Clarenton was born Jun. 7, 1886 and died on Mar. 19, 1975 in Perry Co.  He married Frances Schümer on Oct. 20, 1908 in Cingue Homme Twp.  Frances was born in Perry Co. on Feb. 4, 1882 to Francis Anton "Frank" and Samantha M. Leonard Schümer.  Frances died on Nov. 4, 1965 in Perry Co.  Both she and Jesse are buried at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Highland, Perry Co.  Their children numbered at least eight, all born in Cinque Homme:  Lawrence, born Sep., 1909; Veronica, born c1912; Ida, born c1915; Clara, born c1916; Buela, born c1918; Wilbert E., born c1920; Hilda B., born c1923 and Glenn J., born c1926.

Samantha Leonard Schümer was a daughter of Christian and Priscilla Conrad Leonard.  Christian and Priscilla were parents of at least 15 children and, Samantha was their youngest.  Christian served on the Union side during the Civil War as 3d Sgt. in the 3rd Regt., US Reserve Corps, Missouri Infantry.

Glenton & Elizabeth Macke
Wedding Photo

Elizabeth Catherine Macke

Glenton Oliver was born Jun. 14, 1888 in Cinque Homme and died in Perryville on Mar. 9, 1974.  He first married Bertha Mary "Birdie" Bunker on Apr. 9, 1912 in Perryville.  Birdie was born there on Nov. 11, 1890 and died there on Jan. 31, 1929.  Their children, all born in Perryville, were:  Myrna, born c1914; Marie, born c1916; Robert L., born Jun. 15, 1918, died Nov. 26, 2009 in Perryville; and William H., born Apr. 6, 1921, died Apr. 2, 1923 in Perryville.  Glenton, Birdie and the two sons are all buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville.

Glenton married for a second time to Elizabeth Catherine Macke, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta van der Mierden Macke.  Henry was born on Jun. 6, 1856 in Oldenburg, now a city in Lower Saxony, Germany.  In the 10th century this city was named Auldenburg and became part of the new German state of Lower Saxony after WW2.  Henrietta was born in Noord Brabant province of Holland on Aug. 5, 1864.  Henry died on May 30, 1914 in Leopold, Bollinger Co., MO and Henrietta died there on Mar. 27, 1940.  She is buried at the Leopold cemetery; Henry is probably there as well.

Henrietta van der Mierden Macke

Henry Macke

Prior to her marriage to Glenton, Elizabeth was married to Thomas Alvie Hart on Nov. 5, 1919 in Leopold. Thomas was a son of Thomas Alexander and Mary Rosella Moore Hart and was born on Jul. 26, 1896.  He died at age 30 in Perryville on Jan. 2, 1927.  He is also buried at Mount Hope.  It is my understanding from a descendant grandson that Elizabeth is buried adjacent to Thomas and that Glenton is buried adjacent to Birdie.

Following Glenton, the next born to John and Lucinda was Mary Ethel, born Sep. 1, 1892.  Her husband was Henry August Bohnert, born Apr. 6, 1889 in Uniontown, Perry Co., died in St. Louis on Nov. 9, 1955.    He and Mary were married on Sep. 25, 1917 in Perry Co.  Henry and Mary are buried at Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery in Silver Lake, Perry Co.

Annie Della was born Nov. 15, 1895 and died in Perryville on Sep. 26, 1977.  She married Frank John Krumm c1920 in MO.  He was born there on Jul. 10, 1888 and died in Perry Co. on Apr. 9,1961.  Both are buried at Mount Hope.

The last child was Reath Rosa, born Jan., 1897.  She married Charles H. Schnurr on Jun. 10, 1919 in Perry Co.  Their children were:  Russell, born c1920; Clifford, born c1924; Everett, born c1927 and Dorothy, born c1930.  I have not found a death date or burial place for either.

---

The photos are courtesy of Greg Heck and subject to this exclusive rights.

Robert Lawrence "Bob" Coffey

Relatively speaking, this is a "modern" family.  However, it did take a bit of concentration on my part to finally figure out that he had two wives, each named Lula!

Robert was born in Caldwell Co., NC in 1897 to Jesse Finley and Mary Elizabeth Craig Coffey.  He married Lula Shell on Aug. 30, 1913 in Lenoir, the daughter of Robert and Laura Sigmon Shell. 

Lula Shell Coffey gave birth to three children: 

Laura Mozelle, born Jun. 8, 1914, died of tuberculosis and unmarried on Jul. 22, 1938.  Laura is buried at the Union Church Cemetery in Lenoir.

Second child was Finley Tuttle, born in 1915 and died Dec. 23, 1979 in Lenoir.  He married Jewel Genett Andrews, a daughter of John Finley and Lucy Bean Andrews in Caldwell Co. in 1953.  Jewel was born in 1923 and died Jan. 1, 2006 in Caldwell Co.  She is buried at Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir and, I suspect Finley is also buried there.

The last child born to Lula Shell Coffey was Charles Woodrow, born Oct. 26, 1917 and died of tuberculosis on Mar. 10, 1919 in Lenoir.  He and his mother died very close together, perhaps on the same day but, although a death certificate for Charles has been found, none has been found for Lula.

Three years after the death of Lula Shell Coffey, "Bob" Coffey married Lula Lovina Hart, a daughter of Calvin Jones and Amanda Emmaline Wise Hart.  The wedding took place on Mar. 11, 1922 in Caldwell Co.  Lula Lovina Hart was born c1905 and died Apr. 5, 1978 in Caldwell Co.  I do not know where either of them are buried.

Bob and Lula Hart Coffey had at least 10 children, all born in Caldwell Co.:

Frances, born Mar. 3, 1923, died Jun. 21, 2010 in Hickory, Catawba Co., NC.  She married  Foke Lenoir Hartley, born Apr. 2, 1922 in Patterson Twp., Caldwell Co., a son of George Sidney Hartley and Callie Bentley.  Foke died Oct. 19, 1988 in Valdese, Burke Co., NC.  Their children were Doyle Sidney; Mavis Ann; and Thelma Susan, all of which are now deceased.

Mable Ruth, born Jun. 6, 1924, died Oct. 26, 1989 in Lenoir.  She married George James Prestwood, born c1918 in Caldwell Co.  Her obituary reads:

Mabel Ruth Coffey Prestwood, 65, of 310 Reform St. SW, Lenoir, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 1989, at Caldwell County Hospice.

She was born June 6, 1924, in Caldwell County, a daughter of Robert Lee Coffey of Lenoir and the late Lula Hart Coffey.

She was a homemaker.

In addition to her father, Mrs. Prestwood is survived by her husband, George James Prestwood of Charlotte; three sons, Gordon James Prestwood and Ralph Edward Prestwood, both of Lenoir, and David Lee Prestwood of San Diego, Calif.; three daughters, Georgia Ann Harris of Aiken, S.C., Shirley Jean Hitt of Statesville and Mary Jane Lebuff of Homa [sic], La.; two brothers, Lawrence Coffey of Waynesville, Mo., and Daniel Coffey of Wilmington; five sisters, Frances Hartley, Sarah Stone and Florence Prestwood, all of Lenoir, Mrs. Clyde (Alice) Smith of Morganton, and Mrs. Paul (Grace) Spears of Phoenix, Ariz.; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Hospice.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James O., born 1926, died 1926

Lemuel Hart, born Jun. 13, 1927, died Jun. 26, 1976.  Lem married Dorthy Mae McMillan on Jun. 30, 1949 in Caldwell Co.  She was born May 16, 1931 in Caldwell Co. to John Franklin and Amelia Ann Bishop McMillan.  Dorothy died Sep. 17, 2001 in Lenoir.  His obituary reads:

Obituary, Lenoir News-Topic, Monday, June 28, 1976

Lemuel Hart Coffey, 49, 210 Clearfield Drive, died Saturday evening in a Veteran's Administration hospital after an extended illness.

He was born June 13, 1927 in Caldwell County, son of Robert Lawrence and Lula Hart Coffey of Lenoir.

Coffey was employed at Kincaid Furniture Co.

Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his widow, Mrs. Dorthy Mae McMillian Coffey of the home; four sons, Terry Robert Coffey, Paul Gregory Coffey, Scott Bradley Coffey, all of Lenoir, and Jerry Franklin Coffey of El Paso, Tex.; three brothers, Finley Coffey of Collettsville, Larance Coffey of Missouri, and Dan Coffey of Wilmington; six sisters, Mrs. Alan (Sarah) Stone of North Wilkesboro, Mrs. Forke (Frances) Hartley of Baton, Mrs. Clyde (Alice) Smith of Morganton, Mrs. Paul (Grace) Spears of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mrs. George (Ruth) Prestwood and Mrs. Richard (Florence) Prestwood born of Lenoir.

The funeral was to be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Lakeview Baptist Church by Rev. Michael Barlowe and Rev. Dean Harold.

Burial was to follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home was in charge of Arrangements.

After Lem's death, Dorothy married Reynold Lee "Sarge" Setzer in 1976.  Sarge was born Jun. 29, 1930 in Caldwell Co. to Walter C. and Amanda Walsh Setzer.  He died Feb. 6, 2007 in Caldwell.  His obituary reads:

Obituary, News-Topic, Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC, Feb. 8, 2007

Reynold Setzer

Reynold Lee "Sarge" Setzer died Feb. 6, 2007, at Lenoir Health Care after a lengthy period of declining health.

Sarge was born June 29, 1930, in Caldwell County to W.C. and Amanda Walsh Setzer. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy McMillan Setzer; and a brother, Forest A. Setzer; and three infant brothers.

Survivors include his step-sons, Terry Coffey and wife Vicki of Lenoir, Jerry Coffey and wife Donna of Gray, Tenn., Scott Coffey and wife Linda of Asheville and Paul Coffey of Concord. He also is survived by five grandchildren, Suzanne Moore, Michael Coffey, Autumn Coffey, Nick Coffey and Yvonne Coffey, and two great grandchildren, Mason and Jessie Moore; a brother, Cecil B. Setzer and wife Mae; a sister-in-law, Bea Setzer; and a niece and nephew.

Sarge was assigned to the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry and completed 25 years of distinguished service, including the Korean Conflict and two tours in the Vietnam Conflict. He was later transferred to the First Armored Division and retired with honors in 1975. Master Sergeant Setzer received several commendations including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, The Army Commendation, The United Nations Medal and The Occupational Medal in Japan.

Sarge was a long-time member of First Advent Christian Church in Lenoir where he was a member of the senior men's Sunday school class. He was a collector of military books and extensive in his knowledge of military history. He attended Lenoir High School.

At his request, there will be no public funeral services. Memorials may be made to the First Advent Christian Church Music Program, P.O. Box 1714, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Dorothy's obituary:

Dorothy Mae McMillan Setzer, 70, of Camelot Court, Lenoir, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, at Caldwell County Hospice.

She was born May 16, 1931 in Caldwell County to the late John Franklin McMillan and Amelia Ann Bishop McMillan.  She was also preceded in death by her fi[r]st husband, Lemuel H. Coffey; and three brothers, Bill, Clifton and Paul McMillan.

She was a homemaker and a member of the First Advent Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond Setzer of Lenoir, four sons, Terry R. Coffey of Lenoir, Jerry F. Coffey of Kannapolis, Paul G. Coffey of Hudson and Scott B. Coffey of Fletcher; one brother, the Rev. Eugene McMillan of Stuart, Va.; and five grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held.

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

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

Bob and Lula's next child was Lawrence Craig Coffey, born Feb. 18, 1929, died May. 25, 2005 in Crocker, Pulaski Co., MO.  His wife was Maggie Lee "Peggy" Benefield.  No other information.

Following Lawrence was Florence Elizabeth, born 1932.  No further information.

Alice Hart, born 1935, married Clyde William Smith.  No further information.

Their last three children were:  Daniel Luke, born 1937; Grace Levina, born 1940 and Sarah Nell, born 1945.  No further information on them.

John O'Hart

John Hart, the Irish genealogists, believed that all Irish descend from the mythical Milesius, himself a descendant of Adam.

Wikipedia says this:

"According to O'Hart's account, Milesius had four sons, Heber, Ir, Heremon, and Amergin, who were involved, along with their uncle Ithe, in the invasion of ancient Ireland; Milesius, himself, had died during the planning. Because Amergin died during the invasion, he died without issue. It is from the four other invaders--Heber, Ir, Heremon, and Ithe--that the Irish are alleged to descend. These. according to O'Hart, are the four lines from which all true Irish descend."

Click on the title link to read more about John Hart.