The Coffee Pioneers of the Texas Panhandle

In the last blog, I transcribed the death report for Woodson "Woods" Coffee, a native Texan, from the Amarillo Daily News of June 13, 1953.  That information defined how Woodson became a pioneer in the Texas Panhandle.  With this blog, and perhaps a few later, I will attempt to show how Woodson came to be one of those pioneers.

This particular line of Coffee families comes from what we Coffee/y researchers often refer to as "the Chesley line." Because there was a Chesley, Jr., researchers have long believed that a Chesley Sr. must have existed. So far, however, no record of Sr. has ever been found. Current thinking has some leaning more towards Edward Coffey, Jr., son of Edward Sr., and his wife Anne Powell. As more sophisticated DNA testing methods become available, we learn more about our ancestry.

We can begin here with the mythical Chesley and his supposed wife, Jane Cleveland.  Their supposed son, Joel, married Martha Stepp or Stapp and had about nine children; namely Joseph; Cleveland; Catherine, Joel, Jr., James, Jane, Celia, Nathaniel (Nathan?) and Nebuzaradan.

Dr. Marvin Coffey in his book about his ancestor, James Bluford Coffey, cited years-old information from Mrs. C. R. Porter of El Reno, OK.  She repeated the story of Chesley and Jane, stating that it came from a daughter of Nathan and Sarah Eliza Emeline Coffey Porter c1895 and presumably from older records which she had access to.

Another source, a Mr. Lee Robert wrote in 1998 "that Joel, born 1780, m Martha 'Patsy'?.  They had 6 children: Nathaniel, m1 Louisa Durham, m2 Nancy Clark; Alvina (Elvira), b 1811, m Martin Wright, Mar 27, 1828.  She died Sep 7, 1869; Caroline, m Unk Summers; Martha L., m Perry M. Stacy; Francis m Jackson Jones; Henry B., m Sara Ann Isbele."  Seems doubtful this is the same Joel, however.

Joel was b. late 1740's and d. 1789.  Married Martha in 1753. Martha was b. 1737.  Joel was son of Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffee. Their children were Jesse Cleveland; James, Joel, Nathan, Katy, Frances Jane, Sealey, Nebuzarren, Cleveland.  

Source:  Revolutionary Ancestors, 1976; Wood Coffee Will and Inventory. [Joel's 1789 names his children and there is present a comma between Jane and Sealy; e.g. Jane, Sealy]

"Joel and Martha are also mentioned in The Georgians, Genealogies of Pioneer Settlers, by J. H. Austin.  [As pertains to the Coffey families, this book is of doubtful accuracy]

"Joel's will (probate) dated 1789 Wilkes Co., NC.  Children listed as James, Joel, Cleveland, Nathan, Katy, Jane and Celia.  See North Carolina will book C, page 321.

A Joel Coffey was named as one of the buyers from the estate sale of Robert Patrick in Surry Co., NC in Feb., 1778.  Robert Patrick apparently died between 1774 and 1777.  He was on the 1774 tax list of Benjamin Cleveland and again in 1775.  He was not listed on the 1777 tax list.

Marvin Coffey wrote in his work that "A DAR record has always listed Joel as born 1730, and married in 1753 to Martha Sealy, born 1737.  However, their youngest son Nebuzaradon was born posthumously in 1780 would thus have been born when Martha was 52 years old."[1]

A number of researchers have theorized that Joel married Martha Sealey who died, and he then married Martha Step.  Others have the opinion that Joel married a widow by the name of Mrs. Martha Step Sealey while another group has said that Sealey was a nickname for Celia which was the middle name of Martha.  Another thought is that Joel was born much earlier, about 1750.

Joseph is not listed in Joel's 1789 will (Wilkes Co., NC Will Book I, p260) but does appear in other researcher's works.  He could have been born to Joel's first wife and died before the will was made.  Joseph has also been reported to have gone to Kentucky quite early, and already otherwise provided for by his father thereby not making the will.  And, even if Joel had only one wife, Joseph could still have died quite young.  Marvin noted that there was a Joseph Coffey on early tax records of Adair Co., KY.

Martha Step's father was named Joseph so it would have been customary for Joel and Martha to have given a son that name.  A daughter Celia was referred to as Sealy in Joel's will.  Marvin's research did not uncover any Sealy families in the same county that the Coffeys lived in Virginia or North Carolina.

Continuing our trek to Woods and eventually his descendants, we begin with Joel and Martha's son James and Elizabeth Coffey Coffey.  James and "Betty" were cousins. Her father Nathan and James's father Joel were brothers.

Of the nine known children of James and Betsy, seven were male and two were female.  We'll concentrate on only one son, he being Logan McMillon Coffee [sic] thought to have been born Dec. 7, 1809 in Adair Co., KY. James and Betsy were married there on Mar. 4, 1804 [from descendants but no independent confirmation.] Logan was born in that County on Dec. 7, 1809 [no independent confirmation.]

When he was nearing age 30 he wandered off to Alabama where he met Mary Elizabeth Ragland. The two were married in Jackson County, AL c1837. Mary was a native of Jackson Co., TN. In 1840 the family was living in Marshall Co., AL but by the 1850 census, they were in Colorado Co., TX; in 1860 they were in Lavaca Co., TX. Perhaps they headed to far northwest Texas when the sabers began to rattle loudly in AL.

Logan's death was somewhat mysterious in that his body was never recovered.  He is said to have been hauling freight from Brownsville, TX back to Lavaca Co., when he was probably murdered in June of 1865; perhaps by Indians or maybe Confederate raiders.  In the book - On the Headwaters of the Lavaca and Navidad, by Paul Boethel, the author indicates that the circumstances of his death were "fraught with suspicions, possibly murder by his companions from the same neighborhood."

After Logan's murder, his widow Mary petitioned the court under date of Aug. 20, 1865 for administration of the property, saying her husband died about June 20th, 1865. (Probate records, November term, Lavaca Co., TX). 

Logan and Mary had eight children, 5 sons and 3 daughters.  The eldest child was Mansel Matthews Coffee [2]

Mansel was born in 1839, Jackson Co., AL where he met and married Georgiana Frances Reynolds on Jun. 4, 1861.  They were parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. Woodson "Woods" Coffee was their eldest, born Mar 1, 1862 in Gonzales Co., TX.

Woodson married Ollie Pickens Stribling, daughter of Cornelius Kinchelo Stribling and Nancy Carolina Stribling, presumed cousins. Their children also numbered nine.  They had six sons and three daughters. 

[1]Interesting to note that John M. Porter of Lincoln Co., MO married Eliza Emeline Coffey, daughter of Nathan and Sarah Meredith Coffee in 1850 Pike Co., IL. They resided there a very long time with John dying there in 1895.  Eliza died there in 1901. Further, Martha Coffee, a daughter of Nebuzaradan married William Porter, brother to John and they named one of their sons Joseph Woods Porter.

[2]No idea why they began spelling their name this way, but speculation says it happened in Alabama where General John Coffee of Battle of New Orleans fame had settled and became quite prominent in the state.

Joseph Monroe & Cassandra Coffey Blackerby

Joseph, [corrected from James] a son of William and Caty Haydon Blackerby, was born in Northumberland Co., VA on Apr. 17, 1806. He married Cassandra Coffey, the eldest child of Nebuzaradan and Elizabeth Easley Coffey on Jan. 1, 1834 in Pike Co., IL.

Nebuzaradan Coffey was a native of Wilkes Co., NC, born there on Aug. 29, 1789 to Joel and Martha Stepp Coffey.  He married Elizabeth on Sep. 13, 1810 in KY. She was born in Cumberland Co., KY on Aug. 15, 1790 to William and Sarah Ann Lester Easley. The family left KY and moved to IL in 1831 where they remained until departing for Oregon in 1847. Their children were Cassandra, Martha, Thomas C., Mary, Sarah, Catherine Jane, Sidney J., German J., Elizabeth, Denton D., and Louisa.

Cassandra was born on Aug. 23, 1811 in Pilot Knob, KY and died in Marion Co., OR on Jan. 18, 1885 in Silverton, Marion Co., OR.  She is buried at the Aumsville cemetery in Marion Co.

She and Joseph Blackerby had at least six children, the first three sons, Thomas, William and Sidney were born in Pike Co.  Their fourth child, Marquis de Lafayette Blackerby was born in the Oregon Territory on Sep. 20, 1848 and died in Marion Co. at age 5 on Jan. 3, 1854.  After this child came Elza M., born in 1851 and, Arthur Franklin, born 1853.  Both were born near Silverton in Marion Co. where the family patented land on Drift Creek, southwest of Silverton.

Asterisk marks approximate location of first Blackerby patent and then east for 600+ acres

I have not found the Blackerby family in the 1860 OR federal census.  They first appeared in 1850 in Silverton, Marion Co. when Joseph was 47 years old and Cassandra was 40. Children still at home were William, age 16; Thomas, age 14; Sidney, age 7 and Marquis, age 2.  David and John T. Porter, age 3 and 4 respectively, were also in the household.¹, ³  She and Joseph next appear in the 1870 census in Silverton, Marion Co. when Joseph was 64 and Casandra was 59.  Children still at home were Elza, age 19 and Frank, age 15.

Eldest child, Thomas Richard Blackerby was born May 20, 1836 in Pike Co. and died in Silverton, OR on Feb. 25, 1906.  He married Mary E. Allen on Mar. 4, 1866 in Marion Co.  Mary was born Oct. 10, 1843 in IL and died in Silverton on Oct. 27, 1918.  Both are buried at the Silverton Cemetery. Their children were Grace, born 1867 and Pearl, a son, born 1869.  Grace married William Lloyd Jones, a native of Wales, UK, c1892.  He died in 19333 and she in 1934. both buried at Fern Hill cemetery in Aberdeen, Grays Harbor Co., WA. Pearl married Stella E. Bosler. He died in 1949, she in 1961.  Both are buried at Silverton.

The second child, also a son, was J. William C. Blackerby, born 1834 in Pike Co. He married Saprhonia J. Sears on Sep. 10, 1864 in Marion Co.  J. William is thought to have died on May 14, 1867 somewhere in central Oregon.  Nothing else of this family is known by me of this family.

Sidney German Blackerby, third born, also in Pike Co., came along on Oct. 6, 1843.  He married Margaret Adaline Wilcox on Jul. 23, 1863 in Marion Co.  Margaret was born c1846 in KY.  Their children were William; O. Florence; Levia; Ada Lora; Howard; Thomas Roy and Jannie C. Sidney died Apr. 29,1910 and was buried in Burns, Harney Co., OR at the Burns IOOF cemetery where Margaret is also likely buried.

Following Marquis was Elza M., born Jan. 18, 1851 at Silverton. He and Mary Frances Johnson Clymer were married on Nov. 6, 1878 in Marion Co.  She was a daughter of Henry Vance Clymer and Mary Layman Johnson, born 1856 in Marion Co. Elza died on Oct. 13, 1926 in Multnomah Co., OR and was buried at Silverton in the Warren cemetery. Mary died Dec. 9, 1879 and is also thought to be buried at Warren.²

The last known child was Dr. Arthur Franklin Blackerby, born Jun. 30, 1853 in Marion Co., died in Silverton on Jan. 19, 1934. He married Sophia Maria Gustavsen, a native of Finland, born there in Dec., 1873. The marriage took place in Clatsop Co., OR on Jan. 8, 1895.  Sophia died in Multnomah Co. on Apr. 20, 1962. Children from this marriage were daughters Sana Cassandra "Cassie," born in 1895 and Meva F., born 1899.

Dr. Blackerby's first wife was Jennie Stanton to whom he was married on Nov. 12, 1879.  They appeared in the 1880 census at Silverton.  She died on Jul. 9, 1883, perhaps in childbirth, and was buried at Miller cemetery in Silverton.  There are no known children. 

Dr. Blackerby was buried at the Silverton cemetery.  Sophia was buried at Portland Memorial.

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Footnotes:

¹ Cassandra's sister, Catherine Jane married Stephen Porter in Pike Co. in 1844.  Catherine died in 1850 and the two Porter children were hers. Her first child was Nancy Louisa Porter, born c1845 in IL but she was not mentioned in the census record.

² I have not found a Warren cemetery in Marion Co. It appears that the cemetery name has sometime in the past been renamed Mount Hope.  See http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/marion/cemeteries/waldohill.txt

³ See William Porter's 1848 Trail Diary at http://www.oregonpioneers.com/porter.htm

Robert Shearer (1823-1895) of Watauga Co., NC

“In Memory of Robert Shearer.

“The subject of this sketch was too well known in this and adjoining counties to need eulogy from any pen to introduce his worth to family, state or church. His life so pure and gentle, yet firm and dignified, is the best encomium.

“Robert Shearer was born July 24, 1823, lived and died in Watauga county, N. C.  He professed a hope in Jesus and joined the Baptist church at Three Forks, by experience, on the first Saturday in Jan., 1853.  He ever lived a member of the church he joined till death took him away.  He lived the religion he professed; his hope was an anchor to his soul, both sure and steadfast, and entered within the vale whither Jesus the forerunner has gone. He loved the cause of his Master dearly and his interest never abated in his old days; although feeble in health ever ready he stood to do his part in everything.  He esteemed it not only a duty but a high privilege to do all he could to advance the cause of Jesus.Truly it can be said of him:

“I love thy church O God,
Her walls before thee stand,
Dear as the apple of thine eye,
Engraven on thy hand.

“For her his tears did fall,
For her his prayers ascend,
To her be given my toils and cares
Till toils and cares did end.

“He was a kind husband, father, and friend to all, and gave liberally of his means to the cause of God and humanity. One aim of his life was to fill his seat in the church which he always did unless sick, and a part of his last day on earth was spent in Three Forks church attending the funeral of Bro. Jonathan Horton.  When he came home Sunday evening from the church, he said to his family:  ‘I will be the next member of Three Forks church to go.’  And he did go that night; ate a hearty supper with his family on earth, and took his morning repast in heaven with loved ones who had gone before.

“He had been married twice – first to Myra Coffey on the 26 day of Nov. 1854.  By this marriage two children were born, Mr. M. G. Shearer now living and Jane Shearer, who died six years ago.  His wife, Myra, died Mar 39th [sic] [Mar.30], 1857 [sic] [1859].  He was again married to Martha M. Estes Feb. 18, 1860, and became the father of three more children.  One departed this life in infancy, the other two yet living, Mary F. Perkins and Myra H. Pulliam.  He struggled against the trials of life but never murmured, looking to the great reward. The battle or life is fought and bravely too, by our brother.  The victory is won.  Death came softly and silently Dec. 2nd,1895, as a servant to carry him over the river, and without a struggle he breathed his last.

“He walked so close with God that he had nothing to do but die and go home.  His death was so sudden that he had no time to tell loved ones good-bye.  He was 72 years, 4 months and 7 days old when the summons came, and found him on the borderland of heaven waiting for heaven’s game to swing open and let him in. The world had lost its charms to him. He had his business all fixed up, therefore was ready.  He had talked to death often to his family,and gave directions about his coffin and other things pertaining to his burial,which were strictly carried out by his family and friends.  He had often said he hoped he would not have to linger and suffer long here to be a burden to any one.  The Lord granted his desire.  At the usual bedtime he was bright and cheerful, retired and slept soundly for two or three hours, the awoke and said to his wife: ‘A sharp pain is hurting in my heart,’ but got up, sat by the fire an hour after taking some remedies, said he was better and would lie down again, which he did.  His wife went to the bed to see that he was well covered, wiped the perspiration from his face and asked if he was better.  ‘Yes, a little,’ he replied, and in a moment he was gone.  The chariots of God came after him, he stepped on and went home twenty minutes after twelve.

“His funeral was preached by elders J. J. L. Sherwood and E.F. Jones to a large concourse of neighbors and friends, who mourn his departure and who will miss his generous hand which was always open to the wants of all worthy objects.  Yes, ‘thon [sic] [thou] hast gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee.’

“His remains were interred in the family burial ground near his house to await the glorious resurrection, when they shall come forth fashioned like the glorious body of Jesus. ‘Asleep in Jesuus [sic], blessed sleep from which none ever wakes to weep.’

“His devoted pastor, S.”

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Myra Emeline Coffey was born Feb. 20, 1836 in NC and died in Yadkin Valley on Mar. 30, 1859.  She was a daughter of Welborn and Sarah "Sallie" Cottrell Coffey; Welborn was a son of William and Anna Boone Coffey, Sallie a daughter of William and Lucy Day Cottrell.  She, Robert (death date Dec. 2, 1895) and second wife Martha Estes are buried at the Shearer Family Cemetery at Perkinsville, Watauga Co., NC.

This tribute was published Dec. 19, 1895 in the Watauga Democrat, Boone, Watauga Co., NC, Page 2, Cols. 1 & 2; transcribed by Jack Coffee, Dec. 11-12, 2014

Edmund Paza Gragg

Updated 6.16.2014 - See footnote 1
Updated same date - See footnote 2


I touched on Edmund Paza Gragg and his family in an earlier blog.

According to his death certificate¹, his father was William E. Philyaw, a son of Moses and Lucinda Ann "Lucy" Holden Philyaw.  His mother was Nancy "Nicey" Coffey, a daughter of Joseph and Isabella Lindsay Coffey.  At Edmund's birth, Nancy was the widow of William Obediah Gragg, often referred to as "Revolutionary Bill" Gragg.

Edmund Paza Gragg Family
Photo contributor unknown*

Edmund was born on Mar. 5, 1850 in Caldwell Co., NC and died in Rabun Co., GA on Dec. 21, 1920.  He married Mahuldah Vasty, maiden name unknown, c1870.  She was born Feb. 9, 1952 in NC and was likely married to Edmund there.  She died on Dec. 22, 1925, five years and one day after the death of Edmund.  Both are buried at Flat Creek Baptist Church Cemetery at Clayton in Rabun Co.

She and Edmund were parents of seven boys and one girl.  Margaret was born in Feb., 1872 and appeared with her parents in Rabun Co. through the 1910 census.  In 1910 she appeared as a widow.  Two children with surname Jones appeared in the Edmund household as "grandsons."  In 1920 both grandsons were still with Edmund but, no mention of their mother.

John Newton Gragg was the eldest son, born Jan. 19, 1873 and died Jun. 22, 1961.  John married Della Gosnell on Feb. 11, 1906 in Rabun Co.  She was born Jun. 18, 1878 in GA and died there on Mar. 31, 1962.  She and John are also buried at Flat Creek.  They had at least two sons, Elbert, born c1907 and Gordon H., born Sep. 13, 1909, died May 18, 1999 and buried at Flat Creek.

Edmund Paza Gragg Family Identified
Click on images to enlarge

Daniel L., next eldest, was born in Jul., 1877.  He married Texie Shed on Mar. 31, 1901 in Habersham Co., GA.  She is likely a sister to Missouri Shed, below.

Elijah L., born Feb., 1879, died Mar. 18, 1958 in GA and buried at Flat Creek.  His wife was Missouri Shed, born in Habersham Co., GA in 1881.  They were married in that county on Dec. 17, 1902.  I haven't yet found a death date or place for Missouri.  Their children were:  Winona, Harley, Chester, Roy and Ora M.

Albert J., born Apr., 1882, married Sarah Benfield on Dec. 24, 1905 in Rabun Co.  One known child, Lee, a son, born c1908 in Rabun Co.

Miles McKinney, born Jun. 15, 1884, died Dec.22, 1949 in Clayton, Rabun Co. He is also buried at Flat Creek**.

Burgess Greenville, born Apr. 16, 1888, died Jun. 24, 1970 in Clayton.  He married Alpha Omie Smith, date not yet known, who was born Jul. 10, 1887, probably in GA, died Sep. 21, 1965 in GA.  Both are also buried at Flat Creek.  They had at least one child, a son, Burgess Ray, born Aug. 21, 1922, died Sep. 13, 1922 in Habersham Co.  He was buried at Clarkesville, Habersham Co. at the Macedonia Cemetery.

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¹I have not personally seen the death certificate. The info was told to me by another researcher.  There is a copy of the certificate and an obituary on Ancestry.au but they are too small to read and access is prohibited without additional subscription fees.  I do not believe anyone can read the parents of Edmund on the certificate displayed on Ancestry.au.

²The Gene & Gale McCoy Family Tree at Ancestry.com provided a readable death certificate as well as the surname and parents of Edmund's wife, Mahuldah Vasty Gragg, daughter of Ellis and Margaret Gragg.

*For proper credit, please notify me if you are the owner/contributor of this photograph.

**See Flat Creek Cemetery at Find A Grave

Edmund Paza Gragg Death Certificate
Thanks to Gene & Gale McCoy Family Tree
at Ancestry.com

William Blackerby & Caty Haydon

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William Blackerby is said to have been born in Wicomico Parish, Northumberland Co., VA in 1755. Except for his marriage to the widow Caty Lukas on Mar. 12, 1792¹, I have found no substantial records of the family in that area.  Some researchers report her maiden name as Haydon and tell us his death was in April, 1815.  A death location for neither he nor Caty has been found.

I know of one child, a son named Joseph Monroe Blackerby, born Apr. 17, 1806 (unsourced).  He married Cassandra Coffey in Pike Co., IL on Jan. 1, 1834.²  By 1850 the couple and four children and was in Marion Co., Oregon Territory.  Living with them at the time were two Porter children: David A., age 3, born IL and John T., age 4(?) mos., born in the OR Territory.  I have not yet discovered who those children belong to.  I suspect they might be related to William Porter who married Cassandra's sisters, Sarah in 1840 (died 1848) then Martha in 1849 (died 1903),  both daughters of Nebuzaradan and Elizabeth Easley Coffey.

Joseph and Cassandra have not been found in 1860 but were still in Marion Co. in 1870.  By then they had become parents of six children:  Thomas Richard, 1836 IL-1906 OR; J. William C., c1840 MO -?; Sidney Green, 1844 IL - 1910 OR; Marqis de Lafayette, 1849 OR - 1854 OR; Elza M., c1851 OR - ?; and Dr. Arthur Frank, 1853 OR - 1934 OR.

Joseph died on Jan. 19, 1878 in Silverton, Marion Co., OR and was buried at the Aumsville Cemetery in Marion Co.  His Find-A-Grave (FAG) memorial is 29198728.  Cassandra was born on Aug. 23, 1811 in Pilot Knob, KY, a place not found on a modern Kentucky map.  Prior to her death on Jan. 18, 1855 in Marion Co., she was found residing with her son Alfred in Silverton at the 1880 census. Her FAG memorial is 7086305.

Their Children:

Thomas Richard, born Aug. 20, 1836 in IL, died Feb. 25, 1906 in Silverton.  He married Mary E. Allen c1865 in OR.  She was born Oct. 10, 1843 in IL and died in Silverton on Oct. 27, 1918.  Both are buried at the Silverton Cemetery.  His FAG memorial is 6462997 and Mary's is 6463000.  The couple lived in Silverton all of their married life and had at least two children there:

Grace "Gracie," born Oct., 1867, died Aug. 6, 1934 in Hoquiam, Grays Harbor, WA.  She married the Welchman William Lloyd Jones, born Apr. 22, 1855 in Wales, United Kingdom and died on Jun. 21, 1933. Grace and William are buried at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Grays Harbor. William's FAG memorial is 106805040.  He and Grace had at least three children:  Bliss Blackerby Jones., a son, born Jul. 23, 1892; Marie Bristal (?), born Oct. 18, 1895 and Dora Frances, born Nov. 6, 1897.

The second known child was Pearl L., a son, born Feb., 1869 in OR, died Nov. 2, 1949 in Marion Co.  He married Stella Bolser³ and they had at least one child, Irele Elise, born Feb. 23, 1911, died Apr. 7, 2004 in CA.  She is buried at the San Francisco National Cemetery along with her husband, Col. James Edgar Henry, USAF (Ret'd).  Irene appeared in the 1940 Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA census as a boarder in the household of Caroline Harris.  Irene was then employed as a public school teacher, age 29 and, divorced!

Blackerby-Henry Marriage License

The 1930 and 1940 census reports, as well as her marriage license to James Edgar Henry tells us she was born in Nebraska.  The marriage license gives her age as 27 years, suggesting her birth year was closer to 1915.  The 1940 census also tells us that she had been married previous to her union with Mr. Henry.  She and James were married on Aug. 1, 1942 at Pomona in Los Angeles Co., CA.

Stella Bolser Blackerby was born c1875 in IN and died on May 19, 1961 in Marion Co., OR.  She is buried at the Silverton Cemetery.

The sixth and only other child I know of who grew to become and adult and marry was Dr. Arthur Franklin Blackerby.  In 1880 he was recorded as being a Tinsmith; in 1900 his census record reports him as being a dentist. He was married to Jennie Stanton, born Nov. 16, 1860 in Marion Co., died there on Jul. 9, 1883.  She is buried at Miller Cemetery in Silverton. According to his FAG memorial, Arthur married Sophia Gustavsen c1895.

  Jack

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Sources:

¹Stratton Nottingham, Compiler, The Marriage License Bonds of North Umberland County, Virginia, from 1783 to 1850 (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1976), Page 10.

²Dodd, Jordan. Illinois Marriages to 1850. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Illinois.

³Stella Fisher, born 1875 in Indiana was a boarder in the household of Mary E. Allen Blackerby, widow of Thomas Richard Blackerby and mother of Pearl L. Blackerby who later married Stella.  If Stella Bolser and Stella Fisher are the same person then she apparently was married prior to union with Pearl but, I have not found a marriage record for Bolser to Fisher.  Pearl was also the precinct enumerator at the 1910 census. In 1880 Stella, age 5, and her widowed mother resided in Franklin Twp., Montgomery Co., IN with her maternal grandmother.

US Federal Census Records

Find-A-Grave

FamilySearch.Org

Library of Virginia

John Marshal “Marsh” Coffey

John Marshall, or Marsh as some called him, was born in Wayne Co., KY on Jan. 2, 1850 and died in Boyle Co., KY on May 17, 1908.  He was a son of Thomas Coleman and Patience Jane Miller Coffey.  Upon his death, he was laid to rest at Stanford in Lincoln Co. in the Buffalo Springs Cemetery.

He was married, date unknown, to Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jones, a daughter of Absolom S. “Albin” and Telitha Coffey Jones.  Marsh and Telitha were first cousins whose common ancestors were Lewis Russell and Bidant “Biddy” Moore Coffey.  Lizzie was born Dec. 5, 1857 in KY and died in Boyle Co. on Apr. 23, 1930.  She is also buried at Buffalo Springs.

Their children numbered at least four, three of which married and had children:

Alvin Jones, born Nov. 14, 1882, died Sep. 20, 1947 in Lincoln Co., married Elizabeth “Bettie” Hayden, a daughter of Andrew Jackson and Nancy Alexander “Nannie” Coffey Hayden.  Nancy was a daughter of Henderson and Minerva Alexander Coffey, born Dec. 12, 1839 in Monticello, Wayne Co., KY, died Jan. 4, 1930 in Danville, Boyle Co.  Andrew was born in TN in 1840 and died in Danville on Aug. 8, 1912.  He and Nannie are buried at Buffalo Springs.  Alvin died on Sep. 20, 1947 in Lincoln Co.; Elizabeth died Aug. 24, 1950 in Danville.  They too are buried at Buffalo Springs.  I have no children for them.

Joseph & Shelly's Marriage Announcement

Shelly H., born Mar. 16, 1885, died Aug. 22, 1961, married Joseph Henry Newland in late July or early August, 1907¹ at Stanford.  Joseph was born Aug. 2, 1884 in KY and died May,  22, 1961.  Both he and Shelly are buried at Buffalo Springs.  Their children were Mary Elizabeth, born c1908 and, Jenny Roe, born c1918, both in Lincoln Co.

Ebbie B., born Mar. 7, 1896, died Jun. 23, 1930 in Washington, D.C.  Ebbie married Robert J. Warren c1922.  He was born in KY about 1893.  Their children were Robert A., born c1924 in TN; John M., born c1926 in KY and Irene E., born c1927 in OH.  In the 1930 census, Robert was employed as a “marble mason.”  Ebbie died within a couple of months after the 1930 census found them in Washington, D.C., and was returned to KY for burial at Buffalo Springs.  In the 1940 census Robert was found in Gary, Lake Co., IN with new wife, Christine E.  With them was Ebbie’s children, John M., and Irene E.

The fourth child of Marsh and Lizzie was Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 11, 1900 in KY, died in Lincoln Co. on Jun. 30, 1914.  She too is buried at Buffalo Springs.

  Jack

¹The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY, Aug. 2, 1907, Page 3, Col. 4 (http://tinyurl.com/la5hx52)

Update Apr 9, 2014:  

John and Lizzie had at least seven children.  In addition to the above four, there was Jennie, born Apr. 9, 1887 in Boyle Co., KY, died Jan. 23, 1962 in Hamilton Co., OH.  She was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnatti; John Coleman, born Sep. 1, 1889 in Stanford, KY, died on Sep. 15, 1961 and was buried at Raton, Colfax Co., NM; Margaret, born Sep. 23, 1891 in KY, died Oct. 5 1919 in Danville, Boyle Co., KY and buried at Bellevue Cemetery in Danville

John Marshall's Find-A-Grave memorial no. is 96322267.  His children can be followed on FAG from that site.

Lewis Russell and Bidant "Biddy" Moore Coffey

Lewis' will has been transcribed and can be found here.  In his will, he named his children Betsy, Rachel, Polly, James, Henderson, Shelby, Benjamin F.,Thomas, and Edward.  He mentioned his deceased son Jesse and named Jesse's daughter Sophronia as a legatee.  Son Cleveland may have been deceased without descendants as he is not mentioned.

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Lewis Russell Coffey was a grandson of John and Jane Graves Coffey through his father, the Rev. James Coffey and his wife, Elizabeth Cleveland.  James and Elizabeth, through their 11 children are responsible for many of the Wayne and Pulaski Co., KY Coffey families.

Lewis was number 11, born Nov. 18, 1772 in Amherst Co., VA, died Sep. 29, 1850 in Wayne Co., KY.[1]    He married Bidant "Biddy" Moore on Dec. 10, 1795 [2] in Wilkes Co. NC, a daughter of Jesse Moore and Alley Johnson.  Biddy was born on May 3, 1775 in Albemarle Co., VA and died in Wayne Co. on Jan. 13, 1857.[1]

Eleven children were born to Lewis and Biddy.  They were:

Elizabeth G. (Betsy), 1797-1868, who married Richard Northcraft Cullom.  Richard was a farmer and a legislator, born in Maryland in 1795.  He and Betsy were married in Wayne Co., KY where Richard's family had moved early in his life.  In 1830, he and Betsy moved to Tazewell Co., IL where they lived the remainder of their lives.  In 1836 he was elected to the 10th Illinois General Assembly where he served with Lincoln.  In 1840 he was elected to the IL Senate.  He served in a number of other elected offices and died in Tazewell Co. on Dec. 3, 1872.  Betsy died on Dec. 5, 1868.  Both are buried at the Old Washington Cemetery in Tazewell Co., IL.  They had at least five children, the third being Shelby Moore Cullom (1829-1914).  He followed his father into politics and was elected to the IL state house in 1855.  In 1865 he was elected to represent IL in the US Congress where he served three consecutive terms.  In 1876 he was elected Governor of IL and served nearly two terms.  He resigned in the middle of the second term to become a candidate for the US Senate, to which he was elected and served five consecutive terms and was considered several times as a candidate for the US presidency.[3]  He married twice, both wives daughters of Samuel and Hannah Beaver Fisher.  All are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Rachel, 1798-?, married Thomas Jefferson Jones c1830.  They were probably married sometime around 1830 and were in the 1860 Wayne Co., KY census.  Thomas was age 55; Rachel age 59.  I know of two children:  Margaret (1830-1862) married Martin Sallee.  In 1860 a John Jones, age 11, was in the household with Thomas and Rachel and, could be a son or a grandson.

Mary Jane "Polly", c1803-1855, married Jooshua Oatts in Wayne Co. on Jan. 4, 1821.[4]  They were in the 1850 Wayne Co., KY census with children Cleveland, age 21; Emily, age 18; John R., age 15; Safrona [sic], age 14; Lewis, age 10; T. J., age 8 [Thomas J.]; Shelby C., age 6 and Russell, age 5.  In addition to those, they also had Cosby [1823-1890] and James Douglas [1824-1893].  Joshua died in 1858 and is buried at Elk Springs Valley Cemetery in Oil Valley, Wayne Co.  Polly died of typhoid fever in 1855 and is also buried at Elk Springs Valley.

James Lewis, 1802-1855, married Sarah Alloway "Sally" Strange in 1830, Wayne Co.  Sally was born in McMinn Co., TN in 1807 to Archelaus Alloway and Elizabeth Coffey Strange.  Elizabeth Coffey Strange and James Lewis Coffey were first cousins.  James died in Wayne Co. in 1855 and Sally there in 1885.  Both are buried at Elk Springs Valley.  They had at least 10 children:  Jesse Columbus; Elizabeth E.; Anjeletta; George W.; Cleveland McKendree; Mary "Molly"; James Franklin; Sarah J. "Sallie"; Obidah Strange "Obie"; and Verlinda J. "Linnie."  More information about this family is available.

Henderon, c1802-1868, married Minerva Alexander in 1827, Wayne Co.[5] Minerva was born c1805 in KY and died in Wayne Co. in 1881.  Harrison died in 1868 and both are buried at Elk Springs Valley.  They had at least 10 children:  Telitha; Mary Alexander; Shelby; Joseph; Emily Biddy; Nancy "Nannie"; Elizabeth "Betsy;" Lewis; Mary Anna and Susan.  More information about this family is available.

Shelby "Shelly," 1811-1863, married Zerilda Emarine Meadows, daughter of Andrew and Jane Graham Meadows.  She was born in Wayne Co., 1822 and died there in 1900.  Shelly died in 1863 [6] and both are buried at Elk Springs Valley.  I have only three children for them:  Shelby, Jr., 1833-?; Andrew Lewis, 1844-1887; and Mary Jane, 1854-?.  More information about this family is available.

Edward Northcraft Cullom, c1813-?, married Rachel A. Isaacs.  Rachel was born in 1823 and died in Wayne Co. in 1872.  She is buried at Kendrick Cemetery in Monticello, Wayne Co., KY.  No further information.

Jesse Moore, 1815-1835, married Elizabeth "Eliza" Smith in 1832. [5]  They had a daughter, Sophronia, born c1833.  No further information.

Benjamin Franklin, 1816-1868, married Mary Ann Worsham in 1842. [5]  Mary Ann was born in 1826 in KY and died in Wayne Co. in 1886.  Both are said to be buried in Monticello at a Coffey Cemetery. [7]  Their children were Emma; Martha; William E.; Mary A.; Ida S.; Benjamin, Jr.; Robert Lee and Nannie J.  No further information.

Cleveland L., 1817-?, married Sophronia Oatts, born 1812m died 1877 in Wayne Co.  Children were at least two:  Lewis J. and Mary C.  Sophronia is buried at Elk Springs Valley.  No further information.

Thomas Coleman, c1819-1890, married four time, first to Mary Heaven or Havens in 1839, Wayne Co.[5]  No children are known to have been born to this union.  Second wife was Patience Jane Miller in 1848.[5][8]  He and Patience had at least three children:  Margaret, c1841, John, c1843 and Marshal, c1850.  Patience died in Wayne Co. in 1855.  That date is not proven and her burial place is not known to me.  Third wife was Sarah Havens, likely some relation to Mary, his first wife.  Nothing is known of her.  Thomas' fourth wife was Mrs. Amanda Jane Hudson Stone, born c1819.  They had at least three children:  Amanda, c1851; Alley, c1853 and Mary, c1856.  According to the KY DAR, Thomas died in Lincoln Co. and is probably buried there.[9]

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Some documentation as well as this information and Lewis' ancestors, his family and his descendants can be found on the Edward Coffey Project CD or DVD.  In fact, all of the Coffey's that I have written about in this blog over the past number of years can be found in my Edward Coffey Project, with much of it updated since the blog was written.

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[1] Grave monument
[2] Coffey, Laurence H., editor, Thomas Coffey and His Descendants (Chattanooga, TN: N. Sanders, 1931), Page 85.
[3] Governors of Illinois (Chicago, IL: Biographical Publishing Company, 1891), Pages 175-176.
[4] Dodd, Jordan. Kentucky Marriages to 1850. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1997. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Kentucky.
[5] From Wayne County, Kentucky Marriages, 1801-1860. Source gives brides name as Mannen Alexander; Manerva in 1850 and 1860 Wayne Co. census. Bond missing; married 29 March 1827 by Racoon John Smith.
[6] “Kentucky Probate Records, 1792-1977,” Image database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org/).
[7] Wayne Co. KY Cemeteries compiled by B. B. Coffey, Sr., Page 31.  This cemetery is referred to in the source as Coffey Cemetery and is said to be located at or near the intersection of Spruce St. and Hiland View Dr. in Monticello.
[8]The bride's name appears to be Jane Meeker in record. Surety was Isaac N. Shepherd. Bond dated 23 August 1848; Minister return is missing.
[9] Kentucky DAR, compiler, Kentucky Bible Records (: DAR, 1966), Vol. IV.

Balis Jackson Kilpatrick-Mary E. Hunter

Some previous Kilpatrick family blogs can be read here and here.

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Balis Jackson Kilpatrick, born Aug. 2, 1796 in the Greenville district of South Carolina, married c1820 Mary E. Hunter, born Aug. 18, 1802 in Buncombe Co., NC.  Together they had at least five children, all of whom married into North Carolina Coffey families. Balis died in Sep., 1872 and was buried at the Liberty community cemetery at Liberty in Cherokee Co., NC.  See his memorial on Find-A-Grave for a discussion of his genealogy.

The children of Balis and Mary that I have found are:

Catherine, born Nov. 24, 1839 in Haywood Co., NC, died sometime between 1910 and 1920* at Shoal Creek in Cherokee Co., NC.  Catherine married Levi Coffey, a son of Rice and Dorotha [sic] Jane Medaris Coffey c1852* in Cherokee Co.

Elias, born Oct. 9, 1832 in NC, died 1891 in Clay Co., NC.  He married Sarah Jane "Sallie" Coffey, a daughter of John Morgan and Elizabeth Day Coffey, on May 25, 1865*** in Town Co., GA.  Elias died in Clay Co. NC in 1891 and is buried at Old Brasstown Baptist Church cemetery in Young Harris, Towns Co.  I have no death or burial info for Sarah Jane.

John Abner, born Nov., 1834 in NC, died Sep. 3, 1912 in Cherokee Co., NC.  He married Dorotha [sic] A. Coffey, daughter of Rice and Dorotha Jane Medaris Coffey, in 1873.*  He was close to 40 at the time of marriage and was likely married prior to Dorotha. She and John appeared in the 1870 census at Shoal Creek making the marriage year probably incorrect.  Dorotha died on Nov. 29, 1922 and was buried at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy, Cherokee Co., NC.  John died in Sep., 1912 and is also buried there.

Balis Jackson, Jr., born Dec. 16, 1838 in NC, died in that state on Mar. 25, 1906.  He is buried at Moss Cemetery in Marble Valley Twp., Cherokee Co.  He married Elizabeth Coffey, a daughter of John Morgan and Elizabeth Day Coffey and sister to Sarah who married Elias, sometime in the early 1870's.  Elizabeth was born Apr. 7, 1842 in Burke Co., NC and died in NC on Jan. 27, 1914.  She is also buried at Moss.

Elijah, born Sep. 14, 1841 in Union Co., GA, died Jan. 6, 1910 in NC and buried at Liberty Community Cemetery at Liberty in Cherokee Co., NC.  His first wife was Vina Jones.*  He married second Mary Melinda "Polly" Coffey, daughter of Rice and Dorotha, on Sep. 6, 1877* in Shoal Creek.  Polly died c1899.

The Balis Jackson discussion at Find-A-Grave makes the case that Elias and Elijah were twins, born Sep. 15, 1841 in Union Co., GA.

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*Janine Ramsey, "Descendants of Rice Coffey," Janine Ramsey (jeders2@fuse.net) (jaineology.com), Aug. 13, 2008.
**Miller, Diane Ramsey. "[Each Western NC county is represented]." Database. Privately owned by Author. Western North Carolina Genealogy Resource Center. http://www.goldenbranches.com/nc-state/westnc.html.  The marriage date may be incorrect.  The 1870 Shoal Creek, Cherokee Co., NC census places her (unmarried) in the household with her mother on July 23 of that year.
***Source needed

Harrison & Jincy Emily Clark Aldridge

I touched on Harrison and Jincy in an earlier blog.  He was a son of James and Elizabeth Calloway Aldridge and, that family history makes interesting reading.  See the earlier blog for all of the details.

Harrison and Jincy had a number of children, including one named Harrison, Jr., who married Mary Etta Buchanan c1886, probably in Watauga Co., NC.  He and Mary Etta had at least one child, a son named Samuel Anthony Aldridge, born Feb. 22, 1893 in Watauga Co., died in Lenoir, Lower Creek Twp., on Mar. 16, 1966.  He is buried at the Harrison Aldridge Cemetery in Foscoe, Watauga Co.

Sometime in 1915 he married Ramona Destamona Coffey in Caldwell Co.  In the marriage record, she is referred to as "Mona Coffey."  Mona was the daughter of Joseph Reubin and Martha Elizabeth Gragg Coffey and, was born Mar. 3, 1888, probably in Watauga Co.   She died on Jul. 12, 1967 in Lenoir and was buried there at the Hibriten Baptist Church cemetery.

Samuel and Mona had at least eight children, all born in Watauga Co.:

Howard Glenn, born Sep. 13, 1916, died Jun. 6, 1995 in Catawba Co. According to his obituary, his wife was named Genevieve.

Howard Glenn Aldridge, 78, of Maiden, died Tuesday June 6, 1916, in Watauga County to the late Samuel Aldridge and Destomonia Coffey.

Mr. Aldridge was a supervisor in the furniture industry and a U.S. marine veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife Genevieve Aldridge of the home; a daughter, Ramona A. Thompson of Lenoir; four brothers, Murphy, Guy and Byard Aldridge, all of Lenoir and Claude Aldridge of Hickory; three sisters, Edith A. Lowman and Clara A. Parham, both of Maiden and Dade A. Hewitt of Newton; a stepson, Carl Nelson Canipe of Maiden; two step-daughters, Helen Drum of Lincolnton and Ruby Bingham of Concord; four grand-children; and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral is 2 p.m. Friday at Burke Mortuary Chapel with the Revs. Garland Elliott and Richard Hick officiating.  Burial will be in Maiden City Cemetery.

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

Murphy Lail, born Mar. 5, 1918, died in Lenoir on Jan. 24, 1997.  He was never married.  He is also buried at Hibriten.

Edith Flo, born Jan. 24, 1920, died Dec. 11, 1995 at Newton in Catawba Co.  Edith married Ray Alvin Lowman, born Feb. 2, 1919 in Burke Co., died May 6, 1982 in Catawba Co.

Edith Aldridge Lowman, 75, of Maiden, died Monday, Dec. 11, 1995, at her home after an extended illness.

She was born Jan. 24, 1920 in Watauga County, to the late Samuel and Destimona Coffey Aldridge.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ray Alvin Lowman; an infant daughter, Maxine Ray; and one brother, Howard Glenn Aldridge.

Survivors include one son, William (Bill) Taft Lowman of Maiden; one daughter, Dayle Lowman Rhoney of Vail; two sisters, Clara Parham of Maiden and Dade Hewitt of Newton; three brothers, Guy Aldridge and Murphy Aldridge of Lenoir and Claude Aldridge of Hickory; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Wednesday night at the Burke Mortuaries in Maiden.  The funeral was held Thursday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.,m. at the First Baptist Church in Maiden with the Rev. Richard Hicks officiating.  Burial followed in the Maiden City Cemetery.

Audry Clair Obituary Photo

Audry Clair "Clara," born Sep. 8, 1921, died Nov. 24, 2011 at Stokesdale in Guilford Co.  Her husband was William Albert "Bill" Parham, born Jan. 31, 1918 in Cowpens, Spartenburg Co., SC, died Nov. 22, 2008 in Stokesdale.   Both are buried at Maiden city cemetery in Catawba Co.

Stokesdale, N.C. - William "Bill" Albert Parham, 90, of Stokesdale, formerly of Maiden, passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at Countryside Manor in Stokesdale.

Born Jan. 31, 1918, in Cowpens, S.C., he was the son of the late Boyd Smith Parham and Eva Easter Swafford Parham. 

Mr. Parham was a member of First Baptist Church in Maiden. He retired after 51 years from Carolina Mills. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Parham; two sisters, Thelma Setzer and Ophelia Schronce; and three brothers, J.T., Horace and Woodrow Parham. 

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Clara Aldridge Parham of Countryside Village in Stokesdale; a daughter, Claudene Wikle and husband, Richard, of Reidsville; grandchildren, Jeff Parham and wife, Sherry, and Jude Storms and husband, Daniel, all of Buffalo, N.Y., Shannon Sudderth and husband, Chip, of Durham and Kerri Wikle of Reidsville; and great-grandchildren, Austin Parham, Sierra Parham, Natalie Storms and Will Sudderth IV. 

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at 7 p.m. at Burke Mortuary Chapel in Maiden, with Mr. Larry Teague officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., prior to the service, at Burke Mortuary Chapel in Maiden. 

Burial will be Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at 10 a.m. in Maiden City Cemetery in Maiden.

STOKESDALE — Clara Aldridge Parham, age 90, of Stokesdale, NC, formerly of Maiden, NC passed away Thursday, November 24, 2011 at Countryside Manor in Stokesdale, NC.
Born September 8, 1921 in Fosco, NC, she was the daughter of the late Sam Aldridge and the late Destamona Coffey Aldridge. Mrs. Parham was a member of First Baptist Church in Maiden. She was retired from Carolina Mills.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Bill Parham and their son, Jerry Parham; sisters, Edith Lowman and Dade Hewitt; brothers: Glenn, Guy, Murphy, Claude and Byard Aldridge.

She is survived by daughter, Claudene Wikle and husband, Richard of Reidsville, NC; grandchildren, Jeff Parham and wife, Sherry of North Tonawanda, NY, Jude Storms and husband, Daniel of Cheektowaga, NY, Shannon Sudderth and husband, Chip of Durham, NC and Kerri Wikle of Reidsville, NC; great grandchildren, Austin Parham, Sierra Parham, Natalie Storms, Cooper Storms and Will Sudderth, IV.

The family gives thanks to the staff of Countryside Manor & Village and to special friend and caregiver, Ginny.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at Burke Mortuary Chapel in Maiden with the Rev. Barry Pearce and Mr. Larry Teague officiating.  Burial will follow in Maiden City Cemetery, Maiden, NC. 

The family will receive friends, prior to the service, from 1:30 - 2:15 p.m., at Burke Mortuary Chapel in Maiden. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: First Baptist Church, PO Box 338, Maiden, NC 28650. 

Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences.  Burke Mortuary in Maiden is serving the Parham Family.

Darrell Obituary Photo

Darrell Claude, born Jan. 28, 1923 and died Aug. 8, 2011 in Hickory.  He first married Doreen Davey, but they divorced sometime c1952.  In about 1970 he married Hazel Lee Wood, a daughter of Jessie Lee and Lessie Porter Wood and the widow of Lloyd Worth Jones.  Hazel was born Jan. 8, 1030 in Wilkes Co., and died in Hickory on Oct. 28, 2010.  Both are buried at Starmount Baptist Church cemetery in Newton, Catawba Co.

HICKORY - Hazel Lee Wood Jones Aldridge, 80, of Hickory, went home to be with her Lord, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, at Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton. Born Jan. 8, 1930, in Wilkes County, she was the daughter of the late Jessie Lee and Lessie Porter Wood. Mrs. Aldridge was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Newton and had served as the church recording secretary. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lloyd Worth Jones; a grandson, Lloyd Thomas Jones; two brothers, Allie and Vern Wood; and two sisters, Bernice Starnes and Pauline Raby. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Darrell Claude Aldridge of the home; son, Dr. Lloyd Jones and wife, Eugena, of Claremont; three grandchildren, Joshua Jones and wife, Rachel, Lori Garcia and Leah Robinson; eight great-grandchildren, Ashlee Bolick, Haley Johnson, Joshua Crawford, Peyton Jones, Cierra Jones, Darrell Moss, Danny Moss and Brandon Jones; one great-great-grandchild, Christopher Clontz; special friend, Ila Roberts; special care giver, Barbara Young.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Newton with Dr. Lloyd Jones, Dr. J.D. Grasty and Dr. Buddy Sizemore officiating. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Joshua Crawford, Darrell Moss, Danny Moss, Tommie Cole, Jimmie Raby, Roger Raby, Syd Taylor and JD Sharpe. Burial will follow in Starmount Baptist Church Cemetery in Newton. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Newton. The family extends special gratitude to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Newton for the loving care given to Mrs. Aldridge. Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 1805 Little Road, Newton, N.C. 28658; or to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. 

Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences online. Burke Mortuary in Newton is serving the Jones/ Aldridge family.

Obituary, Hickory Daily Record, Aug. 10, 2011

Darrell Claude Aldridge, 88, of Hickory passed away Monday, Aug. 8, 2011 at Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton. Born July 28, 1923 in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late Samuel A. and Destimona Coffey Adlridge. Mr. Aldridge was a U.S. Army/ U.S. Air Force Veteran having served in WWII and a member of Grace Baptist Church in Newton where he served as a Trustee, Sunday school teacher, usher and grounds keeper. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Wood Jones Aldridge, two sisters, three brothers, and a grandson, Lloyd Thomas Jones. He is survived by his daughter, Loraine Aldridge of Lenoir; two sons, Graham Aldridge of Lenoir and the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Jones and his wife, Eugena of Claremont; two granddaughters, Lori Garcia and Leah Robinson, both of Hickory; grandson, Joshua Jones and his wife, Rachel of Newton; ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; and sister, Clara Parham of Greensboro.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Newton with Dr. Lloyd Jones and Dr. J.D. Grasty officiating. Pallbearers will be Sid Taylor, J. D. Sharpe, Tommy Cole, Sr., Joshua Lee Crawford, Danny Moss and Joshua Jones. Burial will follow in Starmount Baptist Church in Newton with military graveside honors by America Legion Post 16 of Newton.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to: Grace Baptist Church, 1805 Little Road, Newton, NC 28658 or to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

Visit www.burke mortuary.com to register your condolences online. Burke Mortuary in Newton is serving the Aldridge family.

Gerald Guy, born Jan. 9, 1926, died Jun. 5, 2005, married Joyce Lorraine Thompson.  She was born Aug. 10, 1931 and died Jun. 28, 1996 in Lenoir.  An obituary for Joyce has not yet been found.

Obituary, The News-Topic, Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC, Thur., Jun. 9, 2005

Gerald Guy Aldridge, 79, of Kincaid Street, SW, Lenoir, died Sunday, June 5, 2005, at Britthaven Nursing Center in Morganton.

He was born Jan. 9, 1926, in Watauga County to the late Samuel A.. and Lora Destimona Coffey Aldridge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Thompson Aldridge; two brothers, Howard Glenn Aldridge and Murphy L. Aldridge; and two sisters, Edith F. Lowman and Eula Dane Hewitt.
Mr. Aldridge was retired from Kincaid Furniture Industries and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Gerald Allen and Gwen Aldridge of Burnsville; two daughters and a son-in-law, Mirana A. and Larry Holmes of Hudson, and Ms. Renee A. Reid of Lenoir; two brothers, Daryl Claude Aldridge of Hickory, and Lyle Byard Aldridge of Lenoir; a sister, Mrs. Clara Parham of Stokesdale; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, Mountain Region Office, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644.  [This probably a cremation]

Lyle Byard Aldridge, born Feb. 20, 1928, died in Lenoir on Dec. 5, 2010 and was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir. His first wife was Juanita Mittie Oaks, but no other information is known.  According to the obituary, his wife, who had preceded him in death was Sylvia Reid Aldridge.

Lyle's Obituary Photo

Lyle Byard Aldridge, age 82, of Clarks Chapel Rd., Lenoir, died Sunday, December 5, 2010 at Gateway Nursing Center.  He was born February 20, 1928 in Watauga County to the late Sam and Lora Destimona Coffey Aldridge.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Reid Aldridge;  one step-son, Thomas Bates;  three brothers and two sisters.

Mr. Aldridge retired from Harper Furniture and was a World War II Army Veteran.

Survivors include one daughter, Lynn Gillaspie and husband Cary of Las Vegas, Nevada, one step-son, David Bates and wife Carla of Lenoir;  two step-daughters, Brenda Freeman and Roberta Conner and husband Paul,  of Lenoir;  one brother, Claude Aldridge of Hickory,  one sister, Clara Parham of Stokesdale, North Carolina;  ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Rev. Tony Harris.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens of Lenoir.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Paul Conner, David Bates, Carson Bates, J. C. Nelson, Robert Everhart III, and John Sanders.

On-line condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ula Dade, born Aug. 14, 1931, died May 25, 1997 in Catawba Co.  Her spouse was Billy Jackson Hewitt, a son of Earnest Edward and May Edith Beard Hewitt.  Billy was born Jan. 20, 1929 in Catawba Co. and was married to Ula on Dec. 23, 1949 in York Co., SC.  I have not yet found an obituary or burial location for either.

Update Apr. 22, 2012:  E-mail from a granddaughter of Ula informs me that Ula Dade is buried at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory, Catawba Co., NC.  He grandfather, Billy Jackson Hewitt is still living and resides in Newton, NC.

John & Rachel Barrier Coffey

John was born Feb. 24, 1818* in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY to James and Sarah Emerline Sumpter Coffey.  He married Rachel Barrier, born Aug. 17, 1824*, in KY and probably also in Wayne Co. to Aaron and Susan Chrisman Barrier.  John died May 5, 1882 and Rachel died on Dec. 28, 1914, both in Pulaski Co., KY and were buried at the remote John Coffey family cemetery at Yamagraw in McCreary Co., KY.

I am aware of six children for them, all born in Wayne Co.:

Sarah Jane, born Jan. 10, 1849.  She remained unmarried and died of heart disease on Jun. 2, 1918 in McCreary Co.  She is probably also buried at the family cemetery but, her death certificate reads only that she was buried in that county.

Nancy Elizabeth, born Mar. 10, 1850, died in McCreary Co. on Feb. 25, 1935.  It appears that she also remained unmarried for her headstone at the family cemetery reads "Nancy E. Coffey."  Of course, she could have married a Coffey but I have no evidence of that.

Shelby "Shelly," born Apr. 29, 1852, died of measels at Denney, KY, Wayne Co.**  He is buried at the Martha Coffey Cemetery at Ritner, Wayne Co.  He was married at least twice.  His first was to Sarah Perkins on Dec. 26, 1872 in Wayne Co.  Sarah was born Jul. 4, 1856 in KY and died in Wayne Co. on Mar. 7, 1912.  His children with Sarah were:

Rachel, born Oct. 8, 1874 in Slavans, McCreary Co., died of pulmonary tuberculosis on Jun. 30, 1950 in Wiborg, McCreary Co.**  Her spouse was W. H. Abbot, born c1878, died c1955 in KY.  She is buried at Flat Rock Cemetery in McCreary Co.  Her spouse is probably buried there as well.

John, born Sep. 18, 1875, died unknown.  He married Kizzie Coffey, a second cousin and daughter of Richard Henderson and Catherine C. Jones Coffey, date unknown.  Kizzie died Oct. 2, 1959 in McCreary Co.***

Lewis, born c1878, also married a second cousin, Ada E. Keith, born Mar., 1882 to William H. & Sarah Elizabeth Coffey Keith.

James Austin, born Jan. 4, 1881, died May 11, 1960 in Monticello, Wayne Co.  His wife was Canzada Foster, daughter of George S. and Selda or Zelda Foster.  Canzada was born May 8, 1885 in Wayne Co., and died Feb. 8, 1966 in Monticello.  They were married on May 30,1907.  Both are buried at Elk Spring Cemetery in Monticello.

Jay, born Mar. 31, 1883, no further information.

Joseph Francis "Joe," born Jun. 3, 1885, died Dec. 12, 1969 at Smith Town in Stearns Co., KY.  His wife was Dora Roberts. He is buried at the Methodist Cemetery in Whitley City, McCreary Co.

Rebecca, born Jul. 1887, no further information.

Jesse, born Jan., 1890, married Margaret Foster, born c1898 in Wayne Co.

Sarah J., born Mar., 1892, no further information.

William Nelson, born Jun. 21, 1894, died Mar. 14, 1963 at Oneida in Scott Co., TN.  His wife was Lelia Mae Abbot, born Jul. 18, 1899 in Wayne Co., died in Oneida on Feb. 26, 1969.  Both are buried at the Holloway Cemetery, Marshes Siding, McCreary Co.

James Aron, born Feb. 20, 1854, died Nov. 5, 1913.*  Buried at the Coffey Family cemetery at Yamacraw. I have found no of a marriage for James.

Joseph, born Mar. 11, 1856 at Whiteoak Creek, Wayne Co.  He married c1888 his first cousin, once removed, Emily G. Coffey, daughter of Joseph and Louisa J. Jones Coffey.  Louisa and Cathereine Jones, wife of Richard Henderson Coffey (above) may be related but, I have not investigated that connection.

The last child of John and Rachel Barrier Coffey was Francis Marion, born Feb. 5, 1858, died Jul. 15, 1926* in Yamacraw.

Shelly's second wife was Martha Thompson with whom he had Hattie, born 1919, died 1990.  She married Robert Barney "Bob" Clark, born Jun. 15, 1911, died Sep. 1, 2006.  She and Bob are buried at the Martha Coffey cemetery in Ritner.  Their second child was Charles, born Jan. 11, 1923, died at the VA hospital at Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN on Jun. 13, 1985.  He too is buried at the Martha Coffey cemetery.

John and Rachel had a number of grandchildren which likely resulted in scads of grandchildren.  Unfortunately, Shelby is the only one for whom I have a good list of descendants.  Readers are invited to fill in the blanks.

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*Headstone
**Death Certificate
***Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000

Sheridan L. "Sherd" & Sarah "Sally" Coffey Dobbs

Readers can find earlier blogs about this family here and here.

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Photo courtesy of Darryl Dobbs

Photo:  Benjamin Franklin Coffey was a son of Nelson and Keziah and married Martha Cecilia Dobbs, daughter of George Washington and Lurany Strunk Dobbs.  Thomas "Tom" Dobbs, was Sherd and Sally's son and married Julia Jones.  The others are discussed more fully below.  The photo is said to have been taken c1920.  However, Luraney died before 1910 and her child Roxy was born c1901.  I suspect it was taken in the Spring or early Summer of 1902.

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Short recap:

Sheridan L. "Sherd" Dobbs was born Sep. 4, 1844 in Wayne Co., KY to George Washington and Lurany H. Strunk Dobbbs.  He married Sarah "Sally" Coffey, born c1846 in KY, c1869.  Sally was a daughter of Nelson N. & Keziah "Kizzie" Watters Coffey.  Sally died Jan. 23, 1910 in McCreary Co., KY and Sherd died there on Dec. 17, 1941.  Both are buried in the Dobbs family cemetery in Stearns, McCreary Co.*

Their children, as I have them, were Benjamin Franklin, born ca Feb. 1870; Ollie, a daughter, born c1872; Emeline, born c1874; Angelina, born Nov. 7, 1876, died Jan. 29, 1958; Thomas, born Dec. 14, 1877, died Sep. 6, 1950, and Eli, born Nov., 1881.

Benjamin married Luraney Coffey, his mothers niece and a daughter of Henry Baker and Sarah Elizabeth Dobbs Coffey.  Sarah Elizabeth Dobbs and Sherd Dobbs were sister and brother, making Benjamin and Luraney double first cousins.

Luraney died before the 1910 census and probably at the birth of her fourth child.  Their children were Alice, born c1898, Roxie, born c1901, Florida, born Aug. 19, 1903, died Apr. 5, 1963 in Fayette Co., KY, and Esther Loraine, born Feb. 14, 1910, died Oct. 7, 1911.  Florida married Edgar Dobbs, her 4x second cousin.  Edgar was the son of Joseph and Polly Ann Coffey Dobbs.  Joseph was a son of James Shelby "Jim Frett" and Prudence Ann "Prudie" Coffey Dobbs.  Jim Frett and Sherd Dobbs were brothers.  Polly Ann Coffey was a daughter of Joseph & Louisa J. Jones Coffey, and Joseph was brother to Prudence.

Esther Loraine died at the age of 1 year, 7 mos., and 23 days.  Her death certificate lists "cause unknown."  She is buried at Rock Creek in Wayne Co.

I have no information on Ollie and Emeline Dobbs.

Angelina also married a Coffey.  He was James C. "Jim" Coffey, born Jun. 6, 1879 to Richard Henderson & Catherine C. Jones Coffey.  Richard was brother to Sarah "Sally" Coffey who married Sherd Dobbs.  Catherine, born Mar. 27, 1840 in Wayne Co., was a daughter of William McKinley and Mary Jane "Polly" Baker Jones.  Catherine died in McCreary Co. on Oct. 16, 1901; Richard on Aug. 6, 1920.

Jim and Angelina had at least eight children:  Twins, Ollie and India, born Dec. 7, 1903; Saphronia Katherine, Apr. 7, 1906; Marie, Aug. 31, 1910; James Beecher, born Mar. 8, 1911; Roberta, born May 7, 1913; Raymond R., born Jan. 29, 1915 and Lillie, born c1918.  More information is available on these children.

Thomas Dobbs married Julia Jones, thought to be a daughter of Charlie and Lizzie Jones.  She was born in Slavans, McCreary Co. on Feb. 19, 1879 and died in Cooperative, McCreary Co. on Feb. 21, 1940.  Thomas and Julia are buried at the James C. Coffey family cemetery in Stearns.  Their children were Lillie, born 1910, Parker, born 1913, Ester, born 1918, Dora, born 1920 and Edith, born 1929.  More info is also available on these children.

Sherd and Sally's last child was Eli, born Nov., 1881.  No death info has been found for him or his wife Lettie, maiden name unknown.  They had children Willer, born c1913, Austin, born c1918, Arthur, born 1920, Myrtle, born c1925 and Clifford, born c1929.  This family went to Florida sometime between 1920 and 1925 because the last two children were born in that state.

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*Please contact me if you have geocoordinates for this cemetery.