America Florence Coffey

America Florence Coffey, born Mar. 11, 18891 in Wayne Co., KY, was a daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Martha Cecelia Dobbs Coffey. Benjamin belongs to the Nelson N. and Keziah (Kizzie) Watters Coffey family.

She first married Litten Keith on May 24, 1911 in Wayne Co. After his death in 1920 she married Sherman L. Corder in 1922. Sherman died on Dec. 25, 1981 and America died in Stearns, McCreary Co. on Nov. 29, 1993.

The following appeared in the McCreary County Record on Mar. 16, 1993.

America Corder is 103 and going strong!

By Paula Vann
Record Staff Writer

This week America Corder celebrated her birthday!
What's the big deal?
She is 103 years young and still going like some 30 years her junior.
"Aunt Merk," as many members of her family call her, was born March 11 "way up on Wolf Creek," in 1890, It would be 22 years before McCreary County was born. In fact, the railroad was just punching its way into the area.

Though hard of hearing and nearly blind, America remembers what it was like. Like the time they took a skiff to Monticello.

America, born to B. F. (Benjamin Franklin) and Martha Dobbs Coffey, married Litton Keith not long after McCreary County was born. After just a few years, America lost Litton when he was killed in Mine 10 along Wolf Creek in western McCreary County.

After a time, America remarried. Her second husband was Sherman Corder. America and her husband moved to Stearns around 1925, buying a "three-room box house" on the Stearns Tower Road.

America still lives in that house. Additions have been made, but it still contains the original three rooms.

"When we moved here it was winter," smiles America. "If it hadn't been winter we'd have probably torn down the original house and built a log cabin. I never spent such a cold winter in my life," says America.

People dropped in all day last Thursday to wish America the best on her birthday. "I love having company," smiled America.

America never had any children of her own, but she has all kinds of 'children' that have adopted her through the years. Numerous nieces and nephews, their children and their children are her children, too.

America is fairly independent, despite her age. Lifeline helps her some with daily chores in and around her home, as well as help from family members.

To help celebrate her birthday, America had a fried chicken dinner which really hit her spot. A sheet cake graced the dining room table to serve visitors on America's special day. One family member was keeping record of all the birthday visitors to read to America later.

1Social Security Death Index
The photo is credited to Paula Vann
The article was contributed by Ola Jackson

Sandy Coffey

Sandy, a son of Grover Conley and Elsie Matthews Coffey, was born Nov. 28, 1959, died Apr. 12, 2008. The blog entry prior to this one announced the death of his mother.

Click on the title link to read Sandy's obituary.

Elsie Matthews Coffey (Updated 4/13/08)

The death of Elsie Matthews Coffey of McCreary Co., KY was announced today in the McCreary County Record of Whitley City, KY.

She was born at Jones Hollow, Kentucky on March 3, 1928 the daughter of the late Marcus and Flonnie Phillips Matthews. Her husband was Grover Conley Coffey, who I believe was a son of Benjamin Franklin Coffey, Jr., and Sallie Belle Clark.

Please contact me at the above e-mail address if you can confirm Grover's parents.

Click on the title link to view Elsie's obituary, and to view her photograph.

Update Apr 13, 2008:

Nettie Coffey, a daughter of Benjamin Franklin Coffey and wife Martha Cecelia Dobbs, was born Jun. 10, 1881 in KY, and died Feb. 20, 1973 in McCreary Co., KY. She married George Phillips on Jan. 24, 1906 in KY. He was born c1884 in Wayne Co., KY and died Jul. 25, 1974 in McCreary Co.

They were parents of at least three children: Flonnie, born Oct. 22, 1906; Mattie, born Aug. 13, 1908; and Otto, born Jul. 3, 1910.

Flonnie married Marcus Matthews. They were the parents of Elsie.

Elsie married Grover Conley Coffey, son of Benjamin Franklin Coffey, Jr.




L-R: Sally Clark, w/o Ben'j Franklin Coffey, Jr.; Flonnie Phillips Matthews, d/o Geo. and Nettie Coffey Phillips (Nettie sister of Ben'j, Jr.); Adina Coffey, dau. of Sally and Ben'j; Mattie Phillips, sister to Flonnie; Lee Roy Coffey, s/o Sally and Bej'j; Dovie Coffey; and Dorothy Coffey, d/o Sally and Ben'j.

Not yet sure who Dovie belongs to.

Photo courtesy Ola Jackson 4/08

Kentucky Military Registers & Land Records

The Kentucky Secretary of State Land Office website overview describes the site as "...the place to start when researching Kentucky land acquisitions. All chain of title in the Commonwealth traces back to Virginia land patents and Kentucky land patents."

Although other resources on this site may be of interest, the one most interesting to me are Military Registers & Land Records. Information on the site reads, in part, "The Military District for Virginia rested in southwestern Kentucky and south-central Ohio. The Military Registers and Land Records site includes information regarding Military Warrants issued to Virginia veterans prior to 1792, and all Kentucky patents authorized by those warrants." This link will allow searches to begin without wading through the website.

Joyce Coffey (KY1934-2008)

The link to Joyce Coffey in the sidebar will take you to her obituary.

Joyce was the daughter of Walter Othel and Mamie Matilda Baltimore. Walter was born Mar. 26, 1913 in Scott Co., TN and died in Lexington, Fayette Co., KY on Dec. 5, 1974. I have not yet searched for information on Mamie.

Walter was the son of Captain Dick and Lettie J. McBride Coffey. Captain was born Jan. 19, 1872 in Flat Rock, McCreary Co., KY, and died Oct. 25, 1950 in Scott Co. He married Lettie on Mar. 19, 1901 in Scott Co. She was born c1881 in Oneida, Scott Co., and died there in Jan., 1926.

In addition to Walter, Captain and Lettie were parents of Maude, born 1901, died 1974; Ada, born 1903, died 1984; Jeff, born 1907, died 1930; John, born 1907, died 1976; Emily, born 1911, died 1930; and Ome, born 1916, died 1937. Walter is the only one for whom I have descendant info.

Captain was the ninth of 12 children born to Joseph and Bethada Strunk Coffey. Joseph and his family arrived in Kentucky - probably Wayne Co. - sometime before 1816. His father, James, and mother, Sarah Sumpter, both natives of North Carolina, were married in Burke Co. in 1810. The first two of their 10 (at least) children were born in North Carolina. The third child, Elizabeth, and all subsequent children, was born in Kentucky. Some of their children were born in Pulaski Co.

Corrections and/or updated info can be sent to me at the above e-mail address.

Coffey Sisters & Ketron Brothers

James Madison and Lydia Ann Wolfe Coffey of Tennessee, and later of Rockcastle Co., KY, were parents of at least 12 children.

One of their daughters, Hulda Elizabeth Coffey, was born Oct. 10, 1870 in Rockcastle Co., and died on Nov. 3, 1951 in Eaton, OH. She married George Nelson Ketron, a son of Jacob Nelson and Lydia Royston Ketron.

George was born Aug. 22, 1867 in Wayne Co., KY and died Jun. 8, 1945 in Winchester, Randolph Co., IN. He and Hulda were married Apr. 21, 1897 in Rockcastle Co. There were at least six children born to this union:

• William Allen, born Mar. 30, 1898, died Dec. 23, 1942.
• James B., born Jul. 24, 1899, died Jan., 1981
• John C., born Oct. 23, 1901, died Oct., 1985
• Freeman D., born Mar. 28, 1905, died Dec., 1982
• Lydia Loretta, born Mar. 25, 1909, died Nov. 8, 1989
• George Conley, born Jul. 21, 1913, died May, 1982

William Allen and James B. were old enough to register for the WW1 draft. They reported to the registrar on Sep. 12, 1918 in Winchester, Randolph Co., IN.

William registered as Willie A. and was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes and dark brown hair. He was 20 yrs. old, born Mar. 30, 1898. He named his mother as his nearest relative.

James gave his birthdate as Jul. 24, 1899 and age as 19 yrs. He was also described as having a medium build and height with light blue eyes and dark brown hair.

Both men were laborers with the Woodbury Glass Co. in Winchester.

Their father was also employed as a laborer in a glass factory, but I do not know if it was the same factory.

This family remained in Kentucky at least through April, 1910. By Feb., 1920 they were in Randolph Co., IN where most of them lived out their remaining lives.

George Ketron's brother, Freeman, was born Feb. 21, 1875 and died Nov. 6, 1928. He married Hulda's sister Cordelia on Nov. 3, 1897 in Rockcastle Co. "Delia" was born Sep. 14, 1878 in Rockcastle Co., and died Jul. 6, 1952 in Berea, Madison Co., KY.

Children born to Delia and Freeman were:

• Johnny Love, born Nov. 4, 1898, died before 1900
• Benton, born May 22, 1900, died Dec., 1976
• Allen A., born c1903
• Daisy B., Jan. 7, 1905
• Hagie [?], a daughter, born c1910
• Thurman, born Mar. 10, 1912
• Miriane [?] Victoria, born Dec. 30, 1916

At age 18, Benton was the only child old enough to register for the WW! draft. He registered in Rockcastle Co., and was described as being of medium build and height with brown hair and eyes. He confirmed his birthdate as May 22, 1900. He was still living with his parents in 1920.

In 1930, all of the children with the exception of Floy, age 15 and Victoria, age 13 were out of their widowed mother's household.

According to her death certificate, Cordelia died of a cerebral hemorrhage and was buried at the Scaffold Cane Cemetery in Rockcastle Co.

It appears that most of this family remained in and around Rockcastle and Madison counties. Benton did move to Indiana sometime after 1920 and died there in 1976.

Please contact me at the above e-mail address to add to or correct any of this information.

Sources: Social Security Death Index, US Census Records, Kentucky Marriage Records, and David B. Trimble, Wolfe and Hickman of East Tennessee (Microfilmed by Brigham Young University: David B. Trimble, 2506 Hartford Rd., Austin, TX 78703, 2006)and WW1 Draft Registration cards

Shelby Moore Cullom

I mentioned Shelby Moore Cullom in the earlier blog on Lewis Russell and Bidant (Biddy) Moore Coffey. He was their grandson and, a son of Richard Northcraft and Elizabeth (Betsy) Coffey.

He is said to have been a Lincoln lookalike as well as a friend of Lincoln when they both served in the Illinois legislature. The photograph tends to confirm at least one of those claims.

The following is information on Shelby that I found on the web while researching Richard and Elizabeth:

Mr. Cullom was known as "Mr. Republican" of Sangamon County during his long political life. After being to the bar in 1855 & elected city attorney the same year, he was elected State Representative & then reelected the following term in which he served as Speaker of the House. In 1865 he was elected to the National Congress where he served 3 consecutive terms. In 1876 he was elected [17th] Governor of Illinois, a position he served 2 terms, resigning in the middle of the second term to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate. He was elected to the Senate in 1883 & served 5 consecutive terms. Cullom, "the man who looked like Lincoln,"was considered several times for the Presidency.

Shelby Moore Cullom*

CULLOM, Shelby Moore, senator, born in Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky, 22 November 1829. His father settled in Tazewell County, Illinois, in 1830, where he became prominent among the pioneers of the state, a member of the legislature, and a trusted friend of Abraham Lincoln. The son received a classical education, began the study of law in Springfield, Illinois, in 1853, and as soon as he was admitted to the bar was elected City attorney. He practiced law in Springfield, was a candidate for presidential elector on the Fillmore ticket in 1856, elected to the legislature in 1856 and 1860, chosen speaker in his second term, a member of the war commission that sat at Cairo in 1862, and a member of congress from Illinois from 4 December 1865, till 3 March 1871, representing the Springfield district, which before his election was democratic. During his third term he served as chairman of the committee on territories, conducted an investigation into the question of polygamy in Utah, and secured the passage of a bill for the extirpation of polygamy, which failed to come to a vote in the senate.

In 1872 he returned to the Illinois House of Representatives, was elected speaker in 1873, and in 1874 served another term in the legislature. After his return from Washington he became a banker at Springfield. He was a member of the Republican national convention in 1868, and, as chairman of the Illinois delegation, placed General Grant in nomination at Philadelphia in 1872 and General Logan in 1884. He was elected governor of Illinois in 1876, and reelected in 1880, serving from 8 January 1877, to 5 February 1883, when he resigned, having been chosen U. S. senator as a republican, to succeed David Davis, independent democrat, for the term expiring on 3 March 1889. Mr. Cullom has been prominently connected with the question of railroad regulation. As speaker of the House of Representatives he appointed the committee that drafted the stringent railroad law of Illinois, which was one of the first states to take action on the subject.

During his service of six years as governor it became his duty to appoint the Illinois railroad commissioners, and to see that they secured the enforcement of the law, which was sustained by the courts and practically put in operation during his administration. As senator he has been zealous and active in endeavoring to secure national legislation upon the same subject, and in 1885, as chairman of the senate committee on interstate commerce, conducted an investigation into the question of the regulation of railroad corporations by national legislation. His report upon this subject, submitted to the senate, 18 January 1886, is an elaborate review of the whole subject, and has attracted attention at home and abroad, resulting" in the passage by the senate of the bill that bears his name, which was referred to a conference committee of the two houses.

**CULLOM, Shelby Moore, (nephew of Alvan Cullom and William Cullom), a Representative and a Senator from Illinois; born in Wayne County, Ky., November 22, 1829; moved with his father to Tazewell County, Ill., in 1830; received an academic and university training; moved to Springfield, Ill., in 1853; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1855 and commenced practice in Springfield; elected city attorney in 1855; member, State house of representatives 1856, 1860-1861, and served as speaker of the house during the second year; elected as a Republican to the Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, and Forty-first Congresses (March 4, 1865-March 3, 1871); chairman, Committee on Territories (Forty-first Congress); member, State house of representatives 1873-1874, and served as speaker in 1873; Governor of Illinois 1877-1883, when he resigned; elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 1882; reelected in 1888, 1894, 1900, and 1906 and served from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1913; chairman, Committee on Expenditures of Public Money (1885-87), Committee on Interstate Commerce (1887-93; 1895-1901; 1909-11), Committee on Foreign Relations (1901-11), Republican Conference Chairman (1911-13); Regent of the Smithsonian Institution 1885-1913; chairman and resident commissioner of the Lincoln Memorial Commission in 1913 and 1914; member of the commission appointed to prepare a system of laws for the Hawaiian Islands; died in Washington, D.C., January 28, 1914; interment in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Ill.

Few Illinoisans of the 19th and early 20th Century were more famous than Shelby Moore Cullom of Springfield. He served more years in high Illinois public offices than any other person in the history of the state. He was Speaker of the Illinois House for three terms, a member of the U.S. House for three terms, governor for six years, and a U.S. Senator for thirty years. He was born Nov. 22, 1829 in Wayne County, Kentucky. But his family moved when he was less than a year old in 1830 to Tazewell County, Illinois where his father was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. Shelby's father, State Rep. Richard Northcraft Cullom, was a trusted friend and ally of Abraham Lincoln when both served in the Illinois House.

Shelby attended the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Illinois where he also taught lower grades part-time to earn money for his own tuition and expenses. He moved to Springfield in 1853 to read for the law at the firm of Stuart and Edwards and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1855. That same year, the newly-minted attorney was elected City Attorney of Springfield at the age of 26. In 1856, Shelby was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. Shelby was married twice. His first wife was Hannah M. Fisher. They were married from 1855 until her death in 1861. He later married Julia Fisher in May 1863. She was First Lady of Illinois 1877-1883 and died in 1909.

Shelby was re-elected in 1860 and was elected by his peers as Speaker of the House in 1861. In 1862, President Lincoln appointed him as a member of the War Claims Commission at Cairo, Illinois. He was elected to Congress in 1864 and was re-elected in 1866 and 1868. Returning to Illinois, he was again elected to the Illinois House in 1872 and 1874 and again served as Speaker of the House for four years. Mr. Cullom was elected governor of Illinois in 1876 and was re-elected in 1880.

Among the major accomplishments during his administration was the fact that Illinois was debt free and called in the last of its bonds in 1881. Pure food legislation was passed the Board of Dental Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy was created. Pursuant to the census of 1880, the Illinois congressional delegation expanded to twenty U.S. House members and new districts were drawn by the state legislature.

Early in 1883, Gov. Cullom was elected by the legislature to serve as United States Senator from Illinois. He was the principal sponsor of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 that curbed the power of railroads. He served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois continously for thirty years until his fifth six-year term expired in March 1913. In 1911, he wrote a memoir called Fifty Years in Public Service.

As Chairman of the Illinois delegation to the Republican National Convention of 1872 in Philadelphia, Sen. Cullom placed the name of President Ulyses S. Grant in nomination for president for a second term. In 1884 in the same position, he placed the name of his colleague Sen. John A. Logan in nomination for Vice President of the United States.

During the year after he retired from the Senate, Sen. Cullom served on the Lincoln Memorial Commission but did not live to see its completion eleven years after his death. He also served on the committee to draft laws for the Hawaiian islands.

Sen. Cullom died less than a year after he retired on Jan. 28, 1914 in Washington. He is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

His obituary:

CULLOM SUCCUMBS AFTER LONG ILLNESS WAS IN COMA AS END CAME

Former Senator's Last Words of Lincoln Duty

Noted Statesman, 85 Years Old Passes Away at Washington After Making Heroic Fight for Life

Funeral at Springfield, Illinois.

Washington, Jan.29th,--Former United States Sen. Shelby M. Cullom, died at his home here.

His last words were a wish that he might have lived to see the completion of the National Memorial to Abraham Lincoln, who was his personal friend.

The end came as the result of a general breakdown after the aged statesmen had fought against death for six weeks. When forced to take his bed the ex-senator's strength slowly began to ebb. He clung tenaciously to life after he had been given up several times. He was unconscious when death came.

At the bedside when the end came were Miss Victoria Fisher, sister of the two deceased wives of the senator, and William Barret Ridgeley, son-in-law, a former comptroller of the currency.

The former senator is survived by two granddaughters, Mrs. Katherine Ridgeley Brown, wife of Phelps Brown of Springfield, Mass., and Mrs. Eleanor Ridgeley Parker, wife of Dr. Henry P. Parker of this city.

Brief funeral services will be held at the Cullom home this morning and at 11:45 o'clock the body will be taken to Springfield, Ill., for interment on Saturday.

In Public Life For Fifty Years.

Former United States Senator Shelby M. Cullom of Illinois, was a figure of national importance for more than thirty years, and held public office for more than half a century.

He began his political career in 1856, when after being admitted to the Illinois bar he was elected city attorney for Springfield. Almost immediately he was elected a member of the house of of representatives of the Illinois legislature and was re-elected in 1860, serving until 1865, when he was elected to the national House of Representatives. He served in the Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, and Forty-first congresses, from December 4, 1865, to March 3, 1871. He went back to Illinois and again was elected to the state legislative in 1872, serving until 1875. In 1871 and 1873, he was elected speaker of the State House of Representatives. He was elected Governor of the state in 1875 and succeeded himself in 1880. He served until February 5, 1883, when he resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate. He took his seat on December 4, 1883, and served continuously until March 3, 1913.

Ex-Senator Was Born in Kentucky

The Collum family, like the Lincoln family, were Kentuckians who emigrated to Illinois early in the thirties. Shelby Moore Cullom was born in Wayne County, Kentucky on November 22, 1829. When the family moved to Illinois he received his education in a little log schoolhouse and at home.

Was Always a Republican

Senator Cullom was always identified with the Republican party and was a strong factor in the party organization; At the end of his thirty years as a senator he left the office poorer than when he entered it. He had no income outside of his salary. The home he formerly owned in Springfield was sold some years ago to help pay his expenses, and lately when visiting the Illinois capital he resided at a hotel or at the home of his son-in-law.

Funeral Arrangements

Springfield, Ill, Jan 29. Arrangement for the funeral of Senator Shelby M. Cullom in this city on Saturday were rapidly completed. The details were announced by Judge J. Otis Humphrey of the United States district court.
The obsequies will be held in Representatives hall at the state house at an hour not yet determined upon. The religious service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. MacLeod, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and the music will be furnished by the choir of that church. In addition, there will be brief memorial addresses by Senator L. Y. Sherman, Gov. Edward F. Dunne and Clinton L. Conkling

When the casket arrives, it will be conveyed to the residence of Mrs. Charles Ridgeley and later it will be taken to the state house, where the body will lie in state in the rotunda on the first floor.

This obituary was copied from the collection located at the Robinson Public Library. The obituaries themselves are usually not dated. Whoever made the collection has written down the dates by hand. The source of the obituary (i.e. which newspaper) is also usually not included. The obituary was transcribed by Barbara Dix.

Additions and/or corrections can be sent to me at the above e-mail address.

*Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography, edited by James Grant Wilson, John Fiske and Stanley L. Klos. Six volumes, New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1887-1889 and 1999. StanKlos.com warns that these 19th Century biographies contain errors and bias. They rely on volunteers to edit the historic biographies on a continual basis. http://www.famousamericans.net/shelbymoorecullom/

**Dictionary of American Biography; Cullom, Shelby. Fifty Years in Public Service: Personal Recollections. 1911. Reprint. New York: Da Capo Press, 1967; Neilson, James. Shelby M. Cullom: Prairie State Republican. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1962.

Some other sources used:

Illinois Marriages, 1851-1900
US Federal Census Records, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910
Illinois Hall of Fame: Shelby Moore Cullom By Mark Rhoads
[http://illinoisstatesoceity.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/11/index.html]

William Ransom (Rance) Coffey

William Ransom (Rance) COFFEY was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Feb 20, 1885. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 12, 1918 in Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY.1 Rance died on Oct 10, 1984 in Rockcastle Co., KY2 and, was buried in Oct 1984 in Maret Cemetery, Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY.3

Rance and Edna Mae HAYES were married in 1908 in Rockcastle Co., KY. They appeared in the census on Apr 20, 1910 in Rockcastle Co., KY4 and, the census on Jan 26, 1920 in Rockcastle Co.5 They also appeared in the census on Apr 23, 1930 in Rockcastle Co.6 Edna Mae HAYES, a daughter of Thomas C. HAYES and Mary M. GRIFFIN, was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Oct 2, 1882, and died on May 5, 1974 in that county. She was buried in May 1974 in Maret Cemetery, Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY.3 Rance and Edna had the following children:

+2 i. Arvol Lester COFFEY, born on Oct 22, 1909; married Rowena HAMMOND; died on Jun 2, 1974, Berea, Madison Co., KY7,8.

+3 ii. Lillian Avis COFFEY, born on Nov 22, 1911; married Robert Mason ANGLIN.

+4 iii. Robert Lloyd COFFEY, born on Jan 7, 1914, Rockcastle Co., KY; married Mima GIBSON; died on Dec 16, 1996, Indiana.

5 iv. Willis Estyll COFFEY was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Dec 21, 1916.9 He died of acute nephritis and Typhoid fever on Jun 7, 1923 in Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY.10,11 He was buried on Jun 8, 1923 in Maret Cemetery, Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY.12

6 v. Shirley Ransom COFFEY was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Jan 24, 1919.13 He died of Diphtheria and tonsillitis on Jun 12, 1925 in Rockcastle Co., KY.14 He was buried on Jun 13, 1925 in Maret Cemetery, Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY.13

+7 vi. Julian Irene COFFEY, born on Sep 27, 1925; married Clyde Burton STEPHENS; died on Aug 6, 2002.

Second Generation

2. Arvol Lester COFFEY (William Ransom-1) was born on Oct 22, 1909 and, died on Jun 2, 1974 in Berea, Madison Co., KY.7,8 He was buried in Jun 1974 in Berea Cemetery, Berea, Madison Co., KY.

Arvol married Rowena HAMMOND. She was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Nov 14, 1904 and, died on Nov 16, 1971 in Berea, Madison Co., KY. Arvol and Rowena had the following children:

8 i. Janice L. COFFEY was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Jun 18, 1936.15

9 ii. Eleanor H. COFFEY was born in Madison Co., KY on Jul 5, 1939. She died on Nov 29, 1992 in Madison Co., KY. She was buried in Dec 1992 in Berea Cemetery, Berea, Madison Co., KY.

3. Lillian Avis COFFEY (William Ransom-1) was born on Nov 22, 1911.

Lillian Avis COFFEY and Robert Mason ANGLIN were married. Robert was born in Kentucky on May 2, 1907 and, died on May 16, 1940.

4. Robert Lloyd COFFEY (William Ransom-1) was born in Rockcastle Co., KY on Jan 7, 1914 and, died on Dec 16, 1996 in Indiana. He was buried in Dec 1996 in Maple Grove Cemetery, Brook, Franklin Co., IN.

Robert Lloyd COFFEY and Mima GIBSON were married. Mima GIBSON is still being researched.

7. Julian Irene COFFEY (William Ransom-1) was born on Sep 27, 1925. She died on Aug 6, 2002.

Julian Irene COFFEY and Clyde Burton STEPHENS were married. Clyde Burton STEPHENS is still being researched

Sources

1. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 . National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. Ransom Coffey registered for the draft in Wildie, Rockcastle Co., KY on Sep, 12, 1918. He was described as being of medium height and build with brown eyes and light colored hair. He was 33 yrs. old, born Feb. 20, 1885. He was a self-employed farmer who resided with his wife Edna May Coffey at Wildie.
2. Kentucky Death Index, 1911-present. Original data: Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning. Coffey, William R., age 99, died Rockcastle Co., resident of Rockcastle Co., died 10-10-1984.
3. Rootsweb. [http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~jennfish/Maret/Coffey,%20W.%20Ransom%20&%20Etna%20Hayes.JPG].
4. United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1910 Rockcastle Co., Mt. Vernon Pct., ED100, Sheet 4B, dwelling/family not given, Coffey, William R., head, male, white, age 25, married once for one year, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Etna, wife, female, white, age 27, married once for one year, mother of 1, 1 living, born KY, parents born KY; Arvol L., son, male, white, age 5 mos., born KY, parents born KY.
5. Ibid., 1920 Rockcastle Co., Wildie Pct., ED241, Sheet 8B, dwelling/family 147, Coffey, Ransom, head, male, white, age 34, married, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Etna M., wife, female, white, age 37, married, born KY, parents born KY; Arvol L., son, male, white, age 10, born KY; Lillian A., dau., female, white, age 8, born KY; Robert L., son, male, white, age 6, born KY; Willis E., son, male, white, age 3 yrs., 4 mos., born KY.
6. Ibid., 1930 Rockcastle Co., Wildie Pct., ED13, Sheet 12A, dwelling 226, family 229, Coffey, William R., head, male, white, age 45, married at age 23, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Etna M., wife, female, white, age 47, married at age 26, born KY, parents born kY; Orval L., son, male, white, age 20, single, born KY; Lilliam A., dau., female, white, age 18, single, born KY; Robert L., son, male, white, age 16, single, born KY; Julian I., dau., female, white, age 4 yrs., 7 mos., born KY.
7. Kentucky Death Index, 1911-present. Name: Arvol L Coffey Death Date: 2 Jun 1974 Death Place: Fla Age: 064 Residence: Madison.
8. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc. Name: Arvol Coffey SSN: 404-14-9862 Last Residence: 40403 Berea, Madison, Kentucky, United States of America Born: 22 Oct 1909 Died: Jun 1974 State (Year) SSN issued: Kentucky (Before 1951 ).
9. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Kentucky Birth, Marriage, and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999. Frankfort, Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. [Death certificate gives birthdate as Dec. 21, 1917].
10. Kentucky Death Index, 1911-present. Coffey, Willis E., age 6, died Rockcastle Co. 06-07-1923.
11. Kentucky. Vital Statistics Original Death Certificates – Microfilm (1911-1955). Microfilm rolls #7016130-7041803. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky. Name: Willis Estell Coffey Death Date: 7 Jun 1923 Death Location: Rockcastle Residence Location: Rockcastle Age: 5 Gender: Male Ethnicity: White Birth Date: 21 Dec 1917 Birth Location: Rockcastle, Kentucky Father's name: Raus [sic] Coffey Father's Birth Location: Rockcastle, Kentucky Mother's name: Edna Hayns [sic] Mother's Birth Location: Rockcastle, Kentucky.
12. Rootsweb. [http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~jennfish/Maret/Coffey,%20Willis%20Estyll%20son%20of%20W.%20R.%20&%20Etna%20M..JPG].
13. Kentucky. Vital Statistics Original Death Certificates – Microfilm (1911-1955). Microfilm rolls #7016130-7041803. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.
14. Ibid., Name: Shirley Coffey Death Date: 12 Jun 1925 Death Location: Rockcastle Residence Location: Rockcastle Age: 6 Gender: Male Ethnicity: White Birth Date: 24 Jan 1919 Birth Location: Rockcastle, Kentucky Father's name: W R Coffey Father's Birth Location: Kentucky Mother's name: Edna Hayes Mother's Birth Location: Kentucky.
15. Kentucky Birth, Marriage, and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999. Name: Janice L Coffey Date of Birth: 18 Jun 1936 County: Rockcastle Mother's name: Rowena Hammond.

Wayne County, Kentucky Cemeteries Project

I have spent several hours over the past couple of days browsing this site and finding not only birth and death dates but also, several family links that had not previously found while researching the Wayne Co., KY Coffeys.

The introduction to this work reads:

For over twenty years the book Wayne County, Kentucky Cemeteries by Bennie and Juanita Coffey has been a valuable resource tool for those of us researching our family in the Wayne County area. I am pleased to announce that the Coffeys have agreed to share their book online for your personal research. I would like to extend my thanks to the Coffeys for their hard work and their generosity [and] to all who assisted in making this book a reality.

When I began browsing this site I read the "How to use online book:" that is reached by clicking on the above title link. The method that I pursued was to click on the Name Index and print the couple of pages with the Coffey names. Then, I went back to the How to Use page and clicked on the Cemetery Index page.

Don't bother using the Quadrangle links; they don't work. Instead scroll down until you find the page range on which your Coffey of interest was found in the index pages that you just printed.

For example, suppose you need to view the information for Cosby Coffey. The index reveals that he can be found on page 217. That page is in the Montecello quadrangle (interesting to know I suppose if you're using a quadrangle map). Scroll down until you find the link to pages 215 to 218. Clicking on that link will take you to the Kendrick Cemetery. Use Ctf-F in your browser to find the entry for Cosby.

I sometimes had a problem determining the name of some of the cemeteries. The authors of the webpage give coordinates (latitude and longitude) for which you might need a magnifying glass to read, but didn't always give the name or the closest town to some of the cemeteries. I used the coordinates and my Street Maps software from DeLorme to find the cemetery and determine what town or village the cemetery is closest to. I like to record coordinates and other information about cemeteries just in case some future researcher stumbles across my work. With those and a GPS receiver he, or she, will be able to easily find the cemeteries.

Now, all I need is a website that will give me all of the marriage dates for those Wayne Co., KY Coffeys.

Please use the below e-mail address to contact me.

Maudie Coffey Jackson

This photo depicts, from left to right, Maudie, America Florence, and Martha Coffey. Maudie and Martha were sisters; America was a sister to L. Henderson. She married Litton Keith, born Dec. 5, 1890 in KY and died there on Oct. 12, 1920. Florence was born Mar. 11, 1890 in Wayne Co., KY and died Nov. 29, 1993 in that state.





This photo is of Maudie and, apparently taken before her marriage (she is not wearing a wedding ring) to Charles Jackson.





This too may be a pre-wedding photograph. Perhaps it is an engagement photograph.




Maudie and Charles, perhaps also pre-marriage. I cannot discern a wedding ring on either person. Charles Jackson was born Feb. 28, 1906 in Owsley Co., KY and died Mar. 29, 1983 in Hamilton Co., OH. Both he and Maudie are buried at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Princeton Pike, Hamilton Co.






And finally, Maudie in recent years. She died in 1994 at Fairfield, OH and is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Princeton Pike, Hamilton Co., OH.



I previously mis-identified this photo as Maudie Coffey Jackson. It is actually Alice Sims Clark, wife of L. Henderson Coffey and, Maudie's mother. She was born Dec. 5, 1887 in Kentucky and died Oct. 26, 1979 in that state.

Alice was the daughter of Henry and Rebecca Morrow Clark who were also parents of Sallie Belle Clark, born May 3, 1884, died Nov. 20, 1966. Sallie was the wife of Benjamin Franklin Coffey, Jr., a brother to L. Henderson Coffey.

L. Henderson Coffey

L. Henderson Coffey was a son of Benjamin Franklin Coffey and Martha Lorilda Dobbs. He was born Mar. 29, 1886 in Kentucky and died Jan. 5, 1909 in McCreary Co., KY. He married Alice Sims Clark in Jan., 1911. After the death of Henderson, Alice married Alex Tucker with whom she had eight more children. Alice died in Kentucky on Oct. 26, 1979. Alex was born Nov. 12, 1890 in Kentucky and died on Oct. 6, 1971 in Wayne Co., KY

Henderson and Alice had two children:

- Maudie, born Nov. 13, 1906 at Wolf Creek, Yamacrow, McCreary Co., died Mar. 23, 1994 in Hamilton Co., OH. Maudie married Charles Jackson c1931 in Cincinnati, Hamilton Co.

Maudie Coffey Jackson

She is buuried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Princeton Pike, Hamilton Co.

- Martha, born Sep., 1908 and is still living, although in poor health. Her husband was Oscar Jones of Wayne Co., KY.

The following, as well as the photographs, was contributed by Ola Jackson of Fairfield, OH who is a grandchild of Henderson and Alice:

"The story of my Grandfather Henderson is a sad one. He was playing cards with a "friend" and lost. There was a disagreement . The next morning he was riding his horse past another friends barn, when the disgruntled card player heard him comment to the friend that he had cheated. The "friend" then came out and shot him.. My mother was just 3 years old and her sister , Martha was 1 year old. I have recently found out that the man's name who shot Henderson was Owen Worley. Maudie had eight more siblings who had a different father. Alice Clark Coffey. married Alex Tucker of Wayne County KY. One of the half sisters told me that name. My mother told me that it was around Christmas when Grandfather was shot.... He lived until January."

"Maudie was born at Wolf Creek, Yamacraw , Kentucky She was raised in Wayne County. I don't know if Martha was born in McCreary County or not, but she was raised in Wayne County. I do know that my mother attended school in McCreary County. Maudie died on March 23, 1994. This Coffey Family is buried in Coffey Cemetery #1. Benjamin Franklin Coffey owned much land that they sold part of to The Stearns Coal Co."

[The] "Cemetery where Maudie Jackson is interred is Rose Hill Cemetery, Princeton Pike , Hamilton , Ohio. She passed away here in Fairfield. We have lived in and around Fairfield for many years. I am the 5th child of Maudie and Charles Jackson.. Grandfather L. Henderson was the son of Benjamin Franklin Coffey Sr. and Lorilda (I have seen different spellings such as Lorilla, Cereilea, etc. on the internet.) Dobbs. Alice Clark was the daughter of Henry Clark , born in Campbell County TN or Whitley County Ky, reports differ, and Rebecca Morrow. They lived in Wayne County Kentucky. Henry was a Civil War Veteran, joining when he was 17. He died in October 1942. He was in the 12th KY Reg. Co H. .The Clarks are from Henry County Virginia."

Please contact me at the e-mail address below to add to or correct any of this information.

Arthur A. & Gatie Ramsey Coffey

Arthur, born Nov. 25, 1876 in Rockcastle Co., KY, was the first child and son of Lee and Isabelle Hiatt [var.] Coffey. Lee was a son of Thomas Jefferson and Perlina Hayes Coffey. Arthur married Gatie [sic] Ramsey on Jan. 28, 1897 in Rockcastle Co.

Gatie is said to have been a daughter of Joseph Love and Martha Jane Bryant Ramsey., born in May, 1881. The 1870 census names only one child, Elly [sic], born c1896 in Rockcastle Co. In 1880 Ella was still the only child in the household. There isn't a census record for 1890, and according to marriage records, Gatie was married by 1897, therefore there is not a way to verify by census that she was born to Joseph and Martha.

After Martha died in 1895, Joseph married Galathia Jane Coffey on Feb. 28, 1898 in Rockcastle Co. Galathia was the second daughter and fourth child born to James Madison and Lydia Ann Wolfe Coffey. She was born in Oct. 1865 and died Jun. 24, 1939 in Madison Co., KY. James was a son of Ausburn and Tildy Dalton Coffey.

There was one known child born to this marriage, a daughter named Janie Lydia Ramsey, born Apr. 8, 1899 in Rockcastle Co., and died there on Apr. 12, 1998. Her headstone stands in the Berea Cemetery, Madison Co. She apparently never married.

The Rockcastle Co. census of 1900 shows Joseph and Galathia in the household with Ella Baker, Joseph's daughter by Mary Jane Bryant.

Children all born in Rockcastle Co. to Arthur A. and Gatie Ramsey Coffey were:

Ella Mae, born Apr. 24, 1898, died Dec. 29, 1983

William Mat, born Nov. 26, 1899, died Sep. 6, 1975. He married Anna Lee Adams on Sep. 28, 1924 in Kenton Co., KY. They were parents of twins, Dorothy and Doris, born Aug. 6, 1927. He and Anna are buried in the Elmwood Cemetery at Mt. Vernon in Rockcastle Co.

Bud, or "Little Buddy", born Apr. 1, 1902, died Apr. 8, 1902. He was buried in the Hiatt Cemetery in Renfro Valley, Rockcastle Co.

Anna Wright, born Apr. 12, 1903, died Mar. 16, 1984.

Robert Lee, born Jul. 7, 1905, died Jul. 8, 1985 in Rockcastle Co. He married Sallie Minerva Livesay, born Nov. 17, 1905, died Jan. 12, 1997. Both are buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Brodhead in Rockcastle Co.

Arthur Earl, born Mar. 16, 1907, died Jul. 14, 2000. He married Norma Nollen Beck on Feb. 4, 1934.

Colonel Ramsey, born Apr. 26, 1911, died Jan. 8, 1912. He is buried in the Hiatt Cemetery in Renfro Valley.

Pearl Givens, born Nov. 15, 1912, married Thelma Lillian Green on Feb. 11, 1940.

Jesse James, born Sep. 17, 1915, married Katherine L. Croddy on Mar. 21, 1935.

Edna Ruth, born Dec. 8, 1917, died Oct. 11, 1919.

Bradford Lewis, born Jul. 30, 1922, died Apr. 23, 1996. He married Blanche Marie Snipes on Dec. 13, 1947. Blanche was born Jan. 20, 1927 in Dayton, Campbell Co., KY and died Jul. 14, 2007 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA. Both are buried in the Elmwood Cemetery at Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle Co.

This obituary appeared in The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA on Jul. 16, 2007:

SHREVEPORT, LA - Blanche Marie Coffey died July 14, 2007 at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Hospital in Shreveport, LA. She was born January 20, 1927 in Dayton, Kentucky, the daughter of Ruth Snipe Schmolt and Robert Lee Snipe. She was the beloved wife of Bradford Lewis Coffey. She served faithfully in gospel ministry with her husband for 45 years.

Blanche's family will receive friends Monday, July 16, 2007 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Survivors include four daughters, Patricia Boswell and husband Gary of Shreveport, Louisiana, Deborah Baker of Memphis, Tennessee, Rebecca Brenner and husband John of Tacoma, Washington, and Martha Harris of Enid, Oklahoma; one sister Mary Carroll of Hamilton, Ohio; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Her husband and two infant sons preceded her in death.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on July 19, 2007 at Elmwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The services will be under the direction of Dowell-Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky.Memorials may be made to the building fund of Westview Christian Church of Shreveport, Louisiana. Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Update 8/20/07: A reader has notified me that there was another child born to Arthur and Gatie: Vearl Hyatt Coffey, b.23 May 1909, Renfro Valley, Rockcastle, Kentucky d.12 Sep 1972 Married Lou Ceil Cross on 15 Jun 1933.

Nathan Coffey (1788 KY - 1834 IL)

Nathan or, perhaps, Nathaniel Coffey was a son of Joel and Martha Stepp [var] Coffey. He was born Jan. 10, 1788 in Kentucky, and married Sarah (Sally) Meredith on Nov. 11, 1806 in Adair Co., KY. Sarah was the daughter of David and Hannah Cook Meredith.

Twelve of their 13 children were born in KY, the last there in Feb., 1829. Their last was born in IL in Jan., 1831. These dates indicate that the family left Adair Co. in about 1830 for IL, and arrived there before Jan., 1831. Nathan died in Pike Co., IL on Sep. 19, 1834. Sarah died there on Dec. 26, 1853.

Their children were:

Martha Bagby, born Jan. 8, 1808, and married Charles M. Benbook in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Mar. 18, 1826.

Woodson Rickets, born Oct. 1, 1809.

Elizabeth Graham, born Apr. 27, 1811.

Meredith Washington, born Mar. 3, 1813, married Eliza Hutchinson on Jul. 24, 1836 in Pike Co., IL. They appeared in the 1840 census in Pike Co.

Joel Woodson, born Mar. 5, 1815.

Daniel Franklin, born Apr. 18, 1817, died Sep. 22, 1867. He married Elizabeth Conner, born c1820 in KY, on Aug. 6,1842 in Pike Co., IL. Daniel died Sep. 22, 1867 in Griggsville, Pike Co., IL. Their children were: Sarah E., born c1843; Nathan F., born c1845; J. Hardin, born c1847; Tabitha (Delitha?) M., born c1849; Daniel Franklin, Jr., born c1851, married Nancy M. [LNU] c1876 in IL. their children were Russell J., born c1877 and Burton B., born Feb. 1880. Burton B., born c1853; Thomas M., born Apr. 2, 1855, married Lillian May Hathaway on Jul, 5, 1883 in Pike Co., IL; Lillian was born c1862 in Griggsville, Pike Co.; Mary J., born c1857; Grace L., born c1861, died May 19, 1914 in Kaw, Jackson Co., MO. The family appears in the 1850 and 1860 in Griggsville, Pike Co. census.

Hannah Jane, born Mar. 19, 1819, married William Wells Apr. 12, 1835 in Pike Co. William was born c1815 in KY and apparently died before 1860. He was not present for the census that year. However, two of the children born to Hannah Jane were born after 1860, making it possible that William was away at war, returned before 1863 and died before the 1870 census. Their children were Haster M., born c1837; William, born c1843; John, born c1845; Hardin, born c1849; Jane, born c1851; Frances, born c1854; George, born c1863, and Nelly, born c1865. William is with the family in the 1850 Griggsville, Pike Co. census, but was absent in 1860 and 1870.

Kizia Catherine, born Jan. 9, 1821, married Archibald Campbell Mar. 9, 1840 in Pike Co. Archibald was born c1817 in KY. Their known children were as son, J. W., born c1843 and E. E., a daughter, born c1846. She and Archibald were in the 1850 Pike Co. census.

Thomas Chelton, born Dec. 18, 1822, married Rebecca J. Daigh, Jun. 11, 1848 in Pike Co. Rebecca was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Daigh. Thomas later married Helen L. Brower. They were in the 1850 Pike Co. census in the household with Rebecca's parents.

Eliza Emeline, born Mar. 10, 1825 in Simpson Co., KY, died Dec. 9, 1901 in Pike Co., IL. She married John Porter Nov. 28, 1850 in Pike Co. He died May 27, 1895 in Pike Co., and Eliza died there on Dec. 9, 1901. Their known children were: Emma, born Jan. 8, 1852; Sarah, born Oct. 6, 1856; Jane, born c1858; and John D., born Sep. 23, 1860. They appeared in the 1860 through 1880 Newburg Twp., Pike Co., IL census.

James Cleveland, born May 31, 1827.

Sarah Ann, born Feb. 4, 1829, married Charles Tomlinson Nov. 14, 1863 in Pike Co. Charles was born c1831 in New Jersey. They appeared in the 1870 Macon Co., MO census and in 1880 in Warrensburg, Johnson Co., MO. They had no known children.

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

Benjamin Franklin Coffey (KY 1851 - KY 1918)

Benjamin Franklin Coffey, Jr. was the son of Ben, Sr. and Martha Lorilla Dobbs. Ben, Sr. was born Feb. 10, 1851 in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY and died in McCreary Co., KY on Apr. 6, 1918. Martha was born Mar. 18, 1850 in Wayne Co., and died in McCreary Co. on Mar. 5, 1938. Ben, Sr. was a son of Nelson and Keziah Watters Coffey.

1. Benjamin Franklin COFFEY was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Feb 10, 1851. He died on Apr 6, 1918 in McCreary Co., KY.

Benjamin Franklin COFFEY and Martha Lorilla DOBBS were married on Dec 5, 1872 in Whitley Co., KY. They appeared in the census on Jun 22, 1880 in Wayne Co., KY.1 Martha Lorilla DOBBS was born in Wayne Co., KY on Mar 18, 1850. She appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY as a widow.2 Martha died on Mar 5, 1938 in McCreary Co., KY. Benjamin and Martha had the following children:

i. Nelson COFFEY was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY about 1874.
2 ii. Benjamin F. COFFEY Jr., born on Feb 16, 1876, Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY; married Sallie Belle CLARK, on Nov 11, 1902, KY.
3 iii. Tolbert M. COFFEY, born on Feb 5, 1878, Wayne Co., KY; married Sarah LNU, about 1899, Wayne Co., KY.
4 iv. Nettie COFFEY, born on Jun 10, 1881, Kentucky; married George PHILLIPS, on Jan 24, 1906, Kentucky; died on Feb 20, 1973, McCreary Co., KY.
v. Gertie COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1883, and died about 1886 in KY.
5 vi. Henderson COFFEY, born on Mar 29, 1886, Kentucky; married Alice CLARK; died on Jan 5, 1909, KY.
6 vii. America COFFEY, born on Mar 11, 1890, Wayne Co., KY; married Litten KEITH; died on Nov 29, 1993, KY.
7 viii. Maggie COFFEY, born in 1893, Kentucky; married James KEITH.
8 ix. James Perkins COFFEY, born on Aug 24, 1896, Kentucky; married Clara CORRELL, on Jan 16, 1924, Kentucky; died on Feb 14, 1929, KY.


Second Generation

2. Benjamin F. COFFEY Jr. (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Feb 16, 1876.

Benjamin F. COFFEY Jr. and Sallie Belle CLARK were married on Nov 11, 1902 in Kentucky. They appeared in the census on Jan 17, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY,3 and the census on Apr 3, 1930 in McCreary Co., KY.4 Sallie Belle CLARK was born in Kentucky on May 3, 1884, and died on Nov 20, 1966 in McCreary Co., KY. Benjamin Jr. and Sallie had the following children:

i. Martha COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1905.
ii. Benjamin Franklin COFFEY Jr. was born in Kentucky about 1907.
9 iii. Rebecca F. COFFEY, born on Sep 12, 1908, Wayne Co., KY; married John H. COFFEY, on Nov 15, 1928, McCreary Co., KY; died on Aug 9, 2000, McCreary Co., KY. John was the son of William and Laura Belle Jones Coffey.
iv. Tony M. COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1911.
v. Leroy COFFEY was born in North Carolina about 1913.
vi. Henry O. (A.?) COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1914.
vii. James H. COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1917.
viii. Dovie COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1920.
ix. Delphia COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1926.
x. Vianie COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1927.
xi. Grover COFFEY was born in Kentucky about 1928.

3. Tolbert M. COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Feb 5, 1878.

Tolbert M. COFFEY and Sarah LNU were married about 1899 in Wayne Co., KY. They appeared in the census on Jun 14, 1900 in Wayne Co., KY.5 Sarah LNU was born in Kentucky in Jan 1883. Tolbert M. COFFEY and Sarah LNU had the following children:

i. Martha COFFEY was born in Wayne Co., KY in Oct 1899.

4. Nettie COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky on Jun 10, 1881. She died on Feb 20, 1973 in McCreary Co., KY.

Nettie COFFEY and George PHILLIPS were married on Jan 24, 1906 in Kentucky. They appeared in the census on May 2, 1910 in Wayne Co., KY,6 and in the census on Mar 10, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY.7 George PHILLIPS was born in Wayne Co., KY about 1884, and died on Jul 25, 1974 in McCreary Co., KY. Nettie COFFEY and George PHILLIPS had the following children:

i. Flonnie PHILLIPS was born in Kentucky on Oct 22, 1906.
ii. Mattie PHILLIPS was born in Whitley Co., KY on Aug 13, 1908.
iii. Otto PHILLIPS was born in Whitley Co., KY on Jul 3, 1910.

5. Henderson COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky on Mar 29, 1886, and died on Jan 5, 1909 in Kentucky.

Henderson COFFEY and Alice CLARK were married. Alice CLARK [Still being researched]


6. America COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Mar 11, 1890, and died on Nov 29, 1993 in Kentucky.

America COFFEY and Litten KEITH were married. They appeared in the census on Jan 16, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY.8 Litten KEITH was born in Kentucky about 1891.


7. Maggie COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky in 1893.

Maggie COFFEY and James KEITH were married. They appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in McCreary Co., KY in the household with Maggie's widowed mother. James KEITH was born in Kentucky about 1887.


8. James Perkins COFFEY (Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Kentucky on Aug 24, 1896. He appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in Slavans, McCreary Co., KY as a single man in the household with his widowed mother. He died on Feb 14, 1929 in Kentucky.

James Perkins COFFEY and Clara CORRELL were married on Jan 16, 1924 in Kentucky. Clara CORRELL was born in Kentucky in 1905, and died on Sep 25, 1995.




Third Generation

9. Rebecca F. COFFEY (Benjamin F.-2, Benjamin Franklin-1) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Sep 12, 1908, and died on Aug 9, 2000 in McCreary Co., KY.

Rebecca F. COFFEY and John H. COFFEY were married on Nov 15, 1928 in McCreary Co., KY. John H. COFFEY (son of William COFFEY and Laura Belle JONES) was born in Wayne Co., KY on Mar 29, 1910. He died on Oct 1, 2002 in McCreary Co., KY.

Sources

1. United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1880 Wayne Co., Dist. 5, ED110, Page 24, dwelling/family 212, Coffey, Benjamin F., white male, age 29, married, farmer, born KY, father born NC, mother born KY; Martha Z., white female, age 30, wife, married, keeping house, born KY, father born KY, mother born NC; Nelson, white male, age 6, son, single, born KY, parents born KY; Benjamin F., white male, age 4, son, single, born KY, parents born KY; Bonapart, white male, age 2, son, single, born KY, parents born KY.
2. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., Slavans, Dist 179, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 29, Coffey, Martha, head, female, white, age 69, widow, born KY, parents born KY; James, son, male, white, age 23, single, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Keith, James, son-in-law, male, white, age 33, married, born KY, parents born KY, farm laborer; Keith, Maggie, dau., female, white, age 26, married, born KY, parents born KY.
3. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., Slavans Twp., ED179, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 30, Coffey, Benjamine F., head, male, white, age 43, married, born KY, parents born KY, coal miner; Sally B.,wife, female, white, age 36, married, born KY, parents born KY; Martha, dau., female, white, age 14, single, born KY; Benjamine F., son, male, white, age 13, single, born KY; Rececca F., dau., female, white, age 11, single, born KY; Tony M., dau., female, white, age 9, born KY; Lee R. [sic], son, male, white, age 7, born KY; Henry A., son, male, white, age 5, born KY;James H., son, male, white, age 3 yrs., 5 mos.
4. Ibid., 1930 McCreary Co., Whitehead Twp., ED6, Sheet 2A, Wolf Creek Road, dwelling/family 19, Coffey, Benjamin F., head, male, white, age 54, married at age 26, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Sallie B., wife, female, white, age 44, married at age 17, born KY, parents born KY; Benjamin F., son, male, white, age 23, single, born KY; Tony M., dau., female, white, age 19, single, born KY; Leroy, son, male, white, age 17, single, born KY; Henry O., son, male, white, age 16, single, born KY; James, son, male, white, age 13, born KY; Docie, dau., female,white, age 10, born KY; Dorothy, dau., female, white, age 7, born KY; Delphia, dau., female, white, age 4 [?], born KY; Vianie, dau., female, white, age 3, born KY; Grover, son, male, white, age [?], born KY.
5. Ibid., 1900 Wayne Co., Pct. 6, ED130, Sheet 9B, dwelling 162, family 163, Coffey, Talbert [sic], head, white male, born Feb. 1878, age 22, married 1 yr., born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Sarah, wife, white female, born Jan. [?], 1883, age 17, married 1 yr., born KY, parents born KY; Marthy, dau., white female, born Oct. 1899, age 7 mos., born KY.
6. Ibid., 1910 Wayne Co., Rock Creek Pct., ED229, Sheet 3B, dwelling 97, family 101, Philips, George, head, male, white, age 25, married once for 4 yrs., born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Nettie, wife, female, white, age 24, married once for 4 yrs., born KY, parents born KY; Flonnie, dau., female, white, age 3, born KY; Mattie, dau., ffemale, white, age 1 yr., 4 mos. [Census is light and difficult to read].
7. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., White Head Pct., ED178, Sheet 1A, Alum Creek Road, dwelling/family 4, Phillips, George, head, male, white, age 36, married born KY, parents born KY, farmer; Nettie, wife, female, white, age 40, married, born KY, parents born KY; Flonna, dau., female, white, age 14, single, born KY; Mattie, dau., female,whtie, age 12, single, born KY; Otto, son, male, white, age 9, single, born KY.
8. Ibid., 1920 McCreary Co., Slavans, Pct. 16, ED179, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 31, Keith, Litten, head, male, white, age 28, married, born KY, parents born KY, farmer; America, wife, female, white, age 29, married, born KY, parents born KY.

Please send additions and/or corrections to me at the e-mail address below.

Willis Coffey (1804-1893)

Willis Coffey was born May 2, 1804 in Kentucky to the union of Eli and Mary (Polly) Coffey Coffey. Eli was a son of Salathiel and Elizabeth Gore Coffey while Mary was a daughter of Nathan Coffey and Mary Saunders (var). Nathan and Salathiel were brothers. Researchers are not yet clear on who their parents were.

Willis was the second of twelve children born to Eli and Mary. He married Violetta (Lotty) Haynes on Mar. 28, 1828 in Russell Co., KY. Lotty was born Mar. 17, 1805 in Virginia and died Oct. 10, 1869 in DeKalb Co., MO. Willis died there on Sep. 26, 1893.

Nine children were born to this marriage:

Eliza, born Jul. 28, 1829, died Jul. 27, 1870, married to Willis Washington Warriner.

Nebuzaradon, born c1832 in Russell Co., married Ann Baxter

Teckley, born May 18, 1833 in Russell Co., died Mar. 11, 1902 in Jefferson Co., KY. She married John Rippetoe, born Aug. 6, 1829 in Russell Co., died Apr. 18, 1903 in Jefferson Co.

Sarah, born Feb. 22, 1835 in Russell Co., died Jun. 1, 1908 in DeKalb Co., MO, married Barnes Clark.

Mary, born c1837 in Russell Co.

Jackson, born c1839 in Russell Co.

Lotty Emeline, born c1840 in Russell Co., died Jan. 4, 1899 in OK, maarried William Henry Carter Oct. 22, 1857 in DeKalb Co., MO.

Nancy, born c1843

James C., born Mar. 16, 1845, died Oct. 1, 1875 in DeKalb Co., MO.

Willis and Lotty left Kentucky sometime between 1850 and 1860 and settled in Washington Twp., DeKalb Co., MO where they remained for the rest of their lives.

After Lotty died Willis married the widow, Susan Pickett, who had children of her own. At the age of 71 years, Willis fathered another son, Willis Franklin, born
in Oct., 1874.

When he was 20, Willis Franklin married Laura Alice Thornton. They were the parents of three children:

Elva L., born Jul. 1894, died Aug. 21, 1970. She married Forest James, born Jan. 1895 in Kansas and died Nov. 5, 1973 in Multnomah Co., OR. Their children were Howard, born 1920; Wendell, born c1923; and Kenneth, born c1926.

Alice B., born Oct., 1896, married Benjamin Charles Knight, born c1895 in Washington. I know of one child, Velma E., born c1917.

Erin M., born c1902, died Mar. 19, 1942 in Multnomah Co. He married Delores (LNU), born c1906 in Wyoming. They had at least two children: Willis C., born c1926, and Ronald G., born Oct. 3, 1927, died Jul. 3, 1900.

I know very little about the children of Willis and Lotty Haynes Coffey. Additions and/or corrections can be sent to me at the e-mail address below.

William O. Coffey

William O. was the son of William M. Coffey, himself a son of Nathan Coffey and Elizabeth Gilbreath. The mother of William O. has not been identified.

"William O. Coffee, M.D. of Columbia [Maury Co.], was born in Ballard County, Ky., in 1859, and after the usual common school training he obtained his literary and medical education in St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from the Missouri Medical College of that city in 1880. He first began practicing in the blue-grass State, and later in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, and in May, 1885, came to Tennessee. William Coffee [sic] was known, and his grandfather, Nathan Coffee, had been a well-known and prosperous business man. William O. has acquired a good practice in the short time he has been in Columbia. He is a member of the Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and King's County (N.Y.), Medical Societies, and was one time a member of the American Medical Association. he is a Democrat in politics and a member of the K. of H. fraternity."

Source: Southern Historical Press, Inc., History of Tennessee Illustrated (Nashville, TN: The Goodspeed Publishing Co.,)

James Nelson and Sarah Margaret Barrier Coffey

James Nelson, third born of the 10 children of James and Keziah Watters Coffey, was the father of 12 children by his wife Sarah Margaret Barrier. Sarah was the daughter of Richard and Permelia Ann Loweall Barrier, and was born Jan. 14, 1844 in Kentucky. She died in Wayne Co. in 1935.

Nelson was born Jul. 9, 1811 in Burke Co., NC and died Feb. 22, 1878 in Whitley Co., KY. He and Kezia, who was born born Mar 6, 1910 in TN, and died Jun. 5, 1885 in KY, were married Oct. 14, 1830 in Pulaski Co., KY.

Richard Barrier was born Dec. 17, 1822 in Wayne Co., KY and died there on Oct. 4, 1907. He and Permelia married there on Nov. 4, 1842. Permelia was born May 7, 1826 in Wayne Co., and died Mar. 17, 1889 in that county.

These are the children of James Nelson and Sarah Margaret Barrier Coffey:

Jane, born May 1, 1862, died Mar. 15, 1927. She married Lafayette Emberson Foster on Jan. 15, 1885 in Wayne Co. I know of three children: Eveline, born Mar. 1886; Martha, born Apr. 1889; and Granville, born Jul. 1890. In 1900 they resided in Parmleysville, and in 1920 and 1920 they were in Bell Hill, all in Wayne Co.

Nelson C., born Feb. 17, 1864 in Wayne Co., and died May 30, 1934 in [probably] Wayne Co. He married Sarah Emerine Worley Feb. 2, 1887 in Wayne Co. She was born Jan. 4, 1867 in Wayne Co., and died there on Oct. 10, 1967. Their children were: Rachel and Emerine, born and died 1888; James Nelson, born Apr. 22, 1889, married Dica Ann Roberts; Albert, born Apr. 7, 1891 in Wayne Co., and died in Hamilton Co., OH on Nov. 13, 1970. He married Little Susan Denney on Aug, 20, 1911 in Wayne Co. She was born Nov. 11, 1893 in Wayne Co., and died May 7, 1869 in Hamilton Co. They were parents of 10 children. The fifth child of Nelson and Sarah was Wilburn, a twin to Albert, born Apr. 7, 1891, died Apr. 12, 1971. He was followed by Alice, born Mar. 1893; Sarah Margaret, born Feb. 8, 1897, died Dec. 31, 1957, married Feb. 26, 1915 to John Roscoe Denney, born Feb. 11, 1890, died Oct. 3, 1975 in Wayne Co. Their last child was Kizzie Elizabeth, born Apr. 15, 1902.

Richard, born Apr. 1865 in Wayne Co., married Roseanna [LNU], who was born Aug., 1877. I have found two children for them: Thomas, born Jan., 1891 and Martha L., born Aug., 1892.

Kesiah, born Dec. 1866

Permelia [Amelia] A., born May 14, 1868, died Jan. 24, 1943

Henderson, born Oct. 15, 1870, died Jan. 31, 1960. He married Feb. 27, 1902 to Margaret Coffey, a daughter of Henderson and Catherine C. Jones Coffey. Margaret was born Nov. 6, 1870 in Wayne Co., and died there on Nov. 9, 1946. Their children were Ida, born c1902, died Jan. 26, 1934; Garnett, born Nov. 24, 1093, died Mar. 6, 1975; Walter, born Oct. 29, 1906; Lexie, born Jan. 9, 1909, died Sep. 16, 1967; and Everett, born Sep. 22, 1911, died Jul. 10, 1970.

Pruda, born Mar. 15, 1873 in Wayne Co., died Jan. 14, 1965 in Monticello, Wayne Co. She married Calvin Koger, Jr. on Apr. 7, 1898. He was born Feb. 15, 1872 and died Aug. 8, 1951 in Monticello. Their children were Elbert G., born Jul., 1899; India, born c1902; Math [?], a son, born c1903; Edgar, born c1905; and Fronia, born c1908.

Adinna, born Jan. 24, 1876 in Wayne Co., married Cooper Burnett on Dec. 30, 1903. Cooper was born 1871 in Pulaski Co., KY. I have no other information on this couple.

Mary N., born Jun. 22, 1878 in Wayne Co., and died there on Nov. 18, 1947. She married John D. Cooper on Jan. 11, 1900. He was born Mar. 1, 1871 in Wayne Co. and died there on Apr. 9, 1954. Their children were Stella, born c1902 and Wilfred, born c1915. There were probably others that I have not yet found.

Nancy, born Mar. 4, 1881

Burl, born Mar. 4, 1881, married on Mar. 7, 1903 in Kentucky to Camely Steele, daughter of John M. and Eliza Steele. She was born Dec., 1884 in Kentucky. Their children were Mabel; Earnie; Oscar; Mary Jane; Leslie; Frederic and Woodrow.

Susanna, born Mar. 11, 1886 in Kentucky, married John Messer. I have found no other information on this couple.

Census records show that all of these children remained in Wayne Co., and for most of their lives lived near each other.

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Mary (Polly) Coffey

Mary (Polly) Coffey was the second child of Jesse and Elizabeth Riffe Coffey. She was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Apr. 25, 1808, and died May 29, 1842 in Casey Co. She married Jeremiah Vardaman on Mar. 12, 1829 in Casey Co. Jeremiah was born May 10, 1797 in Lincoln Co., KY, and died Mar. 28, 1854 in Collin Co., TX.

According to Peter Bim Riff's Celestes, Mary's real name was Tabitha, and referred to as "Polly."

Polly and Jeremiah were parents to at least seven children:

Mary Elizabeth, born Aug. 1, 1832 in Lincoln Co., died May 1, 1877 in
Texas
Lucy Ann, born Nov. 13, 1834 in Lincoln Co., died Feb. 22, 1901 in Grayson
Co., TX
Ephriam Pennington, born Jan. 9, 1837 in KY, died Mar. 6, 1901 in Collin
Co., TX
Patsy Jane, born Jan. 29, 1838 in Lincoln Co., died Oct. 18, 1926
Jesse Morgan, born Feb. 3, 1839 in Lincoln Co., died May 17, 1903 in Denton
Co., TX.
Jeremiah, born Jan., 1840, died May, 1863 in TN
John, born and died in 1846

Sources:

W. M. Watkins, editor, The Men, Women, Events, Institutions & Lore of Casey County, Kentucky (Louisville, KY : 236 pgs: Standard Print Co., 1939)

US Federal Census Records

Henderson Coffey

Henderson was not too popular a name in some Coffey families. I think there are four or five with that name in my files. Many Coffey families were not too imaginative when it came time to name a child. Of course, some families ventured outside the norm and named their daughers something other than Sarah, Elizabeth, Jane, Margaret or Martha. Boys fared somewhat better, but it's often difficult to find a Coffey family without a James, Jesse, John, Benjamin or Joseph.

I've often wondered how it must have been in town on Saturday when everone came out of the woods to do their weekly shopping, or to attend church on Sunday. It must have been as difficult for the preachers and store keepers to keep everyone straight in their minds as it is for us today. I suppose that's how nicknames such as "Black Tom," and "Red Eye" evolved.

My paternal grandmother had three male first cousins with the same surname and all named Jesse. To keep them separate, the family referred to them as "Wild Jess", "Black Jess," and "Cripple Jess," who had been injured in a sawmill accident.

Nicknames were a convenient way for everyone to sort out men with the same name. Still it must have been a problem with many of the women having one of the more popular nicknames such as Halie, Mattie, Polly, and Molly!

Back to Henderson: He was a son of Nelson and Keziah Watters Coffey, born c1844 in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY. He married Catherine C. Jones on Nov. 25, 1867 in Wayne Co. Catherine was the daughter of William McKinley and Mary Jane (Polly) Baker Jones. She was born Mar. 27, 1840 in Wayne Co., and died Oct. 16, 1901 in McCreary Co., KY. I do not have a death date for Henderson.

Catherine bore at least six children:

Mary Ann (Polly), born c1868, died Jun. 2, 1944. She married Elisha E. Roberts on Mar. 12, 1891 in Kentucky. He was born in Wayne Co. in 1856, and died Apr. 29, 1947 in that county. Polly also died in Wayne Co. on Jun. 2, 1944. I have no children for them.

Kizzie, born Sep. 17, 1869 in Eadsville, Wayne Co., died Oct. 2, 1959 in McCreary Co. She married John Coffey, son of Shelby and Sarah "Sally" Perkins.

Margaret, third child and third daughter of Henderson and Catherine, married a Henderson Coffey whose first name may have been Richard. They were married on Feb. 27, 1902 in (probably) Wayne Co., KY. Children were:

Ida, born c1902, died Jan. 26, 1934, married William Coffey, son of Lewis Coffey, Jr., and wife, Permelia Ann Tucker. Ida and William had at least two children: Leonard, born c1923 and Eugene, born c1924. When Ida died in 1936, William married her sister Lexie.

Garnett, born Nov. 24, 1903, died Mar. 6, 1975. I don't have any family information on him. There is a KY born Garnett Coffey in Fulton Co., IL in 1930 who is of the correct age to be the son of of Richard and Margaret.

Walter, born Oct. 29, 1906, married Zula Effie Lair in KY in c1929.

Lexie, born Jan. 9, 1909, died Sep. 16, 1967. She married William Coffey, widower of her sister Ida.

Everett, born Sep. 22, 1911, died Jul. 10, 1970 in Wayne Co. He married Sally Belle Coffey, daughter of James Aaron and Canzada Foster Coffey.

Nelson, born Jul. 28, 1874 - no additional information

William, born Feb. 20, 1879 - no additional information

James C., born Jun. 6, 1879 - no additional information


Please contact me with updates and/or corrections.

Shelby (Shelly) Coffey

Many of the Coffey families in Kentucky are mostly incomplete in my files. One example is Shelby "Shelly" Coffey, son of John and Rachel Barrier Coffey.

"Shelly" was born c1852 in Eadsville, Wayne Co., and died Oct. 28, 1933 in that county. He married Sarah "Sally" Perkins on Dec. 26, 1872 in Wayne Co., where they settled until death took Sarah in 1912, and Shelly in 1933.

Together they had at least 10 children:

Rachel, born c1873
John, born Sep. 18, 1875
Louis, born c1878
James Aaron, born Jan. 4, 1881, died May 11, 1960
Clay, (Jay?) born Mar. 1883
Joseph, born c1885
Rebecca, born c1888
Jesse, born c1890
Sarah J., born May., 1892
William N., born c1894

The family appears in the census for Wayne county from 1880 through at least 1910; I have not checked 1920 and 1930 yet. The microfilmed 1900 and 1910 census pages containing the family are not the best for reading names and other pertinent information.

John, the oldest son, married Kizzie Coffey, a daughter of Henderson and Catherine C. Jones Coffey. Kizzie and John were second cousins, both descendants of James and Sarah Sumpter Coffey.

So far I have found three children for John and Kizzie: Rhoda Jane, born c1902; Shelby L., born c1904, and Luther, born c1906

James Aaron is the only other child of Shelby and Sarah for whom I have descendant information. He married Canzada Foster on May. 30, 1907 in Wayne Co. She was born May. 8, 1885 in Wayne Co., and died Feb. 8, 1966 in Monticelly, Wayne Co.

Their children were:

Thomas Shelby, born May 29, 1908, died Mar. 15, 1996
Marcus E., born c1910
Sally Belle, born c1912; married Everett Coffey, a son of (Richard?) Henderson and Margaret Coffey Coffey. Henderson was a son of James Nelson and Sarah Margaret Barrier. Margaret is likely some kin to Rachel but I do not yet know how. Everett's mother was a daughter of Henderson and Catherine Jones Coffey, and a sister to Kizzie who married John, son of "Shelly." I am missing descendants of Everett and Sally Belle.
Lizzie, born c1913
Serena, born c1916
Hattie, born c1923
Julia, born c1929

Please contact me with updated and/or corrected information on this family.