Salathiel "Sales" & Eva Phylena Conner Coffey

Salathiel "Sales" Coffey & wife Eva Phylena Conner

"Sales" Coffee was born Dec. 13, 1876 in Collin Co., TX to William Stanley and Sarah Elizabeth Lucas Coffey.

While many others in this family often spelled their surname Coffee. Except for the photo below, he seems to have always been a Coffey.

His father, was a Kentuckian, born there on Jul. 9, 1842.  He rode to Texas with his father and the rest of their family in 1855.  They settled in the area around Allen, in Collin Co. William married Sarah Lucas, a sister to Gabe Lucas, a colonel in the CSA.  William fought with the CSA for the duration and was wounded three times.  

Like others of the time and place, William was a farmer.  However, when he was around 55 years old in 1897, he was elected sheriff of Collin Co. and maintained the peace in that county for the next three years. His wife having died around 1900 may have been the reason he didn't pursue being a lawman again.   In 1910 and 1920 he lived with Silas Walker in Collin county and died there on Jun. 23, 1922 of chronic heart disease. Silas' wife, Alwilda Davis Coffey was his sister.

It was this William Coffey and his brothers that I wrote about some time back, recognizing that he, brother Z. T. and Mint W. all died within 72-hours of each other.

Newsprint Photo

Sales was the seventh of 10 children born to William and Sarah Lucas Coffey and, in 1900, he married Eva Phylena Conner, a daughter of Julius Augustus and Mary Hinman Conner.  Eva was born Mar. 15, 1881 in Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., TX and died in Amarillo on Dec. 21, 1945. The above photo is believed to have been taken in 1937 at one of the annual Coffee Family reunions held in Texas unto today. The photo to the left accompanied his obituary.

Many of the ancestors of the Coffey/Coffee families that attend were natives of Logan and Russell counties in KY while many of their ancestors came from Wilkes Co. in North Carolina.

Most of those who attend the annual gathering in Texas are descendants of James Coffey and his wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Coffey Coffey. James is thought to be descended from Joel and Martha Stepp Coffey, a son of the still mythical Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey. Elizabeth is thought to be a daughter of Nathan and Mary Saunders Coffey. Nathan is said to be a brother of Joel,

Sales descended from Chesley through his son Salathiel through Elias who married Mary Coffey, another daughter of Nathan and Mary Saunders. Their son, also named Salathiel, married Nancy Dunbar. and their son was William Stanley Coffey.

Sales had been a deputy sheriff in Cottle and in Briscoe counties in Texas. He had also been a police officer in Amarillo where he had been assigned to several jobs, including desk sergeant, a plain clothes officer and a "night scout car" officer. When he died on Dec. 27, 1944 he had been residing in Amarillo for 18 years. A news item announcing his death recorded that he had moved to Amarillo from Silverton, TX and had been in the insurance business for the four years preceding his death. Sales was also a veteran of the Spanish-American War.

He was survived by his wife and three daughters: Mrs. Walter L. Bain of Phillips, TX; Mrs. Fred Trees of Houston and Mrs. E. T. Gilkerson of Fresno, CA. Will, his only surviving son was serving in the US Navy at the time. Two other sons, Elmer and Amos had died as youngsters.

He was buried on Dec. 30 at the Llano Cemetery in Amarillo, just across the county line in Randall county. Eva followed him to the grave almost one year to the later, on Dec. 21, 1945. She was also buried at Llano.

Joshua & Martha "Patsy" Coffey Stapp

A recent e-mail asking for possible documentation of the marriage between Joshua and Patsy resulted in my attempt to again locate any documentation that FamilySearch.org might now have.  Unfortunately, I found none.  But, checking for on-line books through Google I found a couple of other references to this family that might be beneficial to researchers.  I have taken the liberty of altering/correcting spelling of some verbiage in the will to allow it to be more easily read.

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Joshua, probably a son of Abraham Stapp and Dorothy Moss, appears to have been born in Essex Co., VA c1687 and married Martha, a daughter of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey, between 1718 and 1721 in Essex Co.  The earliest references to this marriage that I am aware of can be found in the Laurence H. Coffey book, Thomas Coffey and His Descendants, published by Newell Sanders, Chattanooga, 1931 and, The Stapp/Stapp Families of America by Henry P. Scalf in 1976.  Joshua died c1783 in Orange Co., VA and left a will there in Will Book 3, pages 54-55.¹

Orange County Will Book 3, Page 54-55

"In the Name of God Amen I, Joshua Stapp of the County of Orange being in perfect health and sound sense of memory and mindful of the uncertainty of this life do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I give my soul to almighty God who gave it me trusting in Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins and as for what worldly goods it hath pleased God to bestow me I give in manner and form following Viz.

"Item my will and desire is that my Negro man and newswoman be both free and at their own disposal and if there should be any charges required by the Court towards their being legally set free from Bondage then my will is that such charges be paid out of my estate.

"Item my will is that my grandson Achillies Stapp have my Negro woman Cate.

"Item I give the residue of my Estate not already mentioned to be divided between the persons whose names I hereafter mention my Grandson Achillies Stapp my Grand daughter Lucy Willhoit (? ) my Grand daughter Sarah Creel and my Grand daughter Martha Hubbard to them and their heirs forever.

"Item my will is that my Estate not be sold but be appraised and divided according to appraisement.

"Lastly I constitute and appoint my Grandson Achillies Stapp Executor to this my last will and testament revoking all former wills byme made acknowledging this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and Seal this 19th day of December One Thousand Seven Hundred and eighty Two.

"Signed Sealed and Published In Presence of John Dayne,John Wayt Joshua X Stapp (SS) , William Wyat Mark

"At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday 27th March 1783 This last will and testament of Joshua Stapp Dec'd being presented into Court by Achillis Stapp Executor therein named And proved by the oaths of John Wait and William Wait Two of the witnesses hereto And Ordered to be recorded And on the motion of the said Executor who made oath According to law Certificate is granted him for Obtaining Probate thereof in due form whereupon he with Robert ? MIller his Security Entered into Bond for the same in"The sum of Two thundered and fifty pounds. Teste James Taylor C.O.C."

Orange Co. VA. Deed Book 16 pg. 352-353 Aug. 13, 1773

"To all Christian People to whom this presents writing Shall Come I Joshua Stapp Sener of Orange County Sendeth Greeting Know ye that I the said Joshua Stapp Sener for Divers good Causes and valuable considerations me hereunto moving have given and granted and by these present do give grant & confirm unto my son Joshua Stapp of Said County one Negro Man named Marrick to him and his heirs forever and also one Negro Woman Named Frank Ide (?) give to the said Joshua Stapp Junior during his life and after the Decease of the said to be with their increase divided equally between the children of the said Joshua Stapp and Hannah his wife forever and by these present to be do warrant the said Negroes to the said Joshua Stapp his heirs executors Administrators or Assigns forever from any person or persons whatever Claiming any Rights or Title to the said Negroes or either of them Virtue to my hand and Seal this Thirteenth day of August Anno Dom 1773.

"William Bell his Joshua X Stapp (SS), Thomas Burbridge mark , John Stabler (?) at a Court held for Orange County the 28th of September 1773 this Deed of Gift from Joshua Stapp to Joshua Stapp Junior was proved by the Oaths of William Bell Thomas Burbrige and John Stabler Witness thereto and Ordered to be Recorded. Test James Taylor C.O.C.”

Pg. 353:

"To all Christian People to whom this presents writing Shall Come I Joshua Stapp Sener of Orange County Sendeth Greeting Know ye thatI the said Joshua Stapp Sener for Divers good Causes and valuable considerations me hereunto moving have given and granted and by these present do give grant & confirm unto my son Thomas Stapp of Said County During Life One Negro Man named James and One Negro Woman named Minn (?) and after the Decease to be equally divided between the Children of the Said Thomas Stapp and Ann his wife with their increase forever and by these presents do warrant the said Negroes to the said Thomas Stapp during life and after his decease to the heirs of the said Thomas and Ann his wife for ever from _____ Claims of any person or Persons to ha (?) Claiming any Rights for (?) The said Negroes or either of them. Witness my hand and Seal this fourteenth day of August Anno Dom 1773. In the presence of William Bell his Thomas Burbridge Joshua X Stapp (SS), John Stabler mark"

"At a Court held for Orange County the 28th of September, 1773 This Deed of Gift from Joshua Stapp to Thomas Stapp was proved by the Oaths of William Bell Thomas Burbridge and John Staler Witness there and Ordered to be Recorded , Test James Tayler C.O.C. "

Pg. 393-394

"To all Christian People to whom this presents writing Shall Come I Joshua Stapp Sener of Orange County Sendeth Greeting Know ye that I the said Joshua Stapp Sener for Divers good Causes and valuable considerations me hereunto moving but more Especially for the Love and good will I have unto my son James Stapp have given and granted and by these present do give grant bargain & confirm unto my son James Stapp one Negro man named Abraham and one Negro woman named Bel lone Negro boy named Abraham one Negro girl named Bell and for the above Consideration do give freely and Clearly the above said four Negroes and their Increase to my said son James Stapp and his heirs forever and by Virtue of this present writing do warrant the said Negroes with their Increase."  "Tomy said son James Stapp and his heirs Executors Administrator from the Just Claim right or title of any person or persons whatever having or lawfully claiming the same or part thereof in Witness whereof I the said Joshua Stapp Senior have here to set my hand seal this 23rd day of December Anno Dom One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five. . Signed Sealed and Delivered his Inthe presence off Joshua X Stapp, William Sims , Thomas Stapp , Thomas X Stapp, Killes Stapp" 

"At a court held for Orange County on Thursday the 22nd of February 1776. This Deed of gift from Joshua Stapp to James Stapp proved by the oaths of Wm. Sims Tho. Stapp and Tho. Stapp junior thereof the Witnesses hereto and Ordered to be recorded. Test James Taylor C.O.C. " 

Deed Book 16 pg. 394 

"Toll Christian People to whom this presents writing Shall Come I Joshua Stapp Sener of Orange County Sendeth Greeting Know ye that I the said Joshua Stapp Sener for Divers good Causes and valuable considerations me hereunto moving but Especially for the Love and good will I bare unto my Granddaughter Elizabeth Sims of Albemarle County have given and Granted and by these presents do give grant bargain and Confirm unto my Grand Daughter Elizabeth Sims one Negro boy named Ben and for the above Consideration do give freely and Clearly the above said Negro boy to my said Grand daughter Elizabeth Sims to her and her heirs forever and by Virtue of this present Writing do warrant the said Negro boy tomy said Grand Daughter Elizabeth Sims and her heirs Executors Administrators from the Just Claim Right or Title of any person or persons whatever having or Lawfully Claiming the same in Witness whereof I the said Joshua Stapp Sener have hereunto my hand and Seal this 3 of December Anee Dom One thousand Seven hundred and seventy five . In the presence off : Joshua Stapp, William Sims ,Tho. Stapp , Tho's Stapp , Killes Stapp"

 "At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday the 25th of February 1776 This Deed of Gift from Joshua Stapp to Elizabeth Sims was proved by the Oaths of William Sims Tho's Stapp and Tho's Stapp Junr. Three of the Witnesses hereto and Ordered to be Recorded , Test James Taylor C.O.C." 

Researchers believe that Joshua and Martha had at least eight children, they being:

Joseph who married Elizabeth Lucas and had (at least) Joshua, Elizabeth and Sally and died after 1775.

John, born between 1720 and 1722, died at Culpepper, VA in 1751.  He married Ann Salmon, born c1710 in Spotsylvania Co., VA.

Joshua, Jr., born c1724, died in Jun., 1814; married Hannah Durham and had children Achilles, Thomas, Lucy and James.  Achilles married Margaret Vawter on Nov. 27, 1782 in Orange Co.² Thomas married Elizabeth "Betsy" Barbridge or Burbridge on Jan. 4, 1779 in Orange Co.³  Lucy married John Wilhite.

Eve Stapp married Anthred Salmon.

Anester, born c1728 married Capt. William Sims and had at least one child, Elizabeth, born in Albemarle Co., VA. [Scalf].

Elizabeth, born c1729 in VA, married William Morris c1746, [Scalf]

Thomas married Ann Lucas. [Scalf]  Thomas came into possession of 200 acres of land from his brother Joseph of Orange Co. Joseph had married Elizabeth, the daughter of William Lucas and the land was her inheritance. It is said to have been "lying on both sides of Marsh Run." See Orange Co. deed book 13, page 331. The relationship between Ann and Elizabeth is not known.

Scalf also reports that a son named James was born c1731 but offers no other information. James is mentioned in his father's will.

Some researchers claim an additional three daughters were born to the union but, no documentation has been produced.

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Sources:

¹ See also Orange Co., VA Deed Book 16, pages 352-353 dated Aug. 13, 1773
² "Virginia, Orange County Marriage Records, 1757-1938" at FamilySearch.org
³ "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940" at FamilySearch.org.  See also Virginia County Records: Miscellaneous County Records, Wm Armstrong Crozier, p169 as well as Johnston, Stapp and Allied Families, Jennie F. Downing Crow, 1979, Page 18

Jacob Morris & Mary Jane Lotts Coffey

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Jacob Morris Coffey

Mary Jane Lotts Coffey

Jacob* was a son of Alfred James and Martha Ann Bradley Coffey.  He and Mary Jane Lotts were married on Mar. 25, 1902 in Lexington, VA.  Mary Jane was born Aug. 26, 1882 in VA to David and Mary Jane Lucas Lotts.

She died on May 6, 1929 in Rockbridge Co.; he died on May 23, 1922, also in Rockbridge Co.  Both are buried at Timber Ridge ARP Church Cemetery in Rockbridge Co.

Jacob's parents are also buried at Timber Ridge.  Mary Jane's father, who died on May 4, 1908 is said to be buried at Dutch Hollow Cemetery near Greenville, in Augusta Co.  Her mother's death date and burial location is not known to me.

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*See earlier blog for this family at http://tinyurl.com/n62caev

Rev. Benjamin Dean & Ella Rue Coffey Lucas

Dr. Ben'j Dean Lucas

Rev. Lucas was a son of Dr. Thomas Ephraim Lucas, MD and his wife, Dorothy C. Hanna.  He was born Dec. 14, 1868 at Chesterfield Co., SC and died there on Mar. 12, 1956.  He and Ella, a daughter of Daniel Rufus and Mildred J. Lawman Coffey, born in Amherst Co., VA on Apr. 3, 1869 and died at Chesterfield on Apr. 12, 1936 were married on Jul. 8, 1903 at Lynchburg, VA.

Cert. of Reg. of American Citizen

Rev. Lucas went to China as a missionary, apparently arriving there in 1890, well before his marriage to Ella Rue in 1903.  Following the birth of their first son, Ben'j, Jr. on Sep. 9, 1906, Rev. Lucas completed a "Certificate of Registration of American Citizen" for the US Consul at Shanghai.  In that certificated he noted his birth date and place and cited Oct. 9, 1890 as the date of arrival in China "for the purpose of mission work."  It also named Ella R. Coffey as his wife and Ben'j as his son.  The form was not established until April, 1907 so, it is likely it was completed by Rev. Lucas that year to officially add the child to the family in accordance with any such requirements of the time.

Although their second child and son, Thomas Lawman Lucas was also born in China in 1910, no such form has been found for him.

Passport Application

In Apr., 1893 Rev. Lucas completed an application at the US Legation in Peking, now Beijing.  It was apparently required to replace an expired passport.

Wedding Announcement

We know from a report in the Lynchburg, VA Times-Dispatch of Jun. 23, 1903 that Ella had been teaching in China for the previous 8 years and that she intended to marry Rev. Lucas on Jul. 8 of that year.

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Mar 1910 Passenger List

The family arrived in Honolulu from Hong Kong on Mar. 25, 1910 aboard the ship Siberia.  We know too from the May 1910 Chesterfield Co., SC census that Ben'j, Ella and their two sons, Ben'j, Jr. and Thomas were living in that county with his parents.

I have not found them in 1920; perhaps the family had returned to China!?.  In 1930 they were back in Chesterfield where Ben'j was employed as a high school teacher and Ella, as a public school teacher.  Their two sons were still living at home with the parents.

In 1940, Benjamin was enumerated as married, wife absent; odd because Ella had died nearly four years earlier.  Ben'j Jr. and his wife, Zenith were renting space in Benjamin's home at the rate of $5 per month.  Jr. and wife did not yet have children.

When Benjamin died in 1956 his obituary, which appeared in The Florence Morning News at Florence, SC on March 13, page 7, revealed that he had been married again after Ella died.  His second wife was Irene Worley of Bennettsville, SC.

Bennettsville, March 12 - Dr. B. D. Lucas, 87, died at 2 p.m., at his home following an illness of two months.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hursey Funeral Home at Chesterfield.

Dr. Lucas was twice married.  His first wife Ella Coffey Lucas of Lynchburg, Va. died several years ago.  From this marriate three children survive; Mrs. J. Williams of Charleston, Dr. T. L. Lucas of Alexandria, Va. and Ben D. Lucas of San Antonio, Texas.

Other  survivors include his widow, Mrs. Irene Worley Lucas of Bennettsville; two brothers and a sister.

Dr. Lucas attended The Citadel and graduated in pharmacy from the College of Charleston.

Both Ella and Benjamin are buried at the Chesterfield City Cemetery.  Their graves can be found at Find a Grave, memorial no. 72025231 and 72025068.  Benjamin's parents are also buried at the Chesterfield cemetery.

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Sources:

Library of Virginia "http://www.lva.virginia.gov/" "Miss Coffey to Wed", Wedding announcement, Times-Dispatch, Vol. 1903, No. 16275, Page 3, Col 6, Richmond, VA, 24 June 1903; viewed; 24 September 2013

"Honolulu, Hawaii Passenger and Crew Lists, 1900-1959", Ancestry.com http://tinyurl.com/p5dhm37.

Passport Applications, 1795–1905. NARA Microfilm Publication M1372, 694 rolls. General Records Department of State, Record Group 59. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

"Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XR3L-MHM : accessed 18 Feb 2013), Benjamin Dean Lucas and Ella Rue Coffey, 08 Jul 1903; citing reference Pg 11 Ln 131, FHL microfilm 2048489.

US Federal Census Records

Find A Grave

William Stanley Coffey

William Stanley Coffey, a son of Salathial "Sail" Coffey and wife Nancy Dunbar, is thought to be a descendant of the mythical Chesley and said wife Jane Cleveland.  William was born in Russell Co., KY on Jul. 9, 1842 and died in McKinney, Collin Co., TX on Jun. 23, 1922.

William and Sarah Elizabeth Lucas were married on Feb. 27, 1866 in Collin Co., TX where most, if not all of their 10 children were born.  Sarah was the daughter of Peter and Mary E. Lucas.

Their children were:

+ Dr. John Cicero Coffey, born Jan. 6, 1867, died Apr. , 1954 in Wichita Co., TX.  His death was caused by chronic myocarditis at the Wichita Falls State Hospital.  I have not found his burial site.  He married Gabriella "Ella" Coffey in Grayson Co., TX on Oct. 28, 1895.  Gabriella was the daughter of Matthew Slaughter Coffey and his wife Virginia Texana "Jennie" Butridge.  Matthew and William Stanley were very distant cousins.  Matthew is a known descendant of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey.  Dr. Coffey and Ella were parents of one know child, a daughter named Ruth, born Aug. 5, 1897, died Jan., 1984 in Amarillo.  Ruth married Roy Raymond Hunter in Texas c1929.  He was born Apr. 11, 1894 in that state and died in Amarillo on Aug. 4, 1975.  Their children were Virginia, John C., Mary L. and Roy Raymond, Jr.

+ Robert Henry Coffey, born Oct. 8, 1868, died Apr. 13, 1950 in Collin Co., and was buried at Fitzhugh Cemetery in Forest Grove, Collin Co.  His wife was Minnie Mabel Biddy, a daughter of George and Edna McDonald Biddy.  She was born in TN on Jul. 2, 1873 and died in McKinney on Feb. 20, 1968.  They were married in McKinney on Dec. 18, 1892.  Their children were Clarence Milton, 1893-1949; Tressie A., 1896-1975; Hallie Elizabeth, 1899-1993; and Edgar Biddy, 1901-1967.  Minnie was buried at Fitzhugh along with Clarence and Tressie.  Hallie's burial site is yet unknown to me.  Edgar rests at Forest Grove.

+  Mary Frances "Molly" Coffey, 1869-?, married Samuel Lloyd Renfrow on Apr. 13, 1887 in Collin Co.  He was born c1876 in that county and died there on Apr. 3, 1907.  His "Report of Death" does not name his burial site.  Their children were Ethert Alford, 1887-1948; William Lloyd, 1890-?; Alberta, no dates; Edgar, 1891-?.

+ Denie Elzada Coffey, 1871-1948.  Her first husband was General Jackson Moss, no dates.  They were likely married in Collin Co. c1885±.  I know of at least two children: Sarah Leona Moss, 1889-1959 and Orlia Jackson Moss, 1891-1975.  Orlia married Ermyne Mitchell (1895-1974).  both are buried at Cottage Hill Cemetery at Celina, Collin Co.  Denie's second husband was William Dillon Goode, born 1866 in Roanoke, VA.  He died in Plano, TX in 1916; Denie at Wylie, Collin Co., in 1948.  I know of two children for them:  Clarice, born c1909 and Virginia, born c1910, both in TX.

+ Missouri B. Coffey, born 1873, died and was buried at Forest Grove.  Nothing else is know.

+ Laura Ellen Coffey, 1875-1966.  Laura married William John Ledbetter, born in TN in 1866, c1896.  He died at Paducah, Cottle Co., TX in 1932 and was buried there in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.  Laura Ellen also died in Paducah and was also buried in the Garden of Memories.  Their children were Horace Chilton, 1897-1971; Aaron, 1898-?; Roy Robert, 1902-?; Nila Erona, 1905-?; Ruth Ellen, 1909-? and Mary Elizabeth, 1911-?

+ Salathiel "Sales" Coffey, 1896-1944.  He married Eva Phylena Conner on Dec. 19, 1900 in Collin Co.  She was born in 1881 at Sulphur Springs in Hopkins Co., TX and died Dec. 21, 1945 in Amarillo.  Both are buried at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo.  Their children were Elmer, 1901-1906; Leona Meda, 1905-?; Laura Ella, 1908, married Arlie Colley Swint c1926.  He was born in TX in 1907 and died in Wichita Falls in 1980 and was buried at Rosemont Cemetery in Wichita Falls.  Laura's death date and place of burial is unknown to me.  Following Laura was Frances Lorene, 1915-?; Willis L., 1917-? and Amos B., 1920-1926.  He is also buried at Llano.

+ Alwilda Davis Coffey, born 1878, died 1968 in McKinney.  She married Silas Earl Walker on Dec. 5, 1899.  He was born in 1875 and died in 1926.  Both are buried at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney.  Their children were Jessie Lois, 1901-?; Silas, Jr., 1905-? and Vernon Coffey, 1908-?.

+ Charles Milton Coffey, 1880 to 1918.  He is thought to have died unmarried and buried at Fitzhugh Cemetery.

+ Homer Lucas Coffey, born 1882, died 1958 at McKinney.  He married Lela Mae Holder in 1902.  She was born in TX in 1884 and died in McKinney in 1930.  In 1940 Homer married Mrs. Lizzie E. Short.  I have no other information on Lizzie.  There was at least one child born to Homer and Lela, a daughter named Sarah Elizabeth in 1906.  No other information.

Please e-mail additions and/or corrections to me at the address provided on the right.

Preston C. & Sarah Ann Lucas Benson

Notwithstanding the heat and the fact that we had to turn on the A/C today, I can tell that summer is upon us.  New blogs from those that I follow are few and far between and, genealogy related e-mails are down to nearly zero from as many as 20+ per day during the fall and winter.  Even my own urge to write has been suppressed and I've been reduced to  correcting syntax and spelling errors in my Edward Coffey Project file.  I'm forced today to write this blog just to keep in practice and, had to stretch my imagination a bit to hopefully come up with something of interest.

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Abraham Lucas had a daughter named Sarah Ann "Sallie" Lucas, born c1840 in VA.  I believe she is buried in Newport, Augusta Co., VA at the Mount Hermon Lutheran Church Cemetery, but have no confirmation of that.

She married twice.  Her first was to Andrew Lucas in Rockbridge Co. on Oct. 1, 1860 and, on July 14, 1864 to Preston C. Benson, also in Rockbridge Co.*  Benson was born on Jan. 15, 1838 in Rockbridge Co. and died Sep. 17, 1908 in VA.  He was also buried at Mount Herman.  Andrew Lucas appears to have died young, probably in the Civil War.  I have found no children for them.

Sally and Preston had at least 10 children, three (at least) of which married into the Coffey family.

Their first child was James Franklin, born Mar. 5, 1865, died Sep. 14, 1939.  He was followed by John William, born in 1866.  John married Lucy Rebecca Berry of Augusta Co. on Mar. 21, 1888 in Middlebrook, Augusta Co.*

The first of Preston and Sallie's children to marry a Coffey was Henry Jackson, born Jan. 1, 1869 in Rockbridge Co.  He married Mary Frances "Molly" Coffey, the daughter of Alfred James and Martha Ann Bradley Coffey.  Molly was born Apr. 6, 1872 in Nelson Co., and died in 1949.  She and Henry were married on Mar. 29, 1893 in Rockbridge Co.*

Robert Lee followed brother Henry into the Coffey clan when he married Molly's sister, Martha Beveridge Coffey on Oct. 4, 1893 in Rockbridge Co.*  Martha was born c1879 in Nelson Co.

Child number five was Jasper A. "Newton," born c1873.  He was followed by Jacob Higgonbotham, born Apr. 15, 1875, died Jan. 25, 1949, both events in Rockbridge Co.  He married another sister to Molly and Martha.  She was Sarah Elizabeth "Sally", born Jan. 22, 1865 in Nelson Co., died Dec. 19, 1906 in Rockbridge Co.  That marriage occurred on Nov. 24, 1897 in Rockbridge Co.*

Jacob and Sally had at least two children:  Cornelia, born Dec., 1898 and, Jacob Stuart, born c1906, both in Rockbridge Co.

The last three children of Preston and Sally - known to me - were Lucinda Ann, born 1877; Marshall "Morris," botn 1881 and Maggie Bell, born 1885.  I have found no other information on them.

There was one other child whose birth order is not known.  He was Dan "Dap" Benson.  Like the last three, I have found no other information on him.

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I wonder if anyone has made a study of the real naming conventions amongst our ancestors?  I know that some followed the tradition of naming the first son after the paternal grandfather and, the first daughter after paternal grandmother.  Other sons and daughters were given names to similarly honor maternal grandparents.  But really!  Do you think parents did not know that there were already a few dozen of their neighbors with daughters named Sarah Elizabeth, Martha and Mary, each nicknamed Sally, Polly or Molly?  What do you supposed followed when mother leaned out the kitchen window and yelled:  "Molly, dinner's ready!"

The boys did not fare much better, if at all.  Of course, there was the occasional Salathiel, Saylor, Rutherford, Wetzel, Harrison and such.  But, any researcher knows there were more boys named James and Edward than there were named Saylor.

One day I'm going to count all the James' and Edwards.  That will be a big number!

Happy summer, yaw'll!

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*Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940

Salathiel (Sail or Sale) Coffey (1812KY - 1892TX)

Back on Feb. 6, 2006 I wrote a short blog on Salathiel. It was mostly information - a copy, really - about him from the Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas, Illustrated. Since that time, I have compiled much more information for his family than I have time to include here. Needless to say, Ill share the info with anyone who needs it.

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Salathiel was born Apr. 20, 1812 in Logan Co., KY and died on May 29, 1892 in Collin Co., TX.  He was buried at Forest Grove cemetery in Collin Co. His first wife was Nancy Dunbar of Russell Co., KY, born c1809, died May 29, 1892 in Collin Co.  I am not sure where Nancy is buried, but most likely she is also in Forest Grove.

[My understanding is the Forest Grove and Fitzhugh cemeteries are considered one cemetery now?  Anyone know for sure?]

With wife Nancy, Sail/Sale Coffey fathered at least seven children:

First - Lettitia, born Oct. 15, 1838 in Wayne Co., KY.  She married Thomas Jefferson Reagan who was born c1838 in Missouri.  Both Lettitia and Thomas died before August., 1869. To them were born three children:  Lettitia Ellen, born c1858, George Washington, born c1859 and Mary Catherine, dob unknown.  Lettitia and Mary were mentioned in a petition brought before the August 1869 term of a court in Collin Co., TX wherein "Sayles Coffey" sought to and become guardian of "Lentittia and Mary Catherine Regan", both "orphans and minors under the age of 14 years and living in Collin County..."  The two girls were found living with Martin Watson, relationship yet unknown, in McKinney, Collin Co., in the 1870 census.

Second - Mary Ann "Polly Ann", born Jun. 22, 1840, died Jan. 7, 1918 in McKinney.  Polly married Elder John Meyers McKinney, born Apr. 14, 1832 in MO, died Jan 1, 1918 in McKinney.  Both are buried in Forest Grove/Fitzhugh.  Their children were 1)J. D., born Oct. 5, 1859, died Aug. 8, 1925 in McKinney.  He is buried at Pecan Grove cemetery in McKinney; 2)Giles Lee, born Aug. 25, 1866, died Jun. 1, 1959 in McKinney.  Giles married Mary Mathews, born Jun., 1866 in Wood Co., TX.  Their children were Ettie, born 184; Cecil, born 1893 and Eustace, born 1898.  3)John S., born 1868, died 1954; and 4) Wiley Benton, born 1870, died 1954.  Wiley married Lula A. Klepper c1900 in McKinney and fathered Collin, born 1902, died 1918 and Juanita, born c1904.

Third - William Stanley, born 1842 in Russell Co., KY, died 1922 in McKinney.  He married Sarah Elisabeth Lucas on Feb. 27, 1866 in McKinney.  She was born Aug. 27, 1847 in TX and died Mar. 7, 1892.  They too are buried at Forest Grove/Fitzhugh.  William and Sarah had at least 10 children:

1 - Dr. John Cicero, born Jan. 6, 1867 in McKinney, died Apr. 7, 1954 in Wichita Co., TX.  Dr. John married Gabriella "Ella" Coffey, a daughter of Matthew Slaughter and Virginia Texana Butridge Coffey.  These two Coffey families were not related.  John descended from Edward while Matthew Slaughter descended from Peter.*  John and Ella had only one child, Ruth, born Aug. 5, 1897, married Roy Raymond Hunter of TX c1929.  They had a child, Virginia, born c1930 in Knox Co., TX.  Sarah Lucas Coffey is buried at Fitzhugh.  William's burial place has not been located but, he too is likely at Fitzhugh.

2 - Robert Henry, born Oct., 1868 in Collin Co. and died Apr. 13, 1950.  He married Minnie Mabel Biddy on Dec. 18, 1892 in McKinney.  She was born Sep., 1874 in TN and died Feb. 20, 1968 in Collin Co.  Robert is at Fitzhugh where Minnie is also likely to have been buried.  Their children were:  1) Clarence Milton, born Nov. 5, 1893, died Feb. 26, 1949 in Wylie, Collin Co.  He married Ola Ellen Leake on Aug. 3, 1913 in Collin Co.  She was born there on Nov. 24, 1893.  Clarence is buried at Forest Grove; Ora's death date and burial place is not yet known.  They are known to have had at least two children: Marcella Ann, born 1915 and Alma Christine, born 1919, both in Collin Co. 2) Tressie Alma, born Oct., 1896, died May 27, 1995 in Collin Co.  She married Virgil Robert Osborn Oct. 9, 1912.  His birth date is not yet known; he died May 29, 1997 in Collin Co.  They had at least two children:  Willis, born c1914 and Vernon, born c1916. 3) Hallie Elizabeth, born May, 1899, died Jun. 3, 1993 in Collin Co.  She married Roy Lee Biggs on Jan. 18, 1920 in Collin Co.  Their children were Elizabeth and Billie Jean.  4) Edgar Biddy, born Aug. 1901, died Jul. 31, 1967 in Collin Co.  His wife was Lucille.

3 - Mary Frances "Molly," born Dec. 16, 1869, died Jan. 2, 1892.  She married Samuel Lloyd Renfrow on Apr. 13, 1887 in Collin Co.  He was born there c1876 and died in McKinney on Apr. 3, 1907.  Their children were: Ethert Alford, born 1887; William Lloyd, born 1890; Alberta; and Edgar, born 1891.

4 - Denie Elzada, born Nov. 17, 1871 in Lucas, Collin Co., died Jun. 14, 1948 in Wylie.  She married first to General Jackson "Jack" Moss.  His birth and death dates are not yet known.  Their children were Sarah Leona, born Jun. 27, 1889, died Nov. 11, 1959 in Wylie, and Orlia Jackson, born Nov. 27, 1891 in Lucas, died Mar. 20, 1975 in Lubbock.  Denie's second husband was William Dillon Goode with whom she had at least two more daughters, Clarice Lora, born 1908 and Virginia Belle, born 1910.

5 - Missouri B., born Aug. 14, 1873, died Mar. 7, 1875.

6 - Laura Ellen, born Mar. 7, 1875, died Feb. 12, 1966 in Paducah, Cottle Co., TX.  Laura married William Johnson Ledbetter c1896.  He was born Jul. 3, 1866 in TN, died Feb. 17, 1932 in Paducah.  Their children were: Horace, Aaron, Roy Robert; Nila Erona; Ruth Ellen; and Mary Elizabeth.

7 - Salathiel "Sales", born Dec. 13, 1876 in Collin Co., died Dec. 17, 2944 in Amarillo, Potter Co., TX.  Sales married Eva Phylena Conner, a daughter of Julius and Mary Hinman Conner on Dec. 19, 1900.  She was born Mar. 15, 1880 in Hopkins Co., TX and died Dec. 21, 1945 in Amarillo.  Their children were: Leona, born 1905; Laura Ella, born 1908; Frances Lorene, born 1915 and Willis, born 1917.  Laura married Arlie Collie Swint c1926 and had children: J. Ronald, born 1928 and Irma Glyn, born 1931.

8 - Alwilda Davis, born Jul. 31, 1878 in Collin Co., died in McKinney on Jan. 11, 1968.  She married Silas Earl Walker on Dec. 5, 1899.  He was born Sep. 6, 1875 to J. F. and Martha Williams Walker and died Apr. 3, 1926 in McKinney.  Their children were Jessie Lois, born 1901; Silas Earl, Jr., born 1905; and Vernon Coffey, born 1908.

9 - Charles Milton, born Aug. 18, 1880, died Oct. 6, 1918 in McKinney.

10 - Homer Lucas, born Aug. 14, 1882, died Feb. 11, 1958 in McKinney.  He married Lela Mae Holder, daughter of W. A. and Elizabeth Johnson Holder in Nov., 1902.  She was born Feb. 1884 in TX and died Feb. 15, 1939 in McKinney.  They had at least one child, Sarah Elizabeth, born Jul. 16, 1906.  Homer and Lela are buried at Johnson Cemetery in Collin Co.

More later!



*We know through DNA testing that Edward and Peter were some kin to one another but so far back in their ancestry that the kinship was extremely diluted.




No. 992

Jacob Higgonbotham and Sarah Elizabeth Coffey Benson

Jacob was a son of Preston C. and Sarah Ann Lucas Benson. I have seen his middle name spelled various ways, the most common being Higgonbotham. According to his WW1 draft registration card he was born Apr. 15, 1875 in Rockbridge Co., VA. According to his headstone, he died in that county on Jan. 25, 1949.

Sarah Coffey was his first wife. She was the daughter of Alfred and Martha Ann Bradley [photo below] Coffey and was born Jan. 22, 1865 in Nelson Co., VA and died in Rockbridge Co. on Dec. 19, 1906.

From census records it appears that Jacob and Sarah only had two living children: Cornelia, born Dec., 1898 and Jacob Stuart, born c1906, both in Rockbridge Co. Given Sarah's death date and Jacob's apparent birth year, it appears that she may have died giving birth to him.

In about 1908 Jacob H. married Etta W., last name not known. Apparently no children were born to this union. They first appear together in the 1910 Rockbridge Co. census where they report a marriage of two years. Jacob was age 35 while "Eddie W." was 46 and had been married once before.

Jacob registered for the draft on Sep. 12, 1918 in Rockbridge Co. He was age 43 and reported his birthdate as Apr. 15, 1875. He worked as a farmer for Jas. W. Searly [?] near Brownsburg. He named "Mrs. Etter Benson" as his nearest relative and described himself as being of medium height and build with black hair and dark brown eyes.

I have not located them in 1920, but in 1930 they were in the Walkers Creek district of Rockbridge Co. Jacob was 54 and Eddie [sic] was 76 years old. Stewart [sic], age 24 was living with them. He gave his occupation as laborer at odd jobs.

Alfred Coffey was a son of Garland G. and Nancy Coffey Coffey. Garland was a son of William and Betsy Giles Coffey while Nancy was the daughter of Reuben, brother to William, and his wife Nancy Giles, sister to Betsy.

Martha Ann Bradley was a daughter of William Franklin and Elizabeth Wood Bradley of Nelson Co.

Please contact me if you can add to or correct any of this information.

 

Photos courtesy of Connie Coffey Dorsey

Charles Edward Coffey, Jr.

Another son of Charles Edward Coffey, Sr.  was Charles, Jr., born Nov. 9, 1859 in Amherst Co., VA. Junior married Sallie M. White on Nov. 6, 1880 in Amherst and with her fathered five children:

Lottie Jasper, born Dec. 21, 1883, died May 7, 1939. She married Moses Hill Trevey c1902. Moses was born Jan. 22, 1878 in VA., and died May. 23, 1954 in Amherst Co. Both are buried at Allwood Cemetery at El Bethel Church in Amherst Co. Their children were Norman; Harry Andrew; Helen Audrey; Hesper D.; and Hill.

Ashby Darmon, born Feb. 20, 1884, and died Jul 23, 1929. Ashby never married and had no known children. He is also buried at Allwood.

Inez, born Apr. 13, 1885 - no further information.

Hettie, born Feb. 9, 1887, died Mar. 13, 1974 in Temple City, Los Angeles Co., CA. Hettie first married Henry L. Harlow, born Apr. 1883 in VA, c1907. She is thought to have had three children with Henry, but I have found only two: Mayo C., born c1908 and Robert C., born c1914. In 1910 Henry and Hettie lived in the Pedlar Dist. of Amherst Co. where Henry was employed as an engine fireman, presumably on the railroad. By 1920, Henry was living with his two sons in the household with his mother, Amanda, and his step-father, Marshall P. Gatewood, in the Pedlar Dist. I have not located him after 1920. Hettie is said to have married a second time to a Mr. Thompson and then a third time to Chauncey Lucas. In 1960 Hettie was living alone in Los Angeles Co., CA and died in Temple City, LA Co., CA on Mar. 13, 1974.

[Update 7/29/08:  Hettie's children with Henry were:  1) Mayo Carrington Harlow, born Jul. 8, 1907 in Amherst Co., VA, and died Jan. 4, 1983 in Bedford City, Bedford Co., VA.  2) Margaret Victoria, born May 21, 1910 in Amherst Co., died Feb. 15, 1995 in Otero Co., NM; 3) Charles Robert, born 2 Nov., 1913, died Dec. 6, 1972 in Los Angeles Co., CA]

The last child of Charles, Jr. with Sallie White was Beulah, born Oct. 25, 1889. She married Leonard Tyree Mason on Jan. 7, 1910 in Lynchburg, VA. I know of only one child, a son Thomas B., born Jan. 12, 1919, died Mar. 8, 2007.

His obituary:

The News & Advance, Lynchburg, VA, Mar. 8, 2007

Thomas B. Mason, 88, of Roanoke, died Thursday, March 8, 2007. Born in Lynchburg, Jan. 12, 1919, he was the son of the late Leonard Tyree Mason and Beulah Coffey Mason. He was married to Emily Ann Wilkins Mason for 58 years.

He attended public schools in Lynchburg, graduating from E.C. Glass High School in 1936. He attended Hampden-Sydney College and received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1941. He was associated with a law firm in Arlington, from June 1941 until January 1942. 

He served as a Naval Officer in World War II from 1942 to 1946, two years of which were in the South Pacific (Solomon Islands) and Philippine areas where he commanded PT Boat 179. He participated in the landings at Leyte, Philippines, on Oct. 20, 1944.

He engaged in the private practice of law in Lynchburg from 1946 to 1956, then became a trust officer with the Peoples National Bank and Trust Company of Lynchburg (now Bank of America). He was appointed by President Kennedy as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia in 1961, with offices in Roanoke. His family moved to Roanoke in 1962. He was re-appointed by President Johnson in 1965 and served in that office until 1969. The present U.S. Attorney's offices are located in the Thomas B. Mason Building at 105 Franklin Road.

He then became associated with the Law Department of Norfolk and Western Railway Company (now Norfolk Southern Corporation) from which he retired in 1983. He held memberships in the American Bar Association, Virginia Bar Association, Lynchburg and Roanoke Bar Associations and the Judicial Conference for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Appeals Courts.

Tom had a long-time interest in theater and was a member of the company at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, during the summer of 1937 (its fifth season), when the late Robert Porterfield, its founder, was executive and artistic director. Tom was then 18-years old and appeared in six plays. While in Lynchburg, he performed in numerous plays at Lynchburg Little Theatre, one of the oldest Community Theaters in the nation. In Roanoke, he appeared in plays at Mill Mountain Playhouse, where some may remember his performance as Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey". Following his retirement he acted professionally at regional, summer and dinner theaters in several other states; playing Norman Thayer in "On Golden Pond" among other roles. Tom appeared in three feature films, (Crimes of the Heart, Mississippi Burning and Gods and Generals) and seven television films. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actor's Equity Association.

Tom was active in his church, having served as deacon, elder and trustee of First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, and previously as a member and officer of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Martha Mason Malloy and husband, Joe Malloy, of Vesuvius, and Polly Mason Dunn of Greenville, N.C.; grandchildren, Luke Malloy, Courtney Dunn and Mason Dunn; nephew, Thomas R. Mason and wife, Karen, of Alpharetta, Ga.; nieces, Anne Leadbetter and husband, Gig, of Grand Junction, Colo., and Marsha M. Matter and husband, Kevin, of Aurora, Colo.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, with the Rev. Robert D. Smith officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, in the Presbyterian Cemetery, 907 Bailey Street, Lynchburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, P.O. Box 8538, Roanoke, VA 24014; your own church; or a charity or organization of your choice.

Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel and Crematory, (540) 982-2100.

Charles, Jr's second wife was Mary Lou (Mollie) Downey to whom he was married c1891.  They had at least one son, Robert Ward, born Jun. 12, 1893, died Oct. 13, 1974 in Lynchburg, VA.  He was buried at Spring Hill Cemetery at Lynchburg.

Left to right, is Beulah, Robert Ward and Hettie.

Robert married Edna Miller Breeden on Dec. 24, 1924 in VA.  She was born Jun. 7, 1898 to Charles W. and Maggie Breeden, and died Jun. 8, 1995.  I have two children for them:  Mary Anne, born Oct. 25, 1925 and Charles Ward, born Jul. 17, 1927, died May 3, 1993.

Junior married a third time.  That wife was Eunice Sales, born Dec. 27, 1894, died Feb. 17, 1983.  There were no known children born to this union.



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

Photo courtesy John Taylor