Colby & Sarah Roberts Rucker

In 1927 Edyth Johns Rucker Whitley put together a rather comprehensive account of the Ruckers in American. By her own admission, Edyth did not set out to provide "a complete history of the family" before they began to arrive on the shores of this country.*

She emphatically states that the origin of the Ruckers was "no doubt a very historical family" and was German. She descended into a short description of when the family originated when a "Sir Knight crusader, John Von Rucker, was granted in 1096 AD¹ a coat-of-arms, dating from the first Crusade."

This book is available to read and download at Ancestry.com.  I will borrow only slightly from it in this outline of the family and their intermarriage with the Coffey and Dalton families of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. I have not relied on it entirely for Colby's descendants; instead I have relied on several contemporaries who have assisted me over the years while I researched my own Coffee/y ancestry.

Edyth tells us that Colby Rucker was a son of Peter and Sarah Rucker of Culpepper Co., VA. She found no exact date of marriage for Peter and Sarah but speculated that it "must have been about 1759." In 1775 Peter sold his land in Virginia and relocated with Sarah and his children to Mississippi. Through an investigative process Edyth speculates that although no official record has been found that provides Sarah's maiden name, she pretty much convinces researchers that her name was Sarah Cowherd, a daughter of Colby Cowherd whose property adjoined the Ruckers in Culpepper Co.

Colby Rucker was born Oct. 10, 1760 and died on Jan. 20, 1852 in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., TN and was buried there at the Rucker Cemetery. He married Sarah Roberts** c1784 and she died c1844, but we do not know where or, the location of her burial.

They had at least eight children; seven of which are believed born in Wilkes Co., and the last in Grainger Co., TN.

The first was Elizabeth. An un-sourced contribution to Coffey Cousins' tells us that she was born  born Jan. 6, 1787 and died Mar. 22, 1855.  She married John Coffey, a son of Benjamin and Polly Hayes Coffey on Mar. 1, 1804 in Wilkes Co.  It is said that 12 children were born to the union but likely there were only ten.  We have no data on two of them:  Jesse T. and George.

The others were Ausburn (var.) who was born on Jan. 11, 1805 and died on Dec. 30, 1876 in Grainger Co. He was married c1830 to Matilda "Tildy" Dalton, a daughter of Enos and Rebecca Williams Dalton. Tildy was born Jan. 30, 1799 in Grayson Co., VA and died in Rockcastle Co., KY on Jan. 30, 1899. Ausburn is buried at the Rucker Cemetery in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., while Tilda died in Rockcastle Co. and was buried in Roundstone, KY at the Scaffold Cane Cemetery. Thirteen children.

Colby, born Aug. 23, 1806 in Wilkes Co., died in Estill Co., KY on Jun. 17, 1888. He was married to Mary Ann "Polly" Adams on May 22, 1830 in Grainger Co., TN. She was born Oct. 6, 1807 in VA, died Sep. 26, 1887 in Estill Co. Both buried at Garrett Cemetery in Jinks, Estill Co. Ten children.

Benjamin, born Feb. 8, 1808 in Wilkes Co., died May 8, 1867 in Rockcastle Co. He married Nancy Hayes c1872 in Hawkins Co., TN.  Nancy was born Jul. 23, 1802 in NC and died in Rockcastle Co. on Feb. 14, 1874.  Both are buried at the Maret Cemetery in Wildie, Rockcastle Co. Ten children

Elizabeth Coffey Whitsett Hayes
Photo via S. Phelps

Elizabeth was born Oct. 14, 1810 in TN and died in Cass Co., MO on Aug. 30, 1883. Her first husband was Nathan P. Whitsett to whom she was married on Dec. 1, 1839. He died in Jan., 1842 in Grainger Co. and she then married her first cousin, George W. Hayes, a son of Thomas and Sarah "Sally" Rucker Hayes. Sally was the daughter of Colby and Sarah Roberts. The marriage occurred on Feb. 23, 1845 in Grainger Co. Both George and Elizabeth are buried at Pleasant Hill in Cass County's Union Baptist Church Cemetery. At least five children.

Nancy, born Jan. 12, 1811 in Grainger Co., died Nov. 20, 1896 in Rockcastle Co.  She never married and in the 1860 census she was enumerated as "insane."  She is buried at the Thomas Jefferson Coffey cemetery near Lake Linville in Rockcastle Co.

John Jackson, born Jan. 12, 1812 in Hancock Co., TN, died Oct. 15, 1877 in Rockcastle Co. His spouse was Elsie Nash, born 1810 in TN and died in Grainger Co. on Jan. 7, 1867. They were married Jul. 7, 1839 in Grainger Co. He is buried at Maret Cemetery in Wildie; she at the Condry Cemetery in Thorn Hill. Elsie was a daughter of Thomas and Dicy Mallicoat Nash. They also had a son named Marvel Nash who married Louisa Wells. Their daughter, Sarah Nash later married Wiley Coffey, son of Ausburn and Tildy Dalton Coffey. A son, Parrot Leon Nash also married Martha Matilda Coffey, a daughter of Wiley and Sarah Nash Coffey. John Jackson and Elsie had seven children.

The Coffey's loved their cousins!

John and Elizabeth Rucker Coffey's daughter, Sarah Lucinda, born c1822 in Grainger Co., married William E. (or H.) Coffey on Mar. 21, 1840.  William was the son of George and Margaret Rucker Coffey.  Margaret Rucker and Sarah's mother, Elizabeth Rucker were sisters and, John and George Coffey were brothers.  So, Sarah and William were double first cousins!  Sarah and William had seven children.

Margaret Elizabeth Coffey, born Feb. 28, 1823, probably in Grainger Co., married Isaac Bullen on May 9, 1844 in that county.  He was born Apr. 23, 1802 in TN and died in Rockcastle Co. on Nov. 28, 1896.  Margaret also died in Rockcastle Co.  Margaret was Isaac's second wife.  His first wife was Mary Dotson to whom he was married on Nov. 3, 1829 in Grainger Co.  They had five children, one of which (Hannah) married Elias Henry "Eli" Coffey in 1851 Grainger Co.  He was another son of Ausburn and Tildy Dalton Coffey.  Both Margaret and Isaac are buried at the Thomas Jefferson Coffey Cemetery.  Mary Dotson is buried at the Dotson Cemetery in Grainger Co.

Catherine Coffey, born Apr. 29, 1827 in TN, died Sep. 27, 1914 in Howell Co., MO.  She married a Mr. Sweet in Cass Co., MO.  We know that Catherine is buried at the Langston Cemetery in West Plains, Howell Co. MO, but no clues yet on Mr. Sweet.

William M. Coffey, born Oct. 31, 1828 in TN is the last known child of John and Elizabeth Rucker Coffey.  He married Ellen Nash on Jun. 10, 1849 in Rutledge, Grainger Co.  He died on Aug. 9, 1893 in that county; she on Jan. 19,1884.  Unfortunately, I have not yet found where they are buried.

---

2/16/2015 Update:

The following is from Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application made for the Colby's children.  His pension was denied as no proof existed that he actually served:

United States Department of Interior***

Bureau of Pensions

Rev. and 1812 Wars.         Washington, Nov. 6, 1925

Section R-9061

In response to your letter [presumed to be Whitley] of the second instant, I have the honor to advise you, that from the records of this Bureau it appears that Colby, or Colley Rucker was born October 10, 1760, place not stated.  During the Revolution he lived with his parents, whose names are not on record, on the Mississippi River, near Natchez.  He married soon after the Revolution in Wilkes County, North Carolina, date not given, Sarah Roberts.  He died in Grainger County, Tennessee, January 20, 1852.  His wife died about eight years before he died.  In 1852, their surviving children were:

Mrs. Margaret Coffee, aged sixty-five years.

Mrs. Elizabeth Coffee, aged sixty-seven years.

William Rucker, aged sixty-three years.

Mrs. Sarah Hayes, aged sixty-one years.

Mrs. Nancy Pain or Payne, aged fifty-eight years.

Mrs. Delphia Dalton, aged fifty-six years.

John Rucker, aged fifty-four years.

Mrs. Jane Hayes, aged fifty-one years.

On December 27, 1852, William Hays, or Hayes, soldier's administrator, a resident of Rockcastle County, Kentucky, applied for pension in behalf of the surviving children.  He was also soldier's son-in-law, but it is not stated which daughter was his wife.

It is stated that Colby, or Colley Rucker, enlisted in 1778, or 1770 and served under Captain Alston and Colonel Blunt, ranging up and down the Mississippi River near Natchez, for eighteen months.  After this, while going to North Carolina, he was captured by the British and confined in Savannah between four and six months, before he escaped.

He then went to Wilkes County, North Carolina, where he enlisted and served for three months under Captain John Keyes and Colonel Benjamin Harrald and Colonel Charles McDowell against the Cherokees.  Dates of service not given.

The claim was not allowed as soldier did not render six months service, in an embodied military corps as required by the pension laws.

Very truly yours,

Winfield Scott, Commissioner

---

Sources:

¹ The People's Crusade; see http://tinyurl.com/l6b244m

*Neither do I plan to create here a complete descendant list of children and other descendants of Colby.  I will however, be glad to discuss and provide information, including sources, to any researcher who would like to know more about this very large family.

** Was Sarah's surname Roberts or Robins?  According to the website "Robins [Ro-Bynes] Robbins - Clan?" Colby Rucker married Sarah Robins, daughter of John Robins, Jr., and Margaret Strother.

See the wewbsite  http://jimrobins.cherokee-online.com/robins.php as source of following information:

Children of John Robins, Jr. and Margaret Strother:

William Robins, born c. 1745 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died c. 1774 in Orange Cty., Virginia. He was married c. 1766 to Ann Foster, born c. 1744, died 14 June 1833.

Capt. Thomas Robins, born c. 1748 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died bef. 1824 Coffey Cty., Tennessee. He was married on the 24 December 1775 to Mary Foster, she was born abt 1747, died 4 December 1807 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina.

NOTE: Check this link for a surname history for the Foster line: Foster Link

[http://www.fmoran.com/foster.html]

John Robins, born c. 1750 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died (?) in Franklin Cty., Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Dogan in c. 1771 in Orange Cty., Virginia.

NOTE: Check this link for a surname history for the Jones line

[http://www.fmoran.com/wilkes/jones.html]

Reuben Robins, born bet. 1750-1755 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died in 1833 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina. He was married on the 29 April 1782 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina to Jane Turner, born c. 1760-70, died c. 1850-60

Mary Robins, born c. 1760 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died (?) in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina. She married Joseph Roberts c. 1781.

Ann Robins, born (?) in Orange Cty., Virginia. She married James Sartin c. 1786.

Lucy Robins, born bet. 1755-60 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died bef. 1787 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina. She married (Benjamin) Brown

Sarah Robins, born (?). She married Colby Rucker c. 1786.

***Microfilm publication M804 (Washington, D.C.: NARA, ), M804, Pension No. R.9061.

James Madison Coffey (VA, 1836-1923)

James Madison Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA on Sep 15, 1836* to Charles B. and Theodora Everette Coffey. He was the eldest of nine children born to Charles and Theodora. [The obituary for his brother Peter Virgil names their mother as Ophelia]

On Feb 3, 1920 he was found as a widower in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his son Robert. He died in Virginia on Aug 15, 1923, and was buried in the James M. Coffey/ Cox's Creek Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.

James and Esther Jane Smith were married on Nov 2, 1865** in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jun 14, 1880, the census on Jun 23, 1900, and the census on May 2, 1910, in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. Esther Jane, a daughter of John Smith, was born in Virginia on Feb 9, 1843, and died in Nelson Co, VA on May 11, 1917.

A source*** for Esther's death indicates that her birth date was in Oct., 1884. This is unlikely, since she appears in the 1880 census as James' wife in Nelson Co., VA.

She was buried in May 1917 in Cox's Creek Cemetery in Nelson Co., VA.

Her headstone indicates that she was the mother of 11 children.

Her name is spelled Easter in most census records, but spelled Ester in 1910.

James Madison and Esther Jane Smith Coffey had the following children:

- Lucy Alice Coffey, born about 1867, Nelson Co, VA; married James Sterling Claiborne Snead, on Jan 5, 1888 ; died in 1931, Nelson Co, VA.
- Robert J. Cofffey, born on Jan 18, 1869, Nelson Co, VA; married Mary S. Wood, on Oct 30, 1895, Nelson Co, VA ; died in 1948, Virginia.
- Mary Elizabeth Coffey, born in Mar 1871, Nelson Co, VA; married King Daniel Nash, on Jan 30, 1890, Nelson Co, VA ; died in 1952, Nelson Co, VA.
- James Alexander Coffey, born in Jan 1872, Nelson Co, VA; married Selina B. (Lina) Fitzgerald, on Jan 12, 1893, Nelson Co, VA ; died on Apr 3, 1959, Virginia.
- Henry Lafayette Coffey born in Oct 1873, Nelson Co, VA; married Ethel M. Ramsey, on Jul 26, 1914, Nelson Co, VA; died on Jul 22, 1943, Virginia.
- Easter (Jennie) Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1876. On Jun 14, 1880 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Charles Franklin Coffey, born on Jul 27, 1878, Nelson Co, VA; married Lacy M. Campbell; died on Feb 3, 1966.
- William Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA in Feb 1880. On Jun 14, 1880 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.
- Odius V. (Ody) Coffey, born on May 5, 1882, Nelson Co, VA; married Ester Line Coffey+; died on Oct 1, 1954, Virginia.
- Lacy M. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jun 6, 1884. On Jun 23, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. She died on Jan 23, 1976 .

- Lucy Alice Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1867. On Jun 14, 1880 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Jun 2, 1900 she lived in Rockfish Dist., Nelson Co., VA.

In 1900 Lucy had two Snead children and was a widow. In 1910 her husband was back, they had been married for 22 years and there were eight more children in the family.

She died in Nelson Co, VA in 1931, and was buried in 1931 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Lucy Alice and James Sterling Claiborne Snead were married on Jan 5, 1888. They appeared in the census on Apr 19, 1910 in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA.

[This family needs additional research. Lucy is found in the 1900 Nelson Co., Rockfish dist. as a widow with Walter O., age 19, and Woody, age 8 in the household.]

James Sterling Claiborne Snead (son of John M. Snead and Lucinda __________) was born in Virginia about 1857. On Aug 12, 1870 he lived in Augusta Co., VA in the household with his parents. He died in Nelson Co, VA in 1937, and was buried in the Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Lucy Alice and James Sterling Claiborne Snead had the following children:

- Walter Operton Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jul 18, 1880. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 12, 1880 in Nelson Co, VA. [Update:  Walter was a son by James' first wife, Margaret, last name unknown]
- Woody Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA in Dec 1891. On Jun 2, 1900 he lived in Rockfish Dist., Nelson Co., VA in the household with his mother. He registered for the WWI draft on Jan 5, 1918 in Nelson Co, VA.< br /> - Mary J. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1892. Married Linday O. Evans, Dec. 6, 1911, Nelson Co.
- Matty A. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1894.
- Oda Snead, born Dec., 1892 - Robert Luther Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA Nov., 1896.
- Otha Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA on Aug 15, 1897. He registered for the WWI draft on Aug 24, 1918 in Nelson Co, VA.
- Willis Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1900.
- John Mason Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1901.
- Lacy P. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1902.
- Caskie G. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1903.
- Juanita N. Snead was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1906.

- Robert J. Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jan 18, 1869. On Jun 14, 1880 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He died in Virginia in 1948, and was buried in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Robert J. Coffey and Mary S. Wood were married on Oct 30, 1895 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jan 30, 1920 in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. Mary S. (daughter of R. D. WOOD and Sarah __________) was born about 1873.

[Is this the correct name for Robert's wife?]

Robert J. and Mary S. Wood Coffey had the following children:

- Jesse Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1900.
- Elizabeth Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1904.
- Myrtle M. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1906.
- Charley Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1908.
- Jenny Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1910.
- Cedcey[?] Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1915.

- Mary Elizabeth Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA in Mar 1871. On Jun 14, 1880 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. She died in Nelson Co, VA in 1952, and was buried in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Mary Elizabeth Coffey and King Daniel Nash were married on Jan 30, 1890 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jun 15, 1900, the census on May 2, 1910, the census on Jan 29, 1920,. And the census on May 1, 1930, all in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. King Daniel,(son of Daniel NASH and Ann M. __________) was born in Virginia about 1867. He died in Nelson Co, VA in 1953, and was buried in 1953 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

- James Alexander Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA in Jan 1872. On Jun 14, 1880 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He died in Virginia on Apr 3, 1959, and was buried in Apr 1959 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

James Alexander and Selina B. (Lina) Fitzgerald Coffey were married on Jan 12, 1893 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jun 12, 1900, the census on Apr 25, 1910, the census on Jan 12, 1920, and in the census on Apr 2, 1930, all in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA. Selina B. (Lina) FITZGERALD (daughter of Reuben P. FITZGERALD and Amelia __________) was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA about 1873. She died in Lynchburg, Campbell Co., VA on Oct 24, 1968 .

Her Obituary, Lynchburg News, Lynchburg, VA, Oct. 26, 1968

Mrs. J. A. Coffey MASSIES MILL-Mrs. Selina Fitzgerald Coffey, 95, of Massies Mill died Friday morning at Liberty House Nursing Home in Lynchburg. Born in Nelson County, she was a daughter of Rueben P. Fitzgerald and Emelia Campbell Fitzgerald. She was a member of Jonesboro Baptist church and the widow of James Alexander Coffey. Surviving are two sons, J. K. Coffey of Lynchburg, and Robert B. Coffey of Detroit; four daughters, Mrs. Frank Williams and Mrs. Frances Kemp, of Roanoke Rapids, N. C., Mrs. H. H. Good of Richmond, Mrs. Leo C. Frank of Laurel, Md.; a brother, Conrad D. Fitzgerald of Staunton; six grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday in Preston-Parr Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Hugh Boyd. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery.

She was buried on Oct 26, 1968 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA. James Alexander COFFEY and Selina B. (Lina) FITZGERALD had the following children:

- James Kimbro Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in Apr 1893. On Jun 12, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Apr 25, 1910 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Jun 5, 1917 in Nelson Co, VA. On Jan 12, 1920 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.
- Ruby L. Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in May 1895. On Jun 12, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Ora A. Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in Sep 1896. On Jun 12, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Jincy M. Coffey was born in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in Sep 1898. On Jun 12, 1900 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- Robert Bruce Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1902. On Apr 25, 1910 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Jan 12, 1920 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.
- Mary S. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1906. On Apr 25, 1910 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents. On Jan 12, 1920 she lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with her parents.
- William K. Coffey was born in Nelson Co, VA on Dec 1, 1908. On Apr 25, 1910 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. On Jan 12, 1920 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents.

- Henry Lafayette Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA in Oct 1873. On Jun 14, 1880, and on Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 2, 1917 in Amherst Co., VA. He died in Virginia on Jul 22, 1943, and was buried in Jul 1943 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Henry Lafayette Coffey and Ethel M. Ramsey were married on Jul 26, 1914 in Nelson Co, VA. Ethel M. was born in Nelson Co, VA on Oct 15, 1888, and died in Nelson Co, VA on Oct 22, 1918 . She was buried in Oct 1918 in Mt. Paran Baptist Church Cemetery, Montebello, Nelson Co., VA.


- Charles Franklin Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jul 27, 1878. On Jun 14, 1880, and on Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 17, 1918 in Albemarle Co., VA. He also registered for the WWII draft on Apr 27, 1942 in Nelson Co, VA. He died on Feb 3, 1966.

Charles Franklin and Lacy M. Campbell were married. Lacy was born in Nelson Co, VA on Jun 6, 1884, and died there on Jan 23, 1976.


- Odius V. (Ody) Coffey (James Madison-1) was born in Nelson Co, VA on May 5, 1882. On Jun 23, 1900 he lived in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 12, 1918 in Nelson Co, VA. He died in Virginia on Oct 1, 1954, and was buried in Oct 1954 in Jonesboro Baptist Church, Roseland, Nelson Co., VA.

Odius V. (Ody) and Ester Line Coffey appeared in the census on Jan 15, 1920 in Nelson Co, VA. They were married. Ester Line (daughter of John COFFEY and Roxanna J. (Roxie) NASH) [No further information is known]

Odius V. (Ody) and Ester Line Coffey had the following children:

- Flossie A. (Flo) Coffey, born about 1910, Woodson, Amherst Co., VA; married Byron Roman, in 1928; died on Jan 19, 2005, Lynchburg, VA.
- Bernice R. Coffey was born in Virginia about 1913.

- Flossie A. (Flo) Coffey (Odius V.-2, James Madison-1) was born in Woodson, Amherst Co., VA about 1910. She died in Lynchburg, VA on Jan 19, 2005 .

Her Obituary, News Advance, Lynchburg, VA, Jan. 20, 2005

Flossie (Flo) Coffey Roman

Flossie (Flo) Coffey Roman, 95, of Lynchburg, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005.

Born in Woodson, she was the eldest of four children born to O.V. and Ester Coffey.

She was a resident of Nelson County, and was the oldest surviving member of the Fleetwood School System. In 1928 she married Byron Roman of Sidney, Ohio. He was supervisor of the Southern Minerals Plant in Piney River. From 1943 until 1998 she and her family resided in Lewiston, N.Y. She moved to Virginia in 1998 and since October 2004 had lived at the Summit in Lynchburg.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron and brother, Ody William Coffey of Massies Mill.

She is survived by a son, Donald Coffey Roman and his wife, Jill, of Indianapolis, Ind.; and six grandchildren, Kimberly Krakower of Centerville, Blair Roman of Sausalito, Calif., Wendy Conner of Quincy, Mass., John Roman of Quincy, Mass., Michael Roman of Plymouth, England, Scott Roman of Newport, R.I.; and one great-granddaughter, Chelsea Walsh of Sausalito, Calif. Also surviving are her two sisters, Bernice Taylor of Monroe and Kathleen Taylor of Springfield; and five wonderful nieces she adored.

Flossie loved fishing, camping, gardening and was a proud member of the NRA. She was fearless in her approach to life’s challenges. She was well known for her culinary skills and loved to entertain with dinner parties. Mrs. Roman was a lifelong antique collector, dealer and appraiser. She and her husband were active members of the Lasalle Yacht Club in Niagara Falls, N.Y. They were competitive bridge players and active in several historical societies. Flossie reached out with energy for every life experience within her power; if you ever met her you would never forget her.

Mrs. Roman elected to be cremated with a memorial service to be held at a later date. Her remains will be interred at the Jonesboro Cemetery in Nelson County.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Rd., (434) 239-2405.

Flossie A. (Flo) and Byron Roman were married in 1928.



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




*Rootsweb [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-cof05.txt]
**ibid [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt]
***ibid [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-cof05.txt]
+Esther was the daughter of John and Roxanna J. Roxie Nash Coffey

King Daniel and Mary Elizabeth Coffey Nash

King Daniel Nash

Margaret Coffey Nash

King was born c1867 in Virginia and died in Nelson Co. in 1953. He was a son of Daniel Webster and Ann Marie Hatter Nash. Daniel was born c1826 in Virginia and died before the 1920 census. Ann was born c1833 in Virginia.

King married Mary Elizabeth, the daughter of James Madison and Esther Jane Smith Coffey, on Jan. 30, 1890 in Nelson Co. James was born Sep. 15, 1836 in Nelson Co., and died Aug. 15, 1923 in Virginia. Esther was born Feb. 9, 1843 in Virginia and died May 11, 1917 in Nelson Co. Elizabeth was the third of their 10 children.

Their children, as I have them, were:

Daniel Webster Nash

Mildred, born Jul., 1890. This is the name of the first child enumerated in the 1900 census. In 1910 the child in this position was named Salome E., age 19.

Lottie L., born Jul., 1892. She was second born in both the 1900 and 1910 census.

Esther Salome. She first appeared with this name among the children in the 1910 census at age 19.

Delia A., born Feb., 1897. She appeared fourth in 1900 and fourth in 1920. In 1920 she was enumerated as Dilly A., age 13.

In 1910 there appeared a male child by the name of Boson [sic], age 8.

Leland appeared for the first time in 1920 at age 15. At this age, he should have appeared in the 1910 census.

There were no children with King and Mary in the 1930 census.

King and Elizabeth remained in Massies Mill, Nelson Co. their entire lives, and all of their children were born there. Both are buried at the Jonesboro Baptist Church Cemetery at Roseland in Nelson Co.

Please contact me to correct or add to this information.

Vernon H. Coffey (1933-2007)

Vernon H. Coffey was the son of Lester Paul and Mossie Cope Coffey. Lester was a son of Colby C. and Cornelia Harrell Coffey, himself a son of John Jackson and Alsy Nash Coffey. Vernon's obituary appeared in the Nov. 17, 2007 on-line edition of the Hamblen Co., TN Citizen Tribune.

Anyone with more information on this family can contact me at the e-mail address found in the upper right corner.



VERNON H. COFFEY

Vernon H. Coffey, born Jan. 14, 1933, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 14, 2007 after a lingering illness. He was retired from Jefferson Federal Bank. Vernon served in the United States Army with the 749th Battalion. He was a longtime member at Fernwood Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and had taught Sunday school and attended regularly until he was unable to attend. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Proceeded in death by his parents, Lester Paul and Mossie M. Coffey; brothers, Alvis M., Kenneth, Ermon and Bill Coffey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Ann; daughters, Mavis (Robert) Taylor and Melissa (Tim) Crews, granddaughter, Heather Crews; brothers, Harold Dean (Ludell) Coffey of Knoxville, H.T. (Ann) Coffey of Morristown and Wayne (Betty) Coffey of Bean Station. Sisters, Mabel Roberts of Talbott and Faye (Robert) Spurgeon of Morristown; brothers-in-law, R.J. (Lois) Crigger and Thomas D. (Vivian) Crigger of Morristown, several nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007 at Fernwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobby Kitts, the Rev. O’Dell Davidson, and the Rev. Ricky Dinkins and the Rev. Chris Davis officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Hamblen Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be: Ron Cameron, Eddie Helton, Tim Kimbrough, Jim Stepp, Tim Roberts and Jonathan Spurgeon.

The family would like to thank all Housecall Hospice staff and nurses for everything during this illness, also a special thanks to Adventa Hospice Service, EMS and doctors and nurses.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society.

Descendants of Eli Davis COFFEY

Eli Davis COFFEY was born in Virginia on Feb 2, 1868.1 and died on Oct 29, 1942 in Nelson Co., VA.1 He was buried in Oct 1942 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Eli and Frances Catherine (Fannie) COFFEY, first cousins, were married on Mar 25, 1890 in Nelson Co., VA.2 They appeared in the census on Apr 22, 1910, 3 Jan 26, 1920,4 and on Apr 9, 1930, all in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA.5 He was a son of David A. and Mary Jane Fitzgerald Coffey, and Frances was a daughter of Alexander S. and Sarah Ann Fitzgerald Coffey. David and Alexander were brothers. Sarah and Mary Jane were likely related, but I have not yet found the connection.

Unnamed infant twins of Eli and Frances are buried at White Rock Cemetery in Nelson Co., VA.

Frances Catherine (Fannie) COFFEY was born in Virginia in Mar 1874,1 and died on Jun 6, 1948 in Nelson Co., VA.1 She was buried in Jun 1948 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

They had the following children:

+2 i. Zina COFFEY, born in 1892, Virginia1; married Henry M. TAYLOR, about 1913, Nelson Co, VA; died on Feb 27, 1927, Nelson Co., VA1.
+3 ii. Hersey F. COFFEY, born on Jul 9, 1895, Virginia; married Lawell B. (LNU) about 1923, Virginia; died on May 28, 1956, Nelson Co, VA.
4 iii. Gwendolen (?) COFFEY was born in Virginia about 1898.
5 iv. Lester Thornton COFFEY was born in Virginia on Jun 12, 1901. He died on Aug 26, 1964.

Zina COFFEY (Eli Davis-1) was born in Virginia in 1892,1 and died on Feb 27, 1927 in Nelson Co., VA.1 She was buried in Feb 1927 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Zina COFFEY and Henry M. TAYLOR were married about 1913 in Nelson Co, VA. They appeared in the census on Jan 9, 1920.6 Henry was born in Virginia on Mar 12, 1890.1 He appeared in the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Nelson Co, VA as a widower.7 Henry died on Apr 6, 1963 in Nelson Co., VA,1 and was buried in Apr 1963 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Henry and Zina COFFEY had the following children:

6 i. Asa (Orsey?) W. TAYLOR was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1914.
+7 ii. Willard Vane TAYLOR, born on Jun 6, 1915, Montebello, Nelson Co., VA1; married Wavie Ann TAYLOR; died on Jul 24, 1990, Charlottesville, Fairfax Co., VA1,8.
8 iii. Elwood TAYLOR was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1924.

3. Hersey F. COFFEY was born in Virginia on Jul 9, 1895 and died on May 28, 1956 in Nelson Co, VA. He was buried in May 1956 in Hatter Cemetery, Tyro, Nelson Co., VA.

Hersey F. COFFEY married Lawell (LNU) were married about 1923 in Virginia. They appeared in the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Massies Mill, Nelson Co, VA.9 Lawell was born in Virginia about 1904.

They had the following children:

9 i. Margie COFFEY was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1922.
10 ii. Laura COFFEY was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1923.
11 iii. Laurene COFFEY was born in Nelson Co, VA about 1925.

7. Willard Vane TAYLOR (Zina COFFEY-2, Eli Davis-1) was born in Montebello, Nelson Co., VA on Jun 6, 1915,1 and died on Jul 24, 1990 in Charlottesville, Fairfax Co., VA.1,8

Obituary, The Staunton News Leader, Jul. 25, 1990

CROZET - Willard Vane Taylor, 75, of Meadow Drive died Tuesday morning (July 24, 1990) at Martha Jefferson Hospital Charlottesville. He was born at Montebello June 6, 1915, a son of Henry and Zina (Coffey) Taylor. He was a member of White Rock Christian Church, Tye River. He is survived by his widow, Wavie (Fitzgerald) Taylor of Staunton; three daughters, Mrs. Ermon Griffin of Reva, Mrs. Robert Henderson of Afton and Ms. Patricia Pugh of Charlottesville; two brothers, Orcie and Elwood Taylor, both of Waynesboro; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday at McDow Funeral Home by the Rev. Howard Payne, with burial at White Rock Christian Church Cemetery, Tye River. Pallbearers will be Sonny, Donald and Butch Taylor, William Coffey and Elwood and Donald Quick. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends attending the service. The family will receive friends at 7 tonight at the funeral home and at the home of Mrs. Robert Henderson, on Rt. 2 Afton.

He was buried in Jul 1990 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Willard Vane TAYLOR married Wavie Ann TAYLOR. Wavie Ann was born in Virginia on Apr 22, 1922,1 and died on Aug 25, 1998 in Nelson Co., VA.1 She was buried in Aug 1998 in White Rock Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.1

Sources

1. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-whtrk.txt].
2. Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA - Part 1 is from Marriage Register, Book No. 2, 1854 - 1926 and only includes entries for Allen and Coffey surnames thru 1899. See the files located at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt. 25 Mar 1890, Eli D. Coffey, age 22 yrs., to Fns. C. Coffey, age 16 yrs; parents of groom: David A. and Mary J. Coffey; parents of bride: Alex S. and Sallie Coffey.
3. United States Federal Census: 1910 Nelson Co., Massies Mill, North Fork of Tye River, ED98, Sheet 3B, dwelling/family 68, Coffey, Eli D., head, male, white, age 42, married once for 20 yrs., born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Frances C., wife, female, white, age 36, married once for 20 yrs., born VA, parents born VA; Z[?], dau., female, white, age 15, single, born VA; Hersey F., son, male, white, age 14, single, born VA; Gwendola [?], dau., female, white, age 11, born VA; Lester T., son, male, white, age 8, born VA.
4. Ibid., 1920 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED not given, Sheet 10A, dwelling 163, family 164, Coffey, Eli D., head, male, white, age 50, married, born VA, parents born VA; Frances C., wife, female, white, age 46, married, born VA, parents born VA; Hersey F., son, male, white, age 23, single, born VA, parents born VA; Lester T., son, male, white, age 18, single, born VA, parents born VA; Ramsey, Cland [?], Lodger, male, white, age 13, born VA, parents born VA.
5. Ibid., 1930 Nelson Co., Massies Mill, Nash, ED5, Sheet 4B, dwelling 76, family 89, Coffey, Elli [sic] D., head, male, white, age 62, married at age 22, born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Fannie, wife, female, white, age 58, married at age 18, born VA, parents born VA.
6. Ibid., 1920 Nelson Co., Montebello Pct., ED107, Sheet 4A, dwelling 59, family 60, Taylor, Henry M., head, male, white, age 28, married, born VA, parents born VA, farm laborer; Zinnia [sic], wife, female, white, age 27, married, born VA, parents born VA; Orsey [sic] W., son, male, white, age 6, born VA; Willard, son, male, white, age 4 yrs., 6 mos., born VA.
7. Ibid., 1930 Nelson Co., Nash, Massies Mill Dist., ED5, Sheet 4B, dwelling 73, family 86, Taylor, Henry M., head, male, white, age 28, widower, married at age 20, born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Asa [?], W., son, male, white, age 16, single, born VA; Willard V., son, male, white, age 14, single, born VA; Elwood, son, male, white, age 6, born VA; Taylor, Martha J., mother, female, white, age 70, widow, married at age 20, born VA, parents born VA. [Enumerator was Forrest Coffey].
8. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/augusta/obits/tay01.txt].
9. United States Federal Census. 1930 Nelson Co., Nash, Massies Mill Dist., ED5, Sheet 4B, dwelling 77, family 90, Coffey, Hersey F., head, male, white, age 33, married at age 26, born VA, parents born VA, clerk in grocery store; Lawell B., wife, female, white, age 26, married at age 19, born VA, parents born VA; Margie, dau., female, white, age 8, born VA; Laura, dau., female, white, age 7, born VA; Laurene, dau., female, white, age 3 yrs., 7 mos., born VA.

Please send additions and/or corrections to my e-mail address below.

Brothers Colby C. and John Jackson "Stumpy" Coffey

---

Colby C. Coffey was born Jan. 12, 1852 in TN, son of John Jackson and Alsy Nash Coffey. He died Oct. 23, 1924 in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., TN and was buried there in the Condry (also known as Cope) Cemetery. He married Sarah Emily Ann Parris c1870 in probably Claiborne Co., TN. Their first child, John Alfred was born in Tazewell, Claiborne Co.

Sarah Emily was born Oct. 20, 1852 and died Aug. 3, 1905 in Thorn Hill. She is also buried in the Condry Cemetery. Her parents were Abram Parris, born Oct. 26, 1826 in the Spartenburg Dist. of South Carolina, and died on Apr. 16, 1915. Her mother was Mahala May Cantwell, born Jan. 22, 1830 in Spartenburg Dist., and died 1909. Both are buried in the Condry Cemetery.

Colby and Sarah were parents of seven children: John Alfred, born Mar. 9, 1872, died Oct. 27, 1943; Cora, born Jun. 29, 1877, died Jun. 25, 1951; James Orlander, born Mar. 18, 1879, died May 1, 1956; Mary, born Mar. 24, 1881; Nelson, born Aug. 28, 1884, died Oct., 1912; Dillard D., born May 8, 1886, died Jul. 23, 1924; and Della, born Jan., 1894.

In addition to Sarah Emily Abram and Mahale were also the parents of Darcus Elizabeth Parris who married Colby's brother, John Jackson (Stumpy) Coffey, Jr. Darcus was born Oct. 20, 1847 in South Carolina and died May 7, 1927 in Thorn Hill. She and Stumpy were married c1868 in TN. John Jackson, Jr. was born May 26, 1845 in Grainger Co., and died May 20, 1929 in Thorn Hill. This couple is buried in the McGinnis-Harrell Cemetery in Grainger Co. Their children were: Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 4, 1868; Etta Elsie, born Jun. 12, 1870; William Lemmie, born Mar. 22, 1872, died 1932; and John Landrum, born Oct. 22, 1874, died Jul. 16, 1909.

I have additional information on the descendants of these two families.

Please contact me if you need additional information, or can add to or correct any of the above.