Banner Franklin and Hazel Coffey Wyatt

Banner Franklin WYATT was born in Ashe Co., NC on Apr 8, 1917.1,2 He enlisted in the military on Feb 23, 1945 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.3 He died on Mar 12, 1998 in Archdale, Randolph Co., NC. 4,5

This may be the Banner Wyatt, age 2, found in the 1920 household of Millard and Maggie Wyatt, Ashe Co., Horse Creek Twp., NC. Others in the household were Bynum, age 16; Edward, age 13; Fred, age 11; Sidney, age 7; Belle, age 6; Paul, age 4 and, Easter, mother of Millard, age 74.

Banner of the 1920 census also appears in the 1930 census at Horse Creek, Ashe Co., age 12. Parents were Millard and Maggie. Others in the household that year were Fred, age 21; Belle, age 17; Paul, age 14 and, Oren, age 9.

I have seen other genealogies for Banner, son of Millard and Maggie Price Wyatt, married to Darlene Fisher, born c1917 and, show him deceased in Oct., 1995 in Ashe Co., NC.

Banner Franklin WYATT and Hazel COFFEY, (daughter of Larkin C. COFFEY and Lessie BAUGUESS) were married, date not known. She was born in Wilkes Co., NC on Apr 13, 19196 and, died on Mar 31, 2003 in High Point, Guilford Co., NC.

Obituary, The Record, Wilkes Co., NC, Apr. 2, 2003 (Internet Edition No. 177)

Mrs. Hazel Coffey Wyatt, age 83, a resident of Westwood Health and Rehabilitation Center and formerly of Friddle Drive in High Point, died Monday, March 31, 2003 at High Point Regional Hospital. Mrs. Wyatt was born April 13, 1919 in Wilkes County to Larkin and Lessie Bauguess Coffey. She had been a High Point resident most of her life and had attended The True Church of God in Thomasville. Mrs. Wyatt was married to Banner Franklin Wyatt who preceded her in death on March 12, 1998. Mrs. Wyatt is survived by a son, Tommy Wyatt of California; three grandchildren, Tommy Wyatt and wife, Robin of Virginia, Dorenda Reeves and husband, Jack of California, Melissa Corvo of Alabama; six great-grandchildren, Jessica and Nicholas Reeves, Marissa and Morgan Corvo, Rebekah and Alicia Wyatt; a sister, Florine Coffey of Virginia; a special friend, Rosa Walton of Lexington. A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Mountlawn Memorial Park in North Wilkesboro by Reverend David Sparks. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

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



Sources

1. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Roll Number: B_C006_68001 Volume: D-8 Page: 545. Name: Banner Wyatt Date of Birth: 1917 Birth County: Ashe Parent1 Name: Alex Wyatt. 2. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. 3. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 Army Serial Number Merged File, 1938-1946 [Archival Database]; World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. Name: Banner Wyatt Birth Year: 1917 Race: White, citizen (White) Nativity State or Country: North Carolina State: North Carolina County or City: Ashe Enlistment Date: 23 Feb 1945 Enlistment State: North Carolina Enlistment City: Fort Bragg Branch: No branch assignment Branch Code: No branch assignment Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) Source: Civil Life Education: Grammar school Civil Occupation: Geographer Marital Status: Married Height: 89 Weight: 186. 4. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. North Carolina Vital Records, Raleigh, North Carolina. and North Carolina Archives and Records Section. North Carolina County Records, 1908-1967. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Banner Franklin Wyatt Death Date: 12 Mar 1998 Death City: Archdale Death State: North Carolina Date Death Recorded: 19 Mar 1998 Birth Date: 8 Apr 1916 Residence City: High Point Residence County: Guilford Residence State: North Carolina Gender: Male Race: White Social Security Number: 183148754 Source: North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics. 5. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Name: Banner F. Wyatt SSN: 183-14-8754 Last Residence: 27260 High Point, Guilford, North Carolina, United States of America Born: 8 Apr 1917 Died: 12 Mar 1998 State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951 ). 6. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Hazel Coffey Date of Birth: 1919 Birth County: Wilkes Parent1 Name: L C Coffey Roll Number: B_C104_66001 Volume: 5 Page: 575.

James Alexander and Selina B. Fitzgerald Coffey

This James Alexander Coffey was born Mar. 25, 1871 in Nelson Co., VA to James Madison and Esther Jane Smith. He died on Apr. 3, 1959 in Virginia and, was buried at Jonesboro Baptist Church Cemetery in Roseland, Nelson Co.

He was married to Selina B. (Lina) Fitzgerald on Jan. 12, 18931 in Nelson Co. She was born c1874 and died Oct. 24, 1968 in Lynchburg, Campbell Co., VA. Line is also buried at Jonesboro.

Her obituary:

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.

I have their children as:

James Kimbro, born c1894
Ruby L., born c1896
Ora A., born c1897
Jincy M., born c1899
Robert Bruce, born c1902
Mary S., born c1906
William K., born Dec. 1, 1908

Not much is known about this family and their descendants. They appeared in the 1910 through 1930 Nelson Co. census records.

I would appreciate information on the children. Additions and/or corrections can be sent to me at the following e-mail address:

1 Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA, Page 81, Line 5: 12 Jan 1893, J. A. Coffey, age 20 yrs., to S. B. Fitzgerald, age 19 yrs.; parents of groom: J. and E. J. Coffey; parents of bride: R. P. and Amelia H. Fitzgerald

Census:

1910 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED98, Sheet 6A, dwelling/family 80, Coffey, James A., head, male, white, age 38, married once for 17 yrs., born VA, parents born VA; Selina B., wife, female, white, age 37, married once for 17 yrs., mother of 7, 7 living, born VA, parents born VA; James K., son, male, white, age 16, born VA, parents born VA; Ruby L., dau., female, white, age 14, born VA, parents born VA; Ora A., dau., female, white, age 13, born VA, parents born VA; Ginny (Jincy?) M., dau., female, white, age 11, born VA, parents born VA; Robert B., son, male, white, age 8, born VA, parents born VA; Mary S., dau., female, white, age 4, born VA, parents born VA; William K., son, male, white, age 1, born VA, parents born VA

1920 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED108, Sheet 7A, dwelling 126, family 133, Coffey, James A., head, male, white, age 47, male, born VA, parents born VA; Selina B., wife, female, white, age 46, married, born VA, parents born VA; James K., son, male, white, age 26, single, born VA, parents born VA; Robert B., son, male, white, age 17, single, born VA, parents born VA; Mary S., dau., female, white, age 14, born VA, parents born VA; William K., son, male, white, age 11, born VA, parents born VA

1930 Nelson Co., Massies Mill, ED6, Sheet 1A, dwelling/family 10, Coffey, Alex, head, male, white, age 68, married at age 20, born VA, parents born VA; Selina, whife, female, white, age 57, married at age 19, born VA, parents born VA

Jesse Filmore Coffey

Jesse Filmore Coffey was born Oct. 22, 1858 in North Carolina to Austin and Mary A. Blalock Coffey. He married at least three times.

His first wife was Mattie Storie, born Mar. 26, 1852, died Apr. 25, 1892. I have not found their marriage date, but it should have been sometime prior to Aug. 4, 1882 for that is the date of birth of their first child, Edna.

Edna married J. E. Hodges on Oct. 2, 1903 in Watauga Co., NC. She died Mar. 3, 1942 in Boone, Watauga Co., and is buried there at Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. I have no additional information.

Edna's obituary:

Mrs. Edna Hodges Dies on Tuesday

Brief Illness is Fatal to Well-known School Teacher; Rites at Boone Fork Church

Mrs. Edna Coffey Hodges, aged 67, died at Watauga Hospital Tuesday after a brief illness. Cancer was given as the cause of her death.

Funeral services are to be conducted from the Boone's Fork Baptist church and burial will be in that section when the weather permits.

Mrs. Hodges was a daughter of the late Filmore and Mrs. Coffey and was raised in the vicinity of Foscoe. She had taught in the public schools of Watauga and adjacent counties for a number of years, and was well known and held in the highest regard by her many acquaintances.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Louise Aldridge, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Eva Coffey, Jessee Coffey, Mrs. H. H. Berry, Sanford Coffey, Shulls Mills; Mrs. George Williams, Johnson City, Tenn, Mrs. Blaine Aldridge, Tacoma, Wash.

Other children were:

Rose Lee, born Feb. 9, 1886, died Jan. 16, 1946. She married Arthur Blaine Aldridge on May 19, 1906 in Watauga Co. He was the son of James A. and Sarah Gragg Aldridge. Arthur is thought to have died in Wisconsin in 1947. Their children were Jerome Marvin, born Nov. 11, 1909 and Beulah J., born Sep. 3, 1912.

Jesse Lawrence, born in Watauga Co. on Feb. 29, 1888, died there on Nov. 16, 1956. He is buried in the Calloway Cemetery in Watauga Co.

Jesse's obituary:

Jesse L. Coffey, 68, passed away Friday evening at 8:30 o'clock at the home of a sister, Mrs. H. H. Berry, 112 Ervin avenue.

A native of Watauga County, he was born on February 29, 1888, a son of the late J. Philmore Coffey and Mrs. Mattie Story Coffey. His wife is the former Miss Florence Clark. He was a member of the Boone Fork Advent Christian Church in Watauga County.

Surviving are a son, Warren Coffey of Manerva, O.; four grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Berry, Mrs. George Williams of Johnson City, Tenn., and Miss Eva Mac Coffey of Shulls Mills; and a brother, Stanford Coffey of Shulls Mills.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Christian Church at Shulls Mills, with the Rev. Horace Harris officiating. Interment will be in the Callaway cemetery.

Mr. Coffey served in the United States Army from 1911 through 1921, being stationed in China, the Philippine Islands and Siberia. He was a retired employee of the Timpken Roller Bearing Company of Canton, Ohio.

The body was removed to the home of a sister, Miss Eva Mac Coffey, at Shulls Mills this afternoon from Lenoir Funeral Home.

Clarence Olen, born Aug. 28, 1889. He married Beulah Berry on Jul. 3, 1922 in Watauga Co. No other information.

Sarah Ethel, born Mar. 1, 1892. Married Harden Berry. No other information.

Jesse' second wife was Jane Harrell. They were married Nov. 26, 1892 in Watauga Co. No other information.

His third wife was Harriett Melissa Calloway, born May 9, 1862 in NC, died in that state on Oct. 22, 1949. They were married Dec. 5, 1893 in Watauga Co.

Harriet Melissa Calloway

At least four children were born to this marriage:

Mollie Bell, born Nov. 24, 1895, died Mar. 9, 1974. Mollie married George Quincy Williams on Sep. 12, 1917 in Watauga Co. He was born c1894 and died Feb. 3, 1967 in Washington Co., TN. Their children were: Frank Tipton, born Jul. 27, 1918, died Jan. 31, 1987; Jack Quincy, born Mar. 8, 1921, died Mar. 3, 2001.

Some sources list Harriet Marie, born Jul. 21, 1945 and Melissa Jane, born Mar. 20, 1956 as children of George and Mollie. That is problematic however, as there were 24 years between birth of Jack and Harriet and, 11 years between Harriet and Melissa.

[I have learned today (12-31-07) that Harriet and Melissa are grandchildren of George and Millie; children of their son Frank. I do not yet know who their mother was and, am working on that. ]

Eva Mae, born May 11, 1899, died Jan. 9, 1975. No other information.

Stanford Councill, born Oct. 24, 1901, died Dec. 29, 1988. Stanford married his second cousin, Minnie Lee Ella Coffey, a daughter of William Pinkney and Nancy Caroline Gragg Coffey. Minnie has been previously married to Herbert Spencer "Hub" Wagner. Hub had been sentenced to prison for the murder of Earl Moody and Letcher Byrd in Christmas Day, 1926. Hub had also been previously married to Ruie Ellen Coffey, a daughter of Charles Frederick* and Saphronia Phipps Coffey. It is believed that Hub relocated to West Virginia after serving his prison term. I do not know of any children born to Stanford and Minnie.

The last child born to Jesse and Harriet is thought to be Minnie Lee, born Jun. 9, 1904, died Jun. 9, 1992. No other information.

Please contact me with additions and/or corrections at the e-mail address below.



*Update Nov. 8, 2007: I have been rather rudely informed that Charles' middle name was not Frederick.

Doctor Hill Wright

Doctor was a son of Thomas A. and Margaret Ann Coffey Wright. He was born April 1, 1889 in North Carolina and died Oct. 4, 1949 in Watauga Co., NC. He married twice, first to Virgie Nona Gragg, a daughter of Leonard L. and Alva Sims Gragg. She was born Oct. 18, 1897 in North Carolina and died Nov. 13, 1945 in Watauga Co. They were married May 13, 1913 in Watauga Co.

They had at least four children:

Meda Virginia*, born May 22, 1914

William Paul, born Jun. 19, 1918

Agnes Adele, born Aug. 15, 1921, died Jan. 15, 1988. Addie married James Bynum Coffey, a son of James Hardy and Lillian Mae Gray Coffey on Jul. 5, 1939 in North Carolina. James was born Apr. 28, 1912 in Watauga Co., and died there on Apr. 26, 1986. There were at least two children born to this union: Patricia Joe Ann, born Mar. 21, 1941, died c1996, and James Robert, born Sep. 27, 1942, died Nov. 11, 1999.

Thomas Hill, born Dec. 20, 1930

Doctor's second wife was Sally Phillips, but I have no information on her except that she also married Austin Blaine Coffey on Nov. 13, 1951 in Watauga Co. Doctor and Austin were first cousins.

Hill Wright registered for the draft in Watauga Co., NC on Jun., 5 1917, and was described as being tall and slender with gray eyes and black hair. He gave his age as 28 yrs. old, born Apr. 1, 1889. He farmed and lived with his wife and one child in Shulls Mill at the time of registration. He also claimed support of his mother.

He and Virgie appear in the 1920 and 1930 census in Watauga Co. They divorced sometime after the 1930 census was enumerated and Hill Married Sally Phillips.

By 1942 Hill and Sally were living in Talbot Co., MD. Hill was employed by and gave his address as George Jopp's Restaurant on Philadelphia Road. He described himself as being 52 yrs. old and, 5' 9.5" tall with blue eyes, gray hair and ruddy complexion. He weighed 160 lbs.

He and Sally returned to Watauga Co sometime after 1942 where he died on Oct. 4, 1949 and was buried there in the Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. Virgie apparently never remarried and died Nov. 13, 1945 in Watauga Co. Virgie is buried at White Springs Cemetery in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.

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 *Meda's birth record lists her name as Meda Virginia, born May 22, 1914. I have been told however that her middle name was Geneva and perhaps her birthyear was 1913.

Austin Blaine Coffey

Austin Blaine Coffey was a son of David Nathaniel and Caroline Levinia Coffey Coffey. He was born in Watauga Co., NC on Jan. 14, 1887 and died there on Aug. 28, 1970. He is buried alongside his first wife, Emma Mahalia (Hailey) Harris Coffey, at Boone Fork Baptist Church cemetery in Watauga Co.

Blaine represented Watauga Co. in the NC House of Representatives for several years, beginning in about 1917. He was still seated in The House in 1923 when his mother died.

Austin Blaine Coffey

Austin married Emma Mahalia (Hailey) Harris in Caldwell Co. on mar. 1, 1914. Hailey was the only child of Anderson Perkins and Frances Catherine Ennis Harris. Hailey had given birth to a son, Ralph A. Harris on Nov. 22, 1911. Ralph enlisted in the US Army in 1929 and subsequently killed in an automobile accident while stationed in Pensacola, Escambia Co., FL.

Hailey Harris

His obituary appeared in the Watuage Democrat on May 19, 1932:

Funeral Services Held for Ralph A. Harris

The body of Ralph A. Harris, 20, a private in the U.S. Army who was killed in an automobile accident near Pensacola, Fla., on May 7th, arrived at Lenoir on May 11th, in charge of Private Floyd Burkett, who was a friend and comrade of the deceased. Funeral services were held at Blue Ridge Advent Church on Thursday, May 12th by the Rev. S. E. Gragg, in the presence of the largest congregation ever assembled for a burial in this section.

Young Harris was a well liked by all who knew him. He completed his high school education at Crossnore, N.C., enlisted in the US Army in 1929, served three years, reenlisted and was serving his second term when the accident occurred. His death has caused widespread sorrow.

Pallbearers were Spencer Collins, Archie Simms, Spencer Henderson, Staple Collins, Mayrel Gragg, Frank Jones, Cecil Critcher, Jesse Coffey, Randel Pyatte, Melvin Calloway, J. C. Church, Ernest Simms and Seldon Wright.

Flower girls were led by little Ernestine Collins and Norma Collins, were as follows: Ruby Richards, Irene Jenkins, Sally Collins, Ruby Dula, Hailey Harris, Ruby Henderson, Rosetta Hollifield, Bessie Wooten, Jessie Hollifield, Ruby Byers, Ophelia Teague, Verdola Coffey, Fay Rupurd, Edith Calloway.

Burial took place at Boone's Fork graveyard.

Hailey died less than a year following the death of her son Ralph.

Ralph A. Harris

Hailey and Austin's children were:

Murray Harris Coffey, born May 9, 1915, died Apr. 5, 2003. He married Ruby Evelyn Dula on Nov. 19, 1938 in Watauga Co. Ruby was born Jan. 10, 1910 in Caldwell Co., and died Apr. 13, 1999 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. She was the daughter of Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula.

Murray's obituary appeared in the Watauga Democrat on Apr. 7, 2003.

Rev. Murray Coffey

Rev. Murray H. Coffey, 87, of 157 Murray Coffey Road, Blowing Rock, died Saturday morning, April 5, 2003, at Blowing Rock Hospital.

He was born May 9, 1915, in Hudson, Caldwell County, to the late Austin Blaine and Hailey Harris Coffey.

Rev. Coffey was a retired stone mason and a minister. He was a member of Blue Ridge Advent Christian Church where he formerly served as pastor.

Both Rev. Coffey and his father, Blaine Coffey, served in the North Carolina Legislature as representatives from Watauga County.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Imogene Poteat of Davidson; and one son, Terry Coffey of Blowing Rock; one granddaughter, Kimberly Coffey of Asheville; three grandsons, Paul Poteat Jr. of Coppers Cove, Texas, Mike Poteat and family of Charlotte, and Lynn Solesbee and wife, Melissa, of Mauldin, S.C.; one great-granddaughter, Anna Solesbee and one great-grandson, Ben Solesbee, both of Mauldin.

He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Dula Coffey; a son, Vern Coffey; a sister, Mrs. Gwyn Dula; and a brother, Hardin Coffey.

Services were conducted Monday morning at the Blue Ridge Advent Christian Church in Blowing Rock, officiated by the Rev. Gordon Noble.

Entombment followed in the Coffey Family Mausoleum in Boone Fork Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boone Advent Christian Church, in care of Joyce Sherrill, 375 Shady Bark Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Catherine G. Coffey

Katherine Gwendolyn Coffey, born Aug. 1, 1919 in Watauga Co., died Aug. 19, 1997 in North Carolina. She married Clyde Lester Dula on Jul. 4, 1939. Clyde was brother to Ruby who married Murray.

Hardin Blaine Coffey

Hardin Blaine Coffey, born Apr. 23, 1923 in Watauga Co., died Oct. 7, 2000 in North Carolina. He married Beulah Mae Coffey, born Mar. 24, 1924 to Joseph Merritt and Susan Augustus Childs Coffey. Joseph Merritt and Austin Blaine were distant cousins.

Hardin's obituary:

Mr. Hardin Blaine Coffey, 77, of Ransom Street, Blowing Rock, died Saturday morning, Oct. 7, 2000, at his home.

He was born April 23, 1923 in Blowing Rock. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock.

Mr. Coffey was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a 56 year charter member of the Blowing Rock American Legion Post 256. He retired with 30 years service at Tweetsie Railroad as a steam locomotive engineer. A snow making pioneer, he installed the first snow making equipment at Blowing Rock Ski Lodge and Hound Ears Club.

Survivors include his wife, Beulah C. Coffey; one daughter, Judith Wesson of Boone; one son, Joe Coffey and wife, Cathy, of Snowmass Village, Colo.; three grandchildren, Michael Jason Wesson of Boone and Samuel Ryan Coffey and Joanna Haley Coffey, both of Snowmass Village, Colo.; a brother, Rev. Murray Coffey of Blowing Rock; and three nieces, Gail Pitts of Blowing Rock, Cathy Wilson of Boone and Linda McCullach of Millers Creek; and one nephew, Terry Coffey of Blowing Rock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin Blaine and Hailey Harris Coffey; one sister, Gwyn Dula and a nephew, Vern Coffey.

Services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Dean Coffey.

The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 1-1:45 p.m., prior to the services, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Austin Blaine Coffey's second wife is said to have been Sally Phillips of West Virginia. Sally had been married previously to Doctor [given name] Hill Wright, a son of Thomas A. and Margaret Ann Coffey Wright.

Update 2/11/2012:  There is another marriage record in Watauga Co. for Blaine Coffey, age 47, to Anna Lee Phillips on 20 Mar. 1934.  A Nov. 13, 1951 marriage record has also been found for Austin Blaine Coffey to Sally Phillips Wright.  The marriage register put together by Appalachian State University at Boone and published in 1995, notes that this "marriage lasted 4 days."

Robert Arthur Wright Family

I've previously written about the Thomas A. and Margaret Ann Coffey Wright Family. Click on this blog title to read about them.

Thomas and Margaret had a son that seems to have mysteriously disappeared. Robert Arthur Wright, born c1875, married first on Jul. 14, 1894 to Lurenie Holloway in Watauga Co., NC. She was the daughter of Reed (Reid?) and Martha Andrews Holloway. She was born c1879 in NC and died Dec. 9, 1959 in Clermont Co., OH.

Lurenie and Robert apparently divorced after 1895 and she married William Wiley Church, a son of James Franklin and Laura Virginia Blackburn Church. William was born c1875 in NC and died Jun., 1954 in Clermont Co.

There was on child born to the union of Robert and Lurenie; a son named Robert Reeves Wright, born Jun. 18, 1895.

Robert Reeves married Nettie L. McAlister on Jun. 17, 1917 in Washington, D.C. She was born Oct. 23, 1898 in Virginia. Their children were Robert Reeves, Jr., born Jun. 6, 1918, died Jul. 25, 1984; Mack A., born c1921, died Jun. 1985; and Lotus Frances, born c1925.

Robert Reeves was drafted during WW1 and trained at Camp Lee, VA from Sep., 19, 1917 to May 20, 1918, and promoted to Private First Class on Oct. 5, 1918. He embarked for France from Hoboken, NJ aboard the ship Leviathian on May 22, 1918, arriving at Brest, France on May 30, 1918. He proceeded from there to Calais on Jun. 2, 1918.

He saw action first on Aug. 10, 1918 in the Artois section of France and was engaged in the St. Mihiel offensive at Meuse-Argonne. That engagement was the final offensive by the Americans and took place between Sep. 26 and Nov. 11, 1918, when the war officially ended. Robert was only one of more than a quarter million Americans who took part in the battle that eventually faced nearly one-half million Germans.

Robert returned to the United States aboard the USS Maui on May 27, 1919 and was discharged at Camp Lee on Jun. 5, 1919. He returned to his family and farming in Caroline Co., VA.

In 1920 and 1930 Robert was enumerated with his family in Madison, Caroline Co. He again registered for the military draft in Apr., 1942 but, was not drafted.

I would like to know when and where Robert and Nettie died and, where they are buried.

Who did Robert Reeves, Jr., and siblings Mack and Lotus marry and where did they settle?

Anyone with information about the fate of Robert Arthur, or Robert Reeves and Nettie, or their children can write to me at the e-mail address below.

Glen Shirley and Lida Anne Coffey Faxon - Updated Mar. 4, 2011

Lida, or "Dearie" as she was called by family, was born Sep. 13, 1909 in Hammond, Clatsop Co., OR, the daughter of Ernest Garfield and Ester Martina Nelson Coffey. Ernest was born in Oregon, the son of James Norman and Laura Ellen Hays. These Coffeys were descendants of Lewis Moses Coffey, himself a descendant of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey through their son John who married Jane Graves.

Glen and Shirley were married Jun. 11, 1927*, probably in California. Glen was born Mar. 4, 1903 in Solano Co., CA to Willis Howe and Martha Leona Crabtree Faxon. Willis was a native of Hillsdale Co., MI; Martha a native of Humboldt Co., CA. Willis had been a shipbuilder, a dairyman and, in 1930, an attendant at an asylum in Marion Co., OR.

Martha Crabtree was the daughter of Seth H. & Emeline Crabtree. Emeline appeared as a widow in the Jun. 1, 1900 census of Rohnerville Twp., Humboldt Co.

Willis Faxon was the son of Samuel E. & Lizzie S. Faxon. Samuel was born in New York in Feb., 1836; Lizzie in New York in 1839. They were married c1863. The family appeared in the Jun. 7, 1900 census at Rohnerville where Samuel was employed as a stage driver.**

Siblings to Glen were: Milton W., born 1905, died 1994; Edwin Jesse, born 1909, died 1910; Edna Bessie, born 1910, died 1989; and Gilbert L., born 1915, died 2002.

Lida and Glen are known to have had at least two children:

Glen Shirley, Jr., born Nov. 6, 1928 in Solano Co., CA. He married Elizabeth Howes Lacy of Virginia in that state in 1952.

Barbara Ester, born Feb. 5, 1933 in Benton Co., OR, married Herald Franklin Stout, Jr.

Glen, Sr. died Jan. 31, 1984 in Edinburg, Shenandoah Co., VA. Lida died there on Mar. 24, 2007. Her obituary appeared in The Shenandoah Valley Herald on mar. 29 of that year:

Lida Anne Faxon

EDINBURG- Lida Anne Faxon, 97, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at her home.

Mrs. Faxon was born in Hammond, Ore., daughter of the late Ernest G. and Ester Nelson Coffey. She was the wife of the late Glen S. Faxon.

Surviving are a son, Glen S. Faxon Jr. of Sacramento, Calif.; daughter, Barbara F. Stout of Edinburg; sister, Norma Johnston of Vallejo, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Services will be private.

The family will received friends from 1 to 4 pm. Saturday, March 31, at the Faxon home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.

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*No source
**1900 Humboldt Co., Rohnerville Twp., ED35, Sheet 3B, dwelling 73,family 74, Faxon, Samuel E., head, white male, born Feb., 1836, are 64, married 37 yrs., born NY, parents born NY, stage driver; Lizzie S., wife, white female, born Jan., 1839, age 61, married 37 yrs., mother of 10, 6 living, born NY, father born VT, mother born NY; Willis H., son, white male, born Nov., 1873, age 26, single, born MI, parents born NY, livery man; Edna, dau., white female, born Oct., 1875, age 24, single, born MI, parents born NY

Joseph Commodore Church (Updated)

1. Joseph Commodore CHURCH was born in North Carolina in Jul 1878.1 He appeared in the census on Jun 6, 1900 in Watauga Twp., Watauga Co., NC as a single man in the household with his parents. He registered for the WWI draft on Sep 12, 1918 in Watauga Co., NC.2 He died on May 11, 1956 in Watauga Co., NC.3

Article, unknown newspaper

Joseph Commodore Church

Lenoir - Funeral services for J. C. Church, 73, of Rt. 1, Blowing Rock, who died Friday evening at a Blowing Rock hospital, will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at his residence by the Rev. Marshall Setzer of Lenoir and the Rev. Bob Shores of Blowing Rock. Burial will be in the Boone Fork Cemetery. A retired farmer, Mr. Church was born in Watauga County on July 12, 1877, a son of the late James and Laura Blackburn Church. His wife, Mrs. Vera Church, died in October of 1954. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Leslie Coffey and Mrs. Herman Coffey of Blowing Rock; a sister, Mrs. J. A. McLean of Connelly Springs; a brother, Ellis Church of Collettsville, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was buried in May 1956 in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Watauga Co., NC.

Joseph Commodore CHURCH and Lee Ella COFFEY were married on Oct 10, 1896 in Caldwell Co., NC.4


Lee Ella COFFEY (daughter of Thomas Avery COFFEY and Louisa E. GRAGG) was born in Caldwell Co., NC in Nov 1881. She died on Dec 16, 1963 in North Carolina. She was buried in Dec 1963 in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Watauga Co., NC. Joseph Commodore CHURCH and Lee Ella COFFEY had the following children:

Lee Ella Coffey

2 i. Alma CHURCH was born in North Carolina in Oct 1897. She appeared in the census on Jun 11, 1900 in Globe, Caldwell Co., NC in the household with her grandparents, Thomas and Louisa Coffey.

Joseph Commodore CHURCH and Nora Rebecca HOLLIFIELD were married about 1904 in North Carolina. They appeared in the census on Apr 23, 1910 in Watauga Co., NC.5 Nora Rebecca HOLLIFIELD was born in North Carolina in Oct 1883.6 She appeared in the census on Jun 5, 1900 in Watauga Twp., Watauga Co., NC in the household with her widowed father. She died in 1916 in North Carolina. She was buried in 1916 in Holloway Church Cemetery, Holloway Mountain, Caldwell Co., NC. Joseph Commodore CHURCH and Nora Rebecca HOLLIFIELD had the following children:

+3 i. Leslie Kathleen CHURCH, born on Aug 16, 1905, Watauga Co., NC7; married Thomas Charles Milton COFFEY, on Jul 23, 1927, Watauga Co., NC8; died on Feb 24, 1977, Greene Co., TN9.
4 ii. Howard CHURCH was born in North Carolina in Aug 1906. He died about Feb 1907 in North Carolina. [See Corrections below!]

Hildred Myrt Church

Hildred Myrt Church

+5 iii. Hildred Myrt CHURCH, born on Aug 4, 1907, Watauga Co., NC10; married James Herman (Hum) COFFEY, on Jun 1, 1929, Watauga Co., NC; died on Sep 29, 2007, Watauga Co., NC11.
6 iv. Dorlas (Delores?) Revonda CHURCH12 was born in Watauga Co., NC on Jul 4, 1915.13 She died in Oct 1915 in North Carolina.

Vera Ester Coffey

Joseph Commodore CHURCH and Vera Esther COFFEY were married. They appeared in the census on Feb 5, 1920 in Watauga Co., NC.14 They appeared in the census on Apr 2, 1930 in Watauga Co., NC.15

Vera Esther COFFEY (daughter of David Nathaniel COFFEY and Caroline Lavinia COFFEY) was born in Watauga Co., NC on Sep 20, 1889.16 She arrived in the US on Sep 25, 191517 She arrived in the US on May 10, 1916 She died on Oct 28, 1954 in Watauga Co., NC.18

Article, unknown newspaper

Mrs. Church, 65 Taken by Death

Mrs. J. C. church, 65, of blowing Rock, Route One, passed away Thursday afternoon at the Blowing Rock hospital, following an illness of several months.

Born in Watauga county September 20, 1889, she was the daughter of the late David and Carolyn Coffey. Her maiden name was M? Vera Coffey.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon at ? o'clock at the residence at Blowing Rock, with the Rev. S. E. Gra? officiating. Burial will be in Boone Fork cemetery.

The body was removed to the home this afternoon from Gr? Funeral Home.

Surviving are her husband; ? step-daughters, Mrs. Leslie Coffey and Mrs. Hildred Coffey, of Blowing Rock, two brothers, Blain and Olin J. Coffey, of Bloqing Rock; and a half-brother, Garfield Coffey of Clarkston, W. Va.

[Some parts of article were unreadable]

She was buried in Oct 1954 in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Watauga Co., NC.

Second Generation

3. Leslie Kathleen CHURCH19 (Joseph Commodore-1) was born in Watauga Co., NC on Aug 16, 1905.7 She died on Feb 24, 1977 in Greene Co., TN.9

Obituary

Mrs. Leslie Coffey

Mrs. Leslie Church Coffey, 71, of Rt. 2, Chuckey, Tenn., and a former resident of Blowing Rock died Thursday morning, Feb. 24, in Greenville, Tenn.

Services were conducted Saturday afternoon at the Boone Fork Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Coffey is survived by her husband T. M. Coffey; one daughter, Mrs. W. O. (Velma) Perry of Hickory; one son, Jerry B. Coffey of Hickory; one step-daughter, Mrs. Sybil Davisd [sic] of Colton, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Herman (Hildred) Coffey of Blowing Rock; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Local arrangements were handled by the Hampton Funeral Service.

She was buried in Feb 1977 in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Watauga Co., NC.

This information is incorrect 8/28/2014:  Leslie Kathleen CHURCH and Thomas Charles Milton COFFEY were married on Jul 23, 1927 in Watauga Co., NC.8 Thomas Charles Milton COFFEY (son of George Calvin COFFEY and Louisa Elizabeth (Lou) CURTIS) was born in Watauga Co., NC on Apr 28, 1896.20 He appeared in the census on Apr 23, 1910 in Watauga Co., NC in the household with his parents. He died on Aug 23, 1980 in Hickory Twp., Catawba Co., NC.21 Leslie Kathleen CHURCH and Thomas Charles Milton COFFEY had the following children:

The following was received on 8/24/2014 from Yvonne Coffey Olmstead with updated information about her grandfather, Thomas Milton Coffey:

Leslie Katherine Church married 2 different Coffey men.  The first was Charles [C.]  Coffey (not a son of George Calvin Coffey and Louisa Elizabeth Curtis). They married 23 July, 1927.  They had 2 children: Velma Coffey Knight and Jerry Coffey. This husband, Charles died in 1955.  Leslie later married my grandfather, Thomas Milton Coffey (who is son of George Calvin Coffey and Louisa Elizabeth Curtis), born in Shulls Mill, Watauga Co., NC 28 April 1896. He died in Hickory, NC 23 August, 1980. Leslie and Thomas Milton married in their later years and had NO children together.

[Charles C. Coffey was a son of William Leander "Lee" Coffey and Nancy Rebecca "Nan" Hollars.  He was born Apr. 4, 1903 and died Sep. 25, 1933 and was buried at Boone Fork Community Cemetery at Blowing Rock.  The family lived in Mount Morris Twp., Genesee Co., MI in 1930 where Charles worked in an automobile factory and where both children were born.  Leslie died in Greene Co., TN in Feb., 1977 and was also buried at Boone Fork.]

7 i.
Velma Irene COFFEY was born in Flint, Genesee Co., MI on Jun 22, 1928. She died on Apr 12, 2006 in Hickory Twp., Catawba Co., NC.

Obituary

Mrs. Knight

Velma Irene Coffey Knight, age 77, of Hickory and a former resident of Blowing Rock, died Wednesday, April 12 at Frye Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health.

Mrs. Knight was born June 22, 1928 in Flint, Michigan, a daughter of the late Charles and Leslie Church Coffey. She was a member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Janice Knight of Conover; a daughter, Brenda Knight Starnes of Hickory; a brother, Jerry Coffey of Hickory; an aunt, Hildred Coffey of Blowing Rock; three granddaughters, Dia Hibbitts and husband, Mark, Shelly Lambert and husband Jeff, and Lanae Knight Jenkins, all of Hickory; a grandson, Shay Starnes of Hickory; six great-grandsons, Trevor Starnes, Daniel Hibbitts, Chase Jenkins and Cody Lambert, all of Hickory; and three great-granddaughters, Natalie Lambert, Jessica Hibbitts and Cidona Lambert, all of Hickory.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hue Knight.

Services for Mrs. Knight were held Tuesday, April 18 in Hickory.

Memorial may be sent to the Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, 3702 Sixteenth St., N.E., Hickory, N.C. 28601.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory of Hickory was in charge of the arrangements.

5. Hildred Myrt CHURCH22 (Joseph Commodore-1) was born in Watauga Co., NC on Aug 4, 1907.10 She died on Sep 29, 2007 in Watauga Co., NC.11

Hildred Myrt CHURCH and James Herman (Hum) COFFEY were married on Jun 1, 1929 in Watauga Co., NC.

James Herman (Hum) COFFEY (son of John Wesley (Happy John) COFFEY and Ella Adelaide HENDERSON) was born in Globe, Caldwell Co., NC on Dec 5, 1904.23 He died on Mar 14, 1979 in Boone, Watauga Co., NC.24

Obituary, The Watauga Democrat, Boone, Watauga Co., NC, Oct. 2, 2007

Hildred Church Coffey

Mrs. Hildred Church Coffey, 100, of 138 Chestnut Knob Trail, Blowing Rock, died Saturday evening, Sept. 29, 2007, at her home.

She was born August 4, 1907 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Com and Nora Hollifield Church.

Throughout her life, she was a wonderful daughter; then met Herman Coffey, whom she married June 1, 1929. She was a faithful servant of Christ and our Lord. She raised four children, grandchildren, family friend’s children with love, kindness, and taught us the Lord’s word. She was most definitely one of God’s best creations.

In her early life, she worked for the renowned artist, Elliott Dangerfield and then became manager of housekeeping at the Green Park Hotel in Blowing Rock until she retired at the age of 72.

Survivors include one daughter, Thelma Coffey of Blowing Rock; one son, James Coffey and wife, Mary, of Lenoir; one daughter-in-law, Vera Coffey of Hickory; three granddaughters, Kelly Lea Catterton of Blowing Rock, Melody A. Rich and husband, James, of Blowing Rock, and Vickie C. Norris and husband, Dan, of Boone; five grandsons, Michael R. Johnson and wife, Sally, of Charlotte, Thomas Gregory Catterton and wife, Penny, of Shatley Springs, Kevin Coffey and wife, Nancy, of Morganton, Eric M. Coffey of Boone, and Robert R. Coffey and wife, Debbie, of Boone; and many more extended family, friends, and loved ones alike. She is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and one nephew, Jerry Coffey, son of a late sister, Leslie C. Coffey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Herman "Hum" Coffey; one daughter, Betty Johnson and her husband, Roy; one son, Robert H. "Bob" Coffey; one grandson, Jeffery Lee "Jeff" Coffey; her father and mother, Com and Nora Hollifield Church; two sisters, Leslie C. Coffey and Delores Church; and one brother, Howard Church.

Services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 2, 2007, at 2:00 o'clock, at Boone Fork Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock.

Officiating will be Pastor Darrell Miller, the Rev. Carl Osborne, and the Rev. Dean Coffey. Burial will follow in the Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday evening, from 7:00 until 9:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call at Mrs. Coffey's residence, 138 Chestnut Knob Trail, Blowing Rock.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to High Country Health Care System/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

He was buried in Mar 1979 in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Watauga Co., NC. Hildred Myrt CHURCH and James Herman (Hum) COFFEY had the following children:

8 i. Betty Ann COFFEY25 was born in May 1930. She died on May 30, 1952.26 She was buried in Jun 1952 in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Watauga Co., NC.
+9 ii. Robert Herman (Bob) COFFEY, born on Sep 2, 1931, Blowing Rock, Watauga Co., NC27; married Vera Louise COOK; died on Jun 24, 1994, Blowing Rock, Watauga Co., NC28.
+10 iii. Thelma Ann COFFEY, born on Jul 9, 1934, Avery Co., NC29; married Thomas Samuel CATTERTON.
+11 iv. James Norman (Herman?) COFFEY, born on Aug 27, 1939, Watauga Co., NC30; married Mary Ann RICH.

Sources

1. United States Federal Census for years indicated. [His WW1 Draft Registration gives his birthdate as Jul. 12, 1877].
2. 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. Joseph Commorore Church registered for the draft in Watauga Co. on Sep. 12, 1918. He was of medium height and build with brown hair and eyes. He was 41 yrs. old, born Jul. 12, 1877. Joseph was a resident of Shulls Mills in Watauga Co, was a self-employed farmer and listed Alma, Leslie and Hildred Church of Shulls Mills as his nearest relative[s].
3. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. North Carolina Vital Records, Raleigh, North Carolina. and North Carolina Archives and Records Section. North Carolina County Records, 1908-1967. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Joseph C Church Death Date: 11 May 1956 Death County: not assigned Death State: North Carolina Death Age: 78 Birth Date: 1878 Race: White Source: NC State Archives. North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67.
4. Caldwell County, North Carolina Register of Deed's Index Search, Wayne L. Rash, Register of Deeds online [http://rod.co.caldwell.nc.us/Resolution/search_menu.asp], accessed variously.
5. United States Federal Census. 1910 Watauga Co., Watauga Twp., ED159, Sheet 7A, dwelling 112, family 114, Church, Joseph C., head, male, white, age 32, married twice, this time for 5 yrs., born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Nora R., wife, female, white, age 26, married once for 5 yrs., mother of 3, 2 living, born NC, parents born NC; Leslie C., dau., female, white, age 4, single, born NC, parents born NC; Hildred M., dau., female, white, age 2, single, born NC, parents born NC. [Oscar L. Coffey was the enumerator].
6. Ibid., 5 Jun 1900, Watauga Co. in the household with her parents.
7. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Leslie Kathleen Church Date of Birth: 16 Aug 1905 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield.
8. Historical Studies, Appalachian State University, Department of History (Editors Evelyn G. Shepherd and Brenda M. Greene), compiler, Marriage Register of Watauga County, North Carolina 1873-1954 (Boone, Watauga Co., NC: Dept. of Hist., Appalachian State Univ., Boone, NC, 1995). Officiated by M. B. Woosely.
9. Shelby County [TN] Register of Deeds, Shelby Co., TN online [http://register.shelby.tn.us], accessed Various [Results returned as Surname Given Name; Date of Death/Age; County of Death; County/State of Residence; Marital Status; Gender; Race; File No.]. COFFEY LESLIE C 02-24-1977 / 71 GREENE GREENE / TN MARRIED F WHITE 07774.
10. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Hildred Myrul Church Date of Birth: 4 Aug 1907 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield.
11. Greg Catterton, "Coffey Desdndant [sic]," e-mail message from () to Jack Coffee, Sep. 29, 2007. "It is with great sadness for me to tell you my nanny (Hildred Coffey) passed away Saturday night September 29, 2007 at 10:28 PM. She was 100 years old... I was with her in her final moments, and she went very peacefully.".
12. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Dorlas Revonda Church Date of Birth: 4 Jul 1915 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 2 Page: 523.
13. Ibid., Name: Dorlas Revonda Church Date of Birth: 4 Jul 1915 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield.
14. United States Federal Census. 1920 Watauga Co., Watauga Twp., ED164, Sheet 19A, dwelling 260, family 363, Church, Comoador [sic], head, male, white, age 41, born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Vera [sic], wife, female, white, age 28, married, born NC, parents born NC; Leslie, dau, female, white, age 14, single, born NC; Hildred, dau., female, white, age 12, born NC; Archie, son, male, white, age 3 yrs., 3 mos., born NC.
15. Ibid., 1930 Watauga Co., Watauga Twp., ED16, Sheet 1B-2A, dwelling/family 24, Church, J. Com, head, male, white, age 53, married at age 21, born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Church, Vera, wife, female, white, age 41, married at age 26, born NC, parents born NC; Sims, Archie, step-son, male, white, age 13, single, born NC, parents born NC; Coffey, David, father-in-law, male, white, age 76, widower, married at age 35, born NC, parents born NC, laborer on truck farm.
16. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Vera Esther Coffey Date of Birth: 20 Sep 1889 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: David Nathaniel Coffey Parent2 Name: Carolyn Coffey. [A passenger record for Vera sailing from Panama, CZ to NY on 1916 gives her birth year as 1891].
17. New York. Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Micropublication M237. Rolls # 1-675. National Archives, Washington, D.C. and New York. Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Micropublication T715. Rolls # 1-8892. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Name: Vera Sims Estimated birth year: 1891 Age: 25 Gender: Female Port of Departure: Cristobal C Z Ship Name: Panama Port of Arrival: New York, New York Nativity: North Carolina Line: 30 Birth Location: North Carolina Birth Location Other: country Page Number: 28. [Her arrival entry indicates that she was married].
18. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. Name: Vera E Church Death Date: 28 Oct 1954 Death State: North Carolina Death Age: 65 Birth Date: 1889 Source: NC State Archives. North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67.
19. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Leslie Kathleen Church Date of Birth: 16 Aug 1905 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 6 Page: 36.
20. Ibid., Name: Thomas Milton Coffey Date of Birth: 28 Apr 1896 Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Geo Calvin Coffey Parent2 Name: Lou Curtis.
21. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. Name: Thomas Milton Coffey Death Date: 23 Aug 1980 Death City: Hickory (P) Death County: Catawba Death State: North Carolina Death Age: 84 Burial Location: Burial out of state Birth Date: 28 Apr 1896 Birth Location: Tennessee Residence City: Hickory Residence County: Catawba Residence State: North Carolina Gender: Male Race: White Marital Status: Widowed Social Security Number: 410340203 Autopsy: No Institution: General Hospital Attendant: Physician Source: NC Department of Health. North Carolina Deaths, 1979-82.
22. , "Coffey Desdndant [sic]," e-mail to Jack Coffee, Sep. 29, 2007.
23. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: James Herman Coffey Date of Birth: 5 Dec 1904 Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Caldwell Parent1 Name: John W Coffey Parent2 Name: Ella Adelaid Henderson Roll Number: B_C017_68001 Volume: 20-A Page: 35.
24. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc. Name: J. Coffey SSN: 244-14-0751 Last Residence: 28605 Blowing Rock, Watauga, North Carolina, United States of America Born: 5 Dec 1904 Died: Mar 1979 State (Year) SSN issued: North Carolina (Before 1951 ).
25. Letter from Margaret J. Farley (130 West Acadia Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27127) to Jack K. Coffee, Oct. 31, 2006; held by Jack K. Coffee (110 Lydia Road, St. Joseph, LA 71366). Original obituary clipping(s) from Watauga Democrat.. Some information from Margaret via e-mail.
26. Various E-mail sources; see details. "Betty was born in 1934 but not for sure. She died with her [husband[ in 1952. They were in Wilkes Co., NC or state of Virginia when the [automobile] accident occured.".
27. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Robert Herman Coffey Date of Birth: 2 Sep 1931 Birth County: Avery Parent1 Name: Jame Herman Coffey.
28. Social Security Death Index, Master File
. Name: Robert H. Coffey SSN: 245-34-0940 Last Residence: 28605 Blowing Rock, Watauga, North Carolina, United States of America Born: 2 Sep 1931 Died: 24 Jun 1994 State (Year) SSN issued: North Carolina (Before 1951 ).
29. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Thelma Anne Coffey Date of Birth: 9 Jul 1934 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Avery Parent1 Name: James H Coffey Parent2 Name: H M Church.
30. Ibid., Name: James Norman Coffey Date of Birth: 27 Aug 1939 Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: James Herman Coffey Parent2 Name: Hildred Myrl Church.

Alfred and Martha Ann Bradley Coffey

Martha Ann Bradley, born Jun., 1847, was the third of at least 12 children born to William Franklin and Elizabeth Wood Bradley. when her mother died, her father married Mary (Polly) Phillips and fathered another nine children before he died in 1913.

Large families were then the norm for Martha Ann. She married Alfred Coffey on Feb. 12, 1863 in Augusta Co., VA. Before Alfred (born May, 1844, a son of Garland** and Nancy Coffey Coffey) died in 1918 she had given birth to 14 children. By 1910 however, only nine of those were still living. She died in Rockbridge Co., VA on Apr. 10, 1923.

The lack of an 1890 census prevents me from identifying all 16 of the children. The 14 that I do have are as follows:

Amanda J., born c1864, married J. N. Maston on Apr. 26, 1882 in Nelson Co., VA.

Sarah Elizabeth (Sally), born Jan. 22, 1865 in Nelson Co., married 1) William F. Allen, born c1863, on Aug. 28, 1884 in Nelson Co. I have no children for them. She married 2) Jacob Higgonbotham Benson on Nov. 24, 1897 in Rockbridge Co., VA. Jacob was born Apr. 15, 1878 in Rockbridge Co. to Preston C. and Sarah Ann (Sallie) Lucas Benson. he died on Jan. 25, 1949 in Rockbridge Co. Their children were: William, born Dec., 1888; Cornelia, born Dec. 1898 and Jacob Stuart, no info. Sarah died Dec. 19, 1906 in Rockbridge Co.

Eliza Ann, born c1868 in Nelson Co., married Charles M. Jarvis on Nov. 14, 1889 in Rockbridge Co. Their children were: F. M., a daughter, born Mar., 1891; Howard W., born Feb., 1893; Lula M., born Apr. 1895, and Leonard R., born Dec. 1899.

Henry Moses seemed to have had supreme bad luck with wives. He was married at least four times. His first wife was Julie C. Hymen to whom he was married on Nov. 14, 1889. I have found no children for this union. His second wife was Eva Ramsey who he married on Oct. 26, 1898. They had at least two children: Katie L., born May 1900 and, David H., born c1903. His third wife was Alice Ward who he married on Jan. 9, 1904. Their children were Etta R., born c1908 and, Martha C., born c1912. His fourth and final wife was Mary L. (Mollie) (LNU), who he married c1915. This union produced at least seven children: Maxie D., born around Feb. 1916; Georgie L., a daughter, born around Feb., 1919; Robert, born c1921; Hasford [?], born c1922; Voit [?], born c1923; Elizabeth, born c1925; and Henry Moses, Jr., born around May 1927.

Mary Frances (Molly), was born Apr. 6, 1872 in Nelson Co. She married Henry Jackson Benson on Mar. 23, 1893 in Rockbridge Co. He was born Jan. 1, 1869 in Rockbridge Co. to Preston C. and Sarah Ann (Sallie) Lucas Benson. Henry died Apr. 23, 1948 in Rockbridge Co. Mary Frances died in Virginia in 1949. Their children were: Mary J., born Jan., 1895; John H., born Aug., 1896; James A., born Oct., 1897; Nellie B., born Sep., 1899; Ollie C., a daughter, born c1905; William J., born c1908; and Lizzie, born c1914.

Rose Ann, born c1873. No info.

Salathiel Alford (Lath), born c1876. He is thought to have first married Eva Phylena Conner, born Mar. 15, 1881 in Hopkins Co., TX. I have no children for them. His second wife was Ollie Bell Allen, born c1884 in Virginia. Their children were Charlie D., born c1905; Louella (or Lavella) D. (Dolly), born c1909; Jennings Salathiel, born Oct. 5, 1915 and Jerimy [sic], born c1916.

Martha Beveridge, born c1879 in Nelson Co., married Robert Lee Benson, brother to Henry Jackson who married Mary Frances, on Oct. 4, 1893 in Rockbridge Co. No further info.

Jacob Morris, born Mar. 23, 1880 in Nelson Co., died May 23, 1922 in Rockbridge Co. He married Mary Jane Lotts on Mar. 26, 1902. She was born Aug. 26, 1882 and died May 26, 1929. They had at least 10 children: Samuel David, born c1903; Ella Cornelia, born c1905; Florence Dell, born c1906; James Alfred, born c1908; Saylor Marshall, born c1910; Lottie Mae, born c1912; Roy Martin, born c1915; Salathial Coolie, born c1916; John Henry, born c1920; and Mary Sturat, born c1922.

Lacy, a son, born Sep. 1884. The only place that I have found him was in the 1900 census residing in the household with his brother Henry.

Joseph R., born May 20, 1885. No further info.

Saylor Marshall, born Jul. 11, 1886, died Dec. 3, 1987. He married Celestial Coffey, the daughter of John Coffey and Annie Mariah Ogden. John ws the son of Schylar and Elizabeth (Betsy) Hamilton Coffey. Schylar is thought to be the son of Jordon and Elizabeth (Betsy) Rippetoe Coffey, founders of "Coffeytown" in Amherst Co., VA. Celestial was born c1887 in Virginia and died Aug. 9, 1961 in Roanoke Co., VA. Their children were: Emory, born Jul. 19, 1907; Wilford, born Nov. 8, 1909; Moda [?], a son, born Apr. 18, 1912; Novell Millard, born Nov. 26, 1914; William Stanley, born Mar. 24, 1917; Nettie Mildred, born May 19, 1920; Louis Alixe [?], born May 21, 1923; and Saylor Marshall, Jr., born Jul. 1, 1925, died May 4, 1992.

Rutherford Grover, born c1887 in Rockbridge Co., married Delilah Shover on May 14, 1913 in Rockbridge Co. No further info.

Ida Belle, born Apr. 1890, died Jan., 1980. She married William Hillman (or, Hileman) Blackwell. They had at least one child, a daughter, Florence Alberta born Apr. 15, 1912, died aug. 14, 1998. Ida was also married to Morris Rowe, but the other of marriage is unknown and I know of no children born to that union.

More information is available for those who need it. Write to me at the following e-mail address to add or correct any information.



**Garland Coffey was a son of William and Elizabeth (Betsy) Giles Coffey. Nancy was his double first cousin, a daughter of Reuben G. and Nancy Giles Coffey. Betsy and Nancy were sisters and, Reuben and William were brothers.

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.

Martin Coffey (1762-1867)

Martin Coffey is said to be a son of the so-far unfound Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey. Those of you researching Chesley know what I mean. He was allegedly born Sep. 15, 1762 in Essex Co., VA and died Nov. 27, 1867 in Wayne Co., KY.

A Martin Coffey is known to have married two or three times*. I know of two wives: His first wife was Nancy Phelps who he married on Aug. 17, 1798 in Madison Co., KY. There were at least six children born to this union:

Mary, born Sep. 16, 1799, died Aug. 24, 1881. She married Henry Meadows on Mar. 24, 1818 in Barren Co., KY. He was born Mar. 28, 1797 in Russell Co., KY, and died in Berwick, Warren Co., IL on Jan. 13, 1851. They had children: James V., born 1825, died 1911; Henry Winfrey, born 1831, died 1896; Althea, born 1834, died 1924; Artemesia, born 1836, died 1919, and Erastus, born 1842, died 1882.

Martin, born c1804 and Elizabeth, born c1811 - nothing known

Nancy Ellen, born c1813, married William Perry Meadows on Apr. 15, 1831 in Barren Co., KY. He was born Jun. 26, 1811 in Wayne Co., and died Apr. 24, 1870 in Warren Co., IL. I do not know of any children.

Artemesia, born c1817 in Wayne Co., married William Kelsay on Sep. 10, 1835 in Wayne Co. He was born c1810 in TN and died c1850 in Russell Co.

Joel, born c1818, married first to Permilia Haynes. She was born c1818 in Russell Co. They were married Jul. 31, 1836in Russell Co. There were at least three children born to this marriage: Martha Ellen, born c1838, Logan C., born c1843 and Quincy, born c1844. Permilia died sometime before 1855 when Joel married for a second time, this time to Mary Ann Mann. She was born c1835 in Virginia. Their children were: Baxter, born c1857, James W., born c1859, Theodore, born c1861; Viola O., born c1863, Ebenezer, born c1866 and Helen M., born c1870. Joel and his family were in Russell Co. at least from 1836 through 1880. I do not have a death date for him.

Martin's second wife is said to be Nancy Heriford (var). She was born 1795 in Jamestown, Russell Co., and died there in 1875. Their children were:

James, born Sep. 7, 1818, died Jul. 27, 1897. He married first on Jun. 30, 1836 to Martha (Patsy) Tucker, born Dec. 7, 1818 in Wayne Co., KY and died Mar. 7, 1877 in McKinney, Lincoln Co., KY. Their children were at least 12: James Washington, born 1837, died 1840, William Martin, born 1838, died 1890, Francis Marion, born 1840, died 1933, Moses, born 1843, died 1902, George Alfred (Dr.), born 1845, died 1919, Albert Galatin, born 1847, died 1929, Henry Jackson, born 1850, died 1929, Robert Blain, born 1852, died 1927, Mildred Ann, born 1854, died 1935, Nancy, born 1857, died 1928, Eliza Ann, born 1859, died 1861, and Sarah Elizabeth, born 1861. James' second wife was Clarinda Estes, born c1826 in KY. They were married Jan. 8, 1879. I do not know of any children.

Frances, born c1819 in KY, married George M. Brown Aug. 28, 1843 in Russell Co. I have not found any children yet.

Golson Wilson, born 1822 in Jamestown, Russell Co., married Rebecca Ann Shackleford Sep. 10, 1895 in KY. She died c1891. Their children were William F., born 1844, Ruben G., born 1847, Martin, born 1855, Nancy J., born 1856, James R., born 1858, Laura B., born 1859, and SarahF., born 1861.

Andrew, born c1823 in Jamestown, married there on Jun. 29, 1844 to Sarah A. Bernard, born c1826 in KY. Their children were: John W., born 1845, James W., born 1850, Golson W., born 1851, Lucinda Jane, born 1853, Frances A., born 1855, Walton N., born 1858, Elizabeth Ann, born 1860, Nancy, born 1862, Thomas A., born 1865, Edgar, born unknown, and Bryan A., born 1871.

John C., born 1828 in Jamestown, married Nancy LNU. Children were Martin A., born 1851, David F., born 1853, James W., born 1855, William Jefferson, born 1857, and Minerva E., born 1859.

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Update, Feb. 9, 2013:

*Some researchers believe a third wife - actually his first wife - was Elizabeth Bronson (1762-1798).  I have seen some of those genealogies but, have not been able to confirm any information.  One proposed descendant of this marriage was Joel Coffey who married Ann Sharp[e] of Virginia.

William M. May

William M. May, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of this county, was born November 13, 1844 in Bloomington Township, this county, and is the second of ten children born to William R. and Eliza (Threslur) May, natives of Virginia, and of German descent. William M. was reared on a farm, and attended school part of the time. In November, 1864, he enlisted in Company G., Forty-third Indiana Infantry, under Capt. Moss. He was located at Indianapolis on guard duty for a time. Jun 14, 1865, he was discharged, and returned to farming, living with his father until his marriage. On November 29, 1866, Mr. May was wedded to Eliza A., daughter of William R. and Tabitha (Everman) Coffey. She was born January 23, 1851, in Monroe County. By this union there were five children - William R., Rosa Ethel, Frank N., Mamie Elsie and Walter E. Mrs. May's parents were among the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. May is the possessor of 206 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, well stocked, and ornamented with a good residence, barn and out-buildings, and a fine orchard. With a start of $2,300 from his wife, he has established his farm and home, worth about $6,000. Mr. May formerly belonged to the Sons of Temperance. They belong to the Christian Church, and are liberal in all charitable movements. He is a Republican.


William Riley Coffey was born Jun. 27, 1818, the son of James D. Coffey and Hannah Alloway Strange. He married Tabitha Everman c1849 in Indiana. He died Aug. 27, 1855 in Monroe Co. Tabitha was born Jun. 19, 1827 and died Feb. 25, 1901 in Monroe Co.

Please contact me with additions and/or corrections.







Source: Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana: Historical and Biographical [Bean Blosssom Twp.] Charles Blanchard, editor; F.A. Battey & Co., pub., 1884, Chicago, p619

William Obediah & Nancy Coffey Gragg

Updated June 12, 2014

Nancy Coffey was born c1816 in Burke Co., NC, a daughter of Joseph and Isabella Lindsay [var.] Coffey. She died in Caldwell Co., NC in 1887.

William Obediah Gragg was born Apr. 15, 1758 in Virginia and died Oct. 20, 1847 in NC. He and Nancy were married Jul. 4, 1837 in Caldwell Co. Nancy was William's third wife. He is thought to have been previously married to Elizabeth Pulliam and Nancy Dunkle but no records have been found.

At least two children were born to William and Nancy [Coffey]:

Edmund Paza & Mahulda Gragg? Gragg

Indiana Isabelle, born May 16, 1838, died 1909. She married Edmond Gragg on Mar. 10, 1855 in Caldwell Co. He was the son of David Obediah and Elizabeth Webb Gragg as well as a nephew of his new wife.

William Taylor, born May 27, 1846 in either Caldwell or Burke Co., NC and died Nov. 4, 1925 in Avery Co. He married Elizabeth Pendley [var.], Feb. 20, 1875 in Caldwell Co.

Another son was born to Nancy Coffey, Edmund Paza Gragg in May 1849, a couple of years after William's death in 1847. His biological father is not known, but some have speculated that he was a Philyaw.

Edmond Paza was married c1870 to Mahulda Vasty [sic] [Gragg?]. Shortly thereafter he and Mahulda moved to Rabun Co., GA where their children were born:

Margaret E., born Feb., 1872

John Newton, born Jan 19, 1873, died Jun. 22, 1961 in GA; married Della Gosnell Feb. 11, 1906 in Rabun Co., GA; at least two children: Elbert and Gordon.

Daniel L., born Jul., 1877

Elijah L., born Feb., 1879, died Mar 18, 1958 in GA; married Missouri Shed Dec. 17, 1902 in Habersham Co., GA; at least 5 children:  Winona; Harley; Chester; Roy and Ora.

 Albert J., born Apr., 1882, married Sarah Benfield Dec. 24, 1905, Rabun Co. At least one child:  Lee, born c1908, Rabun Co.

Milus M., born c1884

Burgess G., born Apr 16, 1888, Georgia, died Jun. 24, 1970, Clayton, Rabun Co., married Omie Smith, no further info.

Doctor Clinton, born c1891

John Henry and Josie Ella Nora Coffey Sherfey

John Henry Sherfey was born Jan. 30, 1890 in Hawkins Co., TN, a son of James David and Maria Elizabeth Weaver Sherfey. He married Josie Ella Nora Coffey on Jul. 6, 1916 in Three Springs, Washington Co., VA. Josie was born Mar. 11, 1900 in the Globe community of Caldwell Co., NC and died Apr. 24, 1983 in Bristol, Sullivan Co., TN. John died Jul. 10, 1971, also in Bristol.


Josie was the next to youngest child born to Henry Kelly and Sarah Jane Gragg Coffey.

John first married Mary Beechbord [sic] c1909 in Virginia. I'm not certain what ultimately became of Mary, but suspect that she died shortly after the birth of her second child, Stella, born c1911. Her first child was Carson C. Sherfey, born cFeb. 1910. These two children were in the household with John and Josie in the Washington Co., VA census of 1920.

Josie gave birth to at least 16 children between the years 1917 and 1941!

They were:

John Clifton, born Jan. 8, 1917, died Jan. 14, 1917
Earl Bascum (Hammer), born Mar. 11, 1918, died Sep. 13, 1987
Charles Ester (Possum), born c1920
Bertie Estelle, born May 28, 1921
(Rev.) John Claymon (Pinkey), born Apr. 6, 1923
Ella Loraine, born May 20, 1925, died Apr. 17, 1926
James Ellis (Beck), born Jan. 20, 1927
Henry Arthur (Hen), born May 24, 1928, died Nov. 9, 2003
Howard Dwight, borm Mar. 11, 1930
(Rev.) Charles Junion (Pretty Boy), born Jul. 26, 1931
Elsie Margarette (Slim), born Mar. 20, 1933
Ray Richard (Buckles), born Apr. 17, 1935
Rena Sue, born Aug. 24, 1936
Vernon Louis, born Oct. 23, 1938, died Nov. 2, 1938
Verna Louise, born Oct. 23, 1938, died Nov. 3, 1938
Willie Jo (Tootsie), born May 6, 1941

Please send additions and/or corrections to me at this e-mail address:


1910 Washington Co., Goodson Dist.ED127, Sheet 8A, dwelling 111, family 115, Sherfey, Henry, head, male, white, age 20, married once for one year, born VA, parents born US, farmer; Mary, wife, female, white, age 24, married once for one year, mother of 1, 1 living, born VA, parents born VA; Carson C., son, male, white, age 2 mos., born VA, parents born VA

1920 Washington Co., Goodson Dist., ED150, Sheet 4A, Rudy Creek Road, farm 68, family 70, Sherfey, Henry, head, rents, male, white, age 30, married, born TN, father born TN, mother born VA; Josie, wife, female, white, age 30, married, born NC, parents born NC; Carcon C., son, male, white, age 10, single, born VA, father born TN, mother born NC; Stella J., dau., female, white, age 9, single, born VA, father born TN, mother born NC; Earl B., son, male, white, age 2 yrs, 2 mos., born VA, father born TN, mother born NC; Charles E., son, male, white, age 1/24 [sic]

Photos courtesy of Mary Ann Sherfey Westerman

James Blaine & Dartha Jane Coffey Phillips

Dartha Jane Coffey was the eighth child and third of four daughters born to Henry Kelly (Caleb) and Sarah Jane Gragg Coffey. She was born Jan. 29, 1898 in Mulberry, Caldwell Co., NC, and died in Boone, Watauga Co., NC on May 21, 1931. She married James Blaine Phillips on Jun. 15, 1912 in Watauga Co. James was born Mar. 16, 1893 in Wilkes Co., and died May 21, 1954 in Caldwell Co. He was a brother to Zora Phillips, wife of Ellis Empsey Coffey, brother to Dartha.

There were 10 children born to the union of James and Dartha:

Vercie Rosetta, no information

Vesta Ivalee, born Apr. 22, 1916, died May 5, 2006. Vesta married Walter Ranzy Woodring on Jun. 10, 1934 in Watauga Co. Walter was born Mar. 7, 1892 in Watauga Co., and died there on Nov. 3, 1995. They had at least seven children: Edna Louise, two unnamed daughters, Henry Clay, Geneva Belle, Betty Jewel and Kathy Lea. Walter was the son of Henry B. and Martha Angeline Miller Woodring.

Gladys Viola, born Oct. 22, 1919, married Thomas Lee Ellis, born Nov. 25, 1918. There was at least one child, Billy Lee Ellis, born Jul. 16, 1941. Thomas was the son of Jesse and Carrie Mott Ellis.

Ellis, no information

James Glen, born Apr. 8, 1921, died Dec. 5, 1988

Charles Arthur, born Apr. 30, 1923

Mary Elizabeth, born May 23, 1925

William Blaine (Judd), born Apr. 17, 1927, died Dec. 31, 1995. He married Bertha Loretta Coffey on Jan. 1, 1949 in Watauga Co. She was the daughter of William Glenn and Nannie B. Coffey Coffey. William was a son of Jesse Calton and Julia E. Hollifield Coffey while Nannie was a daughter of Jesse Cleveland and Eliza Loudermilt Coffey. William and Bertha had at least three children: Virginia Loretta, born Oct. 8, 1949; Nona Marie, born Sep. 12, 1950, and Dorothy Annie, born Jan. 5, 1953.

Alma Jean, no information

Stella Rhea, no information

Henry Kelly Coffey was married twice more after the death of Sarah Jane. His second wife was Emma Stanberry who he married in Caldwell County in 1906. There was at least one son born to this marriage: Aaron Roosevelt, born Oct. 25, 1907, died Aug. 29, 1951. Aaron married Nellie Bell Critcher c1928 and fathered at least five children: Nellie Louise, born Mar. 22, 1929, James Gray, born Nov. 1, 1931, Ethel Mae, born Mar. 19, 1933, Emilie Lee, born Sep. 29, 1937, and Barbara Lennis, born Dec. 20, 1941.

Henry's third wife was Roberta Ellen Edmisten with whom he had at least one child, Kyda (Kitie), born Feb. 14, 1911, died Aug. 1, 1978. Following Henry's 1911 death Roberta married William Leander Robbins, a son of James and Elizabeth Coffey Robbins. William had previously married Hannah Elizabeth (Lizzie) McGuire on Mar. 8, 1896 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co. Elizabeth Coffey's parents were William, Jr. and Margaret Robbins Coffey.

Links to previous blogs on the Henry Kelly Coffey family:

http://coffeycousins.blogspot.com/2006/06/henry-kelly-caleb-and-sarah-jane-gragg.html

http://coffeycousins.blogspot.com/2006/06/henry-kelly-caleb-coffey-addendum.html

http://coffeycousins.blogspot.com/2006/02/beeler-ester-and-sallie-elizabeth.html

Cleveland Coffey (c1810 - Apr. 1862)

Updated and corrected Jul. 18, 2007
2nd Update Oct. 20, 2011


Cleveland was a son of Jesse and Margaret Edmiston Coffey. He married three times: 1) Susan Hayes with whom he father at least three children:

Andrew Jackson, born Dec. 1, 1833, died Dec. 3, 1903, married Rachel Imes

William Wesley, born c1834, died Jul. 11, 1864, married Gelina Shouse (see previous blog on John Cleveland Coffey)

Susan Elizabeth, born Mar. 31, 1839, died Sep. 1, 1925, married 1) James C. Webb, c1858 in Caldwell Co., NC.; 2) Aaron McGinnis

Cleveland's second wife was Malinda Coffey, a daughter of George and Margaret Rucker Coffey. Malinda was born c1823 in Tennessee. They were married Nov. 11, 1839 in Grainger Co. There were at least six children born to Cleveland in this union:

George Holland, born Jul. 1841, married Samantha Ann Ridgeway. Children were Marvin, Henry William, Clara Bell, Cora Duffie, Willadene, and Thomas Hardy.

Margaret Elvira, born c1842

Nancy Mahala, born c1844

Frances L., birth unknown, married Cicero McAmy Prestwood, parents of John Cleveland Prestwood, born Oct. 14, 1851.

Daniel P.M., born c1849

Perry L., born c1853, died Jun. 8, 1885, married Sally Sanders and was father of Nancy Ann, born Nov. 1876, Viola Virginia, born Sep. 1879, Noah Monroe, born Mar., 1883, and Georgia Alexandria, born Dec. 1885.

Cleveland's third trip to the altar was with Mary Ann Miles on Jan. 8, 1854. They had three children: Sarah A., born c1857, married Tilmond Gurley on Sep. 28, 1879 in Watauga Co., NC; Napoleon Austin, born Mar. 1858 in NC, married Oct. 14, 1895 in Caldwell Co., NC to Mary Ellen Adams. Mary was born in Aug., 1878 in NC. Their children were: Cleveland Napoleon, born c1883; Elmo, born c1883; Lillie A., born May. 1886; Rosa B., born Oct. 1888; Perry Elmore, born mar. 25, 1892; William McKinley, born Feb. 1898; Dollie, born c1903; and Lona, born Jun. 25, 1910.

Their third child was Jesse Cleveland "Red Eye" Coffey who married Lucinda Louise Coffey, a daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey. Jesse and Lou had seven children: Mary Elizabeth, born 1877, died 1956, married Haywood Hatley and, had 11 children; Sarah, born 1879, died 1957, married first to James W. Gragg, had 10 children, married second to John Robert Joshua Gragg; William Calton (Will), born Jan. 1880, died 1957, married Bessie Mae Townsend and had 11 children; Jesse Cleveland born 1888, married 1910 to Eliza Loudermilt and had 6 children, died 1923; Thomas Newton "Black Tom", born May 1890, died 1940, married Ella Mae Loudermilt and had 11 children; James Perry*, born c1891, died 1971, married Bertha Noblett, and had 6 children;  and Rosa Bell (Rosie), born Sep 1893, married Joseph Townsend and had three children.

Question for researchers: Was Cleveland's third wife Mary Ann Miles or Mary Ann Mills? I have seen both surnames applied to her, but never a source.

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*James Perry's headstone reports a birth date of Dec.25, 1878. Lloyd Coffey of Taylorsville, NC wrote "James Perry Coffey and Bertha Noblett Coffey's gravestone is located at Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Lenoir, Caldwell County, North Carolina. Note the date of birth for James on the stone. One of his greatest exaggerations was his age. He always claimed to be much older than he really was. My mom always said that if you believed Windy Jim when he told you his age, he would soon have you believing that he was older than his father. Mom knew him quite well from having grown up as his neighbor. His children were some of her best friends throughout her life."