"...My great grandfather, Newton Coffey lived near Stonington Ill. He was a Baptist Minister - a father of 13 children which my grandfather was the oldest. Benjamin Coe, my grandfather, had 4 children, 3 sons & one daughter all deceased. My grandfather, his brother Uncle Bill, and a sister Aunt Nan Williams finally moved to Iowa. All the Coffeys in this area are descendants of these three. Then another brother Uncle Cleve lived in Des Moines. The orhter original family stayed in Ill. near Stonington. My father Ophy lived on a farm near Cambria & Humeston area. There were 8 in our family. Each generation scatters to different areas. Just two of us remained in the region. I am very proud to be a Coffey, and to be raised in a good Christian home. Most of the Cousins in my dads generation have passed on..."
The above was extracted from a letter dated Dec. 19, 1973 and sent to Tom Coffey of Vienna, MO by Isabel Kirchner, a descendant of Newton. The entire contents of the letter can be found in Coffey Cousins' newsletter, June., 1995, p14-15. I have additional information on the ancestors and descendants of Newton. Contact me if you need additional information.
March 31, 2006
Ananias Coffey (1785-~1850)
I previously wrote about Pauline Orr Coffey and her marriage to Cabiness Coffey, a son of Ananias and Jane Hindman Coffey. Annanias and Jane have a history as follows:
Ananias appeared before the Court of Adair County Kentucky on Monday, Jul. 6, 1807 to answer a complaint by Jane Hindman, a single woman, who charged Ananias "for getting her with Child." Ananias was ordered to pay $100 for the maintenance of the said bastard child.1
Based on the judgement of the court, it appears that Ananias had a change of heart and married on August 24, 1807.2
The marriage produced at least 10 children:
- Nancy, born Apr. 11, 1809
- Zidner, born Jun, 15, 1810
- Cabeius (Cabicus or Cabiness), born Nov. 6, 1811
- Harriett, born Mar. 17, 1813
- Mary, born Dec. 14, 1814
- Eliza, born Oct. 10, 1815
- Marshall, born Apr. 28, 1819
- John David, born Sep. 16, 1821
- Emily Jane, born Aug. 7, 1824
- Louise Caroline, born May 26, 1827
As noted in the footnotes, there is some descrepancy between Bible records and public records as pertains to the marriage of Ananias and Jane. Published records give the marriage date as 24 Aug. 1809.
The Coffey/Hindman Bible record does not list a child born before 1809. That begs the question of whether someone "enhanced" the Bible record or, if the "bastard child" died and was omitted from the Bible record.
1 Adair Co. KY Court Orders, Vol. B, p20
2 Marriage records of Green Co, Book A, p109, as published in the Green County Historical Society. The Bible record records date of marriage as 24 Aug. 1807, and the Green Co. publication lists marriage date as 24 Aug. 1809
[Additional information can be found in Coffey Cousins' Newsletter, Dec., 1991, p4]
Ananias appeared before the Court of Adair County Kentucky on Monday, Jul. 6, 1807 to answer a complaint by Jane Hindman, a single woman, who charged Ananias "for getting her with Child." Ananias was ordered to pay $100 for the maintenance of the said bastard child.1
Based on the judgement of the court, it appears that Ananias had a change of heart and married on August 24, 1807.2
The marriage produced at least 10 children:
- Nancy, born Apr. 11, 1809
- Zidner, born Jun, 15, 1810
- Cabeius (Cabicus or Cabiness), born Nov. 6, 1811
- Harriett, born Mar. 17, 1813
- Mary, born Dec. 14, 1814
- Eliza, born Oct. 10, 1815
- Marshall, born Apr. 28, 1819
- John David, born Sep. 16, 1821
- Emily Jane, born Aug. 7, 1824
- Louise Caroline, born May 26, 1827
As noted in the footnotes, there is some descrepancy between Bible records and public records as pertains to the marriage of Ananias and Jane. Published records give the marriage date as 24 Aug. 1809.
The Coffey/Hindman Bible record does not list a child born before 1809. That begs the question of whether someone "enhanced" the Bible record or, if the "bastard child" died and was omitted from the Bible record.
1 Adair Co. KY Court Orders, Vol. B, p20
2 Marriage records of Green Co, Book A, p109, as published in the Green County Historical Society. The Bible record records date of marriage as 24 Aug. 1807, and the Green Co. publication lists marriage date as 24 Aug. 1809
[Additional information can be found in Coffey Cousins' Newsletter, Dec., 1991, p4]
Nebuzaradon Coffey (1757-1797)
An incorrect assumption concerning the ancestry of Nebuzaradon Coffey has been perpetuated in print, and now on the internet. The incorrect information stems mainly from the circulation of his ancestry by Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). As a result of that, DAR was asked several years ago to close the Joel Coffey line because it incorrectly names Nebuzaradon as his son.
Joel may have been a brother to Nebuzaradon, and did have a son with that name. However, his Nebuzaradon was born much too late (1789) to have married and had a large family by 1797.
The older Nebuzaradon was an executor of Joel's will1 in Wilkes Co., NC which does not name a son Nebuzaradon but makes reference to his wife being with child. Nebuzaradon, son of Joel, was born in August 1789, shortly after the death of his father.
There is no proof that Joel and the elder Nebuzaradon are brothers, but a preponderance of evidence points to them being sons of Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey2.
DAR membership based on lineage from Nathan Coffey as a son of Joel are also (probably) in error. This Nathan appears to be another son of Chesley and brother to Joel and Nebuzaradon. Joel's son Nathan was born in 1788, and married Sarah Meredith. He was born much too late to have participated in any Revolutionary War service.
Researched and submitted to Coffey Cousins Newsletter, Dec., 1991, p4, by Daraleen Wade, Salem, OR
1 Joel's will (probate) dated 1789 Wilkes Co., NC. Children listed as James, Joel, Cleveland, Nathan, Katy, Jane and Celia. See will book C, page 321.
2 Researchers should be aware that much controversy exists over the existence of Chesley and Elizabeth Cleveland Coffey. Additional controversy surrounds the child Joel. Family information contained here should be taken with some skepticism until independant research is completed.
Joel may have been a brother to Nebuzaradon, and did have a son with that name. However, his Nebuzaradon was born much too late (1789) to have married and had a large family by 1797.
The older Nebuzaradon was an executor of Joel's will1 in Wilkes Co., NC which does not name a son Nebuzaradon but makes reference to his wife being with child. Nebuzaradon, son of Joel, was born in August 1789, shortly after the death of his father.
There is no proof that Joel and the elder Nebuzaradon are brothers, but a preponderance of evidence points to them being sons of Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey2.
DAR membership based on lineage from Nathan Coffey as a son of Joel are also (probably) in error. This Nathan appears to be another son of Chesley and brother to Joel and Nebuzaradon. Joel's son Nathan was born in 1788, and married Sarah Meredith. He was born much too late to have participated in any Revolutionary War service.
Researched and submitted to Coffey Cousins Newsletter, Dec., 1991, p4, by Daraleen Wade, Salem, OR
1 Joel's will (probate) dated 1789 Wilkes Co., NC. Children listed as James, Joel, Cleveland, Nathan, Katy, Jane and Celia. See will book C, page 321.
2 Researchers should be aware that much controversy exists over the existence of Chesley and Elizabeth Cleveland Coffey. Additional controversy surrounds the child Joel. Family information contained here should be taken with some skepticism until independant research is completed.
William Coffey, born TN c1831
I am seeking information on William Coffey, a son of Caswell and Annie Jordan Coffey. He was born c1831 in TN, and probably in Grainger or Hancock county.
He allegedly had a son named James, born c1860 in Hancock Co., and James is thought to have had a daughter, Nannie born Apr. 5, 1927 in Grainger Co., died Nov. 25, 2005, also in Grainger Co.
Please contact me if you can fill in the blanks.
He allegedly had a son named James, born c1860 in Hancock Co., and James is thought to have had a daughter, Nannie born Apr. 5, 1927 in Grainger Co., died Nov. 25, 2005, also in Grainger Co.
Please contact me if you can fill in the blanks.
Genes Reunited
I registered at the Genes Reunited site after it was recommended that I make a visit. This is a UK website, and claims to be the UK's largest family tree and genealogical website.
Prominent on the site's homepage is "Register Free" box, and a "Find a Family Member" search box.
Missing on the homepage is the fact that you can do nothing of substance without paying a fee.
Be sure to read the "Terms and Conditions" (especially the fee schedule) before signing up!
Prominent on the site's homepage is "Register Free" box, and a "Find a Family Member" search box.
Missing on the homepage is the fact that you can do nothing of substance without paying a fee.
Be sure to read the "Terms and Conditions" (especially the fee schedule) before signing up!
Kalama Telephone Co.
The Kalama (Washington state) Telephone Company is locally owned and operated in Cowlitz Co., WA.
I believe the founder of this company was Green Monroe Coffey, son of Thomas C. and Luciller Jane Baker Coffey. Green was born Sep. 8, 1855 in (perhaps in OR), and married Eva Jane Bilyeu on July 9, 1890 in Scio, Linn Co., OR. He died Oct. 11, 1924 and is buried at Kalama, Cowlitz Co., WA.
I have no information on Eva Jane.
They had at least two children:
- Vera A., born Jun. 26, 1891, died Oct. 17, 1935; married Arthur Alaston Dickinson on oct. 22, 1911 in Kalama, Cowlitz Co. She married a second time to Charles Hadley Scott, but I have no additional information.
- Darrel Wilbur, born Jun. 23, 1901. No additional information.
Green was the 8th of at least nine children to be born to Thomas and Luciller. His siblings were:
- Ghoalson S., born May 23, 1840, died Mar. 15, 1875
- Mary Eleanor, born Feb. 17, 1842, died unknown
- Emily J., born Dec. 19, 1843, died Dec. 16, 1860
- Sidney J., born Jan. 27, 1845, died Oct. 21, 1867
- John J. Harden, born Feb. 23, 1847, died Apr. 1, 1852
- Sarah L., born Mar. 5, 1850, died Jun. 20, 1852
- Elizabeth Fannie, born Sep. 7, 1853, died Apr. 9, 1905
- Aurora Ann, born Mar. 23, 1858, died Sep. 20, 1859
Please contact me if you have corrections or additional family information.
Click on the title link to reach the company webpage.
Brochure, created c1980s, courtesy Lorie Okel
March 30, 2006
Alfred Alonzo Coffee
I was borned in Wilkes County, N.C. May 10th, 1831. My father's name was Elijah, a native of N.C. My mother was reared near Nashville in West Tenn. Her maiden name was Heulme. My Father moved to Georgia about the last of 1839 and settled on what is known as Little Betties Creek in Raburn Co., 7 miles north of Clayton. I lived there on the farm until I was 21 years of age, going to school a few months each year at which time I commenced going to school to Philon P. Brown's at the Academy at Clayton at which time I went 4 times through arithmetic, 4 times through English, 4 times through dictionary, and partly geography. After this, I worked in dry goods store for John Wyley for a time. After this, I went to Atlanta and clerked in the Records office in the State Depot for the W & A RR. Also the Depot at Resaca for a while at which time I went to Running on the Road in the capacity of Conductor. This was in 1854. Continued on the Road until the first of 1856, at which time I left the Road and went West and was in the Kansas Trouble. Was in the Battle at Hickory Point against old John Brown by whom I was captured but afterward relieved by Summers commanding US Troops. I am the only living man I have any knowledge of that was in that battle. Brown kept up his deviltry until captured at Harpers Ferry and was executed. I returned from Kansas the latter part of 1856. In 1857 I married Julia Dawkins, daughter of John Dawkins of N.C. Her mother was Mary Wheeler. They resided in Habershal County, 4 miles south of Tallulah Falls on Panther Creek. In 1858 and 1859 I clerked in the GA Legislature, one session in the House and one in the Senate. In March, 1862, I enlisted in the Confederate cause. I was mustered in to service at Big Shanty. I was standing nearby when Andrews and his followers stole the engine from Bill Fuller. In the fall of 1866, I came to Walker Co. GA and remained there and Catossa County until 1879, at which time I came to Chattanooga. I have lived here ever since. I haven't gone into detail as I might have done.
P.S. I was discharged from service on account of disability. I went home and was appointed tax assessor of tax in kind for 3 counties by quartermaster Bacon of Georgia. I taught in the first colored school ever taught in GA.
The above is a partial autobiography of Alfred Alonzo Coffee. It appeared in the Sep., 1994 edition of the Coffey Cousins' newsletter, and was submitted by Katie Taggart Dunn, a great-granddaughter of Alfred. Alfred Alonzo was a son of Elijah and Polly Hull Coffey. Elijah descended from John and Jane Graves Coffey through their son Thomas, and his wife, Sarah (Sally) Fields.
The report of Andrews and his followers stealing an engine from Bill Fuller created a bit of curiosity for me. I recalled the story from one of the several books that I have read about the Civil War, and did a bit of research.
The steam engine was a locomotive named "The General." In April, 1862 as the train neared Kennesaw, GA. The conductor announced that the train would stop at "Big Shanty" for 20 minutes so the passengers could have breakfast.
Union spies commanded by James Andrews had sneaked into town with a plan to destroy the Western & Atlantic RR. The men made their way towards "The General," and uncoupled it and three boxcars from the other cars. As the spies sped away with the locomotive the conductor, William A. Fuller gave chase. The story goes that he commandeered handcars and three different locomotives in an effort to catch up with the stolen train.
The pursuit continued on rail until the Union spies tore up some track near Adairsville, GA. Fuller and his men had to abandon the train and pursue on foot until they could find another locomotive which they had to drive in reverse in order to continue the chase.
"The General" ran out of steam just north of Ringgold, GA, where it was abandoned as the thieves scattered through the nearby woods. All were eventually caught.
Today, "The General" in on exhibit at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, not far from where it had been stolen in 1862.
Other Links to "The General"
The Great Locomotive Chase
The Andrews Raid
Tennessee and the Andrews Raid
P.S. I was discharged from service on account of disability. I went home and was appointed tax assessor of tax in kind for 3 counties by quartermaster Bacon of Georgia. I taught in the first colored school ever taught in GA.
The above is a partial autobiography of Alfred Alonzo Coffee. It appeared in the Sep., 1994 edition of the Coffey Cousins' newsletter, and was submitted by Katie Taggart Dunn, a great-granddaughter of Alfred. Alfred Alonzo was a son of Elijah and Polly Hull Coffey. Elijah descended from John and Jane Graves Coffey through their son Thomas, and his wife, Sarah (Sally) Fields.
The report of Andrews and his followers stealing an engine from Bill Fuller created a bit of curiosity for me. I recalled the story from one of the several books that I have read about the Civil War, and did a bit of research.
The steam engine was a locomotive named "The General." In April, 1862 as the train neared Kennesaw, GA. The conductor announced that the train would stop at "Big Shanty" for 20 minutes so the passengers could have breakfast.
Union spies commanded by James Andrews had sneaked into town with a plan to destroy the Western & Atlantic RR. The men made their way towards "The General," and uncoupled it and three boxcars from the other cars. As the spies sped away with the locomotive the conductor, William A. Fuller gave chase. The story goes that he commandeered handcars and three different locomotives in an effort to catch up with the stolen train.
The pursuit continued on rail until the Union spies tore up some track near Adairsville, GA. Fuller and his men had to abandon the train and pursue on foot until they could find another locomotive which they had to drive in reverse in order to continue the chase.
"The General" ran out of steam just north of Ringgold, GA, where it was abandoned as the thieves scattered through the nearby woods. All were eventually caught.
Today, "The General" in on exhibit at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, not far from where it had been stolen in 1862.
Other Links to "The General"
The Great Locomotive Chase
The Andrews Raid
Tennessee and the Andrews Raid
WW1 Draft Registration Cards
While researching WW1 draft registration cards for Coffey and related families, I have wondered why the ages given by the men at the time of registration were different from their known ages. I have not found a great difference in years, and for the most part differences amounted to a year, sometimes two. But, in rare instances a three year difference has been noted.
Raymond H. Banks has produced a seven-volume work with a very descriptive title: Births, 1873-1900; Part of an Ongoing Compilation of Male Birth Information as Found in the Civilian Draft Registration Cards from World War I. Mr. Banks gave permission to the St. Louis County (MO) Library to reprint the introduction to his work on their website.
He wrote that generally, birth dates given at time of registration are quite accurate, and that any errors were honest. A small number of men did add several years to their age.
Click on the title link to read more, including why an "X" did not always mean the registrant was illiterate. Also included on the Library webpage are links to other research comments by Mr. Banks.
Raymond H. Banks has produced a seven-volume work with a very descriptive title: Births, 1873-1900; Part of an Ongoing Compilation of Male Birth Information as Found in the Civilian Draft Registration Cards from World War I. Mr. Banks gave permission to the St. Louis County (MO) Library to reprint the introduction to his work on their website.
He wrote that generally, birth dates given at time of registration are quite accurate, and that any errors were honest. A small number of men did add several years to their age.
Click on the title link to read more, including why an "X" did not always mean the registrant was illiterate. Also included on the Library webpage are links to other research comments by Mr. Banks.
March 29, 2006
Old State House Museum
The Arkansas Old State House Museum is physically located at 300 W. Markham in Little Rock, but has a great presence on the world wide web.
The following are the opening paragraphs of the Museum's website:
Set in the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House Museum has been designated a National Historic Landmark, though it is probably best known throughout the country as the scene of President Bill Clinton's 1992 and 1996 election-night celebrations.
This magnificent Greek Revival structure overlooking the Arkansas River houses a multimedia museum of Arkansas state history, with a special emphasis on women's history, political history, and educational programming for school children. The Little Rock museum also boasts nationally-recognized collections of Civil War battle flags, the inaugural gowns of governors' wives, Arkansas art pottery featuring pieces from Camark and Niloak, African-American quilts, and artifacts from Arkansas's musical heritage. Popular exhibits include "On the Stump: Arkansas Political History from 1819-1919"; Try Us: Arkansas & the US-Mexican War; and "Period Rooms", created to show a typical setting from decades ago.
Click on the title link to begin your exploration of the Museum.
The following are the opening paragraphs of the Museum's website:
Set in the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River, the Old State House Museum has been designated a National Historic Landmark, though it is probably best known throughout the country as the scene of President Bill Clinton's 1992 and 1996 election-night celebrations.
This magnificent Greek Revival structure overlooking the Arkansas River houses a multimedia museum of Arkansas state history, with a special emphasis on women's history, political history, and educational programming for school children. The Little Rock museum also boasts nationally-recognized collections of Civil War battle flags, the inaugural gowns of governors' wives, Arkansas art pottery featuring pieces from Camark and Niloak, African-American quilts, and artifacts from Arkansas's musical heritage. Popular exhibits include "On the Stump: Arkansas Political History from 1819-1919"; Try Us: Arkansas & the US-Mexican War; and "Period Rooms", created to show a typical setting from decades ago.
Click on the title link to begin your exploration of the Museum.
March 27, 2006
Elizabeth Coffey (1840-1887)
Elizabeth Coffey was born c1840 in TN, and died 1887 in Rockcastle Co., KY. She was buried in Scaffold Cane Cemetery in Rockcastle Co., but her grave is unmarked. She married Frederick L. Spires on May 21, 1866 in Grainger Co., TN, and appeared in Rockcastle Co. in the 1880 census (ED94, p13, dwelling/family 114) with children: Alvira, born Jan. 1868; Mary, born 1870, Wayne Co.; Rosannah, born 1873, Wayne Co.; Alice J., born 1875, Wayne Co.; Lydia Jane, born 1875 in Wayne Co.; and Matilda, born c1878 in KY. Alice and Lydia were twins.
Alvira married Thomas Miller , and her sister, Mary, married William A. Gadd on the same day; Jul. 13, 1886 in Rockcastle Co.
William and Mary had one daughter, Matilda, born c1887. Mary died in 1887 after the birth of Matilda, and William died in 1890. Matilda was then raised by her paternal grandparents, Armstrong S. and Matilda Black Gadd.
Source: Lizzie's Legacy and Our Coffey Cousins, Bennie Coffey Loftin, p53 (corrections), 2006
Alvira married Thomas Miller , and her sister, Mary, married William A. Gadd on the same day; Jul. 13, 1886 in Rockcastle Co.
William and Mary had one daughter, Matilda, born c1887. Mary died in 1887 after the birth of Matilda, and William died in 1890. Matilda was then raised by her paternal grandparents, Armstrong S. and Matilda Black Gadd.
Source: Lizzie's Legacy and Our Coffey Cousins, Bennie Coffey Loftin, p53 (corrections), 2006
Coffee/Coffey in Louisiana
The following are names and data from my miscellaneous file:
Mary Coffey, no date, married John Kline, p34, St. Theresa of Avila Marriage Book 2 (1862-1890) (There is a St. Theresa of Avila in Ascension Parish, LA)
B. R. Coffee, member of Louisiana Militia (Wagon Wheel*, March 1984 edition)
John Coffey, Harbor policeman; Pvt., Co. A., 1st (Strawbridge's) La. Inf.; enlisted Apr. 1, 1861 in New Orleans; present on rolls Jun., Jul. and Aug., 1861; detached service to harbor police from Jul. 1 to Aug. 21, 1861; present from Sep. 1861 to Dec. 1861 and Jan. 1 to Apr. 30, 1862; discharged and final settlement given Apr. 1, 1862 (Wagon Wheel, Mar 1984, citing Confederate Research Source, Vol. 1, p370)
John B. Coffee, born LA, clerk, married, enlisted in New Orleans (Wagon Wheel, Mar., 1984, no other info)
G. Coffee, born Ireland, resided in New Orleans, married; private in Co. K, 1st (Nelligan's) La. Inf.; record copied from Memorial Hall, New Orleans, LA by War Dept., Washington, DC, May, 1908, occupation mechanic. (Wagon Wheel, Mar. 1984, citing Confederate Research Source, Vol. 1, p370)
Mary Coffey married James Lally (St. Theresa of Avila Marriage Book 2, p72 (1862-1890; exact date not given)
Kate Coffee married Edward Drury (ibid, p217, no other info)
Julia Coffee married Arthur Jacquet (ibid, p6, no other info)
Patrick Coffey, taken prisoner (Wagon Wheel, Mar., 1984; no other info)
John Coffee, parolled at Port Hudson (Wagon Wheel, Mar., 1984, no other info)
Roby Coffee, married Henry McDowell (Red River Parish Heritage Society, Vol. 1, 1989, p383)
Alice Coffee baptised at St. Mary's Italian Church, Orleans Parish, LA 1805 (Church baptismal registry No. 1, p20)
Charlotte Coffee married James Gleason Mar. 31, 1824 (source not listed)
H. M Coffee, 1830 Concordia Parish census, p156; 000011-101011
B. Coffee, 1830 Jefferson Parish census, p176; 200001-100001
Lisa Coffee, 1830 Orleans Parish census, p92; 0-000001
Hugh Coffee, 1845 Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Land Records, Doc., 163, Sep. 22, base line 18, twp. 12N, range 13E, sec. 1, 193.12 acres
*A now defunct genealogy newsletter published in TN a number of years ago
Mary Coffey, no date, married John Kline, p34, St. Theresa of Avila Marriage Book 2 (1862-1890) (There is a St. Theresa of Avila in Ascension Parish, LA)
B. R. Coffee, member of Louisiana Militia (Wagon Wheel*, March 1984 edition)
John Coffey, Harbor policeman; Pvt., Co. A., 1st (Strawbridge's) La. Inf.; enlisted Apr. 1, 1861 in New Orleans; present on rolls Jun., Jul. and Aug., 1861; detached service to harbor police from Jul. 1 to Aug. 21, 1861; present from Sep. 1861 to Dec. 1861 and Jan. 1 to Apr. 30, 1862; discharged and final settlement given Apr. 1, 1862 (Wagon Wheel, Mar 1984, citing Confederate Research Source, Vol. 1, p370)
John B. Coffee, born LA, clerk, married, enlisted in New Orleans (Wagon Wheel, Mar., 1984, no other info)
G. Coffee, born Ireland, resided in New Orleans, married; private in Co. K, 1st (Nelligan's) La. Inf.; record copied from Memorial Hall, New Orleans, LA by War Dept., Washington, DC, May, 1908, occupation mechanic. (Wagon Wheel, Mar. 1984, citing Confederate Research Source, Vol. 1, p370)
Mary Coffey married James Lally (St. Theresa of Avila Marriage Book 2, p72 (1862-1890; exact date not given)
Kate Coffee married Edward Drury (ibid, p217, no other info)
Julia Coffee married Arthur Jacquet (ibid, p6, no other info)
Patrick Coffey, taken prisoner (Wagon Wheel, Mar., 1984; no other info)
John Coffee, parolled at Port Hudson (Wagon Wheel, Mar., 1984, no other info)
Roby Coffee, married Henry McDowell (Red River Parish Heritage Society, Vol. 1, 1989, p383)
Alice Coffee baptised at St. Mary's Italian Church, Orleans Parish, LA 1805 (Church baptismal registry No. 1, p20)
Charlotte Coffee married James Gleason Mar. 31, 1824 (source not listed)
H. M Coffee, 1830 Concordia Parish census, p156; 000011-101011
B. Coffee, 1830 Jefferson Parish census, p176; 200001-100001
Lisa Coffee, 1830 Orleans Parish census, p92; 0-000001
Hugh Coffee, 1845 Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Land Records, Doc., 163, Sep. 22, base line 18, twp. 12N, range 13E, sec. 1, 193.12 acres
*A now defunct genealogy newsletter published in TN a number of years ago
Coffee in Red River Parish, LA
From source:
Entitled "John Brett and David R. Hubbard"
Safronie Hubbard married John M. Coffee; her sister Irene married James A. Coffee, brother to John.
Please contact me if you know who these Coffee men are.
Red River Parish Heritage Society, Vol. 1, 1989, p101
Entitled "John Brett and David R. Hubbard"
Safronie Hubbard married John M. Coffee; her sister Irene married James A. Coffee, brother to John.
Please contact me if you know who these Coffee men are.
Red River Parish Heritage Society, Vol. 1, 1989, p101
Thank you!
This chart represents growth in readership between March 2005 and March 2006. Readership reached a peak of 450 visits in January, and has fallen off some as spring approaches. But, visits are still high at around 350 for this month.
As a result of this effort I have met (thru e-mail) some very nice Coffey/e family historians, and perhaps have helped a few of them with their search. I hope so!
I earn nothing but pleasure from this, so Thanks to all who have added to my pleasure.
March 26, 2006
Elijah Coffey
The following appears in the first source listed at the end of this page.
"The first preaching in Memphis took place on a Sunday morning, in the year 1822, in March. On the above day of that year, a flatboat was seen making for a landing at the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, owing no doubt, to a sudden fog, which was becoming very dense, and which was considered very dangerous by the bold navigators of the ‘Father of Waters.’ The occurrence created considerable excitement among the inhabitants, and aroused great curiosity and desire to know what manner of strangers had come among them. Our informant says: "It was soon noised about that there was ‘a man of God’ on the boat. The village schoolmaster was appointed ‘a committee of one’ to wait upon and request him to hold forth to the ‘children of the wilderness.’"
"The biblical individual in question, reveled in the cognomen of Elijah Coffey. He had translated the contents of the Holy Scriptures into his head, and when he opened his lips the Word was before the people. The venerable Elijah is still an inhabitant of earth and the city of Memphis, and may sometimes yet be seen hammering away for the benefit of perversesoles. He is one, of the ‘oldest inhabitants,’ sometimes alluded to by the newspapers, but which people have gotten into the habit of thinking of as a mythical personage."
This appeared in the second source listed below:
"Elijah Coffey, a shoemaker and a Freewill Baptist, who left a wife and an unsavory reputation behind him in Ill, arrived in Memphis on a Sunday in March of 1822, and he had hardly landed before he was reproaching the residents, at a service in the cabin of Barney Flynn on the batture, for their sinful lives. During his career he belonged to all denominations even the Catholic, but severed his connection with the latter when he found that it did not encourage preaching by laymen. He served on board of Aldermen for Negro African Church and was mayor of Memphis for a brief period. The Nat. Banner and Nashville Daily Advertiser, of Mon., Jun 17, 1833, reported the death in Memphis of Eliz. Coffey, wife of Rev. Elijah Coffey."
Who is Elijah Coffey? Please contact me if you know.
United States of America, Past and Present to 1861, Volume II. Family Tree Legends Records Collection (Online Database). Pearl Street Software, 2004-2005. Our Whole Country; Volume 2. By John Warner Barber and Henry Howe. Henry Howe, Cincinnati, 1861. Early American Travel Narratives. American Memory, Library of Congress, p112.
The Biography of a River Town - It's Heroic Age, Gerald Mortimer Capers, Jr., Chapel Hill, NC, UNC Press, 1939, p65
"The first preaching in Memphis took place on a Sunday morning, in the year 1822, in March. On the above day of that year, a flatboat was seen making for a landing at the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, owing no doubt, to a sudden fog, which was becoming very dense, and which was considered very dangerous by the bold navigators of the ‘Father of Waters.’ The occurrence created considerable excitement among the inhabitants, and aroused great curiosity and desire to know what manner of strangers had come among them. Our informant says: "It was soon noised about that there was ‘a man of God’ on the boat. The village schoolmaster was appointed ‘a committee of one’ to wait upon and request him to hold forth to the ‘children of the wilderness.’"
"The biblical individual in question, reveled in the cognomen of Elijah Coffey. He had translated the contents of the Holy Scriptures into his head, and when he opened his lips the Word was before the people. The venerable Elijah is still an inhabitant of earth and the city of Memphis, and may sometimes yet be seen hammering away for the benefit of perversesoles. He is one, of the ‘oldest inhabitants,’ sometimes alluded to by the newspapers, but which people have gotten into the habit of thinking of as a mythical personage."
This appeared in the second source listed below:
"Elijah Coffey, a shoemaker and a Freewill Baptist, who left a wife and an unsavory reputation behind him in Ill, arrived in Memphis on a Sunday in March of 1822, and he had hardly landed before he was reproaching the residents, at a service in the cabin of Barney Flynn on the batture, for their sinful lives. During his career he belonged to all denominations even the Catholic, but severed his connection with the latter when he found that it did not encourage preaching by laymen. He served on board of Aldermen for Negro African Church and was mayor of Memphis for a brief period. The Nat. Banner and Nashville Daily Advertiser, of Mon., Jun 17, 1833, reported the death in Memphis of Eliz. Coffey, wife of Rev. Elijah Coffey."
Who is Elijah Coffey? Please contact me if you know.
United States of America, Past and Present to 1861, Volume II. Family Tree Legends Records Collection (Online Database). Pearl Street Software, 2004-2005. Our Whole Country; Volume 2. By John Warner Barber and Henry Howe. Henry Howe, Cincinnati, 1861. Early American Travel Narratives. American Memory, Library of Congress, p112.
The Biography of a River Town - It's Heroic Age, Gerald Mortimer Capers, Jr., Chapel Hill, NC, UNC Press, 1939, p65
Daniel Rufus & Sallie Cole Black Coffey
Daniel was first married to Mildred J. Lawman on April 6, 1868 in Amherst Co., VA. He was born Aug. 17, 1846 in VA, and died Nov. 18, 1921 in Amherst Co. Mildred was born c1850 in VA, and died in Mar. 1880* in Amherst Co. Together they had five children: Ellen, born c1869; Alice Loving, born c1871; Cora, born c1884; Bascom Walker, born c1878; and Melissa, born and died Mar. 1880. I have no information about the descendants of these children.
He married second on Aug. 30, 1880 in Amherst Co. to Sallie Cole Black, daughter of Cole and Sophia Black. This marriage produced 10 children. This photo was taken c1940 and is the only known group shot of those children.
Sallie was born May 11, 1857 in Amherst Co., and died Jun. 14, 1933 in Virginia. Daniel is buried at Bridge Hill Cemetery in Amherst Co. and Sallie was buried at Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, VA.
Daniel raised his children in a cabin known today as Fiddler's Green. "Just below the cabin is Staton's Falls where Staton's Creek drops approximately 80 feet in several cascades. This creek was once called "the middle fork of the Pedlar River." [John Taylor]
I have some descendant information for several of the children, and would like to hear from anyone researching these families.
1880 Mortality Schedule, Amherst Co. Pedlar Dist., ED20, Sheet 1, Coffey, Millie, age 32, female, white, married, born VA, parents born VA, keeping house, died March, pneumonia, age 30, attending doctor: W. L. Vaughn; Coffey, Melissa, age 9 days., female, white, single, born VA, parents born VA, died March, spasoms [sic], age 9 days, attending doctor: W. L. Vaughn
Photo courtesy John Taylor
March 24, 2006
Pauline Orr Coffee
[The following appeared in the Sep., 1992 Coffey Cousins' newsletter, No. 48, p11. Pauline was the wife of Cabinis Coffey, born Nov. 6, 1811, probably in KY, and died Dec. 17, 1878 probably in IL. He and Pauline were married Dec. 6, 18341 in Morgan Co., IL.2 Cabiness was the son of Ananias (Nias) Coffey and Jane Hindman. I do not have any information on their descendants, and would appreciate hearing from anyone researching this family.]
Obituary from Cass Co., IL Historical Society newsletter of Jun. 1992
Ashland Sentinel, Jan, 29, 1888. Died at the residence of Lewellyin Davy of Oregon Precinct, Jan. 18, of dropsey of the heart, Mrs. Pauline Coffee, age 70. She was born in Green Co., KY, Aug. 1, 1817. Her father died when she was six and she and her mother later removed to Morgan Co., IL in 1832. She married Cabinis Coffee Nov. 17, 1834. He died Dec. 17, 1878. They had seven children. Two survived Pauline: Mrs. Frank Davy and Mrs. L. Davis. Buried next to husband at Page-William Cemetery.
1 Note difference in marriage dates
2 Illinois Marriages to 1850, Ancestry.com
Obituary from Cass Co., IL Historical Society newsletter of Jun. 1992
Ashland Sentinel, Jan, 29, 1888. Died at the residence of Lewellyin Davy of Oregon Precinct, Jan. 18, of dropsey of the heart, Mrs. Pauline Coffee, age 70. She was born in Green Co., KY, Aug. 1, 1817. Her father died when she was six and she and her mother later removed to Morgan Co., IL in 1832. She married Cabinis Coffee Nov. 17, 1834. He died Dec. 17, 1878. They had seven children. Two survived Pauline: Mrs. Frank Davy and Mrs. L. Davis. Buried next to husband at Page-William Cemetery.
1 Note difference in marriage dates
2 Illinois Marriages to 1850, Ancestry.com
The Coffey Family
[The following appeared in the Sep., 1992 edition of Coffey Cousins' newsletter, pp14-15. It was submitted by Walter and Elaine Coffey Obermayr, and was taken from The Washington County (Pennsylvania) History, dated 1895]
To "Caledonia, stern and wild," whose hardy sons and daughters are to be found in every clime where it is possible for a man to live. America is indebted for a large portion of her most industrious, most useful, most thrifty and most loyal citizens, and among these stand prominent the Coffey family, of whom this sketch relates.
George Coffey, (b.1801) a wagon maker by trade, which he had learned in his native land, (Aryshire) Scotland, was the only child of George Coffey. He was married there to Miss Agnes, only daughter of Alexander Dickey, who came to America and made a settlement in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died at an advanced age: he was a typical son of Scotia, sturdy and tenacious of life, and it is said of him that a few months before his death he journeyed on foot to Pittsburgh in one day. Mr. and Mrs. George Coffey, after several years of married life in their native land, at the desire of Mr. Dickey followed him to his adopted home in Washington county, where for a time Mr. Coffey carried on his trade at Rankintown, on the National pike. he then moved to Buffalo township, and for fourteen years was recognized as the leading wagon maker within a radius of many miles. Retiring, however, from his trade, he took up the farm where his son George now lives, located at a point on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, known as "Coffey's Crossing," where he engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his wife's death, in 1883, when he came into the borough of Washington and here passed his remaining days. He died in June 30, 1886, at the age of seventy-three years, after a busy life, in which by hard work he had to make his own success. When he first came to the county there was much in his line of trade to do, repairing the heavy wagons used in the construction of the National pike, besides a vast amount of other custom work, that came to his shop from far and near. In the building up of the home the several members of the family had to do their respective parts, and, when they moved from the shop to the farm, even the daughters would often work in the field, in all kinds of weather, and many a day under a broiling sun do as much work as a man. In one day Miss Annie Coffey and her sister cut and tied about four acres of heavy corn. In those times it was customary for the farmers, who had produce to sell, to proceed early in the morning to Washington market, take their places and patiently wait for customers; and frequently Miss Annie Coffey and her mother would work in the sugar bush until late at night, then go to the house, change their clothing, and start on foot for Washington, a distance of five miles, carrying heavy jugs of maple molasses, which having sold, they would walk home again, change their garments, and once more go to work in the sugar camp. thus, with little sleep or rest, did the brave women of those early days unrepiningly[unrepentingly?] labor to build up a home for coming generations, and materially assist in the growth and advancement of the county.
To Mr. and Mrs. George Coffey were born seven children, as follows: Alexander, in Iowa; Maggie, deceased; Annie, in Washington; William, deceased; Jennie, married to Daniel Clemens; George, on the old home farm in Buffalo township; and Agnes, deceased. Of this family Miss Annie was true filial devotion, always remained with her parents, comforting them in their declining years, and reverently closing their eyes in death. She has always enjoyed good health, and it is the earnest prayer of her many friends that she may be spared to them for many happy years to come. Her home in Washington is peaceful and pleasant, as is the life she leads in it. She is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, the faith of her forefathers.
To "Caledonia, stern and wild," whose hardy sons and daughters are to be found in every clime where it is possible for a man to live. America is indebted for a large portion of her most industrious, most useful, most thrifty and most loyal citizens, and among these stand prominent the Coffey family, of whom this sketch relates.
George Coffey, (b.1801) a wagon maker by trade, which he had learned in his native land, (Aryshire) Scotland, was the only child of George Coffey. He was married there to Miss Agnes, only daughter of Alexander Dickey, who came to America and made a settlement in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died at an advanced age: he was a typical son of Scotia, sturdy and tenacious of life, and it is said of him that a few months before his death he journeyed on foot to Pittsburgh in one day. Mr. and Mrs. George Coffey, after several years of married life in their native land, at the desire of Mr. Dickey followed him to his adopted home in Washington county, where for a time Mr. Coffey carried on his trade at Rankintown, on the National pike. he then moved to Buffalo township, and for fourteen years was recognized as the leading wagon maker within a radius of many miles. Retiring, however, from his trade, he took up the farm where his son George now lives, located at a point on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, known as "Coffey's Crossing," where he engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his wife's death, in 1883, when he came into the borough of Washington and here passed his remaining days. He died in June 30, 1886, at the age of seventy-three years, after a busy life, in which by hard work he had to make his own success. When he first came to the county there was much in his line of trade to do, repairing the heavy wagons used in the construction of the National pike, besides a vast amount of other custom work, that came to his shop from far and near. In the building up of the home the several members of the family had to do their respective parts, and, when they moved from the shop to the farm, even the daughters would often work in the field, in all kinds of weather, and many a day under a broiling sun do as much work as a man. In one day Miss Annie Coffey and her sister cut and tied about four acres of heavy corn. In those times it was customary for the farmers, who had produce to sell, to proceed early in the morning to Washington market, take their places and patiently wait for customers; and frequently Miss Annie Coffey and her mother would work in the sugar bush until late at night, then go to the house, change their clothing, and start on foot for Washington, a distance of five miles, carrying heavy jugs of maple molasses, which having sold, they would walk home again, change their garments, and once more go to work in the sugar camp. thus, with little sleep or rest, did the brave women of those early days unrepiningly
To Mr. and Mrs. George Coffey were born seven children, as follows: Alexander, in Iowa; Maggie, deceased; Annie, in Washington; William, deceased; Jennie, married to Daniel Clemens; George, on the old home farm in Buffalo township; and Agnes, deceased. Of this family Miss Annie was true filial devotion, always remained with her parents, comforting them in their declining years, and reverently closing their eyes in death. She has always enjoyed good health, and it is the earnest prayer of her many friends that she may be spared to them for many happy years to come. Her home in Washington is peaceful and pleasant, as is the life she leads in it. She is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, the faith of her forefathers.
Francis M. Coffey Mustered Out
The oldest resident of Soldier, F. M. Coffey, passed away Sunday, January 13, 1933. He was almost ninety-three years of age. Until a fall he had five weeks ago, he was in remarkable good health for one of his age. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Coffey moved from Havensville to Soldier. Mr. Coffey was born at Jamestown, Kentucky, March 27, 1840. He was married May 26, 1865 at Stanford, Kentucky to Parmelia Jane Hughes, so this aged couple were in the sixty-eighth year of their companionship.
They were parents of ten children who are:
Charles H. Coffey of Hutchinson, Kansas
Annie C. Fisher of Florence, Kansas
Minnie E. Clapperton of Los Angeles, California
Margaret Differu of Vallejo, California
Francis T. Coffey of Los Angeles, California
Mary A. Achenbach of Soldier, Kansas
James G. Coffey of Leavenworth, Kansas
Arthur K. Coffey of Leavenworth, Kansas
Pearle D. Titsworth of Kansas City, Missouri
Belle Huffman who preceded her father in death
Mr. Coffey was a veteran of the Civil War, a Union Soldier of the 19th Kentucky Infantry, Co., I. He served three years and six months, was engaged in thirteen battles, among which were Bull Run, Shiloh, Vicksburg. He could tell many thrilling experiences of the war. Two brothers were with him in the service.
He came to Kansas in 1880, locating first at Peabody, then living successively at Florence, Holton, America City, Havensville, and Soldier. He was a good husband and father, a friend and neighbor, a brave soldier and a Christian. He united with the Baptist Church at young manhood. He was a member of the Christian Church at Havensville and then at Soldier. He passed away with full confidence of the Christian faith and hope. Besides his wife and children he is survived by thirty-seven grandchildren, forty great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
The funeral was held in the Soldier Christian Church January 17th, the pastor Rev. Mayfield speaking; Rev. Station assisting. Fred Armstrong and John Whistler of America City, singers who Mr. Coffey liked so much to hear, provided the music. Confederate veteran, R. R. Brooks, caring[carrying] the G.A.R.'s American flag, funeral service, firing the salute and sounding Taps at the grave in Soldier Cemetery.
And so was laid to rest the last of the Union Veterans of the town of Soldier, Kansas. His surviving comrade of this community is P. H. Reed, who was not able to attend the service.
[Source: Coffey Cousins' Clearinghouse Newsletter, Sep., 1992, No. 48, pp18-19; Francis Marion Coffey was the son of James and Martha "Patsy" Tucker Coffey]
They were parents of ten children who are:
Charles H. Coffey of Hutchinson, Kansas
Annie C. Fisher of Florence, Kansas
Minnie E. Clapperton of Los Angeles, California
Margaret Differu of Vallejo, California
Francis T. Coffey of Los Angeles, California
Mary A. Achenbach of Soldier, Kansas
James G. Coffey of Leavenworth, Kansas
Arthur K. Coffey of Leavenworth, Kansas
Pearle D. Titsworth of Kansas City, Missouri
Belle Huffman who preceded her father in death
Mr. Coffey was a veteran of the Civil War, a Union Soldier of the 19th Kentucky Infantry, Co., I. He served three years and six months, was engaged in thirteen battles, among which were Bull Run, Shiloh, Vicksburg. He could tell many thrilling experiences of the war. Two brothers were with him in the service.
He came to Kansas in 1880, locating first at Peabody, then living successively at Florence, Holton, America City, Havensville, and Soldier. He was a good husband and father, a friend and neighbor, a brave soldier and a Christian. He united with the Baptist Church at young manhood. He was a member of the Christian Church at Havensville and then at Soldier. He passed away with full confidence of the Christian faith and hope. Besides his wife and children he is survived by thirty-seven grandchildren, forty great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
The funeral was held in the Soldier Christian Church January 17th, the pastor Rev. Mayfield speaking; Rev. Station assisting. Fred Armstrong and John Whistler of America City, singers who Mr. Coffey liked so much to hear, provided the music. Confederate veteran, R. R. Brooks, caring
And so was laid to rest the last of the Union Veterans of the town of Soldier, Kansas. His surviving comrade of this community is P. H. Reed, who was not able to attend the service.
[Source: Coffey Cousins' Clearinghouse Newsletter, Sep., 1992, No. 48, pp18-19; Francis Marion Coffey was the son of James and Martha "Patsy" Tucker Coffey]
Henry B. and Sarah Ann Isbell Coffey
Some researchers report 1825 as the birth year for Henry, a son of Joel and Martha Coffey of Wayne Co., KY. Sarah, parents not yet known, was born in 1818. She and Henry are reported to have married on Jan. 24, 1838 in Wayne Co.
Was Henry really just 13-yrs. old and Sarah 20-yrs. old when they married?
Please contact me if you know anything about this family.
Was Henry really just 13-yrs. old and Sarah 20-yrs. old when they married?
Please contact me if you know anything about this family.
Stephen and Malinda Coffey Kinnett
Stephen Kinnett was born c1830 in Wayne Co., KY. Malinda was also born in Wayne Co., c1830. They were married there on Oct. 11, 1849.
Their children were:
Charles F.; Sarah C., born c1851; John W., born c1856; Caleb, born Jan. 17, 1858; Mary A., born c1860; Amanda T., born c1864; Joel A., born c1871; Emerson P., born c1875.
Charles married 1) Elizabeth Toler, and 2) Florence Twyford. Click on the title link to read more about Charles and his family, and to view a photo of him and Florence.
Please contact me if you know who the parents of Malinda were.
Their children were:
Charles F.; Sarah C., born c1851; John W., born c1856; Caleb, born Jan. 17, 1858; Mary A., born c1860; Amanda T., born c1864; Joel A., born c1871; Emerson P., born c1875.
Charles married 1) Elizabeth Toler, and 2) Florence Twyford. Click on the title link to read more about Charles and his family, and to view a photo of him and Florence.
Please contact me if you know who the parents of Malinda were.
March 21, 2006
Titian James Coffey - Follow-up
Jun 3, 1880, Washington City, District of Columbia, ED46, Page 11
1403 H Street NW, dwelling 72, family 73
Coffey, Titian J., WM, age 55, married, lawyer, born PA, parents born PA
Coffey, Mary Kerr, WF, age 50, wife, married, keeping house, born PA, father born IR, mother born PA
Coffey, Harry Kerr, WM, age 24, son, single, no employment, born PA, parents born PA
Coffey, Lilian Kerr, WF, age 15, daughter, single, at school, born PA, parents born PA
Michode, Marie, WF, age 33, maid, single, maid, born France, parents born France
Johnson, Robert, BM, age 30, servant, married, servant, born VA, parents born VA
Watts, Celia, BF, age 50, servant, widow, servant, born VA, parents born VA
Robinson, Sarah, BF, age 32, servant, widow, servant, born VA, parents born VA
Napper, Virginia, BF, age 31, servant, single, servant, born VA, parents born VA
I have not been successful in locating the family in prior years.
The information contained at the previously cited website seems to be mostly correct. That information tells us that James Coffey a son of an unnamed Coffey and Jane Brown, married Margaretta Pemberton McConnell.
Their children were:
George A., born Dec. 20, 1820, died Feb. 20, 1864 in Philadelphia, PA (?)
Catherine E., born Jul, 24, 1822, died after 1886, m. Alexander P. Robinson
Titian James, born Dec. 5, 1823, Huntingdon Co., PA, died Jan. 11, 1897
m. Mary Kerr Feb. 13, 1855
Henry T., born 1827, Huntingdon Co. (probably); died after 1886
Thomas Pemberton, born May 25, 1834, Huntingdon Co.; died Feb. 8, 1886
Lewis S., born abt. 1838
Titian's age in 1880 would seem to indicate that he was born closer to 1824 or 1825. Refer to the website for more information.
1403 H Street NW, dwelling 72, family 73
Coffey, Titian J., WM, age 55, married, lawyer, born PA, parents born PA
Coffey, Mary Kerr, WF, age 50, wife, married, keeping house, born PA, father born IR, mother born PA
Coffey, Harry Kerr, WM, age 24, son, single, no employment, born PA, parents born PA
Coffey, Lilian Kerr, WF, age 15, daughter, single, at school, born PA, parents born PA
Michode, Marie, WF, age 33, maid, single, maid, born France, parents born France
Johnson, Robert, BM, age 30, servant, married, servant, born VA, parents born VA
Watts, Celia, BF, age 50, servant, widow, servant, born VA, parents born VA
Robinson, Sarah, BF, age 32, servant, widow, servant, born VA, parents born VA
Napper, Virginia, BF, age 31, servant, single, servant, born VA, parents born VA
I have not been successful in locating the family in prior years.
The information contained at the previously cited website seems to be mostly correct. That information tells us that James Coffey a son of an unnamed Coffey and Jane Brown, married Margaretta Pemberton McConnell.
Their children were:
George A., born Dec. 20, 1820, died Feb. 20, 1864 in Philadelphia, PA (?)
Catherine E., born Jul, 24, 1822, died after 1886, m. Alexander P. Robinson
Titian James, born Dec. 5, 1823, Huntingdon Co., PA, died Jan. 11, 1897
m. Mary Kerr Feb. 13, 1855
Henry T., born 1827, Huntingdon Co. (probably); died after 1886
Thomas Pemberton, born May 25, 1834, Huntingdon Co.; died Feb. 8, 1886
Lewis S., born abt. 1838
Titian's age in 1880 would seem to indicate that he was born closer to 1824 or 1825. Refer to the website for more information.
March 20, 2006
Jackson Lafayette Coffey
Jackson Lafayette Coffey was born Jan., 1862 in GA, a son of Alfred Alphonso and Julia Ann Dawkins Coffey. He married Ella Horton c1886, probably in GA, and over the next few years moved to TN, back to GA, and then back to TN. He and most of his family finally settled in TX. They farmed first in Navarro Co., then Henderson, and finally back to Navarro.
I have accounted for 11 children:
- Clara, born Dec., 1885 in GA
- Charles Clifton, born Dec., 1887 in TN
- George Clinton, born Dec., 1890 in TN
- Lillie M., born May., 1893 in GA
- Nellie G., born Sep., 1895 in TN
- William D., born May, 1898 in TN
- Dewey, born c1899 in TN
- Julia, born c1901 in TN
- Robert Lee, born c1904 in TX
- Cornelius, born c1908 in TN
- DeWitt, born c1911 in TX
If the census can be believed, the family made at least one trip back to TN from TX in time for Cornelius to be born there.
Charles Clifton registered for the draft in Navarro Co. on Jun. 5, 1917. At the time he was a resident of Purdon in Navarro Co., and was a self-employed farmer with a wife and three children. He reported his age as 30, born Dec. 26, 1886 (one year earlier than in 1920 census) in Chattanooga. He was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes and light colored hair. At the time of registration his right arm was broken at the elbow.
George married either an Ella or Etta LNU in TX in about 1914. They had at least five children: Buford, born c1917; Ellen M., born c1919; Gracie M., born c1923; Alford G., born c1925; and Anita M., born c1927, all in TX. In 1930 they were in Navarro Co. When George registered for the WW1 draft in Navarro Co., he said that he was born in Chattanooga, TN, and resided in Purdon, Navarro Co. He was described as being tall and slender with hazel brown eyes and brown hair. He told the registrar that he suffered from a rupture and had lung trouble.
Julia married Esthar(?) Duke, and in 1920 the couple was living in the household with Jackson and Ella. They did not have children at that census.
Robert married Neuel(?) LNU, and were in Navarro Co. in 1930. At that census, they were the parents of one son, Robert E., born c1927.
I have not found any marriage information for the other children.
Please contact me if you can provide additional information on the Jackson Lafayette Coffey family.
Titian James Coffey
On Monday, Jun. 22, 1863, President Lincoln appointed Assistant Attorney General Titian James Coffey to be Attorney General ad interim, in the absence of Edward Bates. Coffey served in that position until Dec. 1, 1864. I have seen other references to Coffey's appointment on Jan. 22, 1863. The Jun. 22 date was found at the Illinois Historic Preservation website.
It is difficult to find information on Titian. He was born in 1824, died in 1867, but I have found no on-line genealogies, except one, and it is probably not this Titian.
The Titian in that genealogy was born Dec. 4, 1823 in Huntingdon Co., PA, and died Jan. 11, 1897. He was the son of a James Coffey and Margaretta McConnell.
Please contact me if you have any family information on Titian James Coffey.
It is difficult to find information on Titian. He was born in 1824, died in 1867, but I have found no on-line genealogies, except one, and it is probably not this Titian.
The Titian in that genealogy was born Dec. 4, 1823 in Huntingdon Co., PA, and died Jan. 11, 1897. He was the son of a James Coffey and Margaretta McConnell.
Please contact me if you have any family information on Titian James Coffey.
March 19, 2006
Coffee/Coffey in South Carolina
As promised, here is more information from my files. It is only miscellaneous information, and source, where available is included:
Thomas Coffey, Charleston, 1733: The will of Thomas reads: In the name of God, Amen. The Sixth Day of August One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Three, and in the seventh year of the reign of his Majesty, King George, the second, I Thomas Coffey mariner belonging to his Majesty's ship the Alborough Captain John Gascoigne Commander -- I do give and dispose the same unto my dear wife Mary of Charleston in the Province of South Carolina (CC Newsletter, Mar., 1998)
Susannah Coffey, dau. of John Coffey, born 1767, married James McCoy Criag . (CC, Jun., 1997)
Hugh Coffee , (Jr.?) born c1770 Lancaster Co., married Margaret Moore before 1793. Children were Mary, Jincy, Susan, Hugh M., died c1840 in TN
Hugh Coffee, born c1770, brother of Henry and child of Hugh and Agnes Montgomery Coffee (IGI)
Rebecca Coffee , born c1774, of Welsh descent and married Robert Montgomery, born 1765, either in SC or asea when his family immigrated from North Ireland. Children were Hugh, John, Alex, Betsy, Petty, Polly and Jane.
Henry Coffee , and wife Mary of Camden Dist., SC, convey to Thomas Wells of the aforesaid state and sistrict, for 125 pounds of the currency of the State of South Carolina, a tract containing 100 acres in Graven County on the waters of Camp Creek, granted to the said Henry Coffee 30 Sept. 1774. Deed dated 27 July 1778. (Bibliography: Well, Lawrence K., ed. "The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, Vol. 1, 2)
Henry Coffee was the son of Hugh Coffee and Agnes Montgomery. He married Rebecca Kirk in 1821 and had children: Elefaire [wonder if this name was really Telfair], Grave, Hugh, born 1770 in Lancaster Co., James, born 1832 in Lancaster Co., Margaret J., born 1827 in Lancaster Co., Mary Matilda, born 1830 in Lancaster Co., and Nancy. Hugh, born 1770 in Lancaster Co. was sibling of Henry. (IGI)
Salathiel Coffee - numerous books refer to Salathiel as son of Chesley and Jane Cleveland. He was born in early 1750's and married an Elizabeth LNU. Found in Chester Co., SC a reference to a July 1788 Court, the following: "Elizabeth Noland, late widow of Salathiel Coffee and Pearce Noland, Plaintiff against James Marion Gore, Defendant." That case seems to establish the maiden name of Noland to the widow of Salathiel. (CC, Sep., 1995)
Joel Coffey, born c1791, Pendleton Dist., married Patricia Cobb. Parents of Rev. John D. Coffee who married Martha Singleton. (CC, Jun., 1996)
Susanna Coffey married James Craig 1792 Lancaster Co.; daughter of John Coffey and Susanna Crocket. (CC, Sep., 1990)
Agnes Nancy Coffey, born 1795 in Lancaster Co., married Samuel Caskey. May be daughter of Hugh Coffey, Jr. The 1992 IGI shows Agnes Nancy as daughter of John Coffey and Ester G. Date of marriage to Samuel is recorded as Dec. 12, 1811 in Lancaster Co. (CC, Dec., 1991)
More later!
[Note: Back issues of CC newsletter can be ordered from Bonnie Culley for a very nominal fee]
Thomas Coffey, Charleston, 1733: The will of Thomas reads: In the name of God, Amen. The Sixth Day of August One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Three, and in the seventh year of the reign of his Majesty, King George, the second, I Thomas Coffey mariner belonging to his Majesty's ship the Alborough Captain John Gascoigne Commander -- I do give and dispose the same unto my dear wife Mary of Charleston in the Province of South Carolina (CC Newsletter, Mar., 1998)
Susannah Coffey, dau. of John Coffey, born 1767, married James McCoy Criag . (CC, Jun., 1997)
Hugh Coffee , (Jr.?) born c1770 Lancaster Co., married Margaret Moore before 1793. Children were Mary, Jincy, Susan, Hugh M., died c1840 in TN
Hugh Coffee, born c1770, brother of Henry and child of Hugh and Agnes Montgomery Coffee (IGI)
Rebecca Coffee , born c1774, of Welsh descent and married Robert Montgomery, born 1765, either in SC or asea when his family immigrated from North Ireland. Children were Hugh, John, Alex, Betsy, Petty, Polly and Jane.
Henry Coffee , and wife Mary of Camden Dist., SC, convey to Thomas Wells of the aforesaid state and sistrict, for 125 pounds of the currency of the State of South Carolina, a tract containing 100 acres in Graven County on the waters of Camp Creek, granted to the said Henry Coffee 30 Sept. 1774. Deed dated 27 July 1778. (Bibliography: Well, Lawrence K., ed. "The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, Vol. 1, 2)
Henry Coffee was the son of Hugh Coffee and Agnes Montgomery. He married Rebecca Kirk in 1821 and had children: Elefaire [wonder if this name was really Telfair], Grave, Hugh, born 1770 in Lancaster Co., James, born 1832 in Lancaster Co., Margaret J., born 1827 in Lancaster Co., Mary Matilda, born 1830 in Lancaster Co., and Nancy. Hugh, born 1770 in Lancaster Co. was sibling of Henry. (IGI)
Salathiel Coffee - numerous books refer to Salathiel as son of Chesley and Jane Cleveland. He was born in early 1750's and married an Elizabeth LNU. Found in Chester Co., SC a reference to a July 1788 Court, the following: "Elizabeth Noland, late widow of Salathiel Coffee and Pearce Noland, Plaintiff against James Marion Gore, Defendant." That case seems to establish the maiden name of Noland to the widow of Salathiel. (CC, Sep., 1995)
Joel Coffey, born c1791, Pendleton Dist., married Patricia Cobb. Parents of Rev. John D. Coffee who married Martha Singleton. (CC, Jun., 1996)
Susanna Coffey married James Craig 1792 Lancaster Co.; daughter of John Coffey and Susanna Crocket. (CC, Sep., 1990)
Agnes Nancy Coffey, born 1795 in Lancaster Co., married Samuel Caskey. May be daughter of Hugh Coffey, Jr. The 1992 IGI shows Agnes Nancy as daughter of John Coffey and Ester G. Date of marriage to Samuel is recorded as Dec. 12, 1811 in Lancaster Co. (CC, Dec., 1991)
More later!
[Note: Back issues of CC newsletter can be ordered from Bonnie Culley for a very nominal fee]
March 18, 2006
William B. Coffey (born c1800 in SC)
Jo Ann Hatch in Arizona is looking for the parents of William who married Delila Trentham in Hall Co., GA on 17 Mar. 1822.
She has located the family in Campbell Co., GA land recorda and in the 1850 census of Chatooga Co., GA. By 1860 they are in Parker Co., TX.
Their children were Richardson "Rich" Coffey; Elizabeth Coffey who married Joseph Warren Beddo; Clominda Jane Coffey who married Solomon G. Maxwell; John Henderson Coffey who married Mary Elizabeth Gray and Thursa M. Coffey who married Joseph E. Sentle.
Jo Ann is especially interested in Elizabeth who married Joseph Warren Beddo. She had two sons by Beddo, and when he died she and the two children moved back with her parents in 1850. Jo Ann wrote that the two sons moved to TX, and needs to know if Elizabeth Coffey Beddo remarried, remain in GA, or move to TX with her sons.
Anyone researching this family can contact Jo Ann by writing to me for contact info.
She has located the family in Campbell Co., GA land recorda and in the 1850 census of Chatooga Co., GA. By 1860 they are in Parker Co., TX.
Their children were Richardson "Rich" Coffey; Elizabeth Coffey who married Joseph Warren Beddo; Clominda Jane Coffey who married Solomon G. Maxwell; John Henderson Coffey who married Mary Elizabeth Gray and Thursa M. Coffey who married Joseph E. Sentle.
Jo Ann is especially interested in Elizabeth who married Joseph Warren Beddo. She had two sons by Beddo, and when he died she and the two children moved back with her parents in 1850. Jo Ann wrote that the two sons moved to TX, and needs to know if Elizabeth Coffey Beddo remarried, remain in GA, or move to TX with her sons.
Anyone researching this family can contact Jo Ann by writing to me for contact info.
Peter Coffee
Descendants of Peter COFFEE
First Generation
1. Peter COFFEE was born about 1705 in (probably) Virginia. He died in 1771 in Prince Edward Co., VA.1
The Will of Peter Coffee is recorded in Prince Edward County, VA, in Will Book 1, 1754-1785, pages 88 and 89:
In the name of God Amen this thirty first Day of January one thousand seven hundred & seventy one. I Peter Coffee of the County of Prince Edward & Parish of St. Patrick being in a very sick and low Condition but of perfect mind and memory Blessed be God for his mercies toward me and Calling to mind the uncertainty of this Transitory life and that all flesh must yield unto Death whenever it shall please God to call Do make ordain constitute & appoint this my last will and Testament in manner and form following. And first I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God my saviour and Redeamer nothing doubting but what I shall receive the same again with joy & gladneys by the mighty power of God at the Resurrection and my body I commit to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named as touching my worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God far above my deserts to bestow upon me I do give and dispose of the same in manner and form following.
Item I will that all those Debts which I in justice own to any person or persons whatever be paid as soon as conveniently they can after my Decease by my Executors.
Item I do lend until my Beloved wife Susanna Coffee The land and plantation whereon I now live together with the several stock of Horses Cattle Hogs and sheep now belonging to me and all other moveable Effects during her widow-hood as well manageing of the same but in case that she should prove careless or waistfull of the said Effects to then my Executor hereafter named to dispose of the Effects they shall think proper the Legates hereafter mentioned.
Item I give to my won William Coffee one hundred and fifty acres of land lying on Vaughans Creek in the County aforesaid to be laid off agreeable with the course now begun & to run for complement & being the same tract he has already obtained deed for only with some additional alterations.
Item I give to my son Peter Coffee Five Shillings Sterling
Item I give to my son Joshua Coffee Five Shillings Sterling
Item I give to my daughter Cathrina Thomas Five Shillings sterling
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Kendal Five Shillings Sterling
Item I give to my daughter Hannah Weakley Ten Pounds at my Daughter Bettie's death.
Item I give to my Daughter Lydia Coffee fifteen pounds current money at my Daughter Betties death
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Coffee the land & plantation whereon I now live at her Mothers Decease During her natural life and at her Decease to be sold and all my Legacies paid there with both these before mentioned & those I shall hereafter mention and if there is anything remaining after the sale of the said land and Movables at my wife's & Daughters decease such sum over to be equally divided amongst all my Grandchildren then living. And I do appoint my wife & son William Coffee to be executor and Executrix of this my will ratifying this and none else to be my last will and Testament utterly disannulling all other wills and Bequests by me heretofore made ____
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the said Peter Coffee
Peter Coffee (seal)
as his last will and Testament in Presence of us
Thomas Brooks James Weakley her Hannah X Weakley mark
At a Court held for Prince Edward County September 16th 1771. This last will and Testament of Peter Coffee deceased was presented in hand and proved by Thomas Brooks & James Weakley and Ordered to be Recorded. On the Motion of Susannah Coffee and William Coffee the Executors therein named who gave bond and took the Oath required by Law. Certificate for obtaining a probate thereof in due form granted them.
Teste. ? Watkins JC
Peter Coffee was probably born in Virginia, although some sources list his place of birth as the British Isles. He was probably born about 1705, as he was old enough to transact business in 1730. There were at least two Peter Coffees in the vicinity. One Peter Coffee, a convict, landed in Virginia, in October 1730. He was transported on the ship "Forward". A few months after this time, Peter Coffee, in King George County, Virginia, on 2nd April 1731, listed on the County Court Orders, was being bound for his appearance at court, for abusing his servant woman, Jane Lewis. In Feb. 1830, Peter Coffey was security for an action of debt. Peter died in Prince Edward County, Virginia, in 1771, as his will was probated September 16, 1771. Susannah died circa 1795/96. She is shown on the 1790 Federal Census as head of household. She was shown on the Prince Edward County tax lists until 1796, when the taxes were charged to "Susannah Coffee's estate." Peter and Susannah had at least eleven children.
Peter COFFEE and Susannah MATTHEWS were married.2 Susannah MATTHEWS3 died in 1795/96 in Prince Edward Co., VA. Peter COFFEE and Susannah MATTHEWS had the following children:
2 i. William COFFEE, born about 1740, (probably) King George Co., VA; married Mary MCALLISTER (?); died in 1798/99.
ii. James COFFEE was born on February 27, 1740/41. He died before 1771.
iii. Lydia COFFEE was born on January 25, 1742.
She was still living and unmarried when her father made his will in 1771.
iv. Frances COFFEE died on January 5, 1741.
v. Benjamin COFFEE was born on October 9, 1743. He died before 1771.
Not mentioned in his father's 1771 will.
3 vi. Joshua COFFEE, born on January 26, 1745, Prince Edward Co., VA; married Elizabeth GRAVES, on June 2, 1767, Hanover Co., VA; died on September 8, 1797, Rockingham Co., NC.
4 vii. Mary COFFEE, married James KENDALL, on February 27, 1745, Overwharton Parish, Old Stafford County, Virginia.
5 viii. Peter COFFEE Jr., born before 1750; married Sarah SMITH, on November 14, 1773, Granville Co., NC.
6 ix. Hannah COFFEE, married James WEAKLEY; died in 1814, Montgomery Co., TN.
x. A birthdate for Cathrina COFFEE is not yet known.
Still alive in 1771 as she was mentioned in her father's will.
xi. A birthdate for Elizabeth (Betty) COFFEE is not yet known.
She was still living and unmarried at the time of her father's will in 1771.
Second Generation
2. William COFFEE (Peter-1) was born about 1740 in (probably) King George Co., VA. He died in 1798/99.
He made his will in May 1798.
William COFFEE and Mary MCALLISTER (?) were married. A birthdate for Mary MCALLISTER (?) is not yet known. William COFFEE and Mary MCALLISTER (?) had the following children:
7 i. Abner COFFEE, born on December 24, 1768, Prince Edward Co., VA; married Christiana KELLEY, on July 20, 1791, Prince Edward Co., VA; died between 1836 and 38, Campbell Co., VA.
ii. Dise COFFEE was born on November 13, 1770.
8 iii. David COFFEE, born on February 6, 1775, Bedford Co., VA; married Sytha MEADOWS, on November 4, 1801, Prince Edward Co., VA; died in 1822, Smith Co.,TN.
iv. Eady COFFEE was born on August 26, 1778.
v. Tildy COFFEE was born on February 12, 1780.
vi. Agnes COFFEE was born on November 29, 1782.
vii. Pleasant B. COFFEE was born on March 22, 1785.
9 viii. Joshua M. COFFEE, born on September 29, 1789, Buckingham Co., VA; married Jane (Jinnie) TROUSDALE, on January 10, 1810; died on October 3, 1842.
3. Joshua COFFEE (Peter-1) was born on January 26, 1745 in Prince Edward Co., VA. He died on September 8, 1797 in Rockingham Co., NC. Joshua Coffee's will is dated August 1, 1797, and was found in Guilford Co., NC. In it he mentions his son John Coffee, Mrs. Harris, his son-in-law, Polly (Mary) Harris, his daughter, and his wife, Elizabeth. Rockingham and Guilford are adjacent counties in North Carolina.
Joshua served from North Carolina, as Captain of Mounted Gunners in the Granville Regiment of Militia. He entered service in 1780, and for nine months saw service in the South. At the close of the Revolution he moved to Rockingham County, NC.
Joshua COFFEE and Elizabeth GRAVES were married on June 2, 1767 in Hanover Co., VA. Or, August 11, 1767, depending on source.
They moved to Granville Co., NC in 1775.
Elizabeth GRAVES was born on January 28, 1751. She died about 1804. Joshua COFFEE and Elizabeth GRAVES had the following children:
i. William COFFEE was born in September 1768. He died before 1797.
William was not mentioned in his father's 1797 will.
10 ii. Thomas Graves COFFEE, born on September 4, 1769, Prince Edward Co., VA; married Mary KNIGHT, on July 10, 1787, Amelia Co., VA; died in 1846, Lauderdale Co., AL.
iii. Elijah COFFEE was born on October 15, 1770.
Presumed death prior to 1797 because he was not mentioned in his father's will.
11 iv. John COFFEE, born on June 2, 1772, North Carolina; married Mary DONELSON, on October 3, 1809; died on July 7, 1833, Florence, Lauderdale Co., AL. 12
v. Mary COFFEE, born on August 1, 1774; married Simpson HARRIS.
4. A birthdate for Mary COFFEE (Peter-1) is not yet known.
Mary COFFEE and James KENDALL were married on February 27, 1745 in Overwharton Parish, Old Stafford County, Virginia.
Mary and James had at least four children, but probably had more. Moses and Aaron are probably theirs, but unproven.
Part of this family is said to have migrated to Ohio, and is is said that Mary was the second wife of James, his first wife being Mary (or Julia) Graves.
A birthdate for James KENDALL is not yet known.
The surname is sometimes found spelled Kendal, and Kendall.
Mary COFFEE and James KENDALL had the following children:
i. Jessee KENDALL was born on June 19, 1747. He died in 1750.
ii. John KENDALL was born on February 26, 1749.
iii. Jessee KENDALL was born in 1752 in Overwharton Parish, Old Stafford County, Virginia.
iv. Bailey KENDALL was born in 1755.
v. A birthdate for Moses KENDALL is not yet known.
Not a proven son of Mary and James, but quite possibly was.
vi. A birthdate for Aaron KENDALL is not yet known.
Not a proven son of Mary and James, but quite possibly was.
5. Peter COFFEE Jr. (Peter-1) was born before 1750.
Peter's birth year is often given as 1750 but that is probably in error. His father transferred land to him in 1755. It is not likely that he would have transferred land to a 5-yr old child.
Peter was a member of Capt. Ben Casey's Co., 12th VA Regt during the American Revolution.
Peter COFFEE Jr. and Sarah SMITH were married on November 14, 1773 in Granville Co., NC.
The family was in Georgia prior to Sep. 23, 1789 when the "State of Georgia was debtor to Peter Coffee, 1 pound, 10 shillings." (See Wilson, Caroline Price: Annals of Georgia, Vol. 1, p181) They probably moved from VA to GA around 1780 where they settled in Hancock Co.
A birthdate for Sarah SMITH (daughter of Guy SMITH) is not yet known. Peter COFFEE Jr. and Sarah SMITH had the following children:
13 i. Sarah COFFEE, born on October 21, 1774; married William HARRIS, on August 25, 1803, Hancock Co., GA; died on November 23, 1807.
14 ii. Elizabeth COFFEE, born on December 26, 1775; married Charles DANIELL; died in 1832.
15 iii. Nancy COFFEE, born on August 23, 1778; married Abram HEARD.
16 iv. Susannah COFFEE, born on August 30, 1780; married T. RANDALL.
17 v. John E. COFFEE, born on December 3, 1782; married Ann Penelope BRYAN, on December 20, 1808, Tatnall Co., GA; died on September 25, 1836, Jacksonville, Telfair Co., GA.
vi. Joshua COFFEE was born on December 27, 1786 in Darien, McIntosh Co., GA.
vii. Mary COFFEE was born on March 5, 1789.
viii. Cynthia COFFEE was born on February 5, 1791. 18
ix. Martha (Patsy) COFFEE, born on May 9, 1793; married George HEARD.
6. Hannah COFFEE (Peter-1) died in 1814 in Montgomery Co., TN.
Hannah COFFEE and James WEAKLEY were married. A birthdate for James WEAKLEY is not yet known. Hannah COFFEE and James WEAKLEY had the following children:
19 i. Susannah WEAKLEY, born Tennessee; married Nelson MCDOWELL, in 1789.
20 ii. William WEAKLEY, married Madeline BURTON, in 1789; died in 1816.
21 iii. Joshua WEAKLEY, married Mary MORRISON; died on February 28, 1824, Montgomery Co., TN.
iv. A birthdate for David WEAKLEY is not yet known.
v. Joseph WEAKLEY died in 1838 in Tennessee.
vi. Benjamin WEAKLEY died in Montgomery Co., TN.
vii. John WEAKLEY died in Tennessee. 22
viii. Unknown WEAKLEY, married David JONES; died Robertson Co., TN.
Sources
1. The Descendants of Peter and Susannah Matthews Coffee of Prince Edward County, VA, Eleanor Colson (EleanorCol@aol.com) online [http://members.aol.com/eleanorcol/CoffeeGen1.html], accessed Feb. 12, 2005. 2. This book is a compilation of the descendants of Peter Coffee by Gene Brewington (dec'd) and privately published. The book contains much more descendant information than contained in this genealogy. No attempt has been made in this presentation to confirm any of the sources or comments presented by the book. All census records have been checked and confirmed by the preparer of this family record, and some historical records have been checked to confirm some of the data pertaining to the two Gen. Coffee's and some of the Willcox men mentioned herein. None of this data should be considered accurate unless confirmed by the person considering its use. 3. The Descendants of Peter and Susannah Matthews Coffee of Prince Edward County, VA, online [http://members.aol.com/eleanorcol/CoffeeGen1.html]. This website provided Susannah's surname.
First Generation
1. Peter COFFEE was born about 1705 in (probably) Virginia. He died in 1771 in Prince Edward Co., VA.1
The Will of Peter Coffee is recorded in Prince Edward County, VA, in Will Book 1, 1754-1785, pages 88 and 89:
In the name of God Amen this thirty first Day of January one thousand seven hundred & seventy one. I Peter Coffee of the County of Prince Edward & Parish of St. Patrick being in a very sick and low Condition but of perfect mind and memory Blessed be God for his mercies toward me and Calling to mind the uncertainty of this Transitory life and that all flesh must yield unto Death whenever it shall please God to call Do make ordain constitute & appoint this my last will and Testament in manner and form following. And first I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God my saviour and Redeamer nothing doubting but what I shall receive the same again with joy & gladneys by the mighty power of God at the Resurrection and my body I commit to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named as touching my worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God far above my deserts to bestow upon me I do give and dispose of the same in manner and form following.
Item I will that all those Debts which I in justice own to any person or persons whatever be paid as soon as conveniently they can after my Decease by my Executors.
Item I do lend until my Beloved wife Susanna Coffee The land and plantation whereon I now live together with the several stock of Horses Cattle Hogs and sheep now belonging to me and all other moveable Effects during her widow-hood as well manageing of the same but in case that she should prove careless or waistfull of the said Effects to then my Executor hereafter named to dispose of the Effects they shall think proper the Legates hereafter mentioned.
Item I give to my won William Coffee one hundred and fifty acres of land lying on Vaughans Creek in the County aforesaid to be laid off agreeable with the course now begun & to run for complement & being the same tract he has already obtained deed for only with some additional alterations.
Item I give to my son Peter Coffee Five Shillings Sterling
Item I give to my son Joshua Coffee Five Shillings Sterling
Item I give to my daughter Cathrina Thomas Five Shillings sterling
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Kendal Five Shillings Sterling
Item I give to my daughter Hannah Weakley Ten Pounds at my Daughter Bettie's death.
Item I give to my Daughter Lydia Coffee fifteen pounds current money at my Daughter Betties death
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Coffee the land & plantation whereon I now live at her Mothers Decease During her natural life and at her Decease to be sold and all my Legacies paid there with both these before mentioned & those I shall hereafter mention and if there is anything remaining after the sale of the said land and Movables at my wife's & Daughters decease such sum over to be equally divided amongst all my Grandchildren then living. And I do appoint my wife & son William Coffee to be executor and Executrix of this my will ratifying this and none else to be my last will and Testament utterly disannulling all other wills and Bequests by me heretofore made ____
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the said Peter Coffee
Peter Coffee (seal)
as his last will and Testament in Presence of us
Thomas Brooks James Weakley her Hannah X Weakley mark
At a Court held for Prince Edward County September 16th 1771. This last will and Testament of Peter Coffee deceased was presented in hand and proved by Thomas Brooks & James Weakley and Ordered to be Recorded. On the Motion of Susannah Coffee and William Coffee the Executors therein named who gave bond and took the Oath required by Law. Certificate for obtaining a probate thereof in due form granted them.
Teste. ? Watkins JC
Peter Coffee was probably born in Virginia, although some sources list his place of birth as the British Isles. He was probably born about 1705, as he was old enough to transact business in 1730. There were at least two Peter Coffees in the vicinity. One Peter Coffee, a convict, landed in Virginia, in October 1730. He was transported on the ship "Forward". A few months after this time, Peter Coffee, in King George County, Virginia, on 2nd April 1731, listed on the County Court Orders, was being bound for his appearance at court, for abusing his servant woman, Jane Lewis. In Feb. 1830, Peter Coffey was security for an action of debt. Peter died in Prince Edward County, Virginia, in 1771, as his will was probated September 16, 1771. Susannah died circa 1795/96. She is shown on the 1790 Federal Census as head of household. She was shown on the Prince Edward County tax lists until 1796, when the taxes were charged to "Susannah Coffee's estate." Peter and Susannah had at least eleven children.
Peter COFFEE and Susannah MATTHEWS were married.2 Susannah MATTHEWS3 died in 1795/96 in Prince Edward Co., VA. Peter COFFEE and Susannah MATTHEWS had the following children:
2 i. William COFFEE, born about 1740, (probably) King George Co., VA; married Mary MCALLISTER (?); died in 1798/99.
ii. James COFFEE was born on February 27, 1740/41. He died before 1771.
iii. Lydia COFFEE was born on January 25, 1742.
She was still living and unmarried when her father made his will in 1771.
iv. Frances COFFEE died on January 5, 1741.
v. Benjamin COFFEE was born on October 9, 1743. He died before 1771.
Not mentioned in his father's 1771 will.
3 vi. Joshua COFFEE, born on January 26, 1745, Prince Edward Co., VA; married Elizabeth GRAVES, on June 2, 1767, Hanover Co., VA; died on September 8, 1797, Rockingham Co., NC.
4 vii. Mary COFFEE, married James KENDALL, on February 27, 1745, Overwharton Parish, Old Stafford County, Virginia.
5 viii. Peter COFFEE Jr., born before 1750; married Sarah SMITH, on November 14, 1773, Granville Co., NC.
6 ix. Hannah COFFEE, married James WEAKLEY; died in 1814, Montgomery Co., TN.
x. A birthdate for Cathrina COFFEE is not yet known.
Still alive in 1771 as she was mentioned in her father's will.
xi. A birthdate for Elizabeth (Betty) COFFEE is not yet known.
She was still living and unmarried at the time of her father's will in 1771.
Second Generation
2. William COFFEE (Peter-1) was born about 1740 in (probably) King George Co., VA. He died in 1798/99.
He made his will in May 1798.
William COFFEE and Mary MCALLISTER (?) were married. A birthdate for Mary MCALLISTER (?) is not yet known. William COFFEE and Mary MCALLISTER (?) had the following children:
7 i. Abner COFFEE, born on December 24, 1768, Prince Edward Co., VA; married Christiana KELLEY, on July 20, 1791, Prince Edward Co., VA; died between 1836 and 38, Campbell Co., VA.
ii. Dise COFFEE was born on November 13, 1770.
8 iii. David COFFEE, born on February 6, 1775, Bedford Co., VA; married Sytha MEADOWS, on November 4, 1801, Prince Edward Co., VA; died in 1822, Smith Co.,TN.
iv. Eady COFFEE was born on August 26, 1778.
v. Tildy COFFEE was born on February 12, 1780.
vi. Agnes COFFEE was born on November 29, 1782.
vii. Pleasant B. COFFEE was born on March 22, 1785.
9 viii. Joshua M. COFFEE, born on September 29, 1789, Buckingham Co., VA; married Jane (Jinnie) TROUSDALE, on January 10, 1810; died on October 3, 1842.
3. Joshua COFFEE (Peter-1) was born on January 26, 1745 in Prince Edward Co., VA. He died on September 8, 1797 in Rockingham Co., NC. Joshua Coffee's will is dated August 1, 1797, and was found in Guilford Co., NC. In it he mentions his son John Coffee, Mrs. Harris, his son-in-law, Polly (Mary) Harris, his daughter, and his wife, Elizabeth. Rockingham and Guilford are adjacent counties in North Carolina.
Joshua served from North Carolina, as Captain of Mounted Gunners in the Granville Regiment of Militia. He entered service in 1780, and for nine months saw service in the South. At the close of the Revolution he moved to Rockingham County, NC.
Joshua COFFEE and Elizabeth GRAVES were married on June 2, 1767 in Hanover Co., VA. Or, August 11, 1767, depending on source.
They moved to Granville Co., NC in 1775.
Elizabeth GRAVES was born on January 28, 1751. She died about 1804. Joshua COFFEE and Elizabeth GRAVES had the following children:
i. William COFFEE was born in September 1768. He died before 1797.
William was not mentioned in his father's 1797 will.
10 ii. Thomas Graves COFFEE, born on September 4, 1769, Prince Edward Co., VA; married Mary KNIGHT, on July 10, 1787, Amelia Co., VA; died in 1846, Lauderdale Co., AL.
iii. Elijah COFFEE was born on October 15, 1770.
Presumed death prior to 1797 because he was not mentioned in his father's will.
11 iv. John COFFEE, born on June 2, 1772, North Carolina; married Mary DONELSON, on October 3, 1809; died on July 7, 1833, Florence, Lauderdale Co., AL. 12
v. Mary COFFEE, born on August 1, 1774; married Simpson HARRIS.
4. A birthdate for Mary COFFEE (Peter-1) is not yet known.
Mary COFFEE and James KENDALL were married on February 27, 1745 in Overwharton Parish, Old Stafford County, Virginia.
Mary and James had at least four children, but probably had more. Moses and Aaron are probably theirs, but unproven.
Part of this family is said to have migrated to Ohio, and is is said that Mary was the second wife of James, his first wife being Mary (or Julia) Graves.
A birthdate for James KENDALL is not yet known.
The surname is sometimes found spelled Kendal, and Kendall.
Mary COFFEE and James KENDALL had the following children:
i. Jessee KENDALL was born on June 19, 1747. He died in 1750.
ii. John KENDALL was born on February 26, 1749.
iii. Jessee KENDALL was born in 1752 in Overwharton Parish, Old Stafford County, Virginia.
iv. Bailey KENDALL was born in 1755.
v. A birthdate for Moses KENDALL is not yet known.
Not a proven son of Mary and James, but quite possibly was.
vi. A birthdate for Aaron KENDALL is not yet known.
Not a proven son of Mary and James, but quite possibly was.
5. Peter COFFEE Jr. (Peter-1) was born before 1750.
Peter's birth year is often given as 1750 but that is probably in error. His father transferred land to him in 1755. It is not likely that he would have transferred land to a 5-yr old child.
Peter was a member of Capt. Ben Casey's Co., 12th VA Regt during the American Revolution.
Peter COFFEE Jr. and Sarah SMITH were married on November 14, 1773 in Granville Co., NC.
The family was in Georgia prior to Sep. 23, 1789 when the "State of Georgia was debtor to Peter Coffee, 1 pound, 10 shillings." (See Wilson, Caroline Price: Annals of Georgia, Vol. 1, p181) They probably moved from VA to GA around 1780 where they settled in Hancock Co.
A birthdate for Sarah SMITH (daughter of Guy SMITH) is not yet known. Peter COFFEE Jr. and Sarah SMITH had the following children:
13 i. Sarah COFFEE, born on October 21, 1774; married William HARRIS, on August 25, 1803, Hancock Co., GA; died on November 23, 1807.
14 ii. Elizabeth COFFEE, born on December 26, 1775; married Charles DANIELL; died in 1832.
15 iii. Nancy COFFEE, born on August 23, 1778; married Abram HEARD.
16 iv. Susannah COFFEE, born on August 30, 1780; married T. RANDALL.
17 v. John E. COFFEE, born on December 3, 1782; married Ann Penelope BRYAN, on December 20, 1808, Tatnall Co., GA; died on September 25, 1836, Jacksonville, Telfair Co., GA.
vi. Joshua COFFEE was born on December 27, 1786 in Darien, McIntosh Co., GA.
vii. Mary COFFEE was born on March 5, 1789.
viii. Cynthia COFFEE was born on February 5, 1791. 18
ix. Martha (Patsy) COFFEE, born on May 9, 1793; married George HEARD.
6. Hannah COFFEE (Peter-1) died in 1814 in Montgomery Co., TN.
Hannah COFFEE and James WEAKLEY were married. A birthdate for James WEAKLEY is not yet known. Hannah COFFEE and James WEAKLEY had the following children:
19 i. Susannah WEAKLEY, born Tennessee; married Nelson MCDOWELL, in 1789.
20 ii. William WEAKLEY, married Madeline BURTON, in 1789; died in 1816.
21 iii. Joshua WEAKLEY, married Mary MORRISON; died on February 28, 1824, Montgomery Co., TN.
iv. A birthdate for David WEAKLEY is not yet known.
v. Joseph WEAKLEY died in 1838 in Tennessee.
vi. Benjamin WEAKLEY died in Montgomery Co., TN.
vii. John WEAKLEY died in Tennessee. 22
viii. Unknown WEAKLEY, married David JONES; died Robertson Co., TN.
Sources
1. The Descendants of Peter and Susannah Matthews Coffee of Prince Edward County, VA, Eleanor Colson (EleanorCol@aol.com) online [http://members.aol.com/eleanorcol/CoffeeGen1.html], accessed Feb. 12, 2005. 2. This book is a compilation of the descendants of Peter Coffee by Gene Brewington (dec'd) and privately published. The book contains much more descendant information than contained in this genealogy. No attempt has been made in this presentation to confirm any of the sources or comments presented by the book. All census records have been checked and confirmed by the preparer of this family record, and some historical records have been checked to confirm some of the data pertaining to the two Gen. Coffee's and some of the Willcox men mentioned herein. None of this data should be considered accurate unless confirmed by the person considering its use. 3. The Descendants of Peter and Susannah Matthews Coffee of Prince Edward County, VA, online [http://members.aol.com/eleanorcol/CoffeeGen1.html]. This website provided Susannah's surname.
Robert Wayne (Bobby) Coffee
[Robert Wayne (Bobby) Coffee was the son of Albert (Bub) and Ivy Foshee Coffee of Hope, Hempstead Co., AR. He was born May 15, 1954 in Texarkana, Miller Co., AR. He married Darlene Marie Godwin on May 26, 1979 in Hope, AR. They had three children: Marie Lynn, Robert Wayne, Jr., and Sonya. I have never found a final court action report on this case, and do not know if the senior Coffee was found guilty, or released.]
Hope Star Online, July 17, 2003
Coffee to know fate next week
By FRANK ROTH, Hope Star Writer
Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper that he will render his final decision in the case of a Fulton man accused of murdering his son next Wednesday.
Robert Coffee, Sr., is accussed of murdering his son, Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., of Nashville, by causing him to fall out of a moving vehicle on a highway near Saratoga in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2002.
Eighth Judicial District-North Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper presided over a probation revocation hearing yesterday in the Hempstead County Courthouse involving Robert Coffee, Sr.
The elder Coffee pleaded guilty to an arson charge on March 28, 2000, and was sentenced to five years of probation. He was arrested on Feb. 15, 2002, on a charge of first degree murder and made his first appearance before Eighth Judicial District-North Judge Jim Gunter.
The murder charge was formalized on April, 1, 2002, with a felony information filed by Eighth Judicial District-North Prosecuting Attorney Randy Wright.
At the time of the elder Coffee's first appearance, Gunter denied bond, but bond was later set at $25,000, and public defender Danny Rodgers was appointed to represent Coffee.
According to Wright the reason for pursuing a probation revocation proceeding before a judge rather than a jury trial is that the level of proof for a probation revocation is different.
"All we have to show is that he violated the law by a preponderance of the evidence, and we certainly believe that he violated the law," Wright said. "In a jury trial you have to prove that he violated the law beyond a reasonable doubt."
Wright said that the elder Coffee could be sentenced to serve not less than five nor more than 20 years if found guilty of his son's death under the terms of his probation.
Judge Culpepper began yesterday's proceedings by agreeing with the attorneys that the normal rules of evidence did not apply during the probation revocation hearing.
Wright began by calling Edith McBride who was the 911 dispatcher on duty the night Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., died. McBride testified that she received a call from Matt Cook at 12:30 a.m. Cook said his mother had seen a body on the side on the highway. McBride said she dispatched Sheriff's Deputy John Pettit, EMS and first responders from Saratoga.
McBride received a second call at 12:35 a.m. from Robert Coffee, Sr., saying that his son had jumped out of the truck.
Wright's next witness was Sheriff's Investigator Frank McJunkins. He testified that he received a call at 12:55 a.m. regarding a body on the side of Highway 355, on the right hand side traveling south.
McJunkins identified a series of photos he took at the scene and later at the funeral home. The photos were entered as exhibits by the prosecutor.
McJunkins told the court that he and Sheriff Jerry Crane went to the elder Coffee's home in Fulton about 3:00 a.m. to question him about what he knew about his son.
"Coffee told us his son jumped out of the truck, and he went on home and went to bed without checking on Bobby (his son)," McJunkins said. "I asked him, 'Did you stop?' 'No.' 'Did you look in the mirror?' 'No.' He said he just went home.
Wright asked, "When you told him his son was dead how did he react?"
McJunkins replied, "He didn't show any concern. He asked, 'Did he get hurt?' I said, 'yes sir, as a matter of fact he's dead. It killed him.' He said, 'Oh hell.' Later he looked at the Sheriff and said, ' Is that true?'"
McJunkins testified that he thought Coffee's statements and his actions didn't match up.
Wright asked, "Would you call this one of those hard to believe stories?"
"Extremely hard to believe," McJunkins replied.
Under cross-examination Defense Attorney Danny Rodgers asked McJunkins, "You determined that Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., had been in a wreck on Feb. 4, 2002."
"Yes sir," McJunkins replied.
"And didn't Robert Coffee, Sr., tell you he and his son had been arguing about this accident, and that his son told him he tried to kill himself in that accident?" Rodgers asked.
"Yes sir," McJunkins replied.
"Did you look at the State Police report of that accident of Feb. 4th?" Rodgers asked.
"No sir," McJunkins replied.
"Were there fingerprints taken from the passenger door during the investigation?" Rodgers asked.
McJunkins replied, "No sir. Both of them had been in and out of the vehicle several times, so both sets of prints would have been there."
Next Wright called Medical Examiner Dr. Charles Paul Kokes of the State Crime Lab. Kokes testified about his external and internal examination of the body of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr.
Dr. Kokes said that the body showed abrasion on the face, a 3/4 inch laceration on the back of the scalp associated with a skull fracture, and no injuries to the legs and ankles.
Wright asked, "If someone stepped out of a moving vehicle at 50 miles per hour would you expect injuries to the lower legs?"
Kokes replied, "Yes I would. Usually you would expect to see a fractured ankle or leg. There were no injuries to the lower extremities. There were signs of bruising and road rash abrasion on the back."
Wright asked, "Would this be indicative of a person falling out od a vehicle and landing on his back?"
"Yes it is." Kokes replied. "This indicates Mr. Coffee fell out or rolled out striking first his back and then his head on the road."
When Wright asked Dr. Kokes about the cause of death, Kokes replied, "The cause of death was a blunt force injury to the head and brain. The manner of death was homicide."
On cross-examination Rodgers asked, "The reason you classified this as a homicide is that the father didn't stop to render aid, is that right?"
"Yes it is," Kokes replied.
Wright called Sonya Coffee, daughter of Robert Coffee, Sr., and sister of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr.
She testified that on the night on her brother's death, her father picked her up when she got off work at the Pitt Grill in Hope and took her home to Nashville. When they got to Nashville her father went to her mother's home to pick Wayne up.
Sonya Coffee said, "Wayne whispered to me that he really didn't want to go with my father."
She testified that her father and brother fought all the time.
Wright asked, "Are you scared of your father?"
Sonya replied, "Yes I am."
Wright asked, "Was Wayne scared of your father?"
Sonya replied, "Yes."
After cross-examination by Rodgers, Judge Culpepper asked Sonya, "Did you ever hear your father say he would kill Wayne?"
She replied, "My brother told me he heard my father telling someone that if Wayne didn't straighten up he'd kill him."
Defense Attorney Rodgers put Robert Coffee, Sr., on the stand in his own defense. Coffee gave a rambling story of family problems including he and his son being on medication for mental problems at various times.
On cross-examination Wright asked, "Mr. Coffee, you don't have a violent history, do you?"
"Yes sir, I've had marriage problems," Coffee replied.
Wright, "You got violent with someone you lived with?"
Coffee, "Yes sir."
Wright, Burning a barn when you got mad?"
Coffee, "Yes sir. I wasn't on my medication then."
Judge Duncan Culpepper ruled on one finding yesterday. He found that there was not sufficient evidence for murder in the first degree.
Culpepper told the attorneys, "I will render my final decision on July 23rd at 9:00 a.m. I want to know whether I should consider lesser included offenses, do the facts fit leaving the scene, and whether or not leaving the scene is sufficient for revocation.
Hope Star Online
July 23, 2003
Judge fails to revoke Coffee's probation
By FRANK ROTH, Hope Star Writer
Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper handed down his final ruling in the Robert Coffee, Sr. probation revocation hearing this morning, saying that the evidence presented did not support revocation of Coffee's probation.
The hearing was held last Wednesday, July 16, in the Hempstead County Courthouse. At that time Judge Culpepper ruled that the evidence presented was not sufficient to support a charge of murder in the first degree.
Judge Culpepper told Prosecutor Randy Wright and Defense Attorney Danny Rodgers last week that he wanted to know three things before he handed down his final decision. First he wanted to know whether he should consider any lesser included offenses. Second, do the facts fit leaving the scene of an accident, and third, is leaving the scene sufficient for revocation of the probation?
Robert Coffee, Sr., of Fulton, had been accused of murdering his son, Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., of Nashville, by causing him to fall out of a moving vehicle on Highway 355 near Saratoga in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2002.
Robert Coffee, Sr. had pleaded guilty to arson on March 28, 2000, and was sentenced to five years probation. He was arrested for first degree murder in connection with the death of his son on Feb. 15, 2002, and Prosecuting Attorney Randy Wright filed the charge of murder in the first degree against Coffee on April, 1, 2002.
Wright chose to pursue a probation revocation hearing in front of a judge before going to a jury trial on the murder charge because the probation revocation carries a different level of proof.
"All we have to show is that he violated the law by a preponderance of the evidence, and we certainly believe he violated the law," Wright said. "In a jury trial you have to prove that he violated the law beyond a reasonable doubt."
This morning Judge Culpepper ruled that murder in the first degree was not proven. He ruled also that no lesser included offenses were proven; and that since leaving the scene of an accident was not alleged by the state, to find Mr. Coffee in violation of leaving the scene would violate his due process.
Coffee was allowed to leave with his probation remaining in effect, and a date was set for his murder trial in Sept.
During last week's hearing, Sheriff's Investigator Frank McJunkins testified about the evidence found at the scene on Highway 355 where the body of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr. was found, and about his interview of Robert Coffee, Sr. several hours later.
According to McJunkins, the elder Coffee said that he was driving down the highway at 50 miles per hour when his son jumped out of the truck. After his son jumped, Robert Coffee, Sr. drove on home and went to bed without stopping.
Dr. Charles Kokes, the State Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy on Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., testified that he ruled the cause of death as a blunt force injury to the head and brain, and the manner of death as a homicide.
Defense Attorney Danny Rodgers asked Dr. Kokes, "The reason you classified this as a homicide is that the father didn't stop to render aid, is that right?"
Dr. Kokes replied, "Yes it is."
Sonya Coffee, sister of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., testified that her brother didn't want to go with his father that night, that her father and brother fought all the time and that she and her brother were both scared of their father.
Before Sonya Coffee was released as a witness, Judge Culpepper asked her, "Did you ever hear your father say he would kill Wayne?"
Sonya Coffee replied, "My brother told me he heard my father telling someone if Wayne didn't straighten up he'd kill him."
Defense Attorney Rodgers put Robert Coffee, Sr. on the witness stand in his own defense. He gave a rambling account of family problems including both his son and him having mental problems and being place on medication at various times.
On cross-examination Wright asked, "Mr. Coffee, you don't have a violent history, do you?"
Coffee replied, "yes sir. I've had marriage problems."
Wright, "You got violent with someone you lived with?"
Coffee, "Yes sir."
Wright, "Burning a barn when you got mad?"
Coffee, "Yes sir. I wasn't on my medication then."
Judge Culpepper ordered Coffee to appear in court on Sept. 9, 2003, for pre-trial motions and set a trial date of Sept. 22, 2003 for the charge of murder in the first degree.
Robert Wayne (Bobby) COFFEE and Darlene Marie GODWIN were married on May 26, 1979 in Hope, Hempstead Co., AR.2 They were divorced. Darlene Marie GODWIN (daughter of Arlin GODWIN and Marie __________) was born about 1959. Robert Wayne (Bobby) COFFEE and Darlene Marie GODWIN had the following children:
i. Maria Lynn COFFEE was born on April 7, 1980. She died on April 7, 1980. She was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, Hempstead Co., AR.
ii. Robert Wayne COFFEE Jr. was born on April 26, 1981 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA. He died on February 9, 2002 in Saratoga, Howard Co., AR.3
Hope, Arkansas "Star"
February 11, 2002
Body discovered near Saratoga
By SUSAN MARGRAVE, Hope Star Writer
The body of a man found near Saratoga early Saturday morning has been sent to the state Crime Lab to determine the cause of death.
Shortly after midnight on Saturday, Hempstead County Deputy John Pettit responded to a 911 call and discovered a white male lying beside Arkansas Highway 355 South, approximately three miles south of Saratoga.
Emergency medical personnel from Pafford Ambulance Service, Hempstead County Sheriff Jerry Crane and Investigator Frankie McJunkins were dispatched to the scene.
A card on the man's body identified him as Robert Wayne Coffee, 20, of 401 South Jones Street at Nashville. Hempstead County Coroner Gary Aaron pronounced Coffee dead at the scene.
Officials sent the body to the state Crime Lab at Little Rock to determine the cause of death.
"This is all the information we have at this time," Chief Deputy James Ross said. "An investigation into the matter is continuing."
From on-line edition of Hope (Arkansas) "Star"
May 28, 2002
Coffee murder trial date set
By KEN McLEMORE, Hope Star Writer
An October trial date has been set for the first degree murder charge lodged here against the father of a Nashville man who apparently died in connection with a fall from a moving vehicle in February.
Robert Wayne Coffee, Sr., of Nashville, has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the Feb. 15 death of his son, Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., 20. Eighth Judicial District-North Circuit Judge Jim Gunter set an Oct. 21 trial date for the elder Coffee during court hearings Wednesday.
Gunter set a pre-trial court date for Coffee on Oct. 7. The judge postponed prosecution of a probation revocation petition filed Feb. 20 by Eighth Judicial District-North Prosecutor Randy Wright in connection with a circuit court conviction of Coffee on a charge of arson.
Robert Coffee, Sr., entered a pleading of guilty Aug. 16, 2000, to a single charge of arson from a March 28, 2000, arrest and was assessed five years probated incarceration, a $1,000 fine, $13,523 restitution, court costs and 50 hours of community service, according to Hempstead County Circuit Court records.
Robert Coffee, Sr., waived formal arraignment and entered a pleading of not guilty to the murder charge in the Wednesday hearing, according to court records. He remains under $25,000 bond.
The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory ruled the death of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., a homicide after his body was discovered lying alongside Arkansas Highway 355 South about three miles south of Saratoga.
Hope, Arkansas "Star"
Feb. 13, 2002
Robert Coffee
NASHVILLE -- Robert Wayne Coffee, 20, died Saturday, February 9, in Saratoga.
Mr. Coffee was born April 26, 1981, in Shreveport, La. He was a general laborer.
Survivors include his parents, Robert W. "Bobby" Coffee, of Fulton, and Darlene Willis, of Nashville; one sister, Sonya Coffee, of Nashville; and his maternal grandparents, Arlin and Marie Godwin, of Prescott. Graveside services will be Thursday, February 14, at 2 p.m., in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, with Mr. Lynn Vanderveer and Mr. Jimmy Joe Aiken officiating. Arrangements are with Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope.
Visitation will be February 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
He was buried on February 14, 2002 in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, Hempstead Co., AR.
iii. Sonya COFFEE was born on March 18, 1984 in Arkansas.
Sources
1. Velma Foshee, Foshee Research by Mrs. Velma Foshee (dec'd) (Her work has been reproduced on the internet).
2. County/Parish Marriage Book. 21, p207 Robert Wayne Coffee, age 25 of Hempstead Co., to Darlene Marie Godwin, age 20, 26 May 1979.
3. From newspapers and/or on-line sources, Obituary.
Hope Star Online, July 17, 2003
Coffee to know fate next week
By FRANK ROTH, Hope Star Writer
Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper that he will render his final decision in the case of a Fulton man accused of murdering his son next Wednesday.
Robert Coffee, Sr., is accussed of murdering his son, Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., of Nashville, by causing him to fall out of a moving vehicle on a highway near Saratoga in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2002.
Eighth Judicial District-North Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper presided over a probation revocation hearing yesterday in the Hempstead County Courthouse involving Robert Coffee, Sr.
The elder Coffee pleaded guilty to an arson charge on March 28, 2000, and was sentenced to five years of probation. He was arrested on Feb. 15, 2002, on a charge of first degree murder and made his first appearance before Eighth Judicial District-North Judge Jim Gunter.
The murder charge was formalized on April, 1, 2002, with a felony information filed by Eighth Judicial District-North Prosecuting Attorney Randy Wright.
At the time of the elder Coffee's first appearance, Gunter denied bond, but bond was later set at $25,000, and public defender Danny Rodgers was appointed to represent Coffee.
According to Wright the reason for pursuing a probation revocation proceeding before a judge rather than a jury trial is that the level of proof for a probation revocation is different.
"All we have to show is that he violated the law by a preponderance of the evidence, and we certainly believe that he violated the law," Wright said. "In a jury trial you have to prove that he violated the law beyond a reasonable doubt."
Wright said that the elder Coffee could be sentenced to serve not less than five nor more than 20 years if found guilty of his son's death under the terms of his probation.
Judge Culpepper began yesterday's proceedings by agreeing with the attorneys that the normal rules of evidence did not apply during the probation revocation hearing.
Wright began by calling Edith McBride who was the 911 dispatcher on duty the night Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., died. McBride testified that she received a call from Matt Cook at 12:30 a.m. Cook said his mother had seen a body on the side on the highway. McBride said she dispatched Sheriff's Deputy John Pettit, EMS and first responders from Saratoga.
McBride received a second call at 12:35 a.m. from Robert Coffee, Sr., saying that his son had jumped out of the truck.
Wright's next witness was Sheriff's Investigator Frank McJunkins. He testified that he received a call at 12:55 a.m. regarding a body on the side of Highway 355, on the right hand side traveling south.
McJunkins identified a series of photos he took at the scene and later at the funeral home. The photos were entered as exhibits by the prosecutor.
McJunkins told the court that he and Sheriff Jerry Crane went to the elder Coffee's home in Fulton about 3:00 a.m. to question him about what he knew about his son.
"Coffee told us his son jumped out of the truck, and he went on home and went to bed without checking on Bobby (his son)," McJunkins said. "I asked him, 'Did you stop?' 'No.' 'Did you look in the mirror?' 'No.' He said he just went home.
Wright asked, "When you told him his son was dead how did he react?"
McJunkins replied, "He didn't show any concern. He asked, 'Did he get hurt?' I said, 'yes sir, as a matter of fact he's dead. It killed him.' He said, 'Oh hell.' Later he looked at the Sheriff and said, ' Is that true?'"
McJunkins testified that he thought Coffee's statements and his actions didn't match up.
Wright asked, "Would you call this one of those hard to believe stories?"
"Extremely hard to believe," McJunkins replied.
Under cross-examination Defense Attorney Danny Rodgers asked McJunkins, "You determined that Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., had been in a wreck on Feb. 4, 2002."
"Yes sir," McJunkins replied.
"And didn't Robert Coffee, Sr., tell you he and his son had been arguing about this accident, and that his son told him he tried to kill himself in that accident?" Rodgers asked.
"Yes sir," McJunkins replied.
"Did you look at the State Police report of that accident of Feb. 4th?" Rodgers asked.
"No sir," McJunkins replied.
"Were there fingerprints taken from the passenger door during the investigation?" Rodgers asked.
McJunkins replied, "No sir. Both of them had been in and out of the vehicle several times, so both sets of prints would have been there."
Next Wright called Medical Examiner Dr. Charles Paul Kokes of the State Crime Lab. Kokes testified about his external and internal examination of the body of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr.
Dr. Kokes said that the body showed abrasion on the face, a 3/4 inch laceration on the back of the scalp associated with a skull fracture, and no injuries to the legs and ankles.
Wright asked, "If someone stepped out of a moving vehicle at 50 miles per hour would you expect injuries to the lower legs?"
Kokes replied, "Yes I would. Usually you would expect to see a fractured ankle or leg. There were no injuries to the lower extremities. There were signs of bruising and road rash abrasion on the back."
Wright asked, "Would this be indicative of a person falling out od a vehicle and landing on his back?"
"Yes it is." Kokes replied. "This indicates Mr. Coffee fell out or rolled out striking first his back and then his head on the road."
When Wright asked Dr. Kokes about the cause of death, Kokes replied, "The cause of death was a blunt force injury to the head and brain. The manner of death was homicide."
On cross-examination Rodgers asked, "The reason you classified this as a homicide is that the father didn't stop to render aid, is that right?"
"Yes it is," Kokes replied.
Wright called Sonya Coffee, daughter of Robert Coffee, Sr., and sister of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr.
She testified that on the night on her brother's death, her father picked her up when she got off work at the Pitt Grill in Hope and took her home to Nashville. When they got to Nashville her father went to her mother's home to pick Wayne up.
Sonya Coffee said, "Wayne whispered to me that he really didn't want to go with my father."
She testified that her father and brother fought all the time.
Wright asked, "Are you scared of your father?"
Sonya replied, "Yes I am."
Wright asked, "Was Wayne scared of your father?"
Sonya replied, "Yes."
After cross-examination by Rodgers, Judge Culpepper asked Sonya, "Did you ever hear your father say he would kill Wayne?"
She replied, "My brother told me he heard my father telling someone that if Wayne didn't straighten up he'd kill him."
Defense Attorney Rodgers put Robert Coffee, Sr., on the stand in his own defense. Coffee gave a rambling story of family problems including he and his son being on medication for mental problems at various times.
On cross-examination Wright asked, "Mr. Coffee, you don't have a violent history, do you?"
"Yes sir, I've had marriage problems," Coffee replied.
Wright, "You got violent with someone you lived with?"
Coffee, "Yes sir."
Wright, Burning a barn when you got mad?"
Coffee, "Yes sir. I wasn't on my medication then."
Judge Duncan Culpepper ruled on one finding yesterday. He found that there was not sufficient evidence for murder in the first degree.
Culpepper told the attorneys, "I will render my final decision on July 23rd at 9:00 a.m. I want to know whether I should consider lesser included offenses, do the facts fit leaving the scene, and whether or not leaving the scene is sufficient for revocation.
Hope Star Online
July 23, 2003
Judge fails to revoke Coffee's probation
By FRANK ROTH, Hope Star Writer
Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper handed down his final ruling in the Robert Coffee, Sr. probation revocation hearing this morning, saying that the evidence presented did not support revocation of Coffee's probation.
The hearing was held last Wednesday, July 16, in the Hempstead County Courthouse. At that time Judge Culpepper ruled that the evidence presented was not sufficient to support a charge of murder in the first degree.
Judge Culpepper told Prosecutor Randy Wright and Defense Attorney Danny Rodgers last week that he wanted to know three things before he handed down his final decision. First he wanted to know whether he should consider any lesser included offenses. Second, do the facts fit leaving the scene of an accident, and third, is leaving the scene sufficient for revocation of the probation?
Robert Coffee, Sr., of Fulton, had been accused of murdering his son, Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., of Nashville, by causing him to fall out of a moving vehicle on Highway 355 near Saratoga in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2002.
Robert Coffee, Sr. had pleaded guilty to arson on March 28, 2000, and was sentenced to five years probation. He was arrested for first degree murder in connection with the death of his son on Feb. 15, 2002, and Prosecuting Attorney Randy Wright filed the charge of murder in the first degree against Coffee on April, 1, 2002.
Wright chose to pursue a probation revocation hearing in front of a judge before going to a jury trial on the murder charge because the probation revocation carries a different level of proof.
"All we have to show is that he violated the law by a preponderance of the evidence, and we certainly believe he violated the law," Wright said. "In a jury trial you have to prove that he violated the law beyond a reasonable doubt."
This morning Judge Culpepper ruled that murder in the first degree was not proven. He ruled also that no lesser included offenses were proven; and that since leaving the scene of an accident was not alleged by the state, to find Mr. Coffee in violation of leaving the scene would violate his due process.
Coffee was allowed to leave with his probation remaining in effect, and a date was set for his murder trial in Sept.
During last week's hearing, Sheriff's Investigator Frank McJunkins testified about the evidence found at the scene on Highway 355 where the body of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr. was found, and about his interview of Robert Coffee, Sr. several hours later.
According to McJunkins, the elder Coffee said that he was driving down the highway at 50 miles per hour when his son jumped out of the truck. After his son jumped, Robert Coffee, Sr. drove on home and went to bed without stopping.
Dr. Charles Kokes, the State Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy on Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., testified that he ruled the cause of death as a blunt force injury to the head and brain, and the manner of death as a homicide.
Defense Attorney Danny Rodgers asked Dr. Kokes, "The reason you classified this as a homicide is that the father didn't stop to render aid, is that right?"
Dr. Kokes replied, "Yes it is."
Sonya Coffee, sister of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., testified that her brother didn't want to go with his father that night, that her father and brother fought all the time and that she and her brother were both scared of their father.
Before Sonya Coffee was released as a witness, Judge Culpepper asked her, "Did you ever hear your father say he would kill Wayne?"
Sonya Coffee replied, "My brother told me he heard my father telling someone if Wayne didn't straighten up he'd kill him."
Defense Attorney Rodgers put Robert Coffee, Sr. on the witness stand in his own defense. He gave a rambling account of family problems including both his son and him having mental problems and being place on medication at various times.
On cross-examination Wright asked, "Mr. Coffee, you don't have a violent history, do you?"
Coffee replied, "yes sir. I've had marriage problems."
Wright, "You got violent with someone you lived with?"
Coffee, "Yes sir."
Wright, "Burning a barn when you got mad?"
Coffee, "Yes sir. I wasn't on my medication then."
Judge Culpepper ordered Coffee to appear in court on Sept. 9, 2003, for pre-trial motions and set a trial date of Sept. 22, 2003 for the charge of murder in the first degree.
Robert Wayne (Bobby) COFFEE and Darlene Marie GODWIN were married on May 26, 1979 in Hope, Hempstead Co., AR.2 They were divorced. Darlene Marie GODWIN (daughter of Arlin GODWIN and Marie __________) was born about 1959. Robert Wayne (Bobby) COFFEE and Darlene Marie GODWIN had the following children:
i. Maria Lynn COFFEE was born on April 7, 1980. She died on April 7, 1980. She was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, Hempstead Co., AR.
ii. Robert Wayne COFFEE Jr. was born on April 26, 1981 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA. He died on February 9, 2002 in Saratoga, Howard Co., AR.3
Hope, Arkansas "Star"
February 11, 2002
Body discovered near Saratoga
By SUSAN MARGRAVE, Hope Star Writer
The body of a man found near Saratoga early Saturday morning has been sent to the state Crime Lab to determine the cause of death.
Shortly after midnight on Saturday, Hempstead County Deputy John Pettit responded to a 911 call and discovered a white male lying beside Arkansas Highway 355 South, approximately three miles south of Saratoga.
Emergency medical personnel from Pafford Ambulance Service, Hempstead County Sheriff Jerry Crane and Investigator Frankie McJunkins were dispatched to the scene.
A card on the man's body identified him as Robert Wayne Coffee, 20, of 401 South Jones Street at Nashville. Hempstead County Coroner Gary Aaron pronounced Coffee dead at the scene.
Officials sent the body to the state Crime Lab at Little Rock to determine the cause of death.
"This is all the information we have at this time," Chief Deputy James Ross said. "An investigation into the matter is continuing."
From on-line edition of Hope (Arkansas) "Star"
May 28, 2002
Coffee murder trial date set
By KEN McLEMORE, Hope Star Writer
An October trial date has been set for the first degree murder charge lodged here against the father of a Nashville man who apparently died in connection with a fall from a moving vehicle in February.
Robert Wayne Coffee, Sr., of Nashville, has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the Feb. 15 death of his son, Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., 20. Eighth Judicial District-North Circuit Judge Jim Gunter set an Oct. 21 trial date for the elder Coffee during court hearings Wednesday.
Gunter set a pre-trial court date for Coffee on Oct. 7. The judge postponed prosecution of a probation revocation petition filed Feb. 20 by Eighth Judicial District-North Prosecutor Randy Wright in connection with a circuit court conviction of Coffee on a charge of arson.
Robert Coffee, Sr., entered a pleading of guilty Aug. 16, 2000, to a single charge of arson from a March 28, 2000, arrest and was assessed five years probated incarceration, a $1,000 fine, $13,523 restitution, court costs and 50 hours of community service, according to Hempstead County Circuit Court records.
Robert Coffee, Sr., waived formal arraignment and entered a pleading of not guilty to the murder charge in the Wednesday hearing, according to court records. He remains under $25,000 bond.
The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory ruled the death of Robert Wayne Coffee, Jr., a homicide after his body was discovered lying alongside Arkansas Highway 355 South about three miles south of Saratoga.
Hope, Arkansas "Star"
Feb. 13, 2002
Robert Coffee
NASHVILLE -- Robert Wayne Coffee, 20, died Saturday, February 9, in Saratoga.
Mr. Coffee was born April 26, 1981, in Shreveport, La. He was a general laborer.
Survivors include his parents, Robert W. "Bobby" Coffee, of Fulton, and Darlene Willis, of Nashville; one sister, Sonya Coffee, of Nashville; and his maternal grandparents, Arlin and Marie Godwin, of Prescott. Graveside services will be Thursday, February 14, at 2 p.m., in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, with Mr. Lynn Vanderveer and Mr. Jimmy Joe Aiken officiating. Arrangements are with Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope.
Visitation will be February 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
He was buried on February 14, 2002 in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, Hempstead Co., AR.
iii. Sonya COFFEE was born on March 18, 1984 in Arkansas.
Sources
1. Velma Foshee, Foshee Research by Mrs. Velma Foshee (dec'd) (Her work has been reproduced on the internet).
2. County/Parish Marriage Book. 21, p207 Robert Wayne Coffee, age 25 of Hempstead Co., to Darlene Marie Godwin, age 20, 26 May 1979.
3. From newspapers and/or on-line sources, Obituary.
Loy Grady Coffee 1917-1944
Loy Grady COFFEE
[Loy Grady Coffee was my father's younger brother, and the last son of Albert Lilburn and Ora Elizabeth Braley Coffee. He married Martha Easely of Harlingen, TX in Mar., 1943, but had no descendants.]
First Generation
1. Loy Grady COFFEE was born on July 27, 1917 in De Ann, Hempstead Co., AR. He enlisted in the military on December 9, 1941 He served in the military between 1941 and 1944 in United States Army Air Corps.1,2 He died on December 30, 1944 in Hays, Ellis Co., KS. He was buried in January 1945 in City Cemetery, Minden, Webster Parish, LA. News clipping from undated source, but probably from the Signal Tribune:
Headline:
Grady Coffee Is Attending Large Bombing School
Minden Boy Is In Second Class of U. S. Army's "Hell From Heaven Men"
Midland Army Flying School, Texas - Among the "Hell from Heaven Men" making up the second class at this world's greatest bombardier training school is Aviation Cadet Loy G. Coffee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. Coffee of Minden, Louisiana. At the completion of his course Cadet Coffee will become a commissioned officer in the United States army.
Formerly a student at Louisiana State university, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Cadet Coffee had previously received R. O. T. C. and national guard training, and while in civilian life he was actively interested in golf.
Training
At this huge new training school for America's bombardiers, young men learn the secrets and operation of our country's most devastating weapon of offense, the famed U. S. bombsight. The bombardier cadets divide their time between groundschool classrooms, spacious training hangars, and the swift-flying AT'LL's, specially designed bombadier training planes.
When they have the theory down pat, when they understand the why-and-wherefore of bombs and bombsights, the cadets crawl into the glass-enclosed nose compartments of their planes, spend day and night sending 100-pound practice bombs streaking toward targets that surround this bombardier college in an eighty mile circle.
Their course completed, these "Hell from Heaven Men" are good; are in fact, the best. That's why they've been dubbed "the most dangerous men in the world."
From the Webster Review (The Signal Tribune), Minden, Webster Parish, LA, January 2, 1945, page 1:
Headline:
Captain L. Grady Coffee Killed in Plane Crash
Body Will Be Returned With Military Escort For Funeral Service In Minden
Captain Loy Grady Coffee, 27, army air forces, was one of the ten servicemen killed when a plane exploded in mid-air and crashed at Walker Field, Hays, Kansas, Saturday, December 30. Only three of the crew were reported to have bailed out, and one is not expected to live.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Coffee, Captain Coffee was born and reared in Minden. He was a graduate of Minden high school where he was a football star, and attended L. S. U.. He volunteered for service on December 8, 1941, just six months before receiving his law degree. His initial training was received at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and he was commissioned a second lieutenant after completing training at the bombadier school, Midland, Texas. After graduation he remained at the school to serve as an instruction. From there he went to San Angelo and on to Harlingen. He was commissioned a first lieutenant at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, which was his last station before reporting to Walker Field as bombardier instructor. Soon after his arrival there, he was assigned other duties and promoted to the rank of captain.
He married the former Miss Martha Easley of Harlingen, Texas, in March, 1943. She has been with him since their marriage and will arrive in Minden sometime today accompanying the remains, which are being shipped with military escort.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed, but services are expected to be held at the First Baptist church, of which the deceased was a member, sometime following the arrival of Harry D. Coffee.
Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by four brothers, Frank H. Coffee, Minden; Dr. James Coffee, Baton Rouge; Harry D. Coffee, U. S. Coast Guard, now serving overseas; and Carl Coffee, Hope, Arkansas; and three sisters, Mrs. S. B. Samuel and Mrs. Gus Howell, both of Minden; and Miss Ruby Coffee, Shreveport.
The following is a summary of the accident report prepared by an Investigating Committee shortly after the accident:
Capt. Coffee was an Instructor Bombardier on a B-29 Flying Fortress. The B-29 took off at 9:15am and climbed to an altitude of 25,000 ft. At about 10:20am the No. 3 engine backfired and caught fire. An extinguisher was activated and the fire seemed to go out, but shortly flared up again, this time burning fiercely. Another extinguisher was activated but was not effective. The investigation determined that the fire had caused fuel lines to rupture and fuel was flowing uncontrolled into the engine.
The engine exploded causing the plane to lose its left wing and part of the fuselage. Part of the tail section was destroyed as the planed cartwheeled to earth. Crew members lost their oxygen equipment in the spin and were incapacitated to such as extent while bouncing around the inside of the plane that jumping was a "physical impossibility."
The pilot, 1st Lt Rufus C. Anderson, had previously alerted the crew to jump. Capt. Coffee, the navigator and the radio operator proceeded toward the door leading into the forward bombay. Capt. Coffee was being assisted into the leg straps of his parachute by the radio operator. The report of a survivor indicated that Capt. Coffee was later seen lying unconscious on the bombbay doors, and that he had probably been knocked unconscious. He had a deep gash on the top rear of his head. He later fell free of the plane, and his body was found intact and unburned.
Loy Grady COFFEE and Martha EASELY were married in March 1943 in Harlingen, Cameron Co., TX. Martha EASELY was born in Harlingen, Cameron Co., TX.
Sources
1. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Men and Women in World War II from Webster Parish (After WW2). Capt. Grady L. Coffee, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Coffee, Minden, husband of Martha Easley, graduate of LSU. Entered Army AC, 1941, trained in Midland AAF, Boise, Idaho and Walker Field, Kan. Served in Amer. Theater. Killed in B-29 Crash in Walker Field Kansas.
2. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2005. Original data: Electronic 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: Loy G Coffee Birth Year: 1917 Race: White, citizen Enlistment Date: 9 Dec 1941 Branch: Air Corps Branch Code: Air Corps Grade: Aviation Cadet Grade Code: Aviation Cadet 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: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of Source: Enlisted Man, Regular Army, within 3 months of Discharge or former WAAC Auxiliary Education: 4 years of college Civil Occupation: Actor (Motion picture actor. ) or Director, Motion Picture (Motion picture director.) or Entertainer Marital Status: Single, without dependents Height: 72 Weight: 151.
March 17, 2006
Joseph Rodney Coffey
Descendants of Joseph Rodney COFFEY
1. Joseph Rodney COFFEY was born on September 29, 1841 in Nelson Co., VA.1 He died on June 5, 1883 in Nelson Co., VA. He was buried in June 1883 in Holloway Coffey Family Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.2
Joseph's burial site is unmarked.
Joseph Rodney COFFEY and Fluvanna Margaret (Maggie) COFFEY were married on October 15, 1868 in Nelson Co., VA.3
The marriage record indicates that Joseph was aged 17 yrs., 16 days old when he married on Oct. 15, 1868. That resolves to a birthdate of Sep. 29, 1841. They appeared in the census on September 1, 1870 in Nelson Co., VA.4 They appeared in the census on June 14, 1880 in Nelson Co., VA.5
Joseph and his family have not been found in the 1870 census.
Fluvanna Margaret (Maggie) COFFEY (daughter of Holloway Stewart COFFEY and Catherine (Kate) FITZGERALD) was born about 1850 in Virginia.
The marriage record for this couple indicates that Fluvanna was 22 yrs, 1 mo, and 14 days old when she married on 15 Oct. 1868. That resolves to a birthdate of 1 Sep 1846. This date does not agree with age given in the various census records. She was 20 yrs. old in 1870, meaning she was born c1850.
She appeared in the census on June 19, 1900 in Nelson Co, VA, enumerated as a widow in the household with her son, Albert H. Coffey. She died in 1934. She was buried in 1934 in Holloway Coffey Family Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.
Margaret's burial site is unmarked.
Joseph Rodney COFFEY and Fluvanna Margaret (Maggie) COFFEY had the following children:
2 i. Albert H. COFFEY, born in July 1871, Virginia; married Mary J. FITZGERALD, on January 3, 1895, Nelson Co., VA6.
3 ii. Mary E. COFFEY, born about 1872, Virginia; married W. H. FITZGERALD, in January 1893, Nelson Co., VA7.
iii. Safonia COFFEY was born about 1874.
iv. Martha J. COFFEY was born about 1876.
Second Generation
2. Albert H. COFFEY (Joseph Rodney-1) was born in July 1871 in Virginia. He appeared in the census on June 14, 1880 in Nelson Co, VA, enumerated in the household with his parents.
There was a child named Atterson, age 11 months, in the 1870 census. Neither he nor Albert were with the family in 1880.
Albert H. COFFEY and Mary J. FITZGERALD were married on January 3, 1895 in Nelson Co., VA.6 They appeared in the census on June 19, 1900 in Nelson Co., VA.8 They appeared in the census on January 22, 1920 in Nelson Co., VA.9 Mary J. FITZGERALD was born in March 1876. Albert H. COFFEY and Mary J. FITZGERALD had the following children:
i. Huette W. COFFEY was born on January 20, 1896 in Virginia. He died in January 1968 in Amherst Co., VA.10
ii. Ethel B. COFFEY was born about 1901.
iii. Josie L. COFFEY was born about 1904.
3. Mary E. COFFEY (Joseph Rodney-1) was born about 1872 in Virginia.
Mary E. COFFEY and W. H. FITZGERALD were married in January 1893 in Nelson Co., VA.7 W. H. FITZGERALD was born about 1867.
Sources
1. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt. Birthdate is calculated from marriage record].
2. Ibid. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-cof02.txt].
3. Ibid. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt].
4. Ancestry.com. United States Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1870 Nelson Co., Dist. 2, Massies Mill Twp., Lovingston PO, Page 68, dwelling 533, family 558, Coffey, Joseph B., age 32, male, white, farm laborer, born VA; Margaret, age 20, female, white, keeping hosue, born VA; Atterson, age 11 mos., male, white, born VA.
5. Ibid., 1880 Nelson Co., ED113, Moser Mills Dist., Page 15, dwelling/family 118, Coffey, Joseph R., white male, age 40, married, farmer, born VA, parents born VA; Fluvanna M., white female, age 32, wife, married, keeping house, born VA, parents born VA; Mary E., white female, age 8, dau., born VA, parents born VA; SafoniaE., white female, age 6, dau., born VA, parents born VA; Martha J., white female, age 4, dau., born VA, parents born VA.
6. Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA - Part 1 is from Marriage Register, Book No. 2, 1854 - 1926 and 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, Part 1, Page 87, Line 1. 3 Jan 1895, A. H. Coffey, age 25 yrs., to M. J. Fitzgerald, age 21 yrs; parents of groom: J. R. and F. M. Coffey; parents of bride: V. A. and Martha Fitzgerald.
7. Ibid., Part 1, Page 81, Line 9. Jan. 1893, W. H. Fitzgerald, age 26 yrs., to M. E. Coffey, age 21 yrs., 6 mos; parents of groom: father not given, mother Judy; parents of bride: J. R. and Maggie Coffey.
8. Ancestry.com. United States Federal Census [database online]. 1900 Nelson Co., Massies Mills Dist., ED85, Sheet 12A, dwelling/family 209, Coffey, Altert, head, white male, born Jul 1871, age 28, married 5 yrs., born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Mary J., wife, white female, born Mar 1876, age 24, married 5 yrs., mother of 1, 1 living, born VA, parents born VA; Hewitt H., son, white male, born Jan 1896, age 4, born VA, parents born VA; Fluvanna, mother, white female, born Mar 1861, age 39, widow, mother of 7, 4 living, born VA, parents born VA.
9. Ibid., 1920 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED107, Sheet 9A, dwelling 149, family 150, Coffey, Albert H., head, male, white, age 41, married, born VA, parents born VA; Mary J., wife, female, white, age 42, married, born VA, parents born VA; HuetteW., son, male, white, age 23, single, born VA, parents born VA; Ethel B., dau., female, white, age 19, single, born VA, parents born VA; Josie L., dau., female, white, age 16, single, born VA, parents born VA.
10. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc. HUETTE COFFEY 20 Jan 1896 Jan 1968 24521 (Amherst, (none specified) 224-09-2684 Virginia.
1. Joseph Rodney COFFEY was born on September 29, 1841 in Nelson Co., VA.1 He died on June 5, 1883 in Nelson Co., VA. He was buried in June 1883 in Holloway Coffey Family Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.2
Joseph's burial site is unmarked.
Joseph Rodney COFFEY and Fluvanna Margaret (Maggie) COFFEY were married on October 15, 1868 in Nelson Co., VA.3
The marriage record indicates that Joseph was aged 17 yrs., 16 days old when he married on Oct. 15, 1868. That resolves to a birthdate of Sep. 29, 1841. They appeared in the census on September 1, 1870 in Nelson Co., VA.4 They appeared in the census on June 14, 1880 in Nelson Co., VA.5
Joseph and his family have not been found in the 1870 census.
Fluvanna Margaret (Maggie) COFFEY (daughter of Holloway Stewart COFFEY and Catherine (Kate) FITZGERALD) was born about 1850 in Virginia.
The marriage record for this couple indicates that Fluvanna was 22 yrs, 1 mo, and 14 days old when she married on 15 Oct. 1868. That resolves to a birthdate of 1 Sep 1846. This date does not agree with age given in the various census records. She was 20 yrs. old in 1870, meaning she was born c1850.
She appeared in the census on June 19, 1900 in Nelson Co, VA, enumerated as a widow in the household with her son, Albert H. Coffey. She died in 1934. She was buried in 1934 in Holloway Coffey Family Cemetery, Nelson Co., VA.
Margaret's burial site is unmarked.
Joseph Rodney COFFEY and Fluvanna Margaret (Maggie) COFFEY had the following children:
2 i. Albert H. COFFEY, born in July 1871, Virginia; married Mary J. FITZGERALD, on January 3, 1895, Nelson Co., VA6.
3 ii. Mary E. COFFEY, born about 1872, Virginia; married W. H. FITZGERALD, in January 1893, Nelson Co., VA7.
iii. Safonia COFFEY was born about 1874.
iv. Martha J. COFFEY was born about 1876.
Second Generation
2. Albert H. COFFEY (Joseph Rodney-1) was born in July 1871 in Virginia. He appeared in the census on June 14, 1880 in Nelson Co, VA, enumerated in the household with his parents.
There was a child named Atterson, age 11 months, in the 1870 census. Neither he nor Albert were with the family in 1880.
Albert H. COFFEY and Mary J. FITZGERALD were married on January 3, 1895 in Nelson Co., VA.6 They appeared in the census on June 19, 1900 in Nelson Co., VA.8 They appeared in the census on January 22, 1920 in Nelson Co., VA.9 Mary J. FITZGERALD was born in March 1876. Albert H. COFFEY and Mary J. FITZGERALD had the following children:
i. Huette W. COFFEY was born on January 20, 1896 in Virginia. He died in January 1968 in Amherst Co., VA.10
ii. Ethel B. COFFEY was born about 1901.
iii. Josie L. COFFEY was born about 1904.
3. Mary E. COFFEY (Joseph Rodney-1) was born about 1872 in Virginia.
Mary E. COFFEY and W. H. FITZGERALD were married in January 1893 in Nelson Co., VA.7 W. H. FITZGERALD was born about 1867.
Sources
1. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt. Birthdate is calculated from marriage record].
2. Ibid. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/cemeteries/c-cof02.txt].
3. Ibid. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/nelson/vitals/marr0001.txt].
4. Ancestry.com. United States Federal Census [database online]. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1870 Nelson Co., Dist. 2, Massies Mill Twp., Lovingston PO, Page 68, dwelling 533, family 558, Coffey, Joseph B., age 32, male, white, farm laborer, born VA; Margaret, age 20, female, white, keeping hosue, born VA; Atterson, age 11 mos., male, white, born VA.
5. Ibid., 1880 Nelson Co., ED113, Moser Mills Dist., Page 15, dwelling/family 118, Coffey, Joseph R., white male, age 40, married, farmer, born VA, parents born VA; Fluvanna M., white female, age 32, wife, married, keeping house, born VA, parents born VA; Mary E., white female, age 8, dau., born VA, parents born VA; Safonia
6. Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA - Part 1 is from Marriage Register, Book No. 2, 1854 - 1926 and 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, Part 1, Page 87, Line 1. 3 Jan 1895, A. H. Coffey, age 25 yrs., to M. J. Fitzgerald, age 21 yrs; parents of groom: J. R. and F. M. Coffey; parents of bride: V. A. and Martha Fitzgerald.
7. Ibid., Part 1, Page 81, Line 9. Jan. 1893, W. H. Fitzgerald, age 26 yrs., to M. E. Coffey, age 21 yrs., 6 mos; parents of groom: father not given, mother Judy; parents of bride: J. R. and Maggie Coffey.
8. Ancestry.com. United States Federal Census [database online]. 1900 Nelson Co., Massies Mills Dist., ED85, Sheet 12A, dwelling/family 209, Coffey, Altert, head, white male, born Jul 1871, age 28, married 5 yrs., born VA, parents born VA, farmer; Mary J., wife, white female, born Mar 1876, age 24, married 5 yrs., mother of 1, 1 living, born VA, parents born VA; Hewitt H., son, white male, born Jan 1896, age 4, born VA, parents born VA; Fluvanna, mother, white female, born Mar 1861, age 39, widow, mother of 7, 4 living, born VA, parents born VA.
9. Ibid., 1920 Nelson Co., Massies Mill Dist., ED107, Sheet 9A, dwelling 149, family 150, Coffey, Albert H., head, male, white, age 41, married, born VA, parents born VA; Mary J., wife, female, white, age 42, married, born VA, parents born VA; Huette
10. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc. HUETTE COFFEY 20 Jan 1896 Jan 1968 24521 (Amherst, (none specified) 224-09-2684 Virginia.
Coffey Cousins' Convention - Reminder
The deadline for reservations at the 2006 Coffey Cousins' Convention is fast approaching. Our meeting this year is being held at The Best Western Westhills Inn in Chadron, NE from April 27-30. If you have planned to attend, there are not many more days remaining to make hotel reservations, and book your family place at the table for the business meeting and banquet.
Note also that the deadline for making reservations for the dinner train ride is April 12.
Click on the title link for more information.
Note also that the deadline for making reservations for the dinner train ride is April 12.
Click on the title link for more information.
March 15, 2006
Preserving Our Heritage
According to this LDS website volunteers are being solicited to index records that will soon be freely available to anyone with access to the internet, or who can visit a LDS library.
Click on the link to find out more about this important project.
Click on the link to find out more about this important project.
Nathaniel Jackson and Mary Nancy Carter Coffey
Nathaniel Jackson Coffey was born Jan. 2, 1817 in Adair Co., KY and died Aug. 16, 1899 in Tice, Menard Co., IL. He married Mary Nancy Carter, born Nov. 1, 1818 in TN, died Feb. 15, 1892 in Tice. A marriage date is not yet known. Except for the 1880 census I have been unable to find them in any other census record. In that census they were in Menard Co., and had children:
- Tartellian, son, born c1846, KY
- Lumina, dau., born c1848, KY
- Leonard, son, born c1852, IL
- John, son, born c1853, IL
- James, son, born c1855, IL
- Martha, dau., born c1858, IL
- Emma, dau., born c1860, IL
- Nathan, son, born c1862, IL
Nathaniel was the son of Eli and Mary Coffey Coffey. Eli was a son of Salathiel and Elizabeth LNU Coffey. Mary was a daughter of Nathan and Mary Saunders Coffey. I do not yet know the parents of Mary Nancy Carter.
Please contact me to update or correct information about this family.
Photos courtesy Jamie Key
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