Descendants of Jackson Lafayette Coffey

Updated Sep. 2, 2010
Jackson Lafayette Coffey was a son of Alfred Alphonso and Julia Ann Dawkins Coffey.

The following represents what I know about this family. Please send additions and/or corrections to me at the e-mail address below.

First Generation

1. Jackson Lafayette COFFEY was born in Georgia in Jan 28, 1862. He died on Nov 24, 1946 in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.,1 and was buried in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.2

Jackson Lafayette COFFEY and Ella Mahle "Ellie" HORTON were married about 1886. They appeared in the census on Jun 4, 1900 in Marion Co., TN.;3 the census on Apr 21, 1910 in Navarro Co., TX.;4 the census on Jan 29, 1920 in Henderson Co., TX.;5 and the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Navarro Co., TX.6,7

Ella (Etta?) HORTON was born in Georgia on Jan 30, 1868, and died on Dec 22, 1956 in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX. She was buried in Dec 1956 in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.

Jackson Lafayette COFFEY and Ella (Etta?) HORTON had the following children:

Clara Coffey Dill

i. Clara COFFEY was born in Georgia in Dec 1885.  Clara married Orand Edwin Dill c1902. He was born Jun. 22, 1875 in TX and died May 11, 1951 in Terrell, Kaufman Co., TX. She died Sep. 6, 1956 at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Harris Co., TX. He is buried at the Dresden Cemetery in Navarro Co.; she at Forest Park Cemetery in Houston.
ii. Charles Clifton COFFEY was born in Tennessee in Dec 1887. He registered for the WWI draft on Jun 5, 1917 in Navarro Co., TX.8
2 iii. George Clinton (Clint) COFFEY, born on Dec 1, 1889, in Chattanooga, Hamilton Co., TN; married Ella M. COVINGTON, on Dec 28, 1913 in Jester, Navarro Co., TX; died on May 12, 1965, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX and was buried in Retreat at Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.  Ella is also at Retreat.9
3 iv. Lillie Mae COFFEY, born on May 2, 1892; married James A. COVINGTON; died on Apr 1, 1990, Navarro Co., TX.
v. Nellie G. COFFEY was born in Tennessee in Sep 1895.
vi. William Dewey COFFEY was born in Tennessee in May 1898. He was died in 1974 and was buried in the Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.
vii. Dewey COFFEY was born in Tennessee about 1899.
4 viii. Julia COFFEY, born about 1901, Tennessee; married Esthar DUKE.
5 ix. Robert Lee COFFEY, born about 1904, Texas; married Newel {?} __________.
x. Cornelius COFFEY was born about 1908.
xi. DeWitt C. COFFEY was born in Texas on Apr 5, 1911. He died on Mar 6, 1982 in Navarro Co., TX.,10 and was buried in Mar 1982 in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.

An adjacent headstone decorates the grave of "Mrs. D. C. Coffey," born Jun. 20, 1913, died May 5, 1970. There was no indication of Mrs. Coffey's given or maiden name.


Second Generation

2. George Clinton (Clint) COFFEY (Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Tennessee on Dec 1, 1889. He registered for the WWI draft on Jun 5, 1917 in Navarro Co., TX.11 He died on May 12, 1965 in Navarro Co., TX.,9 and was buried in May 1965 in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.

George Clinton (Clint) COFFEY and Ella M. COVINGTON were married on Dec 28, 1913 in Texas. They appeared in the census on Jan 27, 1920 in Navarro Co., TX.,12 and the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Navarro Co., TX.13

Ella M. COVINGTON was born in Georgia on Mar 6, 1889, and died on Jun 22, 1983 in Navarro Co., TX.14 She was buried in Jun 1983 in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.

George Clinton (Clint) COFFEY and Ella M. COVINGTON had the following children:

6 i. Beauford Clinton COFFEY, born on Jun 14, 1917, Navarro Co., TX; married Miriam __________; died on Feb 8, 1982, Montgomery Co., PA.15
7 ii. Ellen Margaret COFFEY, born on Jun 13, 1919, Navarro Co., TX; married Charles Willie COOPER, on May 1, 1942, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.
8 iii. Gracie M. COFFEY, born about 1923, Texas; married Joe Pierce WOODARD.
iv. Alford G. COFFEY16 was born in Navarro Co., TX on Feb 19, 1925. He enlisted in the armed forces at Dallas, Dallas Co., TX on Jun 23, 1943.17 He died on Nov 3, 1967 in San Angelo, Tom Green Co., TX.
v. Oneta Mae COFFEY was born in Wood Co., TX on Nov 10, 1926.18 She died on Nov 3, 1999 in Garland, Dallas Co., TX.
9 vi. Betty Jo COFFEY, born on Feb 10, 1931, Texas; married Willie Pete THOMPSON; died on Nov 13, 1958, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX.

3. Lillie Mae COFFEY (Jackson Lafayette-1) was born on May 2, 1892. She died on Apr 1, 1990 in Navarro Co., TX. She was buried in Apr 1990 in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.

Lillie Mae COFFEY and James A. COVINGTON were married. James A. COVINGTON was born on Feb 25, 1886, and died on Sep 26, 1972 in Navarro Co., TX. He was buried in Sep 1972 in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.


4. Julia COFFEY (Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Tennessee about 1901.

Julia COFFEY and Esthar DUKE were married. They appeared in the census on Jan 29, 1920 in Henderson Co., TX. Esthar DUKE was born in Texas about 1894.


5. Robert Lee COFFEY (Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Texas about 1904.

Robert Lee COFFEY and Newel {?} __________ were married. They appeared in the census on Apr 10, 1930 in Navarro Co., TX.19 Newel {?} __________ was born in Texas about 1909. Robert Lee COFFEY and Newel {?} __________ had the following children:

i. Robert E. COFFEY was born in Texas about 1927.

Third Generation

6. Beauford Clinton COFFEY16 (George Clinton-2, Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Navarro Co., TX on Jun 14, 1917. He enlisted in the armed forces at Camp Wolters, TX on Mar 12, 1942.20 He died on Feb 8, 1982 in Montgomery Co., PA.15

Beauford Clinton COFFEY and Miriam __________ were married. Miriam __________ was born on Sep 15, 1924. She died in Apr 1979 in Montgomery Co., PA.21


7. Ellen Margaret COFFEY (George Clinton-2, Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Navarro Co., TX on Jun 13, 1919.

Ellen Margaret COFFEY and Charles Willie COOPER were married on May 1, 1942 in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX. Charles Willie COOPER was born in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX on Jun 18, 1918. He died on May 3, 2002 in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX.


8. Gracie M. COFFEY (George Clinton-2, Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Texas about 1923.

Gracie M. COFFEY and Joe Pierce WOODARD were married. Joe Pierce WOODARD was born on Mar 2, 1918. He died on Feb 26, 1979 in Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., TX.

9. Betty Jo COFFEY (George Clinton-2, Jackson Lafayette-1) was born in Texas on Feb 10, 1931. She died on Nov 13, 1958 in Dallas, Dallas Co., TX.

Betty Jo COFFEY and Willie Pete THOMPSON were married. Willie Pete THOMPSON was born on Jan 31, 1930. He died on Dec 25, 1983 in Dallas, Dallas Co., TX.

---

Sources

1. Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Index, 1964-1998. [database on-line] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2000-. Original electronic data from:Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Indexes, 1964-1998. Austin, TX. Texas Department of Health. State Vital Statistics Unit, 19xx-. Name: Jackson Lafayette Coffey Death Date: 24 Nov 1946 Death County: Navarro Certificate: 51665.
2. Webshots, online [www.webshots.com], accessed Various. [http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1036742535001089934KtWSbJ].
3. United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1900 Marion Co., Dist. 9, ED97, Sheet 2B, dwelling/family 37, Coffey, Jackson L., head, white male, born Jan. 1862, age 38, married 14 yrs., born GA, parents born GA, farmer; Ella M., wife, white female, born Jan. 1879, age 29, married 14 yrs., mother of 6, 6 living, parents born GA; Clara, dau., white female, born Dec. 1885, age 14, born GA, parents born GA; Clifton, son, white male, born Dec., 1897, age 12, born TN, parents born GA; George C., son, white male, born Dec.. 1890, age 9, born TN, parents born GA; Lily M., dau., white female, born May, 1893, age 7, born GA, parents born GA; Nellie G., dau., white female, born Sep. 1895, age 4, born TN, parents born GA; Wm. D., son, white male, born May 1898, age 2, born TN, parents born GA; Burke, George, laborer, white male, born Dec., 1879, age 20, single, born AL, parents born AL.
4. Ibid., 1910 Navarro Co., Pct. 5, ED24, Sheet 5A, dwelling/family 85, Coffey, J. L., head, male, white, age 45, married once, born TN, father born NC, mother born TN, farmer; Ella, wife, female, white, age 40, married once for 23 yrs., mother of 9, 9 living, born TN, parents born TN; Clinton, son, male, white, age 19, single, born TN, parents born TN; Lily, dau., female, white, age 16, born GA, parents born TN; Nellie, dau., female, white, age 14, born TN, parents born TN; Dewey, son, male, white, age 12, born TN, parents born TN; Julia, dau., female, white, age 10, born TN, parents born TN; Robert, son, male, white, age 6, born TX, parents born TN; Cornelius, son, male, white, age 2, born TN, parents born TN.
5. Ibid., 1920 Henderson Co., Pct. 8, ED27, Sheet 12A, dwelling 239, family 241, Coffey, J. L., head, male, white, age 54, married, born GA, parents born GA, farm operator; Ella, wife, female, white, age 51, married, born GA, father born GA, mother born TN; Dewey, son, male, white, age 21, single, born TN, parents born GA; farm laborer; Robert, son, age 16, born TX, parents born GA, farm laborer; Cornelius, son, male, white, age 12, born TN, parents born GA, farm laborer; De Witt, son, male, white, age 9, born TX, parents born GA; Duke, Julia, dau., female, white, age 19, married, born TN, parents born GA; Duke, Esthar, son-in-law, male, white, age 26, married, born TX, father born AL, mother born MS, farm laborer.
6. Ibid., 1930 Navarro Co., Pct. 5, ED28, Sheet 6B, dwelling/family 121, Coffey, Jackson L., head, male, white, age 63, married at age 20, born GA, parents born GA [sic], farmer; Etta [sic], wife, female, white, age 61, married at age 16, born GA, parents born GA [sic]; William D., son, male, white, age 31, single, born TN, parents born GA; James C., son, male, white, age 27, single, born TN, parents born GA; DeWitt, son, male, white, age 19, single, born TX, parents born GA.
7. Coffey, Laurence H., editor, Thomas Coffey and His Descendants (Chattanooga, TN: N. Sanders, 1931).
8. National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. Charles Clifton Coffey registered for the draft in Navarro Co. on Jun 5, 1917. He was a resident of Purdon, TX, and was a self-employed farmer with a wife and three children. He was age 30, and listed his birthday at Dec. 26, 1886 in Chatanooga, TN. He was described as being of medium height and build, gray eyes and light colored hair. He reported his right arm broken at the elbow.
9. Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Index, 1964-1998. [database on-line] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2000-. Original electronic data from:Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Indexes, 1964-1998. Austin, TX. Texas Department of Health. State Vital Statistics Unit, 19xx-. Name: George Coffey Death Date: 12 May 1965 Death County: Navarro Gender: Male Marital Status: Single.
10. Ibid., Name: Dewitt Coffey Death Date: 6 Mar 1982 Death County: Navarro Gender: Male.
11. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. George Clinton Coffey registered for the draft in Navarro Co., TX on Jun. 5, 1917. He was 27 yrs. old, and gave his birthdate as Dec. 1, 1890 in Chatanooga, TN. He was a farmer employed by [ Landlord in Purdon, TX. He was married, and described as being tall and slender with hazel brown eyes, and brown hair. He reported as having a rupture and lung trouble. It was noted on the registration form that the rupture and lung problems were from his statement only.
12. United States Federal Census. 1920 Navarro Co., Pct. 5, ED164, Sheet 14A, Corsicana Road., dwelling 230, family 231, Coffey, George C., head, male, white, age 30, married, born TN, father born TN, mother born GA, retail merchant (groceries); Ella, wife, female, white, age 30, married, born GA, parents born GA; Deeford [sic], son, male, white, age 2 yrs., 6 mos., born TX, father born TN, mother born GA; Marguerite [sic], dau., female, white, age 6 mos., born TX, father born TN, mother born GA.
13. Ibid., 1930 Navarro Co., Pct. 5, ED38, Sheet 6B, dwelling/family 122, Coffey, George C., head, male, white, age 40, married at age 24, born TN, parents born GA, farm laborer; Ella, female, white, age 41, married at age 25, born GA, parents born GA; Buford, son, male, white, age 13, born TX, father born TN, mother born GA; Ella M., dau., female, white, age 11, born TX, father born TN, mother born GA; Gracie M., dau., female, whtie, age 7, born TX, father born TN, mother born GA; Alford G., son, male, white, age 5, born TX, father born TN, mother born GA; Anita M., dau., female, white, age 3, born TX, father born TN, mother born GA.
14. Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Index, 1964-1998. [database on-line] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2000-. Original electronic data from:Texas Department of Health. Texas Death Indexes, 1964-1998. Austin, TX. Texas Department of Health. State Vital Statistics Unit, 19xx-. Name: Ella Coffey Death Date: 22 Jun 1983 Death County: Navarro Gender: Female.
15. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc. Name: Beauford Coffey SSN: 466-12-4236 Last Residence: 19040 Hatboro, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, United States of America Born: 14 Jun 1917 Died: Feb 1982 State (Year) SSN issued: Texas (Before 1951 ).
16. Website - Misc. [Photos and information from World War II Index Navarro County, Texas; Navarro County TXGenWeb, © Copyright 2001 Edward L. Williams & Barbara Knox].
17. 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: Alfred Coffey Birth Year: 1925 Race: White, citizen Nativity State or Country: Texas State: Texas County or City: Navarro Enlistment Date: 23 Jun 1943 Enlistment State: Texas Enlistment City: Dallas Branch: No branch assignment Branch Code: No branch assignment Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) Source: Civil Life Education: 1 year of high school Civil Occupation: Automobile Serviceman Marital Status: Single, without dependents Height: 40 Weight: 444.

COFFEY, ALFORD Pvt. Alford Coffey, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Coffey, Corsicana, attended Petty's Chapel School. Entered service, 1943, trained with Army Medical Corps at Camp Barkley. Has served in Australia, New Guinea and now on duty in Philippines. [Source of some information from the website "The Men and Women in World War II from Navarro County, Texas."].
18. Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997. Microfiche. Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas. Name: Oneta Mae Coffey Date of Birth: 10 Nov 1926 Gender: Female Birth County: Wood Father's Name: George Clinton Coffey Mother's Name: Ella Covington Roll Number: 1926_0001.
19. United States Federal Census. 1930 Navarro Co., Pct. 5, ED38, Sheet 7A, dwelling/family 124, Coffey, Robert L., head, male, white, age 26, married at age 22, born TX, parents born GA, farmer; Neuel[?], wife, female, white, age 21, married at age 18, born TX, parents born TX; Robert E., son, male, white, age 3, born TX, parents born TX.
20. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946. Name: Beauford C Coffey Birth Year: 1917 Race: White, citizen Nativity State or Country: Texas State: Texas County or City: Navarro Enlistment Date: 12 Mar 1942 Enlistment State: Texas Enlistment City: Camp Wolters Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) Source: Civil Life Education: 2 years of high school Civil Occupation: Gas And Oil Man Marital Status: Single, without dependents Height: 76 Weight: 182

COFFEY, BEAUFORD C. Pfc. Beauford C. Coffey, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Coffey, Corsicana, attended Purdon School School. Entered service, 1942, trained with Army Signal Corps at Camp Bowie. Has served in North Africa, Italy, France and now on duty in Germany. [Source of some information from the website "The Men and Women in World War II from Navarro County, Texas."].
21. Social Security Death Index, Master File, Name: Miriam Coffey SSN: 203-14-2197 Last Residence: 19040 Hatboro, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, United States of America Born: 15 Sep 1924 Last Benefit: 19040 Hatboro, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, United States of America Died: Apr 1979 State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951 ).

Willis Coffey (1804-1893)

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

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

Nine children were born to this marriage:

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

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

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

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

Mary, born c1837 in Russell Co.

Jackson, born c1839 in Russell Co.

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

Nancy, born c1843

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stewart Blaine Hayes (1891-1980)

Stewart Blaine Hayes was born Mar., 1891 in Watauga Co., and died May 21, 1980 in Boone, Watauga Co. He was a son of John Edward and Celia Alice Trivette Hayes.

He married Esther Cornelia Coffey, a daughter of Thomas Carlton and Martha Ellen Cook Coffey on Dec. 24, 1911 in Watauga Co. Esther was born Dec. 9, 1891 in Blue Ridge Twp., Watauga Co., and died Feb. 1, 1936 in Watauga C.

Thirteen children were born to this union:

Carl Marion, born Nov. 15, 1912, died Jun. 21, 1979. He married Emma Jane Coffey on Oct. 6, 1934. Emma, a daughter of Walter Gwyn and Julia Hayes Coffey, was born Apr. 4, 1915 and died Jul. 15, 1988.
Wilma Roxanna, born c1914
Lucy Faye, born Sep. 4, 1915
Stella Mae, born Mar. 31, 1917
Ray Donald, born Nov. 5, 1918
Gladys Isabell, born Nov. 4, 1920
Thomas Blaine, born Jul. 26, 1922. He married Mildred Coffey, a daughter of William Jefferson and Elsie Mae Hodges Coffey. She was born May 16, 1919.
Vera Alice, born Jul. 10, 1924
Doyce, born Mar. 15, 1926
Snow Ellen, born Jan. 31, 1928
Addie Verlee, born Jan. 9, 1930
John Edward, born Nov. 2, 1931
Unnamed, born Nov. 28, 1934

Following Esther's death in 1936, Stewart married Vergie Moody Danner, a widow with twelve children of her own.

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

DVM George Hamilton Hayes

George Hamilton Hayes, born Jan. 5, 1868 in Watauga Co., NC, married Rosa Ethel (Rosie) Coffey on Aug. 4, 1909 in that county. Rosie was the daughter of Thomas Carlton and Martha Ellen Cook Coffey. She died in Watuga Co. on Jan. 2, 1940. George died there on Aug. 23, 1953.

Before his marriage to Rosie, he was married to Mollie Moody in 1879. Together they had two children: Roby Harvey, born Nov. 25, 1890, and Thomas W., born May 23, 1893. Molly died in Watauga County in 1906.

Six children were born to the union with Rosie:

Texie Verlee, born Sep. 6, 1910
Joseph Ransom, born Sep. 10, 1912, died Feb. 13, 2005
Doris Perry, born Jun. 3, 1915
William Arthur, born Feb. 17, 1918
Glenn Lawrence, born Mar. 18, 1920
Julia Helena, born Jan. 12, 1928

Following Rosie's death in 1940, George married Alice Taylor. There are no known children from this union.

In 1907 George became a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine and was the first man to be licensed to practice veterinarian medicine in Watauga Co. where he practiced for 45 years.

Thomas Carlton, born Jan. 1, 1853 in North Carolina, died Dec. 17, 1915, was the son of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey. He and Martha Ellen Cook were married Nov. 14, 1875 in Watauga Co. Martha was born Jul. 3, 1858 in North Carolina and died Mar. 25, 1939 in Watauga Co. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Elrod Cook.

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

Anson Lafayette and Eliza Jane Coffey Harrison

Anson Lafayette Harrison was born Jul. 6, 1852 in Watauga Co., NC to the union of Joseph Martin and Sarah Jane Critcher Harrison. He married Eliza Jane Coffey, born Feb. 6, 1854 in Watauga Co. to Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey. She died Oct. 23, 1931 in Watauga Co.

This marriage eventually produced 15 children, only four of which were males. They were:

Newton Leonard, born May 9, 1873, died Jan. 11, 1966
Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 14, 1878, died Oct. 20, 1949
Martha Cal Donnie, born Oct Oct. 18, 1876, died May 8, 1961
James Monroe (Roe), born Apr. 22, 1878, died Jan. 29, 1952
Sarah Elmira Queen, born Jan. 18, 1880, died Feb. 20, 1956
Julia Emma, born Mar. 14, 1882, died Nov. 19, 1946
Zora Lena, born Sep. 18, 1883, died 1952
Doshie Estie, born May 16, 1885, died Mar. 16, 1974
Vettie Vesta, born Feb. 17, 1887, died Feb. 14, 1967
Benjamin Martin, born Oct. 4, 1889, died Jan. 26, 1932
Nomie Bessie, born Jun. 3, 1891, died 1991
Lula Jane, born May 27, 1892, died Oct. 12, 1977
Roxie Belle, born May 23, 1894, died Jul. 9, 1978
Tommie Calton, born Jan. 21, 1896, died Feb. 25, 1896
Lettie Vertia, born Jul. 9, 1898, died Jan. 2, 1912

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

Western North Carolina Genealogy Resource Center

The Western North Carolina Genealogy Resource Center is owned by Diane Ramsey Miller and is pretty well organized. It contains some genealogical records not found elsewhere. If you are researching in western NC visit the website by clicking on the title link.

John Wilkerson Coffey (Update 11-24-07)

The problem that I have had in placing John Wilkerson Coffey into the proper family has likely been solved with an e-mail received yesterday from John Coffey of Raleigh, NC.

This is what John wrote:

"I do still want to quibble about your placement of John Wilkerson Coffey in the family of William Coffey Jr. and Margaret Robbins Coffey. For one, John Wilkerson is listed in the family Bible record of William Coffey Jr., which lists the children beginning with Elbert (b. 3 Jan 1837). According to that same Bible record William and Margaret were married 2 Jan 1836—well after the presumed 1830/31 birth date of John Wilkerson. Another, tangential piece of evidence is a letter written by John W[ilkerson] Coffey to Elijah Coffey during the Civil War in which John reports that “I was at your fathers to day & they was all well.” This indicates to me a close but not father-son relationship.

"What makes more sense is that John Wilkerson is a half-brother to William. After the death of Mary (Polly) Coffey ca. 1828, William Sr. marries ca. 1830 another Margaret Robbins—the aunt of the Margaret Robbins who married William Jr. By this union two children are born: John Wilkerson (b. ca. 1831) and Nancy E. (b. 13 Aug 1832). The widow Margaret and her two children are enumerated in the 1850 census as neighbors of William Jr. Jack Hawkins ( CaldHeritMus@aol.com) has done much to unravel the Robbins-Coffey confusion."

"John Wilkerson Coffey appears to have been regarded almost as an older brother by William Jr.’s son Elijah. He was, after all, far closer to Elijah’s generation than that of his half-brother William, Jr. During the Civil War, John Wilkerson apparently remained at home while Elijah and his brothers joined the Confederate army. John Wilkerson sent Elijah the lyrics for patriotic ballads and on at least one intriguing occasion advised Elijah on the legal limitations of habeas corpus protection in cases of desertion or harboring deserters. And it is well to note that John Wilkerson named his first son Elijah and Elijah named his first son John W[illiam]—my great-grandfather and namesake."

---

The Caldwell County, North Carolina Register of Deeds website lists an 1855 marriage record for John William Coffey to Linsey Robbins. Although not found in any census with his family, I believe he was a son of William (Jr.) and Margaret Robbins Coffey.

John was born c1830 in North Carolina and Mary Lindsey Robbins was born c1823 in Wilkes Co., NC. They had a son named Elijah M. Coffey, born Sep. 28, 1856, died Mar. 2, 1933.

Elijah married Caroline Amanda (Carrie) Dobbins, born Apr. 25, 1862, died Nov. 12, 1951. Elijah and Carrie had at least six children:

John Hilliard, born 1882, died 1958
Julia Ann, born 1888, died 1971
James Franklin, born Jun. 14, 1891, died 1965
Margaretta Elizabeth, born Aug. 29, 1894, death date unknown
Joseph Dobbins, born 1896, died 1972
Mary Lindsay, born 1898, died 1977

It appears that the child Mary Lindsay was named for Elijah's mother. Joseph was apparently named for his mother's family. Carrie was the daughter of Eber and Minerva McCall Dobbins. Eber Dobbins was born c1818 in New Jersey; Minerva was born c1834 in North Carolina.

James Franklin Coffey was born in Buffalo Cove, Caldwell Co., and married Margaret E. LNU c1917 in North Carolina. It is believed that Margaret was Margaret Elizabeth and called Bessie. The birth records for one of their children names the mother as Bessie Coffey.

Their known children were:

Wallace E., born about Sep., 1917 in Caldwell Co.
Millard Lafayette, born 1922, also in Caldwell Co.

It appears that Joseph Dobbins Coffey married Nellie Blanche Robbins in 1922, Caldwell Co. I believe that Nellie was the daughter of Thomas S. and Mary L. McGuire Robbins, and that she was sister to Caroline Amanda (Carrie) Dobbins. This means of course, that Joseph Dobbins married his mother's sister.

Joseph and Nellie had at least nine children, two of which were born and died unnamed in 1931. Two other named children were born and died in the same year. One was Howard Dalton, born and died in 1927, and Margaret Evaline, born and died in 1934.

Their other children were:

James Ward, born 1925, died 1991
Robert Earl, born 1929, died 1983
Betty Ruth, born May 23, 1932, died Mar. 31, 2005
J. D. Devon (Toby), born 1939, died 1985
Carl Gabriel, born Dec. 26, 1941, died 1996

Other children of John Wilkerson (William?) and Mary Lindsey Robbins Coffey were:

Margaret, born c1859
Jethro, born c1861
James, born c1864
Julia, born c1869

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

Clara Coffey (1853-1917)

Clara Coffey was a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Sally) Estes Coffey. She was born May, 1853 in North Carolina - probably in Caldwell Co. - and died in that county in 1917. She married Waightstill H. Haigler on Aug. 11, 1872 in Caldwell Co. who was born Jun., 1852 in NC and died in Caldwell Co. in 1927. Waightstill was a son of John and Eula Beard Haigler.

Isaac, Clara's father, was a son of Smith and Hannah Boone Coffey. I have not found any of the ancestors of Sally Estes. Clara was the sixth of the 12 known children of Isaac and Sally. Smith was born c1776 in Albemarle Co., VA and died in 1839 in Cherokee Co., NC. Hannah was born c1783 in Burke Co., NC and died Nov. 22, 1886 in Caldwell Co.

The Haigler's had at least two children: John, born c1874. John apparently died before 1900 because in the census that year Clara reported that she was the mother of two but only one survived. That second child was a daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Betty), born Jun., 1877 in Caldwell Co., and who died there in 1956.

Betty married Lee Durham Barlow c1895 in NC - probably in Caldwell Co. He was born in NC in Jul., 1874 and, together they had at least four children:

Clara Elmira, born Jan., 1896, died 1976, married a Lee
John Ray, born 1900, died 1970
Waitsel Boone, born 1904, died 1968
Daisy Lee, born 1907, died 1994, married a Harville

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

Herschel Herndon and Vonnie E. Coffey Hoover

Herschel Herndon Hoover was born in Caldwell Co., NC on Jul. 12, 1893, a son of Henry Hill Durant and Alice Laura Raby Hoover. Herschel was married in 1913 to Vonnie E. Coffey, a daughter of Isaac Avery and Alice Cottrell Coffey in Caldwell Co. Vonnie died on Jan. 30, 1949 in Durham Co., NC. Herschel died in Jan., 1974 in Caldwell Co.

Vonnie had at least one sibling, a sister named Alda N. Coffey, born Aug., 1896. She married Jack T. Knight, but I have no further information on their descendants.

Herschel registered for the draft in Caldwell Co. on Jun. 5, 1917. He was described as being of medium height and build with blue eyes and dark colored hair. He was 23 yrs. old, married, and was a self-employed farmer in Lenoir, NC.

I know of only two children born to this union:

Mary Alice Hoover, born 1919
Hellen Coffey Hoover, born 1923

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

Descendants of Eli Davis COFFEY

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

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

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

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

They had the following children:

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

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

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

Henry and Zina COFFEY had the following children:

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

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

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

They had the following children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources

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

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

Reminder - Coffey Cousins' Clearinghouse website move

A reminder to all visitors to the Coffey Cousins' Clearinghouse website at Rootsweb.com.

All of the files from there have now been moved to our new website. As a result, the Rootsweb site will be taken down very soon.

Please visit and bookmark the new wewbsite by clicking here

Monroe Coffey

Monroe was one of at least three sons born to Thomas and Cordelia Gragg Coffey. Thomas was the son of Brice Brisco and Susannah (Sookie) Gragg Coffey while Cordelia (no dates) was the daughter of James Madison and Nancy Caroline Gragg Gragg.

The other two known sons of Thomas and Cordelia were John Sherman, born May 1886, and William Kelly, born 1888, died 1940.

Monroe was born Jan. 26, 1883 in Avery Co., NC and died Nov. 3, 1955 in Caldwell Co., NC. He married Dovie Jane Clark, born c1890 in NC to William H. and Martha L. (LNU) Clark. Martha may have been a Coffey but I have not yet found a definitive record confirming that.

Monroe Coffey registered for the draft in Caldwell Co. on Sep. 12, 1918. He was described as being tall with medium build, blue eyes and brown hair. He was 35 yrs. old, born Jan. 26, 1883. He was employed as a US Forest Ranger by the US Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service. He resided at Edgemont in Caldwell Co. with his wife, Dovie.

Children born to Monroe and Dovie were:

Ruby, born 1911, died 1967. The NC death index lists her as Ruby Coffey Frye.
Ruth, born Feb. 10, 1913
Sarah Nell, born Jan. 21, 1919
Jack, born 1921
Blanche, born 1923
Martha Louise, born 1925
Clyde Hedrick, born May. 26, 1928

Martha Louise married Robert Haywood Steele and had children Linda Carol, born 1954, and Brian Robert, born 1956.

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

Jesse Calton Coffey

Jesse Calton Coffey, born Apr. 21, 1821 in Watauga Co., NC was a son of Reuben and Rachel Hayes Coffey. He married Nancy Raines (a marriage date has not been found), born Sep. 30, 1822 in Cocke Co., TN, died Jan. 14, 1899 in Watauga Co. Jesse died Aug. 28, 1904 in Watauga Co. Both are buried in the Tweetsie Railroad Cemetery in Boone, Watauga Co., NC.

Jesse and Nancy were the parents of James Milton who married Mary Louise Coffey. Another child, Matilda, born Jul. 1, 1848 in TN, died Apr. 2, 1927 in Coffey's Gap, Watauga Co., NC, married George Washington (Wash) Coffey, a son of William Clayton and Sarah Greene Coffey.

---

Update Jun. 13, 2007: Children of Jesse and Nancy were: 1) Matilda (Tilda), born Jun. 1, 1848, died Apr. 2, 1927. Tilda married George Washington (Wash) Coffey, her first cousin (once removed). George was the son of William Clayton and Sarah (Sallie) Greene Coffey. More information is available on George and Tilda and their 11 children. 2) William Luther (Bill), b Mar. 6, 1850, died Mar. 5, 1925, married Mary Salome Moretz, born Aug. 5, 1850 in Watauga Co., died Apr. 20, 1940 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. More info is available on them and their 12 children. 3) Eliza Jane, born Feb. 6, 1854, died Oct. 23, 1931, married Anson Lafayette Harrison Aug. 29, 1871 in Watauga Co. Anson was born Jul. 6, 1852 in Watauga Co., and died Dec. 1928 in NC. Eliza was born Feb. 6, 1854 in NC, and died Oct. 23, 1931 in Watauga Co. 4) Thomas Carlton, born Jan. 1, 1853 in NC, died Dec. 17, 1915, perhaps in NC. Married martha Ellen Cool Nov. 14, 1875 in Watauga Co. Martha was born Jul. 3, 1858 in Watauga Co., died Mar. 25, 1939 in Watauga Co. Their children numbered 13. 5) Rachel Lorrinda, born Nov. 10, 1856 in NC, died Oct. 14, 1934 in Watauga Co. She married Nov. 7, 1875 in Watauga Co., to Jordan Hampton, born Sep. 10, 1856, died Jan. 22, 1935 in Watauga Co. They were parents to 15 children. 6) James Milton, born Apr. 14, 1860 in Watauga Co., and died there on Feb. 23, 1924. He married mary Louise Coffey on Oct. 19, 1879 in Watauga. She was the daughter of James Asbury and Chainey Gragg Coffey, and was born Nov. 12, 1859 and died Mar. 3, 1924 in Watauga Co. They were parents of at least 13 children.

James Milton and Mary Louise Coffey Coffey

On Nov. 20, 2006 I wrote about the James "C." and Mary Louise Coffey family. That posting indicated that James' middle initial was "C." I have since learned that although his headstone reads James C. Coffey, his middle name was actually Milton.

Both James and Mary are buried in the Tweetsie Railroad Cemetery in Boone, Watauga Co., NC.

Wiley Hill and Ellen Hodges Moore

Wiley Hill Moore was born Apr. 28, 1883 in Watauga Co., NC. He married Ellen Hodges, born c1883 in North Carolina. A marriage date has not been found. The union produced at least seven children, two of which married into a Coffey family.

Their first son and third child Ralph James Moore, was born Apr. 4, 1908 in Watauga Co. Ralph married Lottie Murl Coffey, a daughter of Roby Monroe and Annie Lee Wright Coffey. Roby was the son of George Washington and Matilda Coffey Coffey. Annie was the daughter of Thomas A. Wright and Margaret Ann Coffey.

Lottie was born Feb. 24, 1912 in Caldwell Co., NC and died May 3, 1998 in Culpeper Co., VA. A death date has not been found for Ralph.

Their children were:

Lonnie Desmon, born Jul. 20, 1928
Collis Eugene, born Dec. 12, 1932
Unnamed, born Dec. 29, 1934
Margaret Ruth, born Dec. 25, 1937
Betty Jean, born Jul. 20, 1939
Jay Harold, born Dec. 21, 1941
Theodore Monroe, born Dec. 18, 1944

Amy Moore, the fourth child and third daughter of Wiley and Ellen, was born Apr. 12, 1910 and died Jan. 25, 1987. She married Bruce Glen Coffey, born 1908 in Caldwell Co., and died Sep. 2, 1971 in that county. They were married c1928 in Caldwell Co.

Bruce was the son of Julius Pinkney and Louise A. Edwards Coffey. James was born Apr. 24, 1858 in NC and died Feb. 11, 1933 in Caldwell Co. He and Louise were married Mar. 30, 1913 in Rowan Co., NC. Louise was born c1875 in NC. A death date has not been found.

I know of only two children for Bruce and Amy:

Marland [?], a son, born about Sep., 1929
Unnamed daughter, born Oct. 12, 1941

---

Update Aug. 16, 2009

Barbara Campbell has updated the information on Bruce Glenn Coffey. She reported that Bruce and his sister Hazel were not the biological children of Julius and Louise. She believes they were either adopted or were just foster children because they did not inherit from Julius when he died. Their mother was Carrie Hathcock of Cabbarus Co., NC. Carrie died in 1919 and no father has ever been found. Bruce and Amy's children were Maynard; Marlene, born Sep. 17, 1933; Mable, Mary and James.

---

Other children of Wiley and Ellen were:

Floy Belle, born Apr. 26, 1902, died Dec. 6, 1986, never married
Lula Mae, born Oct. 26, 1905
Jessee Glenn, born Dec. 26, 1916
Loan Raymond, born Feb. 12, 1919
Cleny Coe, born Aug. 21, 1921

Julius Pinkney and Roby Monroe were distant cousins. Their nearest common ancestor was John Coffey, a son of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey. John married Jane Graves.

George Washington Coffey and Margaret Ann Coffey were first cousins. George and his wife Matilda were also first cousins, once removed. Matilda was the daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey. Jesse and George were also first cousins.

The Wild Geese of Eire (follow-up)

In Feb., 2006 I presented verbatim the premise of Frank S. Crosswhite that Edward Coffey was one of the "wild geese" who fled Ireland after the Protestant William of Orange became king of England by deposing the Catholic King James II.

The report covered three separate blog entries. Click on the title link above to read the first page. The second and third page can be read by clicking on the link at the bottom of succeeding pages.

I am pretty sure that some of my high school history teachers attempted to pound into me some of the historical facts of the religious war between the Catholics and Protestants that lead to the "Williamite Confiscation", and perhaps as well in college when freshmen had to study the History of Western Civilization. But, over the next 50 years many of those facts became obscure to me. So, when I read Crosswhite's work I accepted it at face value without ever attempting to discover what a real "wild goose" was.

There are many internet sites that describe the reign of King James II and his subsequent defeat by William of Orange in 1688. In Ireland, the battle for the throne is known as The Williamite or the Jacobite War. For centuries Irish Catholics and Protestants continued to antagonize each other with deadly results. It has only been in recent years that they have agreed to stop killing one another over something that happened so long ago.

The Treaty of Limerick in 1691 allowed the Jacobite army to leave Ireland for continental Europe where they would serve in the armies of France, Spain, etc. The term applied to this movement of men and their families was "The Flight of the Wild Geese."

Archelus Coffey

More information on Archelus and his family is available by clicking on the title link.

Additions and corrections can be sent via e-mail.

James Harvey Coffey [Update 8-22-07]

Born Aug. 6, 1806 in Wayne Co., KY, James Harvey Coffey was a son of John Waid and Mary (Polly) Harbert (var.) Coffey. John, born c1788 in (probably) Amherst Co., VA, was a son of Archelus (var.) and Eleanor Wade Coffey. Polly Harbert was born Oct.30, 1781 and died Apr. 19, 1853 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL. She was a daughter of John and Mary Harbert. Polly and John married Dec. 29, 1801 in Wayne Co., KY.

Archelus' daughter Jane, born Jun.. 22, 1782 in Wilkes Co., NC, died Oct. 2, 1862 in McLean Co., IL, married William Harbert on Jan. 28, 1802 in Wayne Co., KY. William was the brother of of Polly.

James Harvey was the second of the nine known children of John and Polly. He married Anna Eliza Graham on Nov. 14, 1834 in Jackson Co., IN. They were married Nov. 14, 1834 in Jackson Co. James died Feb. 13, 1855 in Washington Co., IN.

Known children of James and Anna were:

Celestin E., a daughter, born c1836 in Indiana [Celestin may be a daughter-in-law. She was not with the family in 1860. I have not found the family in 1850 which would confirm her status]

William H. H., born c1838 in Indiana [William Henry]

John Waid, born Jan. 13, 1841 in Washington Co., died Apr. 15, 1922 in Daviess Co., IN. John married Elizabeth Matilda (Eliza) Persinger on Oct. 26, 1869. She was born Nov. 7, 1842 and died Jan. 18, 1939 in Daviess Co. Their children were George Henry, born about Mar. 1870; James Harvey, born c1872; William Waid, born Oct. 11, 1873; Anna Eliza, born Sep. 6, 1876, died Mar. 21, 1942; Mary Elizabeth, born Jul., 1880, and Minard Ernest, born Feb. 11, 1883.

Almira Eliza, born c1843, married Lewis Warwick Jul. 25, 1869 in Washington Co., IN. In 1870 they were in the Jefferson Twp., Washington Co., IN census.

Mary Ann, born c1846

James Harvey, Jr., born Jun., 1848, died 1904, married Diantha E. Boling, born Apr. 1860 in Indiana, on Dec. 8, 1883 in Washington Co., IN. Their children were Cora M., born Jul. 1884; Harry L., born Apr., 1888; Lola B., born Jan., 1893; Lilly D., born Mar., 1899; Talmage I., born Jan. 4, 1903, died Nov. 13, 1978; and Myra E., born c1903. After Junior died in 1904, Diantha married William Partlow on Nov. 7, 1907 in Washington Co. In the May 6, 1910 census she was enumerated as divorced. She remained in Washington Co. through the 1930 census, and died c1942.

Addie Caroline, born Aug., 1851 in Indiana, married Theodore William Crow on Mar. 16, 1886 in Washington Co. Theodore was born Sep., 1854 in IN. Their children were Minnie, born Oct., 1887, and William F., born Sep., 1890. Addie is thought to have been married prior to Theodore but,he has not yet been identified.

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

General John E. Coffee of Georgia

Back in Jan., 2006 I wrote about the two generals Coffee, one a son of Peter Coffey, Jr., and wife Sarah Smith. John is recorded in the History of Dodge County [GA, Cobb, Addiie Davis : Atlanta, Foote & Davies Co., 1932, pgs 271] as having fought in the War of 1812.

Today I received the following from Frank V. Coffee, a descendant of General John E. Coffey:

"Gen. John E. Coffee is believed to have fought with Jackson in the 1817-18 Seminole War in Florida and he was active in the numerous skirmishes designed to ultimately drive the Indians from Georgia.

I'm pretty sure he didn't fight in the War of 1812 because during that time he was engaged in moving his family from Powelton, Georgia, to the banks of the Ocmulgee and establishing his plantation there.

In 1838, for reasons I have never been able to ascertain, almost all the Coffees remaining in Jacksonville, Georgia, following the General's death moved en masse to Madison County, Florida, via the so-called Old Coffee Road."

2008 Coffey Cousins' Convention

UPDATE: Due to hotel scheduling conflicts, the 2008 Reunion will be held at The Natural Bridge Inn near Lexington, VA on May 2-4, 2008. This is one week later than normal, but is the earliest we could book sufficient rooms for our meeting.

As more details become available they will be published here, as well as on the Coffey Cousins' website. They will also be printed in the Dec., 2007 and Mar., 2008 Coffey Cousins' newsletters.

---

Where will you be on the last full weekend in April, 2008? Hopefully you will be attending the Coffey Cousins' Convention to be held in Lexington, VA.

The actual dates are (check in) April 24, 2008 through (depart) Apr. 27, 2008. Come early or stay late and see this magnificant area in one of the most significant states in the lives of our Coffey ancestors. There are likely more Coffey families in this area than in any place else in the United States.

Think about this historical area! Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson walked in this area. Both Lee and Jackson are buried at Lexington. The Lee Chapel and Museum, Stonewall Jackson home, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), The George C. Marshall museum, Hunter's Rain Civil War Trail, and Washington and Lee University are all places you should see.

I will write more about this convention as details become clearer. In the meantime, visit The Historic Rockbridge website and ask for a copy of their visitor's guide. It's an impressive booklet, and does much more justice describing the area than I can here.

John O'Hart

John Hart, the Irish genealogists, believed that all Irish descend from the mythical Milesius, himself a descendant of Adam.

Wikipedia says this:

"According to O'Hart's account, Milesius had four sons, Heber, Ir, Heremon, and Amergin, who were involved, along with their uncle Ithe, in the invasion of ancient Ireland; Milesius, himself, had died during the planning. Because Amergin died during the invasion, he died without issue. It is from the four other invaders--Heber, Ir, Heremon, and Ithe--that the Irish are alleged to descend. These. according to O'Hart, are the four lines from which all true Irish descend."

Click on the title link to read more about John Hart.

Coffey Cousins' Convention Photographs

2007I have added photographs of the 2007 Coffey Cousins' Convention to the Coffey Cousins website. This year the convention was held in Dubuque, IA. I have not yet labeled the pix, so if you see someone you do not recognize, send e-mail and I'll see what I can do to ID them.

The first seven photographs were taken at the Rustic Barn RV campground in Keiler, WI where my wife and I camped while attending the Convention. Keiler is about 8 miles east of Dubuque. We travel with our long time friend and companion, Freddie, an 11-year old American Brittany. Most hotels do not accept pets and we refuse to leave him in a kennel, so we bought him a big, motorized dog house which he allows us drive for him.

The next 28 shots were taken in Dubuque while on a tour of the city. The remainder are random shots of Coffey researchers, some ejoying the "goodies" baked by my wife, and some of the other ladies. Some folks were just resting while others were working. Several are displaying the door prizes they won at the Saturday night dinner.

Click on the title link to view the photographs.

Coffey Cousins Clearinghouse Website

The existing Coffey Cousins' website which is now accessed via Rootsweb servers is being moved to dedicated servers with the new Coffey Cousins' domain name thecoffeycousins.org.

Most files have been moved over and I have tested some of the links. Everything seems to be working OK! However, as the saying goes about not being able to see the forest for the trees, I have probably missed a lot of unintentional errors. I would really appreciate it if readers would visit the new site to look for dead links, or links that lead to some page other than the one intended.

Check out the various genealogies to make sure you can get to any part of those files that exhibit links.

Click here, or on the title link to reach the new site.

E-mail me with your results.

Thanks!

Coffey in Wisconsin

The following is a short list Coffeys in Wisconsin that I have in my files:

Frank, died 18 Sep. 1870, Outagamie Co., source: WI Vital Records Death Index, Vol. 1, p101, reel 102, image 2965

Hardy, died 15 May 1871, Outagamie Co., source: WI Vital Records Death Index, Vol. 1, p104, reel 102, image 2983

Bryan, married Mina Roberts 28 Aug 1876 in Grant Co., source: WI Marriages, 1835-1900

Pat, died 26 Feb. 1878, Wood Co., source: WI Vital Records Death Index, Vol. 1, p5, reel 144, image 951

Catherine, died 9 Oct. 1881, Milwaukee Co., source: ibid, Vol. 4, p549, reel 62, image 547

Kate, married Patrick Fitzgerald, Grant Co., Oct. 25, 1883, source: WI Marriages, 1835-1900

Phillip, died May 16, 1885, Winnebago Co., source: WI Vital Records Death Index, Vol. 1, p208, reel 139, image 1792

Michal [sic], married Lizy Bayrns [sic] 15 Jun. 1886, Grant Co., WI Marriages, 1835-1900

I have a number of other references to Coffey in WI. and will be happy to check my files for your Coffey.

Coffey in Muscatine Co., IA

Just prior to the recent Coffey Cousins' Convention in Dubuque, IA a reader wrote to me asking for information about Coffey in Muscatine Co., IA.

This is what I have in my files:

John Coffey, buried at St. Malachy's Cemetery at Ardon in Muscatine. Source: Muscatine Co., IA Civil War Soldiers

Elizabeth Coffey, married Michael Murphey Jan. 6, 1856. Source: Iowa Marriages, 1851-1900

James Coffey married Charlotte Hogan Jan. 8, 1859. Sources: idid

Anthony Coffey, enlisted Aug. 14, 1862 in Co. E, 35th IA Inf. 1862. Source: Muscatine Co., IA Civil War Soldiers

Michael Coffey, enlisted Aug. 22, 1862 in same company. Wounded at Pleasant Hill, LA. Source: ibid

J. G. Coffey married Tabitha Baker Dec. 25, 1865. Source: Iowa Marriages, 1851-1900

Laura Coffey married William W. Richards Sep. 28, 1865. Source: ibid

Sarah Coffey married Alonzo F. Smith Nov. 14, 1876. Source: ibid

William M. Coffey married Mary A. McClure Jun. 16, 1887. Source: ibid

Fred Howard Coffey

I have no doubt that Fred Howard Coffey is a vile and disgusting person, yet he continues to be at the top of the list for most searched for names in this blog. Click on the title link to read my 2006 blog about Fred's criminal activities.

Please contact me if you have any ancestral information on this killer.

Bertha Etta (Cookie) Coffey

Leah Meadows
Bertha Etta (Cookie) Coffey was the daughter of James Lawson and Leah Meadows Coffey. She was born Feb. 24, 1883 in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO and died in 1937.

Other children born to James and Leah were:

Zenfauts, no other information.

James Emerson (Emer), born Oct. 14, 1872, died Jul. 28, 1959

Charles Elmer, born Jun. 3, 1876, died Apr. 22, 1934

Nettie Elizabeth, born Jan. 25, 1880, died Jul. 26, 1962.

Jesse Edward, born Mar. 18, 1885, died Sep. 30, 1960. Jesse married Martha J. Anderson c1904 and had children: James W., born c1906; Bonnie Viola, born Sep. 17, 1913, died Feb. 15, 1919; and Velma.

Unnamed infant daughter, born Feb. 7, 1887, no other information

Lulu Ethel, born Jun. 25, 1880. Lula married Otis Bateman

"Cookie" married Elza Ackert Walker, born Aug. 21, 1884 in Alanthus Grove, died Nov., 1949 in Buchanan Co., MO. Their children were Melvin James, born Nov. 21, 1904, died Aug. 25, 1932; and Martin Edgar, born c1909, died 1976.

Elza was the son of Martin Perry Walker and Mary Frances Coffey. Mary was the daughter of Lawson H. Coffey and Eliza Ann Campbell. James Lawson was a nephew of Lawson, and Lawson was a son of Joel Benjamin and Exea Saphronia Stapp Coffey. James Lawson was a son of Jesse H. Buchanan Coffey and Lucinda Burpo. Jesse was also a son of Joel Benjamin and Exea Stapp Coffey.

Mary Frances Coffey was married twice more after the death of her Walker spouse. She married second to David B. Boatwright on Sep. 6, 1889, probably in MO. Mr. Boatwright had been previously married to Lutushia Wright on Dec. 25, 1873. There was at least one child born to Mary and Mr. Boatwright: Bertha M. Boatwright, born Jun. 12, 1890 and who married Manly Judd. Mary's third marriage was to John Barton.

This family is being researched by Sandy Warde who provided the lineage and the photograph. Sandy wrote:

"I have been researching my line from Lawson H. and James L. Coffey's line who intermingled into my Walker family. They have been an elusive bunch. I do have Mary Francis Coffey's death certificate. She was the daughter of Lawson and Eliza Campbell Coffey. She had three husbands, Abner Walker, David Boatwright, and ( John) Henry C. Barton. She was buried in Stanberry, Missouri under her Walker married name with our Walker family. I also have Eliza Campbell Coffey's death certificate..."

I'm back!

The 2007 Coffey Cousins' Convention is over. This year it was hosted in Dubuque, IA by Darlene Clark. For the most part the weather cooperated, and although a bit breezy, the rain that had hit the midwest so hard moved on through and by Friday the sky was clear and the sun was shining.

The photo of the clock tower shows a part of downtown Dubuque, an area rich in history. Unlike many older cities along the Mississippi - and probably in other areas as well - much of the downtown area has been preserved and restored. There is much to do here in terms of sightseeing.

More later...