Austin Blaine Coffey

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

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

Austin Blaine Coffey

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

Hailey Harris

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

Funeral Services Held for Ralph A. Harris

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

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

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

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

Burial took place at Boone's Fork graveyard.

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

Ralph A. Harris

Hailey and Austin's children were:

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

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

Rev. Murray Coffey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Catherine G. Coffey

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

Hardin Blaine Coffey

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

Hardin's obituary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philip Cook

Philip was a son of John Lewis and Mary Anna (Polly) Coffey Cook. Mary Anna was the daughter of Lewis Moses and Delilah Turpin Coffey.

Click on this blog title to read about John and Mary.

Philip was born in Indiana in Jan., 1851 and died Apr. 19, 1924 in Logan Co., KS. He married the widow Lucinda O'Neal Gant on Dec. 25, 1871 in Harrison Co., MO. Lucinda has been previously married to Columbus Gant with whom she had two children: Decatur, born c1866, and Mary, born c1868. Columbus is thought to have served Iowa on the Union side during the Civil War. The Gant family can be found in the Aug., 1870 Federal census for Wapello Co., IA.

I first find Philip and Lucinda in the 1880 census for Buffalo Twp., Cloud Co., KS. They apparently were on the move because they were again enumerated that year in Phillips Co., Walnut Twp., KS. In 1900 they were still in Phillips Co.

Philip and Lucinda's children were:

Sarah Ann, born Missouri, c1870
Jacob, born Missouri, c1874
George Martin, born Cloud Co., KS, Feb. 1880
Lora Jane, born Missouri, Jul., 1885
Lawrence Motis, born Missouri, Dec., 1888
Clarence Marshall, born Missouri, Jan., 1892
Ollie Arthur, born Harrison Co., MO, Sep. 26, 1893, died Dec. 1, 1955in Okanogan Co., WA
Bertha May - no info
Maude Francis - no info


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

Sabra Coffey

Sabra Coffey was the daughter of James Knox P. and Nannie Tilford Coffey, born on Jan. 28, 1903 in Yosemite*, Casey Co., KY. Sabra never married and died by suicide - drank rat poison - on 23 Sep., 1948.**

James Knox Coffey was a son of Nathan A. and Mary Nancy Leverage Coffey. James was born Jul. 4, 1847 in Casey Co., and died there on Jan. 4, 1923. Nannie was the daughter of William and Delilah Spears Tilford and was born Feb. 5, 1870 in Casey Co. She died there on Mar. 26, 1949. James and Nannie are buried in the Middleburg Cemetery in Casey Co.

According to her obituary, which appeared in the Casey County News of Sep., 1948, Sabra was a graduate of Georgetown College and was a teacher by profession.

Obituary:

Miss Sabra Coffey died in the Danville hospital about 6:30 am on Thursday September 23,1948. She was born in Yosemite, the daughter of J.K. Coffey and Nannie Tilford Coffey. Her grade and high school work was done in Middleburg where she spent most of her life. After graduating from Georgetown College, she chose teaching as a profession and gave 21 years to this work. She taught two years in Monticello, one year in Bainbridge Georgia, fourteen years in Muhlenburg county and four years in Middleburg. Surviving relatives are her aged mother, Mrs. J.K. Coffey of Middleburg,two sisters, Mrs. Wyatt Combest of Shelby City, and Mrs. Philip Jasper of Danville. One half sister, Mrs. Nora Toms of Indianapolis, one half brother, Reid Coffey of Phil, two nephews and one niece.

Sabra was buried on Sep. 27, 1848 in the Middleburg Cemetery.

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






*Location given in obituary. Delayed death certificate named Middleburg in Casey Co. as her birthplace.
**Date given in obituary. Death certificate gives death date as Sep. 25, 1948.

Zebulon Vance and Mary Josephine Wright Dalton

Zebulon Vance (Zeb) Dalton, born Aug., 1860 in North Carolina, is thought to be a son of Bradley and Dicey A. Dalton of Rutherford Co., NC. He married Mary Josephine Wright c1894 in North Carolina, a daughter of Thomas A. and Margaret Ann Coffey Wright. Zeb died Jan. 23, 1927 in Mobscott, Raleigh Co., WVa.

Given his age (39) at the time of marriage to Mary, Zeb was apparently married at least once before. In the 1900 census, the first in which he and Mary would appear as a family, Mary reported that she and Zeb had been married for six years and, that she was the mother of five children but only four were living.

The eldest child in the 1900 household was Corah* [sic], age 11, born 1888. Mary was still married to Tilmon Gragg at that time. Other children in the 1900 household was Clyde V., born May, 1895 and, Nola Frenise [sic], born Aug. 7, 1903. I have not yet determined the location of Mary's other three children in 1900.

Mary was born Oct. 18, 1867 in Kelsey**, Watauga Co., NC, near Coffey's Gap and died Jan. 31, 1944, also in Mobscott. She and Zeb are buried at the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, Raleigh Co., WVa.

Prior to her marriage to Zeb, Mary had married Tilmon Monroe Gragg on Mar. 3, 1888 in Caldwell Co. Tilmon was born Feb. 1858 in Caldwell Co., and died Dec. 12, 1928 in Camden Co., NC. he was a son of Edmond and Indiana Isabelle Gragg Gragg.

Their children were: William Henderson, born Jan. 14, 1884, died Oct. 28, 1946, married Mary Etta Coffey, a daughter of George Washington (Wash) and Matilda (Tilda) Coffey Coffey. The second child was Rhett, born May, 1886; the third Alverdia, born Mar., 1893.

After Zeb's death, Mary married Ed Foster. There are no known children from this union. I have not yet been able to find additional information about Ed.

Henderson, Mary's son by Tilmon Gragg, fathered at least 10 children by Mary Etta Coffey and, will be the subject of a future blog.

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





*I have just learned that Corah [Cora] was actually the daughter of Mary and Tilmon.

**The old home-store sat beside what is now the Collins Road and NC Hwy 221, the old Foscoe Road. Some locals referred to that area as Coffey's Gap. Mary's parents, Thomas and Margaret Coffey Wright, later sold the place to William Washington Collins, a native of Georgia.

Robert Arthur Wright Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Comments!

Most visitors to this blog read and take whatever info they receive without question.

At least, without questioning me!

This is not good!

Your input is needed in order for the genealogies that I write about to be as accurate as possible.

Sometimes I do receive input from readers. But for the most part, they write anonymously.

So:

Dear Anonymous:

Corrections to my files are never made on information received anonymously, especially when accuracy is in question!

Hopefully, most readers realize that the information I post is not ever 100% accurate. For that reason, my e-mail address is included with each blog, along with an invitation to the reader to contact me with additions and/or corrections.

I require "registration" before anyone can post a comment. This is not to restrict anyone from leaving a legitimate response, but is an effort to keep the scummy spammers from posting comments.

So, do not just tell me I'm wrong! Let's discuss it!

If you are really interested in what is posted in this blog, don't "hit and run."

Start an info exchange with me. After all, it seems that we are both interested in obtaining the most accurate information available.

If you steadfastly believe your research is 100% accurate, don't write! There won't be an opportunity for us to have a congenial discussion.

And finally: If you cannot be nice, don't write. I respond better to nice e-mail than I do to ones of an accusatory style.

I can be reached at the following e-mail address:

Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey

No longer a valid offer!


I have created a website for descendants of Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey.


The site can be found by clicking on this blog's title.


The information is available on CD from Jack Coffee, 110 Lydia Road, St. Joseph, LA 71366. Please include $7.50 for postage and materials.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lida Anne Faxon

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

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

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

Services will be private.

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

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

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

Clyde Lester and Katherine G. Coffey Dula

Corrected Feb. 3, 2011 - See highlighted below.

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Clyde Lester Dula was a son of Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula. He was born Jun. 23, 1893 in Watauga Co., NC and died Aug. 2, 1973 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.

Clyde first married Bertha May Robbins on Sep. 18, 1915 in Caldwell Co. They were parents of five daughters, three of which were still born between Mar. 1916 and Mar., 1918. Two daughters survived: Mary Elise, born Feb. 8, 1923 in Watuaga Co., and Anna Mae, born Sep. 19, 1926 in Iredell Co., NC.

The WW1 draft registration files show that Clyde registered in Watauga Co. on Jun. 5, 1917. He was described as being of medium height and build with brown eyes and hair. He gave his age as 23 years, born Jul. 23, 1893 in Kelsey [Watauga Co.], NC. Clyde was employed as an Engineer with the Boone Fork Lumber Co. at Shulls Mill and resided in that community with his wife [not named on the registration card].

Katherine G. Coffey

They divorced sometime before Mar. 15, 1948* when Clyde married his second cousin, Katherine** Gwendolyn Coffey, a daughter of Austin Blaine and Anna Mahalia (Hailey) Harris Coffey. Katherine was born Aug. 1, 1919 in Watauga Co., and died Aug. 19, 1997 in North Carolina.

Katherine and Clyde were parents of at least four children, again all daughters for Clyde. The first known child was Brenda Gail, born 1942, followed by a still born daughter on Dec. 13, 1943. The third child was Linda Jane, born 1945 and last was Mary Katherine, born 1946.

Bertha May Robbins Coffey was born Mar. 9, 1897 in Watauga Co. She never remarried, and died on Jun. 23, 1982 in Avery Co., NC.

Contact me at the e-mail address below to add to or correct this information.

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*There seems to be a problem with the marriage date vs: birth dates of children.  However, the marriage record reports that date:

Groom's Name: C. L. Dula Groom's Birth Date: 1890 Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: 58 Bride's Name: Gwendolyn Coffey Bride's Birth Date: 1920 Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: 28 Marriage Date: 15 Mar 1948 Marriage Place: Avery County, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: A. H. Dula Groom's Mother's Name: Mary Jane Dula Bride's Father's Name: Blane Coffey Bride's Mother's Name: Haley Coffey Groom's Race: White Groom's Marital Status: Unknown Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: White Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M73603-9 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 1689181 Reference Number: cn940

**Spelled Catherine in her obituary

Boone Coffey

I recently received a clipping from the Apr. 14, 1995 edition of the Watauga Democrat, published in Boone, Watauga Co., NC. Lead to the article was "Remembering Boone Coffey: Kermit Storie Recalls Days With Famed Hunter".

Boone Coffey was the son of Solomon Coffey and his wife Lucy. Solomon was born about 1811 in North Carolina. Lucy was born around the same year in North Carolina. They appeared in the 1870 census of Blue Ridge Twp., Watauga Co. as a family of seven. Children at home that year were Louisa, age 28; Sarah, age 26; Lisa, age 24; Boon [sic], age 21; Jones, age 18; and Lewis, age 16.

I was unable to find Boone in the 1880 or 1910 census, and find him next in the 1920 Blue Ridge Twp. census. He was 68 years old then, unmarried, and headed a family that included only his unmarried sisters: Sarah, age 71 and Eliza, age 70.

In 1930, at age 81, he was still unmarried and living alone in the Blue Ridge. North Carolina death records show that Boone died on May 23, 1932 in Watauga Co.

According to the memory of Kermit Storie, Boone was a "...hunter and that is what he did - hunted all his life." Kermit gave his own birth year as 1918 and said that he was about 14 years old when Boone died. During those years that Kermit was growing up he often looked after Boone and his sisters who lived in the Aho community.

Their home was a "large wood-frame house" that sat on 301 acres. "We never did know how Boone was able to accumulate all that land," Storie related. "It was quite unusual for a black man to own property in those days, and very unusual for a black man to be a major landowner..." According to Storie, Boone and his sisters lived on one end of the house, leaving the other half available to guests of any color.

Kermit and his wife were guests of Boone and his sisters on his wedding night.

After Boone died, his property was split up among a number of buyers, some of it to developers. One of the developements referred to in the article is the Greystone IV.

Undoubtedly, Solomon and his family were slaves at one time. The article indicates that Boone's sisters had been slaves. Because Boone was born in c1849 he too was likely held in bondage along with the remainder of his siblings.

I would like to think that the family's large land holdings came from a benefactor, perhaps their former "master."

Contact me at the e-mail address below for more information.

Roby Monroe and Annie Lee Wright Coffey (Update Jul 21, 2008)

Roby Monroe Coffey and Annie Lee Wright were married in Watauga Co., NC on Mar. 19, 1903. Annie was the daughter of Thomas A. and Margaret Ann Coffey Wright, and was born Jul. 27, 1885 in Caldwell Co., NC. She and Roby were several times cousins, the closest being second. Both counted Jesse and Margaret Edmiston Coffey in their ancestry.

Roby was born Mar. 20, 1881 in Caldwell Co. to George Washington "Wash" and Matilda "Tilda" Coffey Coffey. "Wash" was a son of William Clayton and Sarah Greene Coffey while "Tilda" was the daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey. "Wash" and "Tilda" were also cousins, and Jesse Calton was a nephew of William Clayton.

Roby died of a coronary occlusion on Oct. 1, 1955 and is buried at Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery near Boone, Watauga Co., NC. Annie died of breast cancer on Dec. 11, 1951 in Caldwell Co., and is also buried at Boone Fork.

Roby was the ninth of 11 children born to "Wash" and "Tilda."

Children born to Roby and Annie were nine:

Lena Mae, born Dec. 13, 1903 - Lena married George Norvell Fox on Apr. 10, 1927 in Carter Co., TN. George was born May 7, 1902 to John Lee and Jodie Ella Shook Fox. Lena died in 1979; a death date for George has not been found.

Lela Nancy, born May 20, 1906 married Ralph Washington Jones. Their children were: George Sylvester, born Jun. 3, 1927; Thelma, born Jan. 29, 1930, died Dec. 14, 2006; Ralph, Jr., born Mar. 6, 1936; Imogene, born Dec. 29, 1939; Paul Stewart, born Sep. 15, 1942 and an unnamed daughter born Dec. 4, 1948. Lela died May 7, 1969 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC. She is buried at Harris Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Hudson, Caldwell Co. Ralph died Jul. 14, 1987 in Lenoir and is also buried at Harris Chapel.

Bina Lee, born Jun. 29, 1909 married Troy Talmadge Coffey. Troy was born Mar. 4, 1906 to George Calvin and Louisa Curtis Coffey. George Calvin and Roby Monroe were many times related, the closest being first cousins. Bina and Troy had at least two children: Wayne Lewis, born Oct. 9, 1929 and one daughter born after 1930. Troy died Apr. 18, 1995 in Thomasville, Davidson Co., NC.


Lottie Murl, born Feb. 24, 1912 in Caldwell Co., died May 3, 1998 in Culpeper Co., VA. She married Ralph James Moore on Jan. 21, 1928 in Watauga Co. Their children were: Lonnie Desmon, born Jul. 20, 1928; Collis Eugene, born Dec. 12, 1932; Unnamed, born Dec. 29, 1934; Margaret Ruth, born Dec. 26, 1937; Betty Jean, born Jul. 20, 1939; Jay Harold, born Dec. 21, 1941; and Theodore Monroe, born Dec. 18, 1944. Quite remarkable that five of the seven children were born in Dec., while the other two were born in July.

Cora Lee, born Oct. 18, 1914 in Caldwell Co., died Dec. 31, 1990 in Caldwell Co. She married Earl Miller in Caldwell Co., in 1932. Their children were were all born after 1930.


Ruth, born Dec. 31, 1916, married Edward R. Cook on Aug. 29, 1936 in Watauga Co. No other info.

Frank, born c1919. No other info.

Boyd Ray, born Mar. 26, 1923 in Watauga Co., married Mary Elizabeth Hayes Feb. 23, 1946 in that county. All of their children were born after 1930.

Margaret Allene, born Apr. 7, 1926 in Caldwell Co., died Feb. 10, 1990 in Caldwell Co. She married John Wellington Ford on Jul. 12, 1941 in Watauga Co. John was born in 1923 and died Sep. 7, 1980 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. Their children were: John, Jr., born Sep. 20, 1945, died Dec. 9,1996; Della Mae, born Dec. 23, 1947, died Mar. 12, 1995; and several others born after 1930 and apparently still living. Margaret is buried in the Bolick Cemetery in the Globe Twp., Caldwell Co.


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

Joseph Commodore Church (Updated)

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

Article, unknown newspaper

Joseph Commodore Church

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

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

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


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

Lee Ella Coffey

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

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

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

Hildred Myrt Church

Hildred Myrt Church

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

Vera Ester Coffey

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

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

Article, unknown newspaper

Mrs. Church, 65 Taken by Death

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

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

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

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

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

[Some parts of article were unreadable]

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

Second Generation

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

Obituary

Mrs. Leslie Coffey

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

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

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

Local arrangements were handled by the Hampton Funeral Service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obituary

Mrs. Knight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hildred Church Coffey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

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

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

Sources

1. United States Federal Census for years indicated. [His WW1 Draft Registration gives his birthdate as Jul. 12, 1877].
2. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 . National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. Joseph Commorore Church registered for the draft in Watauga Co. on Sep. 12, 1918. He was of medium height and build with brown hair and eyes. He was 41 yrs. old, born Jul. 12, 1877. Joseph was a resident of Shulls Mills in Watauga Co, was a self-employed farmer and listed Alma, Leslie and Hildred Church of Shulls Mills as his nearest relative[s].
3. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. North Carolina Vital Records, Raleigh, North Carolina. and North Carolina Archives and Records Section. North Carolina County Records, 1908-1967. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Joseph C Church Death Date: 11 May 1956 Death County: not assigned Death State: North Carolina Death Age: 78 Birth Date: 1878 Race: White Source: NC State Archives. North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67.
4. Caldwell County, North Carolina Register of Deed's Index Search, Wayne L. Rash, Register of Deeds online [http://rod.co.caldwell.nc.us/Resolution/search_menu.asp], accessed variously.
5. United States Federal Census. 1910 Watauga Co., Watauga Twp., ED159, Sheet 7A, dwelling 112, family 114, Church, Joseph C., head, male, white, age 32, married twice, this time for 5 yrs., born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Nora R., wife, female, white, age 26, married once for 5 yrs., mother of 3, 2 living, born NC, parents born NC; Leslie C., dau., female, white, age 4, single, born NC, parents born NC; Hildred M., dau., female, white, age 2, single, born NC, parents born NC. [Oscar L. Coffey was the enumerator].
6. Ibid., 5 Jun 1900, Watauga Co. in the household with her parents.
7. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Leslie Kathleen Church Date of Birth: 16 Aug 1905 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield.
8. Historical Studies, Appalachian State University, Department of History (Editors Evelyn G. Shepherd and Brenda M. Greene), compiler, Marriage Register of Watauga County, North Carolina 1873-1954 (Boone, Watauga Co., NC: Dept. of Hist., Appalachian State Univ., Boone, NC, 1995). Officiated by M. B. Woosely.
9. Shelby County [TN] Register of Deeds, Shelby Co., TN online [http://register.shelby.tn.us], accessed Various [Results returned as Surname Given Name; Date of Death/Age; County of Death; County/State of Residence; Marital Status; Gender; Race; File No.]. COFFEY LESLIE C 02-24-1977 / 71 GREENE GREENE / TN MARRIED F WHITE 07774.
10. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Hildred Myrul Church Date of Birth: 4 Aug 1907 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield.
11. Greg Catterton, "Coffey Desdndant [sic]," e-mail message from () to Jack Coffee, Sep. 29, 2007. "It is with great sadness for me to tell you my nanny (Hildred Coffey) passed away Saturday night September 29, 2007 at 10:28 PM. She was 100 years old... I was with her in her final moments, and she went very peacefully.".
12. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Dorlas Revonda Church Date of Birth: 4 Jul 1915 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 2 Page: 523.
13. Ibid., Name: Dorlas Revonda Church Date of Birth: 4 Jul 1915 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield.
14. United States Federal Census. 1920 Watauga Co., Watauga Twp., ED164, Sheet 19A, dwelling 260, family 363, Church, Comoador [sic], head, male, white, age 41, born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Vera [sic], wife, female, white, age 28, married, born NC, parents born NC; Leslie, dau, female, white, age 14, single, born NC; Hildred, dau., female, white, age 12, born NC; Archie, son, male, white, age 3 yrs., 3 mos., born NC.
15. Ibid., 1930 Watauga Co., Watauga Twp., ED16, Sheet 1B-2A, dwelling/family 24, Church, J. Com, head, male, white, age 53, married at age 21, born NC, parents born NC, farmer; Church, Vera, wife, female, white, age 41, married at age 26, born NC, parents born NC; Sims, Archie, step-son, male, white, age 13, single, born NC, parents born NC; Coffey, David, father-in-law, male, white, age 76, widower, married at age 35, born NC, parents born NC, laborer on truck farm.
16. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Vera Esther Coffey Date of Birth: 20 Sep 1889 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: David Nathaniel Coffey Parent2 Name: Carolyn Coffey. [A passenger record for Vera sailing from Panama, CZ to NY on 1916 gives her birth year as 1891].
17. New York. Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Micropublication M237. Rolls # 1-675. National Archives, Washington, D.C. and New York. Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Micropublication T715. Rolls # 1-8892. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Name: Vera Sims Estimated birth year: 1891 Age: 25 Gender: Female Port of Departure: Cristobal C Z Ship Name: Panama Port of Arrival: New York, New York Nativity: North Carolina Line: 30 Birth Location: North Carolina Birth Location Other: country Page Number: 28. [Her arrival entry indicates that she was married].
18. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. Name: Vera E Church Death Date: 28 Oct 1954 Death State: North Carolina Death Age: 65 Birth Date: 1889 Source: NC State Archives. North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67.
19. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Leslie Kathleen Church Date of Birth: 16 Aug 1905 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Joseph Commodore Church Parent2 Name: Nora Rebecca Hollifield Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 6 Page: 36.
20. Ibid., Name: Thomas Milton Coffey Date of Birth: 28 Apr 1896 Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Geo Calvin Coffey Parent2 Name: Lou Curtis.
21. North Carolina Death Records, 1968-1996. Name: Thomas Milton Coffey Death Date: 23 Aug 1980 Death City: Hickory (P) Death County: Catawba Death State: North Carolina Death Age: 84 Burial Location: Burial out of state Birth Date: 28 Apr 1896 Birth Location: Tennessee Residence City: Hickory Residence County: Catawba Residence State: North Carolina Gender: Male Race: White Marital Status: Widowed Social Security Number: 410340203 Autopsy: No Institution: General Hospital Attendant: Physician Source: NC Department of Health. North Carolina Deaths, 1979-82.
22. , "Coffey Desdndant [sic]," e-mail to Jack Coffee, Sep. 29, 2007.
23. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: James Herman Coffey Date of Birth: 5 Dec 1904 Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Caldwell Parent1 Name: John W Coffey Parent2 Name: Ella Adelaid Henderson Roll Number: B_C017_68001 Volume: 20-A Page: 35.
24. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc. Name: J. Coffey SSN: 244-14-0751 Last Residence: 28605 Blowing Rock, Watauga, North Carolina, United States of America Born: 5 Dec 1904 Died: Mar 1979 State (Year) SSN issued: North Carolina (Before 1951 ).
25. Letter from Margaret J. Farley (130 West Acadia Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27127) to Jack K. Coffee, Oct. 31, 2006; held by Jack K. Coffee (110 Lydia Road, St. Joseph, LA 71366). Original obituary clipping(s) from Watauga Democrat.. Some information from Margaret via e-mail.
26. Various E-mail sources; see details. "Betty was born in 1934 but not for sure. She died with her [husband[ in 1952. They were in Wilkes Co., NC or state of Virginia when the [automobile] accident occured.".
27. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Robert Herman Coffey Date of Birth: 2 Sep 1931 Birth County: Avery Parent1 Name: Jame Herman Coffey.
28. Social Security Death Index, Master File
. Name: Robert H. Coffey SSN: 245-34-0940 Last Residence: 28605 Blowing Rock, Watauga, North Carolina, United States of America Born: 2 Sep 1931 Died: 24 Jun 1994 State (Year) SSN issued: North Carolina (Before 1951 ).
29. Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Microfilm. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina. Name: Thelma Anne Coffey Date of Birth: 9 Jul 1934 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Avery Parent1 Name: James H Coffey Parent2 Name: H M Church.
30. Ibid., Name: James Norman Coffey Date of Birth: 27 Aug 1939 Gender: Male Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: James Herman Coffey Parent2 Name: Hildred Myrl Church.

Where did they die?

So!

You think you know where your ancestors and their descendants are buried?

You may want to rethink that!

I've just finished checking the death place of several hundred Coffey and collateral families who died in Tennessee. Researchers who sent the information to me were generally correct when recording death dates, but were almost always wrong when it came to recording their death place.

They believed - and in a few cases were correct - that their people died in the county in which they lived and were buried. But, if their people died in a hospital, at a child's home or, a nursing home outside the county of residence, the death will be recorded in the county where the facility is located.

Years ago I went searching for my own father's death certificate. I went to the county in which he lived [and probably died] and could not find his record. I later learned that when he fell ill he was transported to the nearest hospital, which was in an adjoining county and, found his record there.

A death will always be recorded in the county in which the person died.

So, if you have family members who died in Tennessee, check the Shelby County Register of Deeds website. I was tipped off to this website by a Tennessee friend. Part of his e-mail reads:

"The Shelby County, TN, Register of Deeds has merged with the County Archives and they now have statewide indexes for: Death records 1949 to 2005, and for divorce and marriage records from 1980 to 2005."

Good hunting!

Alfred and Martha Ann Bradley Coffey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rose Ann, born c1873. No info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Franklin Coffey (1837-1919)

Franklin was a son of John W. and Rebecca Ragsdale Coffey. He was born in Eadsville, Wayne Co., KY on Jul. 25, 1837 and died there on Sep. 17, 1919. He married Malinda Pratt on May 29, 1955 in Wayne Co. Malinda was born c1837 in Eadsville.

Franklin's death certificate records his mother's maiden name as Rebecca Toler. The same name was given in brother Caleb's death certificate. Caleb died on Nov. 29, 1923 in Wayne Co. Both were buried in the Coffey family cemetery at Eadsville. Although no record has been found, Malinda is presumed to be buried there as well.

There were at least nine children born to Franklin and Malinda:

Ellen T., born Mar. 5, 1857 in Eadsville, died there Mar. 10, 1942. According to her death certificate, Ellen died single and of cancer. She was buried at Parmley's Grove in Monticello, Wayne Co.

Caleb Thomas, born Nov. 13, 1858 in Eadsville, died of choleocystitis there on Aug. 25, 1935. He is also buried in the Coffey cemetery. He married Roseline Arthur [date unknown], who was born c1855 in Eadsville and died May 18, 1930 in Wayne Co. She was the daughter of John and Frankie Dean Arthur. Known hildren born to Caleb and Roseline were Grover Cleveland (Cleve), Sep. 4, 1886-Jan. 3, 1869, married Ora M. Alley; and Wilburn Hugh, born Oct. 12, 1898 [no other info].

Henry Clay, born Jan. 15, 1859 in Eadsville, died of heart failure on Sep. 11, 1941 in Monticello. He married Dora Conn [no other info]. Known children were Cell, born Feb. 3, 1896, died Oct. 14, 1964; William born May 15, 1898 [no other info].

Eliza J., born Dec. 8, 1864 in Eadsville and, died there of pneumonia on May 17, 1922. According to her death certificate she was married at the time of death but, I do not know her husband's name.

Luetta, born c1866 in Eadsville and enumerated in 1920 in Wayne Co. as a single woman in the household with her sister Ellen.

Lewis, born Oct. 2, 1873 in Eadsville, died by drowning [apparent suicide] Jul. 24, 1937 in Eadsville. He married Josie Ann Daffron [date not known], born Mar. 21, 1881 at Eadsville, and died there on Sep. 2, 1933. Their known children were: Dewey Herbert, born 1899; Aaron, born 1900; Albert R., born c1903; Zona, born c1907; Otha, born c1908; and Robert, born c1911.

Rella [?] F., born c1876 at Eadsville; married a Rankin [no other info].

Braxton, born c1879 [no other info].

Please contact me with corrections and/or additions.

Lawson H. Coffey - Update 5/24/2010

Updates highlighted

1. Lawson H. COFFEY was born on Aug 15, 1820.1,2

[Although the Warde1 report indicates that Lawson was born in Indiana, all census records indicate that he was born in Iowa. The census records could be in error or, the enumerator using the accepted abbreviation of Iowa (IA) for Indiana.]

[Census records indicate that Lawson might have been born closer to 1823.]

He died on Aug 7, 1904 in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO and buried at Jennings Cemetery.

Obituary, The Albany Ledger, Albany, MO, Aug. 19, 1904, Page 2


(Provided to Coffey Cousins by Margaret Wooderson)

Lawson Coffey, Sr., was born in Owen county, Indiana, August 15, 1820, and grew up to be a quiet, orderly young man. He was highly esteemed by all, spent much of his time in the employ of his brother-in-law, David Allen, in buying and selling stock. In his business transactions he was regarded as trustworthy, honest, and reliable. He was baptized and united with the Baptist church at Bethel, Owen County, Indiany [sic], about 60 years ago, and always took delight in the old songs that were sung by many sweet, famillar [sic] voices now hushed in death.

In 1850 he was united in marriage with Polly Adoline [sic] Litton. Two boys were the result of this union, one of whom is still living. His first wife died in 1857 and he was united in marriage with Eliza Ann Campbell, on the 15th day of August, 1858. Eight children were the result of this union, 5 boys and 3 girls, 6 of whom are now living - 4 boys and 2 girls.

He moved from Indiana to the village of Alanthus, Mo., in Gentry county, one of the most beautiful garden spots in the world. In 1856, he united with the Christian church in Alanthus, Mo, about 30 years ago and lived a quiet and peaceable life of faith and hope, and was regarded by all as a faithful brother and friend whose voice was always heard on the side of right. No one loved quiet and order better than he. In his home he struggled to rule in love, and was always happy in the joy and happiness of loved ones there.

His faithful companion will miss him most of all, for she has stood by him and he has been her constant care during the long years he has been a patient sufferer.

He came to the end of life's journey on Sunday at 12:30 a.m., August 7, 1904. The funeral took place at the Baptist church, conducted by Elder J. H. Coffey, August 9, at 10:00 a.m., after which all that was mortal of Lawson Coffey, Sr., was laid to rest in the Jennings cemetery to await the resurrection morning.

Elder J. H. Coffey

He was buried in Aug 1904 in Jennings Cemetery, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO.3

[His obituary says that he was born in Owen Co., IN, but that is probably too early for this family to have moved there.]

[It also relates that his first wife Polly, died in 1857 after giving birth to two sons. It also provides the date for his marriage to Eliza. They later moved to Gentry Co., MO.]

Lawson H. COFFEY and Mary Adeline (Polly) LITTON were married on Feb 1, 1850 in Indiana.4 Mary Adeline (Polly) LITTON (daughter of Joel LITTON and Sarah BRIDGES) was born in Monroe Co., IN on Oct 25, 1827. She died in 1857 in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO. Lawson H. COFFEY and Mary Adeline (Polly) LITTON had the following children:

2 i. Columbus COFFEY was born in Iowa about 1851. He died on May 1, 1895 in Gentry Co., MO.5 He was buried in May 1895 in Jennings Cemetery, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO.3

From the Warde1 report:

"1860 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., District 63 (part 2) Hugginsville post office census under "Coffee" lists Lawson, Eliza, Columbus age 9 and Noah age 7. Someone else transcribed the same census in 1956 naming children as Columbine age 9 and Noah age 7. According to the Coffey family bible, Columbus and Noah were the children of Lawson Howard Coffey and 1st wife Matilda Adeline Litten b. 25 Oct. 1827 and Columbus was born in 1845. If this is so, then the Grave in Jennings Cem. Gentry Co., MO. next to Lawson Howard is his son. Marker says Columbus Coffey, died 5/1/1895 at age 50. This would match the family bible death records."

3 ii. Noah COFFEY was born in Iowa about 1853.

Lawson H. COFFEY and Eliza Ann CAMPBELL were married on Aug 15, 1858 in Monroe Co., IN. They appeared in the census on Jul 19, 1860 in Gentry Co., MO.6

The children in the 1860 census may be those by Lawson's first wife, Mary "Polly" Litton.

They appeared in the census on Aug 23, 1870 in Gentry Co., MO.7 They appeared in the census on Jun 19, 1880 in Gentry Co., MO.8

[His obituary indicates that he and Eliza Ann were the parents of 5 boys and 3 girls. One boy is missing from this genealogy and needs to be identified.]

Eliza Ann CAMPBELL (daughter of William CAMPBELL and Artie ROUNDTREE) was born in Monroe Co., Moreau Twp., IN on Jun 18, 1836.9 She appeared in the census on Apr 18, 1910 in Gentry Co., MO.10 She died of gangrene and organic heart disease on Mar 6, 1915 in Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.11

Obituary from The Herald newspaper:

Eliza A. Coffey was born in Monroe county, Mo., June 18th, 1836, and died in Stanberry [sic], Mo., March 6th, 1915, aged 78 years, 7 months and 12 days. [recalculation shows that she was aged 78 years, 8 months and 18 days of age at time of death] She was the wife of Lawson Coffey, who preceded her in death Aug. 4, 1901. They moved to Gentry county in their early married life and this has been her home for nearly 50 years.

To this union were born eight children - five boys and three girls. Wm. A. died when about two weeks old; Amanda E., wife of Charley Rainey, who died Oct. 29, 1899; Richard B., and Geo. S. Coffey, of Stanberry, Mo.; Mrs. M. F. Barton, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Chas. T. of Deadwood, S.D.; Lawson, Jr.; [sic] of Phoenix, Ariz.; Mrs. S. L. Rodecker of Topeka, Kans.

(Grandma Coffey confessed her faith in Christ when 18 years of age and for 60 years she has been true to her convictions. She had a wonderful memory and a great vitality, always cheerful, even when suffering great pain.)

The funeral services were held at her Stanberry residence, conducted by Eld. Lee. H. Barnum, and assisted by Bros. Wilkins and Tandy. A farther [sic] service was held in Alanthus by Eld. Henry Smith at the church. Interment in Jennings cemetery Tuesday afternoon.

Peaceful be thy rest, dear mother.
'Tis sweet to breath thy name;
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

More and more each day we miss you,
Friends may think the wound is healed,
But they little know the sorrow
That lies within our hearts concealed.

Through the columns of the Herald we desire to thank all the neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our mother. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The Coffey Children

A handwritten note attached to the obituary reads:

"Statement by Mrs. Dora (Coffey) Miller Granddaughter of Reuben Coffey the 2nd of Owen Co., Ind. and his wife Exea Sophronia Stepp

Mrs. Miller lives in Stanberry Mo.

Many of his grandchildren live there.

This is the obituary of Eliza Ann Campbell Coffey wife of Lawson Coffey.

They were married at Sweet Home Mo. on horseback but I have not been able to find marriage record as they tell me the court house was not there in Maryville Mo. at that time

The Mrs. Barton mentioned is Mrs. Mary Francis [sic] Boatwright. In later years she married Rev. H. C. Barton, a Baptist Minister. She died in St. Joseph, MO."


She was buried in Mar 1915 in Jennings Cemetery, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO. Lawson H. COFFEY and Eliza Ann CAMPBELL had the following children:

+4 i. Richard Bill COFFEY, born on Dec 2, 1860, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO12; married Ella ROSS, on Aug 28, 189513; died on Jan 25, 1930, Gentry Co., MO.
+5 ii. Amanda E. COFFEY, born on Jan 2, 1862, Gentry Co., MO14; married Charles RAINEY, on Dec 2, 188615; died on Oct 29, 1896, Gentry Co., MO.
+6 iii. George Lafayette COFFEY, born on May 26, 1863, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO16; married Gertrude DERR, on May 24, 189417; married Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN, on Aug 12, 1907, Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., KS18; died on Jul 20, 1945, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO19.
+7 iv. Mary Frances COFFEY, born on May 23, 1867, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO20; married Martin Perry WALKER, on Dec 4, 188121; married David B. BOATWRIGHT, on Sep 6, 188922; married John BARTON; died in 1920.
8 v. Charles T. H. COFFEY was born in Missouri on Dec 15, 1870.23
+9 vi. Lawson Sylvester COFFEY, born on Jan 4, 1874, Missouri24; married Robbie H. __________, about 1908; died on Aug 11, 1951, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.
10 vii. Cornella F. COFFEY was born in Missouri on Feb 10, 1878.25

Second Generation

4. Richard Bill COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO on Dec 2, 1860.12 He died on Jan 25, 1930 in Gentry Co., MO. He was buried in Jan 1930 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

Obituary, Stanberry Headlight 26 July 1945

George L. Coffey

A resident of Stanberry and Alanthus for many years, died last Friday at St. Joseph. Services were held Sunday from the Phillips Mortuary by Lawrence H. Cox, pastor of the Stanberry Baptist Church, interment in High Ridge Cemetery. The son of Lawson & Eliza Ann Coffey, born 26 May 1863 at Alanthus Grove, was 82 years of age. United with the Christian Church early, married Miss Gertrude Dorr 24 May 1894 and had one son, Earl. Married Miss Elsie Randleman 12 Aug. 1907 & parents of two sons, William Lawson Coffey & Otto Marion Coffey; a brother Lawson L. Coffey of Los Angeles.

Richard Bill COFFEY and Ella ROSS were married on Aug 28, 1895.13 Ella ROSS was born on Apr 22, 1872.13 She died on Jan 14, 1935 in Gentry Co., MO.13

Obituary, Stanberry Headlight 20 June 1935

Dau. of John A. & Martha (Howell) Ross; m. Richard B. Coffey 28 Aug. 1895; died at the home of her sister, Mrs. B. R. Williams in Macon, MO., born 22 March 1872.

She was buried in Jan 1935 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

5. Amanda E. COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Gentry Co., MO on Jan 2, 1862.14 She died on Oct 29, 1896 in Gentry Co., MO. She was buried in Nov 1896 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.

Amanda E. COFFEY and Charles RAINEY were married on Dec 2, 1886.15 Charles RAINEY was born on Aug 4, 1862. He died on Jun 6, 1922 in Gentry Co., MO. He was buried in Jun 1922 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.26 Amanda E. COFFEY and Charles RAINEY had the following children:

+11 i. Frank Lester RAINEY, born on Jul 26, 1889, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO27,28; married Agnes Catherine (Tot) ROETTGER; died on Apr 13, 1975, Gentry Co., MO.
12 ii. Charles Frederic RAINEY was born on Jul 21, 1894.29
13 iii. Goldia M. (Goldie) RAINEY was born on Jul 30, 1896.30 She died on Mar 3, 1918 in Gentry Co., MO.13 She was buried in Mar 1918 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

6. George Lafayette COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO on May 26, 1863.16 He died on Jul 20, 1945 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.19

George L. Coffey Obituary: From the Stanberry Headlight News Paper dated 7/26/1945

George L. Coffey Died Last Friday

Well known resident of Stanberry and Alanthus succumbed last Friday. Funeral here Sunday.

Geo. L. Coffey, for many years a well-known resident of Stanberry and Alanthus, died last Friday at St. Joseph. He had been in ill health for several years.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Phillips Mortuary, conducted by the Rev. Lawrence H. Cox, pastor of the Stanberry Baptist church. Interment was in the High Ridge Cemetery.

Mr. Coffey, the son of Lawson and Eliza Ann Coffey, was born on May 26, 1863, at Alanthus Grove, MO. He was 82 years old at the time of his death. He was a member of one of the pioneer families of Gentry County and, with the exception of a few years spent in Oklahoma, the greater part of his life was spent in the county.

In early life, Mr. Coffey united with the Christian church and remained loyal in that faith throughout his life. For many years he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and he had many friends and acquaintances in this and the Alanthus vicinity.

He was married on Aug. 12, 1894, to Miss Gertrude Dorr. They were the parents of one son, Earl, who lives in Oklahoma.

He was married on Aug. 12, 1907, to Miss Elsie Randleman. They are the parents of two sons, William Lawson and Otto Marion. Both are in service in the Navy, the former being stationed at a California camp and the latter serving in the South Pacific.

In addition to the three sons, Mr. Coffey is survived by one brother, Lawson L. Coffey, of Los Angeles, and by several nephews and nieces. There are numerous other relatives and friends left to mourn his death.

He was buried on Jul 29, 1945 in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.13

George Lafayette COFFEY and Gertrude DERR were married on May 24, 1894.17

[Other genealogies and the obituary for George L. Coffey indicates that Gertrude's maiden name was Dorr. The cited Bible reference gives her name as Dean.]

Gertrude DERR was born on Feb 13, 1868.31

The page that this family records appears on is in family order; e.g., father, mother, children. Gintie appears to be a misspelling of Gertie.

George Lafayette COFFEY and Gertrude DERR had the following children:

14 i. Richard Earl COFFEY was born in Oklahoma on Dec 7, 1895.32 He registered for the WWI draft on May 25, 1917 in Edmond, Oklahoma Co., OK.33

George Lafayette COFFEY and Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN were married on Aug 12, 1907 in Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., KS.18 They appeared in the census on Jan 6, 1920 in Gentry Co., MO.34 Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN (daughter of Joseph Marion RANDLEMAN and Mary Jane HALTERMAN) was born in Warren Co., IA on Oct 11, 1881.35 She died on Apr 24, 1954 in Santa Ana, Orange Co., CA. George Lafayette COFFEY and Elsie Jane RANDLEMAN had the following children:

+15 i. William Lawson COFFEY, born on May 21, 1908, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO5; married Jeanette Louise Caroline SWORE; died on Sep 24, 1978, Sun City, Riverside Co., CA.
+16 ii. Otto Marion COFFEY, born on Jun 4, 1910, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO36; married Marjorie L. STEWART; died on May 2, 1971, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA.

7. Mary Frances COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO on May 23, 1867.20 She appeared in the census on Jun 15, 1900 in Gentry Co., MO.37 She died in 1920.

[The Salathiel Coffey book indicates that Mary Francis died in infancy.]

Mary Frances COFFEY and Martin Perry WALKER were married on Dec 4, 1881.21 Martin Perry WALKER was born on May 11, 1862.38 Mary Frances COFFEY and Martin Perry WALKER had the following children:

+17 i. Daisy WALKER, born on Dec 15, 188239; married James Lowry GRANTHAM, on May 10, 1900; died on Feb 6, 1966.
+18 ii. Elza Ackert WALKER, born on Aug 21, 1884, Alanthus Grove, Gentry Co., MO40; married Bertha Etta (Cookie) COFFEY; married Jennie HANSEN; died in Nov 1949, Buchanan Co., MO11.

Mary Frances COFFEY and David B. BOATWRIGHT were married on Sep 6, 1889.22 David B. BOATWRIGHT was born in Montgomery Co., MD in Nov 1850.41 He was buried in Kingfisher Co., OK. Mary Frances COFFEY and David B. BOATWRIGHT had the following children:

+19 i. Bertha M. BOATWRIGHT, born on Jun 12, 189042; married Manly JUDD, on Jun 6, 190443.

Mary Frances COFFEY and John BARTON were married. John BARTON [Still being researched]

9. Lawson Sylvester COFFEY (Lawson H.-1) was born in Missouri on Jan 4, 1874.24 He appeared in the census on Apr 9, 1930 in Los Angeles Co., CA.44 He died on Aug 11, 1951 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Lawson Sylvester COFFEY and Robbie H. __________ were married about 1908. They appeared in the census on Apr 29, 1910 in Gentry Co., MO.45 Robbie H. __________ was born in Missouri about 1887.

[Gertrude had a daughter Blanche, born c1887 in Kansas.  She appeared in the 1910 household with her mother and brother in Edmond, Oklahoma Co., OK and was employed as a teacher in the city school.  Blanche's father is unknown.]




Sources

1. Descendants of Lawson H. Coffey, Genealogy Report, Dec. 30, 2004, Sandra Warde (Sandra.Warde@maotis.ang.af.mil) (Tp: xxx-xxx-xxxx). "Lawson H.7 Coffey (Benjamin Reuben6, Reuben5, John4, Edward3, John2, Hugh1) was born 15 Aug 1820 in Owen Co., IN...".
2. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Lawson H. Coffey wasa borned August 15th 1820.
3. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/cemeteries/c1000001.txt].
4. Descendants of Lawson H. Coffey, Genealogy Report, Dec. 30, 2004, Sandra Warde (Sandra.Warde@maotis.ang.af.mil) (Tp: xxx-xxx-xxxx). Information about the Lawson H. Coffey family comes entirely from the cited genealogy report.
5. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files).
6. United States Federal Census for years indicated. 1860 Gentry Co., Twp. 63, Hugginsville PO, Page 153, dwelling 1002, family 1008, Lawson Coffee, age 31, male, farmer, $1400, $400, born IA; Eliza, age 24, female, born MO; Columbus, age 9, male, born IA; Noah, age 7, male, born IA.
7. Ibid., 1870 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., Page 1, dwelling/family 5, Coffee [sic] Lawson, age 45, male, white, farmer, $1920, $660, born IN; Eliza A., age 33, female, white, keeping house, born MO; Noah, age 17, male, white, works on farm, born IN; Richard, age 9, male, white, born MO; Amanda, age 6, female, born MO; George, age 5, male, born MO; Mary F., age 3, female, born MO.
8. Ibid., 1880 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., ED271, Page 31, dwelling 214, family 239, Coffey, Lawson, white male, age 57, head, married, farmer, born IA, father born KY, mother born NC; Eliza W., white female, age 44, wife, married, born MO, parents born KY; Coffey, Richard Bell, white male, age 19, son, single, at home, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Amanda E., white female, age 16, dau., single, at home, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; George S., white male, age 15, son, single, at home, born IA, father born IA, mother born MO; Mary F., white female, age 13, dau., single, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Chas. T. N., white male, age 9, son, single, at home, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Lawson S., white male, age 6, son, single, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO; Cornella N., white female, age 2, dau., single, born MO, father born IA, mother born MO.
9. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Eliza Coffey was borned June 18th 1836.
10. United States Federal Census. 1910 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., ED92, Page 3, dwelling 34, family 35, Coffey, Eliza A., head, female, white, 73, widow, mother of 8, 7 living, born MO, parents born KY.
11. Death Certificate; State of Missouri; (Missouri State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics;).
12. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Richard Coffey was borned December 2nd 1860.
13. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/cemeteries/campbell-farr.txt].
14. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Amanda A. [sic] Coffey was borned January 2, 1862.
15. Ibid., Charles Rainey and Amanda Coffey was married December 2, 1886.
16. Ibid., George L. Coffey was Borned [sic] 26th of May 1863.
17. Ibid., George L. Coffey was married May 24, 1894 to Geretrude Dean (May 24, 1894).
18. Ibid., George L. Coffey was married to Elsie Rondleman [sic] August 12, 1907 at Leavenworth, Kansas.
19. Rootsweb. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/obits/coffeyg.txt].
20. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Frances M. Coffey was borned May 23rd 1867.
21. Ibid., Martin P. Walker and Mary F. Coffey was married December 4, 1881.
22. Ibid., David B. Coatbright and Mary F. Walker was married September 6, 1889.
23. Ibid., Charles T. H. Coffey was borned December 15, 1870.
24. Ibid., Lawson L. [sic] Coffey was borned January 14, 1874.
25. Ibid., Nellie N. Coffey was borned February 10, 1878.
26. Rootsweb. Rainey, Charles 1862 - 1922; (grave beside Charles with no marker); Obit: Stanberry Herald 8 June 1922; Charles Rainey b. 4 Aug.1862 d. 6 June 1922, a Standard Oil Representative, m. 1st Amanda Coffey who died 1896 (3 ch) m. 2nd 1907 Lucretia Bell, one child, Eilleen Bell Rainey. [http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mo/gentry/cemeteries/neal-scofield.txt].
27. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Frankie Lester Rainey was born July 26, 1889.
28. Missouri Birth & Death Records Database, Missouri Secretary of State online [http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/birthdeath/births.asp?id=93574], accessed June, 2005. Date of Return: 13 Aug 1889, Rainey, [no first name given], male, first child; born Jul 26, 1889 in Stanberry, MO; Nat of Father: American, [POB not given], age 28; Nat. of Mother: American, [POB not given], [age not given]; Full name of Mother: Amanda Rainey, maiden name: Coffey, residence: Stanberry, MO; Full name of Father: Chas. Rainey, farmer; S. B. Hinkley, MD.
29. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Charles Frederic Rainey was born July 21, 1894.
30. Ibid., Goldia M. Rainey was born July 30, 1896.
31. Ibid., Gintie [sic] M. Coffey was Borned 13th of February 1868.
32. Ibid., Richard Earl Coffey was borned December 7th 1895.
33. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 . National Archives and Records Administration. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. M1509, 20,243 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. Richard Earl Coffey, age 21, born Dec. 7, 1895 near Edmond, OK, registered for the draft on May 25, 1917 in Edmond. He was described as being of medium build and height with blue eyes and brown hair. He was a student with the US Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Roots. He claimed exemption because of his elderly mother. [Fort Logan is in present day North Little Rock, Exit 150 off I-40].
34. United States Federal Census. 1920 Gentry Co., Cooper Twp., Stanberry city, ED87, Sheet 3B, South Maple St., dwelling 58, family 60, Coffey, George L., head, male, white, age 53, married, born MO, father born IN, mother born MO, laborer in packing house; Elsie, wife, female, white, age 39, married, born IA, father born IN, mother born IA; William L., son, male, white, age 11, born MO, father born MO, mother born IA; Otis M., son, male, white, age 9, borm MO, father born MO, mother born IA.
35. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Elsie Coffey born Oct. 11, 1881.
36. Ibid., Otto Marion Coffey born June 4, 1910.
37. United States Federal Census. 1920 Gentry Co., Wilson Twp., ED91, Sheet 5B, dwelling 99, family 101, Boatwright, Mary F., head, white female, born May 1867, age 33, widow, mother of 3, 3 living, born MO, father born NC, mother born MO; Walker, Elza A., son, white male, born Aug., 1884, age 15, single, born MO, parents born MO, farm labor; Boatwright, Martha M., dau., white female, born Jun, 1890, age 9, born MO, parents born MO.
38. Family Bible, Mrs. Charles Neff Family Bible. The Bible extract was accompanied by an affidavit dated Jan. 28, 1942 in which Mrs. Neff swore before a Notary Public that the copies were a true and phostatic copy taken from the Bible. The only other information given about the Bible is that it was dated 1891. (I (jkcoffee) have a copy of the affidavit and page extracts in my files). Martin P. Walker was born may [sic] 11, 1862.
39. Ibid., Daisy M. Walker was born december [sic]15, 1882.
40. Ibid., Eliza [sic] A. Walker was born august [sic] 21, 1884.
41. Ibid., David B.Boatwright was born november [sic] 1850, Montgomery County, Md.
42. Ibid., Birtha [sic] M. Boatwright was born June 12, 1890.
43. Ibid., Manly Judd and Bertha Boatwright were married Jun6, 1904.
44. United States Federal Census. 1930 Los Angeles Co., Los Angeles, ED730, Sheet 7A, 206 North 6th St., Dwelling 9, Family 13, lodger in boarding house, Coffey, Lawson S., lodger, male, white, age 54, married at age 28, born MO, father born IN, mother born MO, commercial traveler. [No indication of wife's residence].
45. Ibid., 1910 Gentry Co., Cooper Twp., Ward 3, ED84, Sheet 10B, dwelling/family 228, Coffey, Lawson S., head, male, white, age 35, married once for 2 yrs., born MO, father born IN, mother born MO, traveling salesman for packing co.; Coffey, Robbie H., wife, female, white, age 23, married once for 2 yrs., born MO, father born KY, mother born MO.

Other sources include Ancestors of Richard Earl Coffey by Susan Coffey Wooten, received May 23, 2010.