John B. [Bartholomew?] Coffey, occupying a position of
leadership in the ranks of the Republican Party in Oregon ,
and known in business circles of Portland
as an enterprising and successful merchant tailor, has throughout his entire
life been identified with the interests of the state.
He was born in Salem [Oregon ] on the 13th of
September, 1867. His father, James Coffey, a native of Massachusetts ,
became a member of the United States
army and came to Oregon
with Captain Augur, afterward brigadier general, about 1852. He remained for
some time at Fort Hoskins , but subsequently went to Corvallis
and afterward to Salem ,
where he spent his remaining days engaged in the furniture business. He was
police judge and justice of the peace for about fourteen years in that city,
which service won him the title of Squire Coffey. His decisions were strictly
fair and impartial and that his incumbency in office was satisfactory to his
fellow townsmen is indicated by his long retention in the position.
He died December 31, 1888, at the age of fifty-two years.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Harrigan, removed from Massachusetts to California .
Like her husband she was a native of Ireland , both having come to the
new world in early childhood days.
Their marriage was celebrated at San
Francisco and Mrs. Coffey is still living in Portland at the age of seventy-three years.
For a considerable period and at the time of his death, he was a member of the
Pioneer Society.
John B. Coffey was educated in the public schools of Salem and in Willamette
University , and entering business
life, occupied the position of telegraph operator at Salem
until the 14th of September, 1886, when he was transferred to Portland . Here he continued in a similar
position until 1887, when feeling that the opportunity for advancement in that
direction was limited, he turned his attention to the clothing business, in
which he was associated with A. B. Crosman until 1899. In that year he opened
his present merchant tailoring establishment, to which he has given the greater
part of his attention since. He continues one of the leading merchants of this
character in Portland
and draws his patronage from among the best residents of the city.
In other fields Mr. Coffey has become widely known. He is a
leading member of the Portland Lodge of Elks, of which he is a past exalted
ruler. While at the present writing he is filling the office of treasurer. He
has remained in office continuously for nine years. He also belongs to the
Royal Arcanum, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Knights of Columbus and the Knights
and Ladies of Security.
He moreover cooperates in the movements instituted by the
Commercial Club for the development of Portland ’s
interests and the promotion of her growth.
In political connections Mr. Coffey is perhaps even more widely known.
He is recognized as one of the effective workers in the ranks of the Republican
Party and in 1906 was elected to represent his district in the state
legislature. The following year he was a candidate for mayor and ran second
among four contestants. Still higher honors awaited him however. for in 1908 he
was elected to the state senate for a term of four years. He gives to each
question which comes up for settlement his earnest consideration and his endorsement
of any measure is an indication of his honest belief in its efficacy as a
feature of good government or as an element in the promotion of the best
interests of the commonwealth.
Mr. Coffey was married in Portland , Nov. 8, 1893, to Miss Marie Boire,
a daughter of Ludger Boire, of this city.
They have four children:
Genevieve, fifteen years of age; Marian, aged fourteen years; Valiere,
nine years; and James, seven. The family
residence is at No. 449 Benton
street . The
advancement of Mr. Coffey either in business or political circles is not due to
any fortunate combination of circumstances but is the direct and legitimate
result of his own efforts and ability whereby he has come to be known as one of
the foremost residents of Portland .
Source: Gaston, Joseph. Portland
Oregon Chicago , Portland
[NB: Some members
of this family are buried at the Salem Pioneer Cemetery
in Salem ,
Marion Co., OR]
