I am uncertain that any Demasters family researcher has ever conclusively proven that today's more-or-less accepted spelling is correct. Some with whom I I have exchanged information tell me that the name can be found a Demastus, Damastas, etc. I use the spelling that I have most often found; e.g., Demasters.
Mary "Molly" Demasters was born Dec. 4, 1804 (no source) and died before 1860 (no source). She married William Benjamin Coffey on Nov. 13, 1824¹ in Nelson Co., VA, was living in that county at the 1850 census and was a widow there in 1860. She died Apr. 22, 1867 but, her place of burial is not known to me. She was the daughter of John and Martha "Patsy" Moran Demasters. According to a typewritten letter dated Oct. 10, 1934 to Mrs. Leo W. Kasehagen of Washington, D.C., (sender not identified), this couple was married on Jul. 29, 1779 in Lyndhurst, Augusta Co., VA.²
William Benjamin Coffey was born c1805, probably in Nelson Co., VA, to Edmund F. and Elizabeth Burger Coffey. He died on Apr. 22, 1867³ in that county. His burial site is also unknown to me.
To the union was born at least seven children: Morris W.; Martha Ann; Edmund Franklin; Egbert; Nancy; Elizabeth and William Benjamin, Jr.
1) Morris was born Aug. 12, 1825 in Nelson Co. His wife was a double third cousin, Mildred Annister "Milly" Coffey, a daughter of John W. and Margaret Susanna "Susan" Coffey Coffey. John W. was a son of Edmind Steward Coffey, Jr. and his wife Matilda "Tildy" Fitzgerald. Susan's parents were Reuben G. and Nancy Giles Coffey.
Children born to Morris and Milly were Mary Ann Elizabeth (1860-1946), who married Joseph Clay Hewitt (1847-1920). Second was Nicholas Anderson "Nick" (1861-1956) who married his several times cousin, Viola M. A. Coffey, a daughter of George Washington and Rachel A. Campbell Coffey. Next was John Walton Coffey (1866-1945) who also married his several times cousin, Sarah Henry "Sallie" Coffey, a daughter of the George Washington Coffey who married Mary Catherine "Kitty" Demasters. Kitty was a daughter of John and Mary Ann "Polly" Coffey Demasters. Following John Walton was Alice Sophronia "Allie" Coffey (1870-1955). Her husband was Hugh "Hughey" Coffey (c1861-?), a brother to Sarah Henry Coffey.
2) Martha Ann "Patsy" was born c1827 in Nelson Co. Nothing more is know.
3) Edmond Franklin (1829-1906) married twice. His first wife was Mary Jane Camden (c1829-?). Their children were Lucas T. (c1859-?); William Luther (1861-1890) and B. E., a son, born 1866. This son married I. B Jackson on Fb. 3, 1892 in Wythe Co., VA.# His second wife was Sarah Margaret Smith (c1841-?) to whom he was married on Nov. 18, 1867 in Nelson Co.± Their children were Hugh (1869-1870); Mary Jane (c1871-?); Nora Kate (c1872-1940); Elizabeth Dora "Betty" (1873-1954), married Edell Alexander Brown (1870-1933); Cofa Lee (1875-1875); Florence Pearl (1875-1960) and Julie Ann (c1878-?)
4) Egbert, 1831-?) married Martha Monroe on Fe. 23, 1854 in Nelson Co.* Egbert was a volunteer with Co. E., 51st Inf Regt., CSA, Nelson Co. I know of only one child, as son George W., born 1855.
5) Nancy (c1831-?) married Peter S. Fitzgerald on Jan. 18, 1848 in Nelson Co.** Peter and Nancy had at least three children: James W. (1851-?); Sarah Elizabeth, (1850-?) and Napoleon D., (c1866-?). James married Mary S. Coffey, a daughter of William W. and Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey. William W. was a son of William who married Elizabeth Giles and Sarah was a daughter of his brother, Reuben G. Coffey who married Elizabeth's sister, Nancy Giles. Sarah Elizabeth married Lorenzo D. Fitzgerald, a son of Moses W. and Mary Ann Coffey Fitzgerald. I suspect Lorenzo and Sarah Elizabeth were cousins but I cannot find the parents of his mother, Mary Ann Coffey Fitzgerald. Napoleon married Martha Elizabeth Coffey, a daughter of William David "Billy" Coffey and wife Samantha Elizabeth Campbell.
Nothing more is know of child 6) Elizabeth and child 7) William Benjamin, Jr.
Many of these families have descendants. Information on individuals is available. The entire family, including sources, is included on the Edward Coffey Project DVD.
Sources:
¹Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA, Part 2, Page 19, Line 20. This marriage register names the groom as William B. Coffey and the bride as Mary F. Masters with E.F. Coffey and John Masters as security.
²Coffey Cousins' Clearinghouse Newsletter (Jefferson City, MO: Bonnie Culley, March 1996. Winifred, dau. of John and Jane (Jean) Graves Coffee. One of their children, Martha "Patsy" Moran m. John DeMasters. John served in Rev. War and Martha drew a pension on his war record. See Issue 62, page 9 at http://tinyurl.com/qbfdt2c
³Nelson Co., VA Death Register, Page 22, line 5
#"Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRSH-G13 : accessed 25 Feb 2013), B. E. Coffy and I. B. Jackson, 03 Feb 1892; citing reference Page 8-5, FHL microfilm 34255. This child has not been found in the census record with the Edmund F. Coffey who married Mary Jane Camden.
±"Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRZR-CQS : accessed 25 Feb 2013), E. F. Coffey and Sarah M. Smith, 18 Nov 1867; citing reference p 20 ln 54, FHL microfilm 32734.
*Marriage Register, Nelson Co., VA, Part 2, Page 63, Line 11.
**"Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XRZT-QPX : accessed 09 Mar 2013), Peter Fitzgerald and Nancy Coffey, 18 Jan 1848.
Showing posts with label Giles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giles. Show all posts
February 13, 2014
September 7, 2011
Reuben G. & Nancy Giles Coffey
Originally published 2006; revised 9/7/2011. More information on Reuben and his descendants can be found on the Edward Coffey Project DVD.
Reuben G. Coffey, a son of Edmond S. and Nancy Barnett Coffey, was likely born in VA c1777. He died Nov. 24, 1845 in Nelson Co., VA. His wife was Nancy Giles, a daughter of William & Margaret (LNU) Giles on Sep. 5, 1801* in Amherst Co., VA. I have not found any dates for Nancy and their grave sites remain unknown to me.
There were at least 11 children born to this union:
Mildred Ray, born Dec. 20, 1803, died Mar. 14, 1883 in VA. She married John Everitt, born c1806, died Oct. 18, 1892 in Nelson Co. I know of one child, Elias, born Dec. 12, 1842, died Sep. 13, 1931 in Nelson Co. Mildred has a headstone at the Everitt cemetery in Love, Nelson Co. John is probably there as well.
Nancy, born c1808, married Garland G. Coffey, her double first cousin, on Mar. 17, 1825 in Nelson Co. Garland was the son of William and Betsy Giles Coffey, William being brother to Reuben and Betsy, sister to Nancy. There were at least nice children born to this union: William, Nancy, Reuben Wetzel; Jesse C., Elizabeth A., John W., Moses, Harrison, and Alfred James.
Margaret Susanna married her first cousin, John W. Coffey, a son of Edmond and Tildy Fitzgerald Coffey. Edmond was brother to William and Reuben. John was born at White Rock in Nelson Co. c1805 and died there in Mar., 1864. Margaret was born c1810 in Nelson and died there c1877. They had at least four children: Nancy J., Mildred Annister, John Henry, and Colston Harrison.
Winnie, born c1812, married Silas M. Ramsey on May 3, 1834 in Nelson Co. No other information.
Sarah Jane, born c1812, married William W. Coffey, her double-first cousin and son of her uncle William and Aunt Betsy Giles Coffey, on Feb. 18, 1832 in Nelson Co. Their children were James H., Peter Jordan, William Montebello, Robert W., Marvel Maurice, James Rodney, Elizabeth N., Zachariah, and Mary S.
Frances C., born 1813 in Nelson Co., died Nov. 27, 1886 at Massies Mill in Nelson Co. She married Robert Woodson Fitzgerald on Aug. 23, 1830. He was born Oct. 31, 1807 in Nelson Co., died there on Jun. 7, 1886. Both are said to be buried at the Fitzgerald "burying grounds" in Nelson Co. Their children were: Mary Jane, Edward Addison, Philander Hersey; Sarah Ann; Napoleon Dewey, and Josephine.
Reuben C., born c1816 in Nelson Co., died Dec. 16, 1883 in Amherst Co. His spouse was Margaret Bowling, a daughter of William and Martha J. Bowling. Margaret was born c1816 and died Dec. 12, 1883 in Amherst Co. Their children were Marcellus B., and Augustus.
Elizabeth, born c1816, married Joshua Madison Ramsey on Sep. 13, 1850 in Nelson Co. He was a son of William and Catherine Campbell Ramsey, born Oct. 16, 1820 in Rockbridge Co., died Jan. 21, 1897 in VA. I know of one child, Editha, born c1860 in Nelson. Joshua's first wife was Nancy C. Steele, a daughter of John Steele, and Mary Coffey. Mary was a daughter of Edmond and Nancy Barnett Coffey and sister to William and Reuben. Joshua's children with Nancy were: Melvina, Delilah, Dabney Coleman, Andrew Jackson, Mary Susan and Susan Virginia.
Mary, born c1820 in Nelson Co., married Zephaniah Fitzgerald on Aug. 27, 1833 in Nelson Co. He was born c1818 in VA. I know of one child, Achilles Washington, born Aug. 8, 1844, died Feb. 5, 1917 in Nelson Co.
Emily, born c1821 in Nelson Co. No further information.
Lucy Ann, born c1824 in Nelson Co. Lucy married Robert Alexander Fitzgerald on Dec. 17, 1850 in Lovingston, Nelson Co. I do not have their death dates but, both are buried at the Pleas Taylor Family cemetery in Nelson Co.** Lucy and Robert had at least two children: Alexander Robert and Susan Massie.
Nancy Giles Coffey died sometime between 1824 and c1830. It was around 1830 when Reuben G. married Margaret Snead of Nelson Co. They had at least four children: Meredith J., born c1832; James Solomon, born c1835; Missouri A., born c1836 and Amanda Jane, born c1849.
The Will of Reuben G. Coffey:
Will: Reuben G. Coffey Source: Nelson Co., VA Will Book G, Page 173.
Contributor: Shirley Houk
I Reuben G. Coffey, of the County of Nelson & State of Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory, but weak in body, do make and constitute this to be my last will and testament revoking all will or wills made by me.
1st. My desire is that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid in the most convenient way that my executors may think proper, whom I shall hereafter name
2nd. I give to my daughters Betsey and Lucy and my son Reuben C. Coffey my tract of land on the Fork Mountain where Forbesh formerly lived, to be equally divided between them, share and share alike.
3rd. I give to my Reuben C. Coffey, my Cupboard and Bureau extra for past favors he had done for me which he shall not be accountable to my estate for in any future division. I also deem it unnecessary to say anything about the disposition of the negro girl Daskus which I formerly owned as I have heretofore sold and she is now the property of my son Reuben C. Coffey for which he has the bill of sale.
4th. I heretofore sold a tract of land lying on the Fork Mountain known by Clarks place to William W. Coffey for the payment of Six Thousand pounds of Toba which is hereafter to be paid and my desire is that the said sale shall stand good by one third of the payment or bond for said payment to be given to my wife, Margaret on the condition that she joins my executor or legal representative in making right of said to the said William W. Coffey.
5th. I give to my beloved wife, Margaret during her natural life or second marriage the one third part of all my estate of every description, which is not before disposed of to be enjoyed by her and her three children Meredith, Soloman and ____ and at the death of my wife Margaret, or second Marriage, she is at liberty to dispose of ?? childrens part between all my children in any that she may think proper, of the third part left to her.
6th. The other two thirds of my estate, at my death, my desire is that it shall be equally divided between all my children Milly, Polly, Nancy, Susan, Jane, Betsey, Fanny, Reuben, Winny, Lucy, Emily, Meredith, Solomon and ____ share and share alike taking into consideration what I have heretofore advanced to them which advancement I have made in writing.
7th. The One third part of my estate which I gave to my beloved wife Margaret during her natural life or second marriage after the childrens part, I gave her the liberty to take out at her death or second marriage my will is that the balance be also equally divided between all my children as before named share and share
alike.
Lastly I do hereby appoint my son Reuben C. Coffey my executor of this my last will and testament. Given under my hand this 22nd day of September 1825.
Reuben G. (X) Coffey
Witness:
Joseph B. Coffey
Nancy Campbell
Nancy Parrish
Sylvanus Meeks
At a Court held for Nelson County the 2_th day of November 1845 This last will and testament of Reuben G. Coffey decd, was this day presented in said Court and proved by the oaths of Sylvanus Meeks and Joseph B. Coffey, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Reuben C. Coffey the executor named in said Will, who made oath thereto and together with Nelson Clarkson his security entered in and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Six hundred dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining probate of said Will in due form of law. Teste Sp. Garland, Ck.
Update: Mar. 26, 2012
William W. and Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey were parents of at least nine children, one of which was Elizabeth Nancy Jane Coffey, born Jun. 21, 1845. On Jan. 27, 1870 she was married to John N. Martin in Nelson Co.
Yesterday, I received this photo of Elizabeth N. J. from Jinni Kerdi, a great-granddaughter.
*Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940 at www.familysearch.org. See also "My Virginia Kin", 1958,Press-Journal Pub. Co., p64.
**This cemetery is located off the Mill Creek School Road on private land owned by Larry and Nancy Long of Richmond, VA. Source notes about this cemetery indicate that it is "In very sad state of disrepair."
Reuben G. Coffey, a son of Edmond S. and Nancy Barnett Coffey, was likely born in VA c1777. He died Nov. 24, 1845 in Nelson Co., VA. His wife was Nancy Giles, a daughter of William & Margaret (LNU) Giles on Sep. 5, 1801* in Amherst Co., VA. I have not found any dates for Nancy and their grave sites remain unknown to me.
There were at least 11 children born to this union:
Mildred Ray, born Dec. 20, 1803, died Mar. 14, 1883 in VA. She married John Everitt, born c1806, died Oct. 18, 1892 in Nelson Co. I know of one child, Elias, born Dec. 12, 1842, died Sep. 13, 1931 in Nelson Co. Mildred has a headstone at the Everitt cemetery in Love, Nelson Co. John is probably there as well.
Nancy, born c1808, married Garland G. Coffey, her double first cousin, on Mar. 17, 1825 in Nelson Co. Garland was the son of William and Betsy Giles Coffey, William being brother to Reuben and Betsy, sister to Nancy. There were at least nice children born to this union: William, Nancy, Reuben Wetzel; Jesse C., Elizabeth A., John W., Moses, Harrison, and Alfred James.
Margaret Susanna married her first cousin, John W. Coffey, a son of Edmond and Tildy Fitzgerald Coffey. Edmond was brother to William and Reuben. John was born at White Rock in Nelson Co. c1805 and died there in Mar., 1864. Margaret was born c1810 in Nelson and died there c1877. They had at least four children: Nancy J., Mildred Annister, John Henry, and Colston Harrison.
Winnie, born c1812, married Silas M. Ramsey on May 3, 1834 in Nelson Co. No other information.
Sarah Jane, born c1812, married William W. Coffey, her double-first cousin and son of her uncle William and Aunt Betsy Giles Coffey, on Feb. 18, 1832 in Nelson Co. Their children were James H., Peter Jordan, William Montebello, Robert W., Marvel Maurice, James Rodney, Elizabeth N., Zachariah, and Mary S.
Frances C., born 1813 in Nelson Co., died Nov. 27, 1886 at Massies Mill in Nelson Co. She married Robert Woodson Fitzgerald on Aug. 23, 1830. He was born Oct. 31, 1807 in Nelson Co., died there on Jun. 7, 1886. Both are said to be buried at the Fitzgerald "burying grounds" in Nelson Co. Their children were: Mary Jane, Edward Addison, Philander Hersey; Sarah Ann; Napoleon Dewey, and Josephine.
Reuben C., born c1816 in Nelson Co., died Dec. 16, 1883 in Amherst Co. His spouse was Margaret Bowling, a daughter of William and Martha J. Bowling. Margaret was born c1816 and died Dec. 12, 1883 in Amherst Co. Their children were Marcellus B., and Augustus.
Elizabeth, born c1816, married Joshua Madison Ramsey on Sep. 13, 1850 in Nelson Co. He was a son of William and Catherine Campbell Ramsey, born Oct. 16, 1820 in Rockbridge Co., died Jan. 21, 1897 in VA. I know of one child, Editha, born c1860 in Nelson. Joshua's first wife was Nancy C. Steele, a daughter of John Steele, and Mary Coffey. Mary was a daughter of Edmond and Nancy Barnett Coffey and sister to William and Reuben. Joshua's children with Nancy were: Melvina, Delilah, Dabney Coleman, Andrew Jackson, Mary Susan and Susan Virginia.
Mary, born c1820 in Nelson Co., married Zephaniah Fitzgerald on Aug. 27, 1833 in Nelson Co. He was born c1818 in VA. I know of one child, Achilles Washington, born Aug. 8, 1844, died Feb. 5, 1917 in Nelson Co.
Emily, born c1821 in Nelson Co. No further information.
Lucy Ann, born c1824 in Nelson Co. Lucy married Robert Alexander Fitzgerald on Dec. 17, 1850 in Lovingston, Nelson Co. I do not have their death dates but, both are buried at the Pleas Taylor Family cemetery in Nelson Co.** Lucy and Robert had at least two children: Alexander Robert and Susan Massie.
Nancy Giles Coffey died sometime between 1824 and c1830. It was around 1830 when Reuben G. married Margaret Snead of Nelson Co. They had at least four children: Meredith J., born c1832; James Solomon, born c1835; Missouri A., born c1836 and Amanda Jane, born c1849.
The Will of Reuben G. Coffey:
Will: Reuben G. Coffey Source: Nelson Co., VA Will Book G, Page 173.
Contributor: Shirley Houk
I Reuben G. Coffey, of the County of Nelson & State of Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory, but weak in body, do make and constitute this to be my last will and testament revoking all will or wills made by me.
1st. My desire is that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid in the most convenient way that my executors may think proper, whom I shall hereafter name
2nd. I give to my daughters Betsey and Lucy and my son Reuben C. Coffey my tract of land on the Fork Mountain where Forbesh formerly lived, to be equally divided between them, share and share alike.
3rd. I give to my Reuben C. Coffey, my Cupboard and Bureau extra for past favors he had done for me which he shall not be accountable to my estate for in any future division. I also deem it unnecessary to say anything about the disposition of the negro girl Daskus which I formerly owned as I have heretofore sold and she is now the property of my son Reuben C. Coffey for which he has the bill of sale.
4th. I heretofore sold a tract of land lying on the Fork Mountain known by Clarks place to William W. Coffey for the payment of Six Thousand pounds of Toba which is hereafter to be paid and my desire is that the said sale shall stand good by one third of the payment or bond for said payment to be given to my wife, Margaret on the condition that she joins my executor or legal representative in making right of said to the said William W. Coffey.
5th. I give to my beloved wife, Margaret during her natural life or second marriage the one third part of all my estate of every description, which is not before disposed of to be enjoyed by her and her three children Meredith, Soloman and ____ and at the death of my wife Margaret, or second Marriage, she is at liberty to dispose of ?? childrens part between all my children in any that she may think proper, of the third part left to her.
6th. The other two thirds of my estate, at my death, my desire is that it shall be equally divided between all my children Milly, Polly, Nancy, Susan, Jane, Betsey, Fanny, Reuben, Winny, Lucy, Emily, Meredith, Solomon and ____ share and share alike taking into consideration what I have heretofore advanced to them which advancement I have made in writing.
7th. The One third part of my estate which I gave to my beloved wife Margaret during her natural life or second marriage after the childrens part, I gave her the liberty to take out at her death or second marriage my will is that the balance be also equally divided between all my children as before named share and share
alike.
Lastly I do hereby appoint my son Reuben C. Coffey my executor of this my last will and testament. Given under my hand this 22nd day of September 1825.
Reuben G. (X) Coffey
Witness:
Joseph B. Coffey
Nancy Campbell
Nancy Parrish
Sylvanus Meeks
At a Court held for Nelson County the 2_th day of November 1845 This last will and testament of Reuben G. Coffey decd, was this day presented in said Court and proved by the oaths of Sylvanus Meeks and Joseph B. Coffey, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Reuben C. Coffey the executor named in said Will, who made oath thereto and together with Nelson Clarkson his security entered in and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Six hundred dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining probate of said Will in due form of law. Teste Sp. Garland, Ck.
 |
| Elizabeth N. J. Coffey Martin |
William W. and Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey were parents of at least nine children, one of which was Elizabeth Nancy Jane Coffey, born Jun. 21, 1845. On Jan. 27, 1870 she was married to John N. Martin in Nelson Co.
Yesterday, I received this photo of Elizabeth N. J. from Jinni Kerdi, a great-granddaughter.
*Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940 at www.familysearch.org. See also "My Virginia Kin", 1958,Press-Journal Pub. Co., p64.
**This cemetery is located off the Mill Creek School Road on private land owned by Larry and Nancy Long of Richmond, VA. Source notes about this cemetery indicate that it is "In very sad state of disrepair."
August 24, 2011
William Richard & Maude Matilda Coffey Dodd
William Richard was a son of Alexander and Mary Alice Anderson Dodd and was born at Massies Mill, Nelson Co., VA in 1874. He married Maude Matilda Coffey, a daughter of Ryland and Martha Wyatt Fortune Coffey on Nov. 26, 1899* in Nelson Co. William died there on Nov. 4, 1965; Mary on Apr. 22, 1963. Both are buried at Hebron Baptist Church cemetery** in Afton, Nelson Co.
William and Maude had at least four children, two of whom married into the Farrar family, also of Nelson Co.
Clark Hampton Dodd, born Oct. 15, 1902 married Russie Farrar on Dec. 22, 1929* in Staunton, VA. Russie was born Aug. 28, 1912 and died Sep. 6, 2005. Clark died Nov. 27, 1986. Both are also buried at Hebron.
Russie was the daughter of Samuel Thomas and Lillie Myrtle Critzer Farrar. Samuel was the son of Seaton and Mary M. Orfliter Farrar. The Farrars are buried at Rodes United Methodist Church*** in Afton.
William and Maude's daughter Roxie, born Apr. 30, 1904, married Russie's brother, Henry Thomas Farrar (date not known). Henry was born Mar. 28, 1904 in Nelson Co. and died Sep. 19, 1959 in Washington, DC. Roxie died in Nelson Co. on Dec. 31, 1968. They too are buried at Hebron.
Ryland Coffey, Maude's father was a son of George Washington and Rachel A. Campbell Coffey. I have not been able to locate details on George or Rachel, but believe he was born c1814 in VA, she c1821 in Nelson Co.
George goes back to Edward through William and Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles Coffey; Edmond S. & Nancy Barnett Coffey; to Edward's son, John and wife Jane Graves.
Seaton Farrar was a son of William H. & Esther Farrar. Mary Orfliter was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Orfliter. Seaton and Mary were married Dec. 31, 1856* in Lovingston, Nelson Co. In the 1850 census, The Farrar and Orfliter families were neighbors in Nelson Co.
* https://www.familysearch.org, Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940,
**Cut and past coordinates into maps.google.com to locate this cemetery: 37 59 19.02, -78 50 3.37
***Use these coordinates to locate Rodes: 37 59 14.08, -78 50 5.68
William and Maude had at least four children, two of whom married into the Farrar family, also of Nelson Co.
Clark Hampton Dodd, born Oct. 15, 1902 married Russie Farrar on Dec. 22, 1929* in Staunton, VA. Russie was born Aug. 28, 1912 and died Sep. 6, 2005. Clark died Nov. 27, 1986. Both are also buried at Hebron.
Russie was the daughter of Samuel Thomas and Lillie Myrtle Critzer Farrar. Samuel was the son of Seaton and Mary M. Orfliter Farrar. The Farrars are buried at Rodes United Methodist Church*** in Afton.
William and Maude's daughter Roxie, born Apr. 30, 1904, married Russie's brother, Henry Thomas Farrar (date not known). Henry was born Mar. 28, 1904 in Nelson Co. and died Sep. 19, 1959 in Washington, DC. Roxie died in Nelson Co. on Dec. 31, 1968. They too are buried at Hebron.
Ryland Coffey, Maude's father was a son of George Washington and Rachel A. Campbell Coffey. I have not been able to locate details on George or Rachel, but believe he was born c1814 in VA, she c1821 in Nelson Co.
George goes back to Edward through William and Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles Coffey; Edmond S. & Nancy Barnett Coffey; to Edward's son, John and wife Jane Graves.
Seaton Farrar was a son of William H. & Esther Farrar. Mary Orfliter was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Orfliter. Seaton and Mary were married Dec. 31, 1856* in Lovingston, Nelson Co. In the 1850 census, The Farrar and Orfliter families were neighbors in Nelson Co.
* https://www.familysearch.org, Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940,
**Cut and past coordinates into maps.google.com to locate this cemetery: 37 59 19.02, -78 50 3.37
***Use these coordinates to locate Rodes: 37 59 14.08, -78 50 5.68
February 9, 2011
Woodson Robert & Frances C. Coffey Fitzgerald
Sorting out the Fitzgeralds, Campbells and Coffeys of Nelson Co., VA is like trying to put 1000 decks of playing cards back together after tossing them into the air during a hurricane! Hopefully, I have correctly put together the following!
[Update: 11-11-11: Thanks to Brad Fitzgerald of Roanoke, VA I have been able to clarify and update some of the information about this family. First and probably most important is the correction of the name Robert Woodson to Woodson Robert. Other chances are noted below.]
Woodson Robert Fitzgerald was born in Nelson Co. on Oct. 31, 1807 and died there on Jul. 7, 1886. He was married on Aug. 23, 1830 to Frances C. Coffey, a daughter of Reuben G. & Nancy Giles Coffey. Reuben P.* [sic] Coffey was security. Readers may know that Reuben was a brother to William who married Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles, both daughters of William and Margaret Giles. (anyone know Margaret's maiden name?) Frances died Nov. 27, 1886 at Massies Mill in Nelson Co. Both are said to be buried at a Fitzgerald Family Cemetery** in Nelson Co.
Their children were at least six. Approximately 4 years passed after their 1830 marriage before the first known child was born so, perhaps at least one other was born before 1834.
The first child was Mary Jane, born Mar. 17, 1834, died Feb. 14, 1922. She married Hezekiah Coffey on Dec. 19, 1855 in Nelson Co. Hezekiah was a son of Edmund Coffey and Martha Snead. He died in July, 1863 at Gettysburg in Adams Co., PA.
They had two children: Martin Marcellus, born Dec. 27, 1854, died Sep. 24, 1932 in Augusta Co., VA. His wife was Teressa Catherine Fitzgerald, daughter of James Milton and Ardenia Coffey Fitzgerald. He and Teressa were married on Dec. 26, 1878 in Nelson Co. Second child was Sarah Frances, born May 10, 1860 in Nelson Co. and, died Nov. 19, 1906. Her husband was David Edward Painter, born to John Painter and Nancy Ellen Fitzgerald on Aug. 22, 1856. He died Jul., 1945 in Nelson Co.
Woodson & Frances' second child was Edward Addison Fitzgerald, born c1838 in Nelson Co., died 1915 in VA. He married Nancy E. Coffey on Jun. 2, 1865 in Nelson Co. Her parents were Holloway Stewart Coffey and his wife, Catherine "Kate" Fitzgerald. Holloway and Frances were first cousins, he a son of William Coffey and Elizabeth Giles. Children of Edward and Nancy - as I know them - were Blanchetta, born c1866, John Silas, born c1868, Edward Alexander, born about May, 1870 and Raleigh Woodson, born Nov. 4, 1880. All were born in Nelson Co.
[Update 11-11-11: Another son, John C. has been found. He was born c1842 in Nelson Co. and died during the Civil War. He was a member of the Nelson Light Artillery, Rives Battery. He is believed to have died in a (field?) hospital rather than killed in action. He appears in the Virginia Regimental History book as a member of the Rives Battery and that he was a brother to Philander Hersey Fitzgerald (Brad Fitzgerald of Roanoke provided info on this son)]
Following Edward Addison was Philander Hersey, born Feb., 1844, died Oct. 6, 1925 in Albemarle Co. He married Amanda Jane Coffey, born c1849. She was a daughter of Reuben G. and Margaret Snead Coffey. This Reuben G. was a son of Edmond S. & Nancy Barnett Coffey. Philander and Amanda were parents to12 14 children: Ruth J., James Irvin, Linda J., Anna Parker, Perry Dickerson, Eudora, Richard, Gilbert Walker, Quintus, June C., Myrtle Lee, Mittie Jackson, Lloyd Washington, and Dulcie C.
Woodson and Fannie's next child was Sarah Ann, born Sep. 12, 1846, died Apr. 15, 1926. She married Alexander S. Coffey, a son of the above Holloway Stewart and Catherine Fitzgerald Coffey. Alexander was born Mar. 2, 1844 and died Jul. 20, 1929 in Nelson Co. They were married in that county on Jan. 16, 1873. Their children were: Frances "Fannie" Catherine, Adolphus Franklin, Mary Docia, Robert Alexander, and Charlie Cleveland.
Napoleon Dewey followed Sarah Ann. He was born Apr. 20, 1847 and diedbefore 1930 Nov. 18, 1922 in Nelson Co. His wife was Lucinda C. Blackwell, born c1850 in VA. They had at least 10 children: William, Cornelia, Robert, Charles Napoleon, Lilly M., Serena, Ella G., Eliza J., Coral L., and Mary Lula. Charles Napoleon was born Feb. 7, 1875 and died Dec. 26, 1949. His wife was Melissa Stevens Truslow, daughter of Joseph Walker and Minerva Ann Thompson Truslow. They were parents of at least nine children but I have not found any that married into the Coffey family. Names and particulars are available if needed.
One last child of Woodson and Fannie is said to be Josephine, born c1852.However, I have no other information about her. She married in Nelson Co. on Dec. 30, 1869 to William H. Blackwell, born c1849 in Rockbridge Co., VA.
I could use some help sorting out the various Fitzgerald Cemeteries from someone with intimate knowledge of the area!
*This may be an error. Frances had a younger brother named Reuben C.
**So far, I have discovered three Fitzgerald cemeteries in Nelson. One is located on North Fork Road, some distance from Lovingston and is "high on a ridge." The Fitzgerald Family cemetery referred to in the text is said to be located on the "back side of Fork Mountain" and about 4 miles from Lovingston. A third is said to be at Crabtree Falls and referred to as the Achilles Fitzgerald Family Cemetery. I do not yet know which is the correct cemetery for Woodson Robert and Frances.
[Update: 11-11-11: Thanks to Brad Fitzgerald of Roanoke, VA I have been able to clarify and update some of the information about this family. First and probably most important is the correction of the name Robert Woodson to Woodson Robert. Other chances are noted below.]
Woodson Robert Fitzgerald was born in Nelson Co. on Oct. 31, 1807 and died there on Jul. 7, 1886. He was married on Aug. 23, 1830 to Frances C. Coffey, a daughter of Reuben G. & Nancy Giles Coffey. Reuben P.* [sic] Coffey was security. Readers may know that Reuben was a brother to William who married Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles, both daughters of William and Margaret Giles. (anyone know Margaret's maiden name?) Frances died Nov. 27, 1886 at Massies Mill in Nelson Co. Both are said to be buried at a Fitzgerald Family Cemetery** in Nelson Co.
Their children were at least six. Approximately 4 years passed after their 1830 marriage before the first known child was born so, perhaps at least one other was born before 1834.
The first child was Mary Jane, born Mar. 17, 1834, died Feb. 14, 1922. She married Hezekiah Coffey on Dec. 19, 1855 in Nelson Co. Hezekiah was a son of Edmund Coffey and Martha Snead. He died in July, 1863 at Gettysburg in Adams Co., PA.
Pension Application: Hezekiah Coffey, 1889. Made by his wife, Mary F. Coffey; Transcribed by: Shirley Moore [w_moore@bellsouth.net]Mary Jane died Feb. 14, 1922 and was buried at the Achilles Fitzgerald Family Cemetery. I think this cemetery is the one at Crab Tree Falls.
Application of a Widow of a Deceased Soldier, Sailor or Marine for a Pension.
I, Mary F. Coffey, residing at ____ In the County of Nelson In State of Virginia, do hereby apply for aid under an act of the General Assembly entitled :An act to give aid to soldiers, sailors or marines of Virginia, maimed or disabled in the war between the States, and to the widows of Virginia soldiers, sailors and marines who lost their lives in said war in the military service." And I do swear that I am the widow of Hezekiah Coffey who was a member of Co. F 49th Infantry Regiment and who, while in the discharge of his duty in military service during the late war between the States, lost his life.
And I do further swear that I am not receiving aid from or a pension from any State or from The United States, and that I do not hold any national, State or county office which pays me in fees or salary over three hundred dollars; that my income from no source amounts to three hundred dollars; and that I do not own in my own right property of the assessed value of one thousand dollars; ___ that I am now entitled to receive annually the sum of thirty dollars under the terms of the aforesaid act of the General Assembly.
And I do further swear that the following answers are true:
1st, What was the name of the applicants deceased husband? Ans. Hezekiah Coffey
2d When and where, as nearly as can be ascertained, did the applicant's husband die, and and from what cause?
Ans. In July 1863 at Gettysburg _______
3d. When and where were the applicant and her deceased husband married:
Ans. In the year 1855 in Nelson Co. Va
4th. Has the applicant ever married again? Ans. No
Mary F. Coffey (signature)
I, T.P. Fitzpatrick, Judge of the County Court for the County of Nelson do certify that Mary F. Coffey, whose name is signed to the foregoing application, personally appeared before me in open court, and , having the said application fully read and explained to her, as well as the statements and answers therein made, she, the said Mary F. Coffey made oath before me that said statements and answers are true. Given under my hand this 22nd day of April, 1889. Thos P Fitzpatrick (signature)
Nelson @ No 35
Virginia
Co. of Nelson, TO-WIT:
I, Thos. P. Fitzpatrick, Judge of the ___ Court for the County of Nelson, do certify that I have carefully enquired and examined into and am fully satisfied from the evidence adduced before me that each and all of the facts set forth in the within application are true; that the application is for these reasons approved, and it is therefore certified that Mary F. Coffey is entitled to receive annually from the State of Virginia the sum of thirty dollars.
Given under my hand this 22nd day of April, 1889.
Thos. P. Fitzpatrick (signature)
They had two children: Martin Marcellus, born Dec. 27, 1854, died Sep. 24, 1932 in Augusta Co., VA. His wife was Teressa Catherine Fitzgerald, daughter of James Milton and Ardenia Coffey Fitzgerald. He and Teressa were married on Dec. 26, 1878 in Nelson Co. Second child was Sarah Frances, born May 10, 1860 in Nelson Co. and, died Nov. 19, 1906. Her husband was David Edward Painter, born to John Painter and Nancy Ellen Fitzgerald on Aug. 22, 1856. He died Jul., 1945 in Nelson Co.
Woodson & Frances' second child was Edward Addison Fitzgerald, born c1838 in Nelson Co., died 1915 in VA. He married Nancy E. Coffey on Jun. 2, 1865 in Nelson Co. Her parents were Holloway Stewart Coffey and his wife, Catherine "Kate" Fitzgerald. Holloway and Frances were first cousins, he a son of William Coffey and Elizabeth Giles. Children of Edward and Nancy - as I know them - were Blanchetta, born c1866, John Silas, born c1868, Edward Alexander, born about May, 1870 and Raleigh Woodson, born Nov. 4, 1880. All were born in Nelson Co.
[Update 11-11-11: Another son, John C. has been found. He was born c1842 in Nelson Co. and died during the Civil War. He was a member of the Nelson Light Artillery, Rives Battery. He is believed to have died in a (field?) hospital rather than killed in action. He appears in the Virginia Regimental History book as a member of the Rives Battery and that he was a brother to Philander Hersey Fitzgerald (Brad Fitzgerald of Roanoke provided info on this son)]
Following Edward Addison was Philander Hersey, born Feb., 1844, died Oct. 6, 1925 in Albemarle Co. He married Amanda Jane Coffey, born c1849. She was a daughter of Reuben G. and Margaret Snead Coffey. This Reuben G. was a son of Edmond S. & Nancy Barnett Coffey. Philander and Amanda were parents to
Woodson and Fannie's next child was Sarah Ann, born Sep. 12, 1846, died Apr. 15, 1926. She married Alexander S. Coffey, a son of the above Holloway Stewart and Catherine Fitzgerald Coffey. Alexander was born Mar. 2, 1844 and died Jul. 20, 1929 in Nelson Co. They were married in that county on Jan. 16, 1873. Their children were: Frances "Fannie" Catherine, Adolphus Franklin, Mary Docia, Robert Alexander, and Charlie Cleveland.
Napoleon Dewey followed Sarah Ann. He was born Apr. 20, 1847 and died
One last child of Woodson and Fannie is said to be Josephine, born c1852.
I could use some help sorting out the various Fitzgerald Cemeteries from someone with intimate knowledge of the area!
*This may be an error. Frances had a younger brother named Reuben C.
**So far, I have discovered three Fitzgerald cemeteries in Nelson. One is located on North Fork Road, some distance from Lovingston and is "high on a ridge." The Fitzgerald Family cemetery referred to in the text is said to be located on the "back side of Fork Mountain" and about 4 miles from Lovingston. A third is said to be at Crabtree Falls and referred to as the Achilles Fitzgerald Family Cemetery. I do not yet know which is the correct cemetery for Woodson Robert and Frances.
January 6, 2011
Allen F. Sherman & Susan Virginia Hamilton Coffey
Allen was born on May 27, 1866 in Rockbridge Co., VA to Jesse C. and Nancy F. Allen Coffey. Jesse was a son of double first cousins, Garland and Nancy Coffey Coffey, Garland was a son of William and Betsy Giles Coffey; Nancy a daughter of William's brother Rueben and his wife Nancy Giles, a sister to Betsy.
There were at least 12 children born to Jesse and Nancy and Allen was the sixth. He married Susan, a daughter of Jacob and Susan Virginia Ramsey Hamilton on June 24, 1891 in Rockbridge Co. Allen died on Apr. 13, 1913 in Lima, Allen Co., OH and was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, Allen Co. Susan died in Cairo, Allen Co., OH on Sep. 23, 1912 and was buried at Cairo East Cemetery at Cairo.
She and Allen were parents of at least eight children: John Henen, Jacob "Jake" William; Susan Emily; Minnie Bell; Anna May, Forest Allen, Naomi Pearl; and George Robert. All of the children were left orphans at the death of Allen and some spent their early days in an orphanage in Ohio. Information by other researchers that I have found on Ancestry.com shows that Anna and George were left to orphanages upon their father's death, but it is likely that at least Susan through George spent some time in one.
John Henen was born Aug. 29, 1892 in Augusta Co., VA and died in July, 1962 in Michigan, probably in Adrian, Lenawee Co. where he last appeared in the 1930 census. His wife was Minnie A. Lowery, born in Ohio, 1894, to whom he was married on Jun. 20, 1914 in Sand Creek, Lenawee Co. Their children were: Wesley Allen, born Dec. 27, 1915 in MI, died Apr. 8, 1996 in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH; Coleman, born Feb. 11, 1918 in MI, died there on Jul. 22, 1995; Gatha, born c1920 in Allen Co., OH and John, Jr., born c1924 in MI. John registered for the WW1 draft on Jun. 5, 1917 in Adrian and was then described as being of medium height and build with dark brown eyes and hair. At the time he resided with his wife and one child at 627 S. Center in Adrian and was employed by the Adrian Steel Casting Co. as an iron worker.
Jacob "Jake" William was born May 9, 1894 at Union Twp., Scioto Co., OH and died unmarried on Feb. 20, 1971 in Lucas Co., OH. In 1920 he was found residing with his sister, Minnie B. Hilyard in Lima.
Susan Emily was born in Jan., 1896 in Virginia and died July 20, 1964 in Allen Co. She married Francis L. Merricle on May 27, 1916 in Allen Co. Francis was born Sep. 4, 1896 in Allen Co., and died in Lima on Jan. 8, 1953. He was buried at Memorial Park in Lima. I suspect that Susan is also there but cannot confirm that. I know of only one child, Aline Virginia, born Jun. 22, 1919 in Lima and tragically died there on Aug. 11, 1919. Her death certificate gives the cause of death as strangulation while nursing. She is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lima.
 |
| Minnie Bill Coffey Photo Courtesy of Shirley Houk |
Minnie Bell was born in June, 1898 in Virginia and married Milton A. Hilyard, born c1897 in OH. They were found in the 1920 census for Lima, Allen Co. At the time, Milton was a machinist in a locomotive factory. Her brother Jake, age 25, was living with them at the time.
Anna May was born Nov. 24, 1903 in Alleghany Co., VA and died on Dec. 16, 1993 at Gig Harbor in Pierce Co., WA. She married Leo Albert Lind on May 20, 1939 in Pacific Co., WA. Leo died on Jan. 24, 1991 in Tillamook Co., OR and is found at the Willamette Crematory in Tigard, Washington Co., OR. Anna May was also cremated and her ashes can be found at the Tacoma Mausoleum in Tacoma, Pierce Co. WW2 enlistment records show that Anna May entered the US Women's Army Corps on Dec. 2, 1942 at Portland, OR.
Forest Allen was born Sep. 15, 1906, probably in VA, died on May 17, 1959 in Allen Co. He married Rosalie E. Hoffman, born in 1918, died 1993. They are buried together at Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima.
According to information found on Ancestry.com, George Robert was born Feb. 23, 1911 in Virginia and died May 10, 1967 in Lima. After his father died he was placed in the Allen County Children's Home in 1913 from which he was taken in 1915 by the John W. Miller family and eventually adopted by them in 1927, at which time he became George Robert Miller. An obituary found on Ancestry reports that he was survived by his wife Lucille as well as sisters, Mrs. Naomi Helm, Mrs. Minnie Hilyard and Mrs. Raul [Almeda] Duff. Almeda was a natural child of the Miller's and married Raul Duff in Mercer Co., OH on Nov. 27, 1902.
Bibliography:
"Ohio Births and Christenings, 1821-1962," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org/). Index entries derived from digital copies of originals housed in various repositories throughout Ohio.
"Ohio Marriages, 1800-1958," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org/). Index entries derived from digital copies of originals housed in various repositories throughout Ohio.
"Washington State County Marriages, 1858-1950," database, FamilySearch, (http://familysearch.org), from the Washington State Archives. Digital copies of originals housed in County Auditor Offices in various counties throughout Washington.
Ancestry.Com.
Fridley, Beth. "Augusta County, Virginia, Birth Records, 1862-1875".
Gethsemani Cemetery (Lima, Allen Co., OH). Grave marker data.
Lynn Coffey, editor, "Backroads," privately published newspaper, published at Love, Nelson Co., VA, 1981-2006.
Michigan Department of Vital and Health Records. Michigan Deaths, 1971-1996.
Michigan Marriages 1868-1926.
OH. Franklin Co.. Columbus. Vital Statistics. Ohio Department of Health. Death certificate.
Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953, 1938-1944, and 1958-2002.
Oregon Death Index, 1903-98.
Rockbridge County Marriages 1853-1896, VA State Archives, Reel 43; Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center. Obituary Index. Online [http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/]. Accessed various.
Social Security Death Index, Master File.
State of Florida. Florida Death Index, 1877-1998. Florida: Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
United States Federal Census.
US World War II Army Enlistment Records.
World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
January 3, 2011
William Montebello & Cynthia T. Wood Coffey
William and Cynthia's children have a history with those of James Ramsey, Sr. and his wife, Mary Sneed.
William Montebello was born Apr. 15, 1834 in Nelson Co., VA to William W. & Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey. William and Sarah were double first cousins, descendants of Edmond S. and Nancy Barnett and William Giles and his wife, Margaret. Cynthia Wood Coffey was the daughter of George W. & Martha Ann Coffey Wood. Martha Ann was the daughter of William Benjamin and Mary F. "Molly" Demasters Coffey.
The following are not all of the children of William and Cynthia; only those that married into the Ramsey clan:
- Sarah Jane, born c1860, married James M. Ramsey, Jr. Aug. 16, 1883 in Amherst Co.
- Annie Lee, born c1878, married Stuart Lee Ramsey on Sep. 9, 1895 in Rockbridge Co. I have no further information on this family.
- Reubin Wood Coffey was the youngest son of William and Cynthia Wood Coffey, not born until mid-1882. His nephew, son of sister Sarah and husband James, Jr. Ramsey (see above), married Ella Blanche Nicely, a daughter of William and Indiana. Blache's sister, Nettie Belle became the wife of Reubin on Dec. 18, 1901 in Rockbridge Co.
William Montebello was born Apr. 15, 1834 in Nelson Co., VA to William W. & Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey. William and Sarah were double first cousins, descendants of Edmond S. and Nancy Barnett and William Giles and his wife, Margaret. Cynthia Wood Coffey was the daughter of George W. & Martha Ann Coffey Wood. Martha Ann was the daughter of William Benjamin and Mary F. "Molly" Demasters Coffey.
~~~~~
Another daughter of George and Martha Ann Coffey Wood was Elvira, born 1840 in Nelson Co. She married Peter Jordan Coffey in 1859, Rockbridge Co., a younger brother to William Montebello.~~~~~
William and Cynthia had at least seven children, four of which married directly into the James Ramsey, Sr. & Mary Sneed family. Another son waited a generation.The following are not all of the children of William and Cynthia; only those that married into the Ramsey clan:
- Sarah Jane, born c1860, married James M. Ramsey, Jr. Aug. 16, 1883 in Amherst Co.
Children:
Leonard, born Mar., 1884 m. Ella Blanche Nicely, a daughter of William Edward and Indiana Leighton Nicely.- Matthew D., born c1867, married Jun. 2, 1898 to Willie Jane Ramsey. Willie's first husband was Henry B. Steele. Her and Matthew's children were:
Lemuel C., born Mar. 17, 1889 in Amherst Co., died Dec. 14, 1943 in Rockbridge Co. Lemuel was married on Mar. 5, 1913 in Buena Vista, VA to Lora Cornelia Steele, a daughter of Henry B. Steele and Willie Jane Ramsey. Willie Jane was a daughter of James M., Sr. and Mary Sneed Ramsey.
The remaining children of James, Jr. and Sarah Jane Coffey Ramsey were: Annie, born Jul., 1891; Clarence, born Mar., 1893; Learns (?), born Mar., 1894; Grace M., born Mar., 1896 and Samuel E., born Apr., 1900
Walter Lee, born Mar. 7, 1891 in Buena Vista; died unknown.
O'Coner Jackson, born Jun. 18, 1893, died May 9, 1950 in Buena Vista.
Lessie M., born c1896.
Finley Houston, born Oct. 17, 1897 in Rockbridge Co., died Sep. 24, 1946.
Edward F. "Buck," born Feb. 16, 1900 in Rockbridge Co., died Mar. 19, 1967.
Ferman H., born c1900.
Hattie B., born c1906.
[Spouses and descendants for most of these children are available if needed.]- Delilah, born c1867, married Mathew Henry Ramsey on Aug. 21, 1887 in Amherst Co. I have no further information on this family.
- Annie Lee, born c1878, married Stuart Lee Ramsey on Sep. 9, 1895 in Rockbridge Co. I have no further information on this family.
- Reubin Wood Coffey was the youngest son of William and Cynthia Wood Coffey, not born until mid-1882. His nephew, son of sister Sarah and husband James, Jr. Ramsey (see above), married Ella Blanche Nicely, a daughter of William and Indiana. Blache's sister, Nettie Belle became the wife of Reubin on Dec. 18, 1901 in Rockbridge Co.
Reubin and Nettie Belle are buried at Neriah Baptist Church Cemetery in Buena Vista. Also buried there are: Lemuel and his wife Lora; O'Coner Jackson Coffey, a son of Matthew and Willie Jane Ramsey Coffey, and his wife Lucy Frances Tomin.
October 28, 2010
Jemimah Coffey
According to a source*, William and Margaret (LNU) Giles of Virginia were the parents of James, Nancy, Elizabeth "Betsy", Mary "Polly" and William. James was born c1775 and is the only one for whom I can estimate a birth year.
Two of James' sisters married Coffey men: Elizabeth married William Coffey (born c1775) on Apr. 18, 1800 in Amherst Co. and Nancy married Reuben G. Coffey (born c1777) on Sep. 5, 1801 in Amherst Co. Both men were sons of Edmond Stewart and Nancy Barnett Coffey. Edmond was a son of John and Jane Graves Coffey and John was a son of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey.
James Giles married Jemimah T. Coffey in Amherst Co. on Dec. 19, 1797.
So far, none of my Edward Coffey contacts have ever heard of Jemimah.
I speculate that she was a sister to William and Reuben. Their father, Edmond died in 1808. I have not found a birth or death date for their mother, Nancy Barnett. She may have died early and may have, as many old men of all eras are wont to do, married a younger woman with whom he had at least one more child, it being Jemimah.
So, I am stuck with an unknown Coffey (not the first by any means) but this one intrigues me by her presence in Amherst Co., and the fact that no one has heard of her outside of the cited source.
I am going back to the books to see if I can learn more about the Giles family. In the meantime however, please leave a comment or, drop me an e-mail if you have solved the mystery.
*My Virginia kin : comprising the Hamlett, Witt, Giles, Wills, Eubank-Fortune, Mullenix, Lynchard, Talbot, and Kight families : with a short treatise on the Loving family, Strawberry Point, Iowa: Press-Journal Pub. Co., 1958, 253 pgs., p 64.
Two of James' sisters married Coffey men: Elizabeth married William Coffey (born c1775) on Apr. 18, 1800 in Amherst Co. and Nancy married Reuben G. Coffey (born c1777) on Sep. 5, 1801 in Amherst Co. Both men were sons of Edmond Stewart and Nancy Barnett Coffey. Edmond was a son of John and Jane Graves Coffey and John was a son of Edward and Ann Powell Coffey.
James Giles married Jemimah T. Coffey in Amherst Co. on Dec. 19, 1797.
So far, none of my Edward Coffey contacts have ever heard of Jemimah.
I speculate that she was a sister to William and Reuben. Their father, Edmond died in 1808. I have not found a birth or death date for their mother, Nancy Barnett. She may have died early and may have, as many old men of all eras are wont to do, married a younger woman with whom he had at least one more child, it being Jemimah.
So, I am stuck with an unknown Coffey (not the first by any means) but this one intrigues me by her presence in Amherst Co., and the fact that no one has heard of her outside of the cited source.
I am going back to the books to see if I can learn more about the Giles family. In the meantime however, please leave a comment or, drop me an e-mail if you have solved the mystery.
*My Virginia kin : comprising the Hamlett, Witt, Giles, Wills, Eubank-Fortune, Mullenix, Lynchard, Talbot, and Kight families : with a short treatise on the Loving family, Strawberry Point, Iowa: Press-Journal Pub. Co., 1958, 253 pgs., p 64.
October 7, 2010
Peter Jordan Coffey
There were two men with this name, each born and died in Nelson Co., VA around the same time.
One was born c1836 to William W. and Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey. William was a son of William and Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles Coffey. Sarah Jane Coffey was the daughter of Reuben and Nancy Giles Coffey. Because Nancy and Betsy were sisters and William and Reuben were brothers, Sarah and William were double-first cousins.
Peter Jordan was the fourth of at least nine children born to William and Sarah. Peter's first wife was Elvira C. Wood, the daughter of George W. and Martha Ann "Patsy" Coffey Wood. Patsy was the daughter of William Benjamin and Mary F. "Molly" Demasters Coffey. William was a son of Edmund F. & Elizabeth Burger Coffey. Edmund was the son of William and Elizabeth Osborne Coffey. Edmund's sister was Jane, thought to be the mother of Jordan, the "founder" of Coffeytown at Alto in Amherst Co.
His children by Elvira were:
Andrew Jack, born c1861. He married Signora L. "Nora" Stinnett on Feb. 17, 1881 in Amherst Co. I do not know when Andrew died, but his widow - naming her parents as Peter and Nancy Elizabeth Coffey - married Daniel B. Henson on Aug. 15, 1885 in Amherst Co.
Mahalia Coffey, born c1865, married W. S. Stinnett on Feb. 17, 1881 in Amherst Co. W. S. was a brother to Signora.
Eliza Ann, born c1868, married Marian G. Stinnett on Jan. 7, 1886, a brother to Signora.
The Stinnetts were children of Benjamin R. and Lucy F. Stinnett. I haven't found a maiden name or marriage date for Benjamin and Lucy.
Norben Lee, born c1870, married Nellie B. Camden on Jun. 11, 1891 in Nelson Co., VA. She was the daughter of William Sydney and Letitia Black Hight Camden. Nellie was born Jan. 12, 1869 and died Apr. 26, 1956. Norben died on May 1, 1941. Both are buried in the Camden Family Cemetery at Woodson in Nelson Co. Their children were: Frank, Connie, Annie, Nellie, Sidney, Edward, Bettie and Virginia.
Some genealogies put a son named Eldridge in this birth position. However, I cannot independently confirm that.
Their last child was Mildred Frances, born Jan. 9, 1872, died unknown. She married twice; first to the oft married Marion Lewis "Tip" Humphries on Oc. 14, 1887 in Amherst Co. He did not die until 1909, but there is a marriage record for her having married Jefferson Kenneth Massie on July 26, 1896 in Nelson Co. Her children with Massie were Horace, born 1897 and Jeanette, born 1898.
Peter's second marriage was to Nancy Elizabeth Fitzgerald in Lyndhurst, Augusta Co. on Jan. 1, 1874. Nancy was born in 1856 and died Apr 29, 1939.
There were at least 11 children born to this union, all in Amherst Co:
The last three children of Peter and Nancy are said to have been Minnie, Ella and Ollie. However, I have not yet found them in any record.
Peter Jordan died before 1900. Nancy Elizabeth appeared as a widow in the Temperance, Amherst Co. census that year. The children in the household at that time were Rosa F., born Mar., 1878; H. L., born Apr., 1882; L. F., [Lelia], born May., 1887; M. B., [Magie], born Jan., 1889; Nina, born Mar., 1891; M. A., a daughter, born Feb., 1894 and C. B., [Chester Berry] a son, born Apr., 1897.
There is a gap of about six years between the birth of Nina and Chester where Minnie, Ella and Ollie could have been born and perhaps die in infancy. I do not yet know!
--
The other Peter J. Coffey was born in April, 1840 at Massies Mill, Nelson Co. to Benjamin J. and Candis W. Coffey Coffey. Benjamin's parents haven't been identified yet, but may be William and Betsy Giles Coffey. Candis was one of three daughters born to Nancy Coffey, another sibling of Jane, Jordan's mother, without benefit of marriage.
This Peter was a member of Co. B, 52d Infantry Regiment, Virginia. He enlisted on Jul. 10, 1861 at Fairfield in Rockbridge Co. On Sep. 28, 1861 he the 2d Rockbridge Light Artillery Regiment. He apparently never married and lived with his parents at Massies Mill, Nelson Co. through the 1870 and 1880 census and then as a single man living alone in the 1900 Lovingston, Nelson Co. census. He is said to have died in Sep., 1925.
One was born c1836 to William W. and Sarah Jane Coffey Coffey. William was a son of William and Elizabeth "Betsy" Giles Coffey. Sarah Jane Coffey was the daughter of Reuben and Nancy Giles Coffey. Because Nancy and Betsy were sisters and William and Reuben were brothers, Sarah and William were double-first cousins.
Peter Jordan was the fourth of at least nine children born to William and Sarah. Peter's first wife was Elvira C. Wood, the daughter of George W. and Martha Ann "Patsy" Coffey Wood. Patsy was the daughter of William Benjamin and Mary F. "Molly" Demasters Coffey. William was a son of Edmund F. & Elizabeth Burger Coffey. Edmund was the son of William and Elizabeth Osborne Coffey. Edmund's sister was Jane, thought to be the mother of Jordan, the "founder" of Coffeytown at Alto in Amherst Co.
Groom's Name: Peter J. Coffey Groom's Birth Date: 1836 Groom's Birthplace: Nelson Co. Groom's Age: 23 Bride's Name: Alvira C. Wood Bride's Birth Date: 1840 Bride's Birthplace: Nelson Co. Bride's Age: 19 Marriage Date: 29 Aug 1859 Marriage Place: Rockbridge, Virginia Groom's Father's Name: Wm. W. Groom's Mother's Name: Sarah Bride's Father's Name: Geo. W. Bride's Mother's Name: Dicey Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Single Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Single Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M86879-0 System Origin: Virginia-EASy Source Film Number: 32734 Reference Number: pg 7 ln 27 Collection: Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
His children by Elvira were:
Andrew Jack, born c1861. He married Signora L. "Nora" Stinnett on Feb. 17, 1881 in Amherst Co. I do not know when Andrew died, but his widow - naming her parents as Peter and Nancy Elizabeth Coffey - married Daniel B. Henson on Aug. 15, 1885 in Amherst Co.
Mahalia Coffey, born c1865, married W. S. Stinnett on Feb. 17, 1881 in Amherst Co. W. S. was a brother to Signora.
Eliza Ann, born c1868, married Marian G. Stinnett on Jan. 7, 1886, a brother to Signora.
The Stinnetts were children of Benjamin R. and Lucy F. Stinnett. I haven't found a maiden name or marriage date for Benjamin and Lucy.
Norben Lee, born c1870, married Nellie B. Camden on Jun. 11, 1891 in Nelson Co., VA. She was the daughter of William Sydney and Letitia Black Hight Camden. Nellie was born Jan. 12, 1869 and died Apr. 26, 1956. Norben died on May 1, 1941. Both are buried in the Camden Family Cemetery at Woodson in Nelson Co. Their children were: Frank, Connie, Annie, Nellie, Sidney, Edward, Bettie and Virginia.
Some genealogies put a son named Eldridge in this birth position. However, I cannot independently confirm that.
Their last child was Mildred Frances, born Jan. 9, 1872, died unknown. She married twice; first to the oft married Marion Lewis "Tip" Humphries on Oc. 14, 1887 in Amherst Co. He did not die until 1909, but there is a marriage record for her having married Jefferson Kenneth Massie on July 26, 1896 in Nelson Co. Her children with Massie were Horace, born 1897 and Jeanette, born 1898.
Peter's second marriage was to Nancy Elizabeth Fitzgerald in Lyndhurst, Augusta Co. on Jan. 1, 1874. Nancy was born in 1856 and died Apr 29, 1939.
Groom's Name: Peter J. Coffey Groom's Birth Date: 1838 Groom's Birthplace: Nelson Co., Va. Groom's Age: 36 Bride's Name: Nancy E. Fitzgerald Bride's Birth Date: 1856 Bride's Birthplace: Augusta Co., Va. Bride's Age: 18 Marriage Date: 01 Jan 1874 Marriage Place: Greenville, Augusta, Virginia Groom's Father's Name: Wm. W. Coffey Groom's Mother's Name: Sarah F. Coffey Bride's Father's Name: Sam'L. Fitzgerald Bride's Mother's Name: Lovella Hite Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Widowed Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Single Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M86847-3 System Origin: Virginia-EASy Source Film Number: 30416 Reference Number: No 3278 Collection: Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940I do not have a confirmed death date or place for Peter or Nancy. One genealogy that I have seen reports that Nancy died on Apr. 29, 1939.
There were at least 11 children born to this union, all in Amherst Co:
Laura, born c1877
Rose Forest, born Mar., 1878. In the 1880 census the child was recorded as a 2-year old male. The relationship to the head was "daughter" but, that was struck out.
Henry Loving, born Apr 16, 1882, died Nov. 27, 1951. Married Sarah "Sallie" Campbell. Had at least one child, Lucille, born Mar. 30, 1923, died Mar. 4, 1924. Lucille is buried at Bridge Hill cemetery in Alto [Coffeytown]m Amherst Co.
Elvira Catherine, born c1884, married Mel. [sic] Ponton on Apr. 22, 1903 in Nelson Co.
Lelia F., born May, 1887
Maggie B., born Jan., 1889
Nina Belle, born Mar., 1891
Chester Berry, born Apr., 1897. Said to have married Ruby Monique Fitzgerald and had children:
Monnie May, born Jan. 11, 1922, died Oc. 26, 2003. Married Woodrow D. Campbell, son of Aylett and Arminda Coffey Campbell. He was born Apr. 24, 1916, died Jun. 25, 1976. Arminda was a daughter of Floyd Lee Coffey through his marriage to Mrs. Mary Jane Weaver.
Swanson James, born May 27, 1923 at Montebello in Nelson Co., died Sep. 2, 2009 at Stuarts Draft in Augusta Co. He married Magdelina Lucy "Madge" Campbell, born Jan. 13, 1924 at Montebello, died Feb. 3, 2008 at Stuarts Draft. One known son, Fred James "Freddie", born Nov. 26, 1946 at Waynesboro, VA, died at Stuarts Draft on Aug. 9, 2008. His parents are buried at the Mennonite Church Cemetery in Stuarts Draft; he at Augusta Memorial Park in Lyndhurst.Van and Bernard. No further information.
The last three children of Peter and Nancy are said to have been Minnie, Ella and Ollie. However, I have not yet found them in any record.
Peter Jordan died before 1900. Nancy Elizabeth appeared as a widow in the Temperance, Amherst Co. census that year. The children in the household at that time were Rosa F., born Mar., 1878; H. L., born Apr., 1882; L. F., [Lelia], born May., 1887; M. B., [Magie], born Jan., 1889; Nina, born Mar., 1891; M. A., a daughter, born Feb., 1894 and C. B., [Chester Berry] a son, born Apr., 1897.
There is a gap of about six years between the birth of Nina and Chester where Minnie, Ella and Ollie could have been born and perhaps die in infancy. I do not yet know!
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The other Peter J. Coffey was born in April, 1840 at Massies Mill, Nelson Co. to Benjamin J. and Candis W. Coffey Coffey. Benjamin's parents haven't been identified yet, but may be William and Betsy Giles Coffey. Candis was one of three daughters born to Nancy Coffey, another sibling of Jane, Jordan's mother, without benefit of marriage.
This Peter was a member of Co. B, 52d Infantry Regiment, Virginia. He enlisted on Jul. 10, 1861 at Fairfield in Rockbridge Co. On Sep. 28, 1861 he the 2d Rockbridge Light Artillery Regiment. He apparently never married and lived with his parents at Massies Mill, Nelson Co. through the 1870 and 1880 census and then as a single man living alone in the 1900 Lovingston, Nelson Co. census. He is said to have died in Sep., 1925.
September 30, 2010
Descendants of William and Catherine Campbell Ramsey
According to the Journal of the Clan Campbell, Vol. 17-19 (1990, page 52), Catherine Campbell, a daughter of James and Judith Fitzgerald Campbell, married William Ramsey in Amherst Co., VA. Virginia marriage records report the date as Jan.. 10, 1805.
They were the parents of at least eight children; 5 boys and three girls.
The first son was Joshua Madison, born Oct. 16, 1820 in Rockbridge Co., died Jan. 21, 1897. He is buried at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Strasburg, Shenandoah Co., VA. He married Nancy C. "Nannie" Steele on Aug. 5, 1839 in Nelson Co.. Nannie was the daughter of John and Mary "Polly" Coffey Steele. Mary was a daughter of Edmond Stewart and Nancy Barnett Coffey and was born c1781. Nannie died in Spottswood, Augusta Co., and is buried there at the Old Providence Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Joshua's second wife was Elizabeth Coffey, a daughter of Reuben G. and Nancy Giles Coffey. They were married on Sep. 30, 1850 in Nelson Co. I haven't yet found Elizabeth's death date or burial place.
By his first wife, Joshua was the father of:
Joshua and Elizabeth Coffey had at least one child, a daughter named Editha, born c1860 in Nelson Co. Nothing more known.
Joshua's brother, Lewis Levi married Susan Jane Campbell on Feb. 1, 1838 in Rockbridge Co. They were parents of at least 10 children:
They were the parents of at least eight children; 5 boys and three girls.
The first son was Joshua Madison, born Oct. 16, 1820 in Rockbridge Co., died Jan. 21, 1897. He is buried at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Strasburg, Shenandoah Co., VA. He married Nancy C. "Nannie" Steele on Aug. 5, 1839 in Nelson Co.. Nannie was the daughter of John and Mary "Polly" Coffey Steele. Mary was a daughter of Edmond Stewart and Nancy Barnett Coffey and was born c1781. Nannie died in Spottswood, Augusta Co., and is buried there at the Old Providence Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Joshua's second wife was Elizabeth Coffey, a daughter of Reuben G. and Nancy Giles Coffey. They were married on Sep. 30, 1850 in Nelson Co. I haven't yet found Elizabeth's death date or burial place.
By his first wife, Joshua was the father of:
Melvina, born c1839
Delilah, born c1842. She was twice married; first on Sep. 20, 1860 to Colston Harrison Coffey, a son of John W. and Margaret Susanna Coffey Coffey. Colston died in the Civil War Dec. 2, 1862 at Lyndhurst in Augusta Co. He was a member of Lamkin's Amherst-Nelson Light Artillery Regt. He had enlisted in that regiment on Jul. 8, 1862. Delilah's second husband was Cornelius W. Mahone, born 1842 in James City Co., VA. They were married on Oct. 19, 1865 in Augusta Co.
Dabney Coleman, born Oct., 1842, married Feb. 9, 1864 in Augusta Co. to Lavenia E. Fauver, also born in Augusta Co. in 1842.
Andrew Jackson, born Jun. 2, 1846, died Mar. 23, 1889 in Nelson Co. He married Lucy Ann Ham on Feb. 1866 in Augusta Co.
Mary Susan Ramsey, born c1848.
Susan Virginia, born c1849, married Jacob Hamilton. Their daughter, also named Susan Virginia, was born Mar. 16, 1875 in VA, died Sep. 23, 1912 in Cairo, Allen Co., OH. She married Allen P. Sherman Coffey on Jun. 24, 1891 in Rockbridge Co. He was a son of Jesse C. & Nancy F. Allen Coffey. Their children were: John Henen, born 1892, died 1962; Jacob William, born 1894, died 1971; Susan Emily, born 1896, died 1964; Minnie Bell, born 1898, died 1960; Anna May, born 1903, died 1993; Forest Allen, born 1906, died 1959; Naomi Peark, born 1908; George Robert, born 1911, died 1967; Henry McDonald and Walter Lee.
Joshua and Elizabeth Coffey had at least one child, a daughter named Editha, born c1860 in Nelson Co. Nothing more known.
Joshua's brother, Lewis Levi married Susan Jane Campbell on Feb. 1, 1838 in Rockbridge Co. They were parents of at least 10 children:
Hezekiah, born c1837 in Nelson Co., married Susan Massie Fitzgerald, a daughter of Robert Alexander and Lucy Ann Coffey Fitzgerald. Lucy Ann was a sister to Elizabeth, Joshua's second wife.
James M., born c1837, married Mary Sneed on Oct. 18, 1860 in Nelson Co. Children were: James, Jr., born c1862, married Sarah Jane Coffey Aug. 16, 1883, daughter of William Montebello and Cynthia Wood Coffey; Willie Jane, born c1867, married Henry B. Steele on Apr. 15, 1883 in Amherst Co.; Matthew Henry, married Delilah Coffey, sister to Sarah Jane, Aug. 21, 1887 in Amherst Co.; Stuart Lee, born c1871, married Annie Lee Coffey, sister to Sarah Jane and Delilah, Sep. 9., 1895 in Rockbridge Co.
Mary: No information
Elizabeth, born 1846 in Amherst Co., married Peach W. Cash on Aug. 28, 1878 in Amherst Co.
Richard Benjamin; Ambrose Coleman and Louisa: No information
William Marshall, born 1851 in Amherst Co., married Mary E. Hamilton, daughter of James and Susan Hamilton, Apr. 4, 1877 in Amherst Co.
Leroy, born 1855 in Nelson Co., married Jun. 3,1878 to Mary "Mollie" Ramsey, a daughter of William F. and Fannie Tomlinson Ramsey. William was a brother to Joshua and Lewis.
Marcellus McDonald: No information
November 7, 2009
Jacob Higgonbotham and Sarah Elizabeth Coffey Benson
Jacob was a son of Preston C. and Sarah Ann Lucas Benson. I have seen his middle name spelled various ways, the most common being Higgonbotham. According to his WW1 draft registration card he was born Apr. 15, 1875 in Rockbridge Co., VA. According to his headstone, he died in that county on Jan. 25, 1949.Sarah Coffey was his first wife. She was the daughter of Alfred and Martha Ann Bradley [photo below] Coffey and was born Jan. 22, 1865 in Nelson Co., VA and died in Rockbridge Co. on Dec. 19, 1906.
From census records it appears that Jacob and Sarah only had two living children: Cornelia, born Dec., 1898 and Jacob Stuart, born c1906, both in Rockbridge Co. Given Sarah's death date and Jacob's apparent birth year, it appears that she may have died giving birth to him.
In about 1908 Jacob H. married Etta W., last name not known. Apparently no children were born to this union. They first appear together in the 1910 Rockbridge Co. census where they report a marriage of two years. Jacob was age 35 while "Eddie W." was 46 and had been married once before.
Jacob registered for the draft on Sep. 12, 1918 in Rockbridge Co. He was age 43 and reported his birthdate as Apr. 15, 1875. He worked as a farmer for Jas. W. Searly [?] near Brownsburg. He named "Mrs. Etter Benson" as his nearest relative and described himself as being of medium height and build with black hair and dark brown eyes.I have not located them in 1920, but in 1930 they were in the Walkers Creek district of Rockbridge Co. Jacob was 54 and Eddie [sic] was 76 years old. Stewart [sic], age 24 was living with them. He gave his occupation as laborer at odd jobs.
Alfred Coffey was a son of Garland G. and Nancy Coffey Coffey. Garland was a son of William and Betsy Giles Coffey while Nancy was the daughter of Reuben, brother to William, and his wife Nancy Giles, sister to Betsy.
Martha Ann Bradley was a daughter of William Franklin and Elizabeth Wood Bradley of Nelson Co.
Please contact me if you can add to or correct any of this information.
Photos courtesy of Connie Coffey Dorsey
August 27, 2006
Reuben G. Coffey
Reuben G. Coffey married Nancy Giles, sister of William's wife, Elizabeth. I have not researched the Giles family, and do not know of anyone currently researching that family. Some that I have exchanged info with tell me that the Giles sisters were daughters of William and Margaret Giles, but I have no independent supporting data. Reuben and Nancy were married Sep. 5, 1801 in Amherst Co., VA. Reuben died Nov. 24, 1845 in Nelson Co.
Nancy must have died sometime shortly after the birth of her 11th child in 1824, because Reuben married for a second time, this time to Margaret Snead. Their first known child was born c1832. But, because Reuben had so many young children to care for by himself, he and Margaret may have married much earlier than it appears by the birth date of that first child.
Children by Nancy:
Margaret Susanna, born c1803, died c1877, married John W. Coffey, son of Edmond Stewart, Jr., and Matilda (Tildy) Fitzgerald Coffey. Children: Nancy, born c1823; Mildred Annister (Milly), born c1828; John Henry, born c1832; Colston H., born c1833.
Mildred Ray (Millie), born Dec. 20, 1803, died Mar. 14, 1883, married John Everitt. Children: Nancy R., born Oct. 21, 1833, died Jan. 14, 1874; Susan J., born Aug. 13, 1836, died Dec. 23, 1905; Elias, born Dec. 12, 1842, died Sep. 13, 1931.
Nancy, born c1800, died c1874, married Garland Coffey Mar 17, 1825 in Nelson Co., VA, son of William and Elizabeth Giles Coffey. Children: William, born c1826; Nancy, born c1829; Reuben Wetzel, b orn Jul. 4, 1832,died Dec. 3, 1903; Jesse C., born Jan. 12, 1833, died Aug. 5, 1887; Elizabeth A., born c1834; John W., born c1839; Moses, born c1842; Harrison, born c1844; Alfred, born c1846.
Frances, born c1810, died Nov. 27, 1886, married Woodson Robert Fitzgerald on Aug. 23, 1830
Children: Mary Jane, born Mar. 17, 1834, died Feb. 14, 1922; Edward Addison, born c1838, died 1915; Philander Hersey, born Feb. 1844; Sarah Ann, born Sep. 12, 1846, died Apr. 15, 1926; Napoleon Dewey, born c1850, and Josephine, born c1852.
Winny, born Apr. 15, 1812, died Jan. 10, 1890, married Silas M. Ramsey May 3, 1834 in Nelson Co., VA.
Sarah Jane, born c1812, married William W. Coffey Feb. 18, 1832, another son of William and Elizabeth Giles Coffey. Children: James H., born c1833; William Montebello, born Apr. 15, 1834, died Jun. 26, 1905; Robert W., born c1834, died c1905; Peter J., born c1837, died Sep. 28, 1925; Marvel Maurice, born c1838, died May 20, 1862; Joseph Rodney, born Sep. 29, 1841, died Jun. 5, 1883; Elizabeth, born Jun. 21, 1845; Zachariah, born c1849; Mary, born Jun. 8, 1853.
Reuben C., born c1814, married Margaret Bolling May 7, 1840 in Nelson Co. Children: Marcellus B., born c1843 and Augustus, born c1847; Elizabeth, born c1816, married Joshua Madison Ramsey Sep. 30, 1850 in Nelson Co. One known child was Editha Ramsey, born c1860. Joshua's previous wife was Nancy Steele. Mary, born c1820, married Zephaniah Fitzgerald Aug. 27, 1833; Achiles Washington, born Aug. 8, 1844, died Feb. 5, 1917; Emily, born c1821; Lucy Ann, born c1824.
Children by Margaret Snead:
Meredith J., born c1832, married Mildred H. Carr Mar. 24, 1854 in Nelson Co. Children were Mary Jane, born Mar. 4, 1855, died Jun. 24, 1939; Martha N., born c1858
James Solomon, born c1833, married Elizabeth Hatter Mar. 19, 1855; children: Queenetta; Susanna R., Anna S., Amelia M., Lallie T., and James P.
Missouri A., born c1836
Amanda Jane, born c1846, married Philander Hersey Fitzgerald, son of Woodson Robert and Frances C. Coffey Fitzgerald. Frances was daughter of Reuben and Nancy Giles Coffey. Children were Ruth J., James J., Linda J., Anna P., Perry D., Dora, and Gilbert W.
The Will of Reuben G. Coffey:
Will: Reuben G. Coffey Source: Nelson Co., VA Will Book G, Page 173.
Contributor: Shirley Houk
I Reuben G. Coffey, of the County of Nelson & State of Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory, but weak in body, do make and constitute this to be my last will and testament revoking all will or wills made by me.
1st. My desire is that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid in the most convenient way that my executors may think proper, whom I shall hereafter name
2nd. I give to my daughters Betsey and Lucy and my son Reuben C. Coffey my tract of land on the Fork Mountain where Forbesh formerly lived, to be equally divided between them, share and share alike.
3rd. I give to my Reuben C. Coffey, my Cupboard and Bureau extra for past favors he had done for me which he shall not be accountable to my estate for in any future division. I also deem it unnecessary to say anything about the disposition of the negro girl Daskus which I formerly owned as I have heretofore sold and she is now the property of my son Reuben C. Coffey for which he has the bill of sale.
4th. I heretofore sold a tract of land lying on the Fork Mountain known by Clarks place to William W. Coffey for the payment of Six Thousand pounds of Toba which is hereafter to be paid and my desire is that the said sale shall stand good by one third of the payment or bond for said payment to be given to my wife, Margaret on the condition that she joins my executor or legal representative in making right of said to the said William W. Coffey.
5th. I give to my beloved wife, Margaret during her natural life or second marriage the one third part of all my estate of every description, which is not before disposed of to be enjoyed by her and her three children Meredith, Soloman and ____ and at the death of my wife Margaret, or second Marriage, she is at liberty to dispose of ?? childrens part between all my children in any that she may think proper, of the third part left to her.
6th. The other two thirds of my estate, at my death, my desire is that it shall be equally divided between all my children Milly, Polly, Nancy, Susan, Jane, Betsey, Fanny, Reuben, Winny, Lucy, Emily, Meredith, Solomon and ____ share and share alike taking into consideration what I have heretofore advanced to them which advancement I have made in writing.
7th. The One third part of my estate which I gave to my beloved wife Margaret during her natural life or second marriage after the childrens part, I gave her the liberty to take out at her death or second marriage my will is that the balance be also equally divided between all my children as before named share and share alike.
Lastly I do hereby appoint my son Reuben C. Coffey my executor of this my last will and testament. Given under my hand this 22nd day of September 1825.
Reuben G. (X) Coffey
Witness:
Joseph B. Coffey
Nancy Campbell
Nancy Parrish
Sylvanus Meeks
At a Court held for Nelson County the 2_th day of November 1845 This last will and testament of Reuben G. Coffey decd, was this day presented in said Court and proved by the oaths of Sylvanus Meeks and Joseph B. Coffey, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Reuben C. Coffey the executor named in said Will, who made oath thereto and together with Nelson Clarkson his security entered in and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Six hundred dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining probate of said Will in due form of law.
Teste Sp. Garland, Ck.
Nancy must have died sometime shortly after the birth of her 11th child in 1824, because Reuben married for a second time, this time to Margaret Snead. Their first known child was born c1832. But, because Reuben had so many young children to care for by himself, he and Margaret may have married much earlier than it appears by the birth date of that first child.
Children by Nancy:
Margaret Susanna, born c1803, died c1877, married John W. Coffey, son of Edmond Stewart, Jr., and Matilda (Tildy) Fitzgerald Coffey. Children: Nancy, born c1823; Mildred Annister (Milly), born c1828; John Henry, born c1832; Colston H., born c1833.
Mildred Ray (Millie), born Dec. 20, 1803, died Mar. 14, 1883, married John Everitt. Children: Nancy R., born Oct. 21, 1833, died Jan. 14, 1874; Susan J., born Aug. 13, 1836, died Dec. 23, 1905; Elias, born Dec. 12, 1842, died Sep. 13, 1931.
Nancy, born c1800, died c1874, married Garland Coffey Mar 17, 1825 in Nelson Co., VA, son of William and Elizabeth Giles Coffey. Children: William, born c1826; Nancy, born c1829; Reuben Wetzel, b orn Jul. 4, 1832,died Dec. 3, 1903; Jesse C., born Jan. 12, 1833, died Aug. 5, 1887; Elizabeth A., born c1834; John W., born c1839; Moses, born c1842; Harrison, born c1844; Alfred, born c1846.
Frances, born c1810, died Nov. 27, 1886, married Woodson Robert Fitzgerald on Aug. 23, 1830
Children: Mary Jane, born Mar. 17, 1834, died Feb. 14, 1922; Edward Addison, born c1838, died 1915; Philander Hersey, born Feb. 1844; Sarah Ann, born Sep. 12, 1846, died Apr. 15, 1926; Napoleon Dewey, born c1850, and Josephine, born c1852.
Winny, born Apr. 15, 1812, died Jan. 10, 1890, married Silas M. Ramsey May 3, 1834 in Nelson Co., VA.
Sarah Jane, born c1812, married William W. Coffey Feb. 18, 1832, another son of William and Elizabeth Giles Coffey. Children: James H., born c1833; William Montebello, born Apr. 15, 1834, died Jun. 26, 1905; Robert W., born c1834, died c1905; Peter J., born c1837, died Sep. 28, 1925; Marvel Maurice, born c1838, died May 20, 1862; Joseph Rodney, born Sep. 29, 1841, died Jun. 5, 1883; Elizabeth, born Jun. 21, 1845; Zachariah, born c1849; Mary, born Jun. 8, 1853.
Reuben C., born c1814, married Margaret Bolling May 7, 1840 in Nelson Co. Children: Marcellus B., born c1843 and Augustus, born c1847; Elizabeth, born c1816, married Joshua Madison Ramsey Sep. 30, 1850 in Nelson Co. One known child was Editha Ramsey, born c1860. Joshua's previous wife was Nancy Steele. Mary, born c1820, married Zephaniah Fitzgerald Aug. 27, 1833; Achiles Washington, born Aug. 8, 1844, died Feb. 5, 1917; Emily, born c1821; Lucy Ann, born c1824.
Children by Margaret Snead:
Meredith J., born c1832, married Mildred H. Carr Mar. 24, 1854 in Nelson Co. Children were Mary Jane, born Mar. 4, 1855, died Jun. 24, 1939; Martha N., born c1858
James Solomon, born c1833, married Elizabeth Hatter Mar. 19, 1855; children: Queenetta; Susanna R., Anna S., Amelia M., Lallie T., and James P.
Missouri A., born c1836
Amanda Jane, born c1846, married Philander Hersey Fitzgerald, son of Woodson Robert and Frances C. Coffey Fitzgerald. Frances was daughter of Reuben and Nancy Giles Coffey. Children were Ruth J., James J., Linda J., Anna P., Perry D., Dora, and Gilbert W.
The Will of Reuben G. Coffey:
Will: Reuben G. Coffey Source: Nelson Co., VA Will Book G, Page 173.
Contributor: Shirley Houk
I Reuben G. Coffey, of the County of Nelson & State of Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory, but weak in body, do make and constitute this to be my last will and testament revoking all will or wills made by me.
1st. My desire is that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid in the most convenient way that my executors may think proper, whom I shall hereafter name
2nd. I give to my daughters Betsey and Lucy and my son Reuben C. Coffey my tract of land on the Fork Mountain where Forbesh formerly lived, to be equally divided between them, share and share alike.
3rd. I give to my Reuben C. Coffey, my Cupboard and Bureau extra for past favors he had done for me which he shall not be accountable to my estate for in any future division. I also deem it unnecessary to say anything about the disposition of the negro girl Daskus which I formerly owned as I have heretofore sold and she is now the property of my son Reuben C. Coffey for which he has the bill of sale.
4th. I heretofore sold a tract of land lying on the Fork Mountain known by Clarks place to William W. Coffey for the payment of Six Thousand pounds of Toba which is hereafter to be paid and my desire is that the said sale shall stand good by one third of the payment or bond for said payment to be given to my wife, Margaret on the condition that she joins my executor or legal representative in making right of said to the said William W. Coffey.
5th. I give to my beloved wife, Margaret during her natural life or second marriage the one third part of all my estate of every description, which is not before disposed of to be enjoyed by her and her three children Meredith, Soloman and ____ and at the death of my wife Margaret, or second Marriage, she is at liberty to dispose of ?? childrens part between all my children in any that she may think proper, of the third part left to her.
6th. The other two thirds of my estate, at my death, my desire is that it shall be equally divided between all my children Milly, Polly, Nancy, Susan, Jane, Betsey, Fanny, Reuben, Winny, Lucy, Emily, Meredith, Solomon and ____ share and share alike taking into consideration what I have heretofore advanced to them which advancement I have made in writing.
7th. The One third part of my estate which I gave to my beloved wife Margaret during her natural life or second marriage after the childrens part, I gave her the liberty to take out at her death or second marriage my will is that the balance be also equally divided between all my children as before named share and share alike.
Lastly I do hereby appoint my son Reuben C. Coffey my executor of this my last will and testament. Given under my hand this 22nd day of September 1825.
Reuben G. (X) Coffey
Witness:
Joseph B. Coffey
Nancy Campbell
Nancy Parrish
Sylvanus Meeks
At a Court held for Nelson County the 2_th day of November 1845 This last will and testament of Reuben G. Coffey decd, was this day presented in said Court and proved by the oaths of Sylvanus Meeks and Joseph B. Coffey, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Reuben C. Coffey the executor named in said Will, who made oath thereto and together with Nelson Clarkson his security entered in and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Six hundred dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining probate of said Will in due form of law.
Teste Sp. Garland, Ck.
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