Thomas Henry "Tom" & Ethel Marie Nichols Coffey

Tom & Ethel w/grandchild
who donated the photograph

Thomas Henry "Tom" Coffey was the first son and fourth of nine children born to Robert Finley and Crettie May Ritch* Coffey.  Robert was a son of Thomas Hall and Cora Ellen Tolbert Coffey and, Crettie was the daughter of James Henry and Candace Genelie [sic] Chester Ritch.

Tom was born Sep. 2, 1925 in Yadkin Valley and died in Lenoir, Caldwell Co., on Aug. 28, 1999.

Ethel was born May 4, 1927 in North Carolina to Lennie Lee and Henrietta "Ettie" Curtis Nichols.  Ethel died May 26, 2004 at Granite Falls.  Both she and Tom are buried at the Robert Coffey Cemetery** [35.95201,-81.60796] near Lenoir.

Tom and Ethel were married Oct. 27, 1945 in Caldwell Co.***


Ethel's obituary:

Ethel Marie Nicholas [sic] Coffey, 77, of Melrose Street, Lenoir, died Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at Camelot Manor Nursing Home.

She was born May 4, 1927 in Bath Co., Va. to the late Rev. Lenny Lee Nichols and Henrietta Curtis Nichols. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Henry Coffey; a brother, Richard Nichols and a sister, Lucy Summerow.

Mrs. Coffey retired from Bernhardt #7 and was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Tommy Carroll Coffey of Hudson; a daughter-in-law, Deana Coffey of Hudson; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Marie Fox and husband Tommy of Maiden; three brothers, Eddie Nichols and George Nichols both of Lenoir and Clarence Nichols of Granite Falls; a sister, Joncie Swearingin of Lenoir and three grandchildren, Marty and Amy Coffey and Robbie Fox.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Pendry's Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. J.B. Crouse and Rev. Jeff Hoyle officiating. Burial will be at Coffey Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today, May 28, 2004 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Pendry's Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or online condolences may be made at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry's Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas' siblings and their spouses were:

Mary Belle, 1920-2012, married Lennie Edward Nichols c1943
Unnamed infant female, born/died Feb. 19, 1922
Beulah Evelyn, 1923-2009, married George Wesley Nichols, May 9, 1942
Jay Finley, 1927-2012, married Gertrude Clark, Dec. 24, 1948
Lillie May, 1930-?, married James Monroe Greene, 1930-1994
Lena Faye, 1932-?, married Homer Colfax Clark, 1927-2001.  Homer's first wife was Frances Louise Minton (1931-1991).  Faye's first husband was Joseph Cicero Greene (1928-1999).  They were married in 1948.
Beadie Oden, 1934-?, married Ralph Clark
Robert Claude, 1936-?, married Annie Ruth Watson, 1937-?

Corrections and/or additions welcomed.

Jack

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*Surname sometimes spelled Rich
**Directions to this cemetery were described in June of 2012 by Bradley Ingells:  From Hwy 90 (Collettsville Road), take Mulberry Creek Road at Mount Olivet Methodist Church. Go to top of the hill (just after 2032 Mulberry Creek Road) and turn right on Robert's Place (dirt road). Go all the way to the end of the road (you will go past a small cemetery in the woods on the left [Philyaw Cemetery]). Keep going to the end, cemetery is on the left in an open area. Well maintained.  To locate, cut and paste coordinates into google maps.
***"North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VXTH-4FL : accessed 05 Nov 2012), Thomas Coffey and Ethel Nichols, 1945.

Margaret Rebecca Greene

Margaret was a daughter of David and Catherine E. Smith Greene, born Jul. 3, 1857 in Caldwell Co.  She married Smith Coffey, a son of Isaac and Sarah "Sally" Estes Coffey on Aug. 14, 1872 in Caldwell Co.*

Smith had first married Martha Smith in 1868** and had one son, Charlie, born c1874.

Rebecca and Smith were the parents of at least eight children:  Katherine who married Rev. W. Roseboro Beach; Mary who married Joseph Alexander Smith; Martha who married Horace Sudderth; Henry who married Thursa Elmira "Mira" Sudderth who later married James William Coffey, son of William Luther and Mary Ann Barlow Coffey; Margaret who married Duffy Benson; Thomas Jefferson who married Bessie Beach; George Greene who married Ella Anne Barnett; and Clara who married Jay Luther Barlow.

Annual Report

Smith apparently died before 1906 because on Sep. 19th of that year Rebecca married Burton N. Lanier at Kings Creek in Caldwell Co.***  It is unclear what happened to Burton because in 1910 Rabecca [sic] Lanier and her daughter Clara were enumerated at Kings Creek without Burton.¹  By 1920, enumerated as Myra R., she was once again using the Coffey surname.  She was a widow then and ran a retail grocery business which she operated through at least 1930.²

When Smith died, Rebecca was left with minor children Thomas, Greene and Clara.  She was required to report annually her expenses in support of the children.

Margaret Rebecca died on Dec. 11, 1938 at Kings Creek and was buried at Kings Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

As always, corrections and additions are welcomed.

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*North Carolina County Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org).  Groom's Name: Smith Coffey Groom's Birth Date: Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: Bride's Name: Rebecca Greene Bride's Birth Date: Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: Marriage Date: 14 Aug 1872 Marriage Place: Caldwell, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: Lic Isaac Coffey Groom's Mother's Name: Bride's Father's Name: Bride's Mother's Name: Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M74468-7 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 590345 Reference Number: bk 3 


**Ancestry.com. North Carolina Marriage Collection, 1741-2004 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA.  Name: Smith Coffey Gender: Male Spouse: Martha Smith Spouse Gender: Female Marriage Date: 12 Jan 1868 Marriage County: Caldwell Marriage State: North Carolina Source Vendor: FHL microfilm # ????? Source: Record of this marriage may be found at the Family Notes: Smith Coffey married Martha Smith on Jan 12, 1868 in Caldwell, NC


***North Carolina County Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org).  groom's name:Burton N. Lanier groom's birth date:1850 groom's birthplace: groom's age:56 bride's name:M. R. Coffey bride's birth date:1858 bride's birthplace: bride's age:48 marriage date:19 Sep 1906 marriage place:Kings River [sic] [Creek], Caldwell, North Carolina groom's father's name:Edmund Lanier groom's mother's name:Susanna Lanier bride's father's name:David Greene bride's mother's name:Mrs. David Greene groom's race:White groom's marital status: groom's previous wife's name: bride's race:White bride's marital status: bride's previous husband's name: indexing project (batch) number:M74462-1 system origin:North Carolina-EASy source film number:590348 reference number:


¹1910 NC, Caldwell Co., Kings Creek Twp., ED56, Sheet 4B, dwelling/family 50, Lanier, Rabecca [sic], head, female, white, age 52, married this time for 4 yrs., born NC, parents born NC; Coffey, Clara, dau., female, white, age 14, single, born NC, parents born NC, farm laborer


²1920 Caldwell Co., Kings Creek Twp., ED64, Sheet 9B, Pennell Road, dwelling/family 170, Coffey, Myra [sic] R., head, female, white, age 62, widow, born NC, parents born NC, retail merchant, groceries; 1930 NC, Caldwell Co., Kings Creek Twp., ED 14-6, Sheet 4B, dwelling 64, family 65, Coffey, Rebecca, head, female, white, age 73, widow, married at age 14, born NC, parents born NC, retail merchant, groceries

Larkin & Sibby Wyatt Coffey

Larkin Coffey was a son of Thomas and Nancy Barlow Coffey, born c1832 in Wilkes Co., NC.  He married Sibby Wyatt on Nov. 28, 1853 in Wilkes Co. and died in TN in 1863. Some sources report that he died from complications of measles while others report he died of diptheria, while serving with the CSA in La Follette, Campbell Co., TN.  I have not found any proof to substantiate this, however.

What is known is that he and Sibby Wyatt, a daughter of Solomon and Polly Wyatt, were parents of at least four children:  Gilliam Wyatt, Sarah Lou Ellen, John Nelson and Mary Ann.

Gilliam, born in North Carolina - probably Caldwell Co. - in Mar., 1854, married Sarah Jane Isenhower (var.) on Jan. 10, 1875 in Caldwell Co.  Sarah, the daughter of Joseph who later became Gilliam's step-father, was born in NC in Jan., 1854 and died in Okanogan Co., WA in 1928.  Gilliam died there in 1913.

Their children, all born in NC, were:

Candes L., born May 1877, married Lee L. Cook c1897.  Lee was born in Apr., 1871 in NC.

Sidney G. S., born c1878

Etta Cordelia "Cordie," born Feb., 1880

Martha J., born Mar., 1882

William Larkin, born Jun., 1884, died Jun. 11, 1968 in Omak, Okanogan Co., WA.  William married Emma J. Lingle c1907 in NC.  She was a daughter of J. Monroe and Frances J. Sullivan Lingle.  She and William were parents of Ethel M, born NC; Edna Y., born c1912 in WA; John Albert, born Jun. 29, 1915 in WA, died in Okanogan Co. on Oct. 14, 2003; and James Edward, born Dec. 17, 1919 in WA, died Jul. 3, 1998 in Okanogan Co.  James Edward married Ellen J. Dinger in Spokane, WA in 1947.  They had at least one child, John Allen Coffey, born Dec. 8, 1951 in Okanogan and died there on Aug. 7, 1980.

Joseph Monroe, born Feb. 23, 1887 at Shulls Mill in Watauga Co., NC, died in Okanogan on Jun. 5, 1958.

Minnie Lee, born Jul. 31, 1890 at Blowing Rock in Watauga Co., NC, died Dec. 2, 1972 at Peteros, Okanogan Co.  She married first to Charles Martin Harrell on Jun 30, 1911 in Okanogan Co.  Two children are known: Leda Ruby and Doris Jane.  Charles died in 1917 and Minnie married George Walter Brownlee on Feb. 16, 1919 in Okanogan Co.  He was a son of Andrew Brownlee and was born Jan. 17, 1875 in IL, died in Okanogan Co. in 1962.  Their children were at least two:  John Charles, born Jul. 16, 1924, died Sep. 11, 2003 at Wenatchee, Chelan Co., WA and, Grace, born c1928 in Okanogan Co.

The last child born to Gilliam and Sarah was Ethel, born Oct., 1894 in NC.

The second child born to Larkin and Sibby was Sarah Lou Ellen on Nov. 8, 1856 in Caldwell Co.  She married John M. Stamey, a son of Daniel and Catherine Stamey, on Jan. 4, 1874 in Caldwell Co.  John was born in Cherokee Co., NC on Jan. 9, 1846 and died in Catawba Co. on Sep. 4, 1934.  Sarah died in Catawba Co. on Jun. 24, 1947.

Third born was John Nelson "Nels" on Aug. 7, 1858 in Caldwell Co.  John Married Laura Ann Henley, a daughter of Henry and Loanna "Loany" Greene, on Sep. 23, 1881 in Watauga Co.  John died on Dec. 10, 1932 in Blowing Rock, NC; Laura died there on Jun. 2, 1936.  This couple had at least nine children, all of which married and have descendants.  The family is too large to write about here but I will in a future blog.  In the meantime, any reader wanting information about "Nels" and Laura Ann, can drop an e-mail with the request.

The last child of Larkin and Sibby was Mary Ann, born Mar. 27, 1859 in Caldwell Co., died there on Nov. 24, 1944.  She married William Alexander West, a son of Hiram and Juliatha [sic] Haas West, born Jan. 18, 1856 in Caldwell Co.  William died Jan. 26, 1919 at the State Hospital in Morganton, Burke Co., NC after breaking a hip.  He and Mary Ann had at least three children:  Dora A., born Jun., 1885, married Adolphus Price on Apr. 21, 1907 in Lenoir; Willard Newton, born Apr. 18, 1888, died Jan. 9, 1969 at Black Mountain in Buncombe Co., NC.  Willard married Emma Andrews on Dec. 26, 1915 in Lenoir.  Third and last child was Georgia, born Aug., 1890.

Following Larkin's death, Sibby Wyatt Coffey married Joseph Isenhour on Nov. 14, 1875 in NC.  They had at least one child, Solomon Tilden Isenhour, born Nov. 30, 1876, died Dec. 26, 1950 in Blowing Rock.  Solomon married Ruth Callie Moody c1895 and they had at least one child, a son Franklin Albert Isenhour, born in Watauga Co. on Dec. 11, 1898.  As mentioned above, it was Sibby's son Gilliam Coffey who married Sarah Jane Isenhour, Joseph's daughter by his first wife, Lettie.

William and Annie Boone Coffey at Rufus Cemetery in Caldwell Co., NC

William was a son of Thomas and Sarah Fields Coffey, born Nov. 29, 1782 in Wilkes Co., NC and died there on May 15, 1839.  That part of Wilkes Co. later became part of Caldwell Co.  Anna "Annie" Boone was a daughter of Jese and Sarah McMahan Boone, born Jul. 26, 1785 in Burke Co., died Jan. 16, 1876 in Caldwell Co.  Both are buried at the Rufus Baptist Church cemetery in Lenoir, Mulberry Twp., Caldwell Co

In fact, a number of William and Anna's descendants are buried at Rufus.  At first examination of this cemetery, most appear to be from son Wilborn, born May 14, 1807 in Burke Co., died in Caldwell Nov. 27, 1897; and from son Calvin, born Sep. 30, 1819, died Apr. 2, 1847, also in Caldwell Co..

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Harriet Minerva Moore, wife of James Altimon Bradshaw, and daughter of Jesse Richmond Moore and Charlotte Caroline Coffey, born Oct. 7, 1878, died Jan. 22, 1970.  Charlotte Caroline was a daughter of Wilborn and Sarah Cottrell Coffey and a granddaughter of William and Annie, marking Harriet a great-granddaughter.

Thelma Erin Bradshaw, daughter of James Altimon and Harriet Minerva Moore Bradshaw, born Mar. 31, 1911 in Caldwell Co., died Apr. 4, 1969.  Thelma was a great great granddaughter of William and Annie.

Beulah Evelyn, daughter of Robert Finley Coffey and Crettie May Rich and, wife of George Wesley Nichols.  She was born Aug. 22, 1923, Caldwell Co., died Sep. 8, 2009 at Lenoir.  Beulah was a first cousin to William, 5x removed.

Bruce Glen, son of Julius Pinkney and Louise Ann Edwards Coffey and, husband of Amy Moore.  He was born Dec. 24, 1908 in Caldwell Co., died Sep. 2, 1971 at Lenoir.  Julius was a great grandson of William and Annie, making Bruce a great great grandson.  Amy was the daughter of Wiley Hill and Ellen Hodges Moore.  She was born Apr. 12, 1910 in Caldwell Co., died Jan. 25, 1987.

Mabel Marie, wife of Forrest Moore Green and daughter of Bruce Glen and Amy Moore Coffey.  She was born Nov. 21, 1937 in Caldwell Co. and died there on Jul. 10, 2002.  She was a great great great grand daughter of William and Annie.  Forrest Moore Greene, a son of W. Buster and Wilma Victoria. Moore Greene. Forest was a third great grandson of William and Annie.  He was born Feb. 14, 1937 in Caldwell Co. and died there on Aug. 23, 1999.

Calvin, son of William and Annie, husband of Mary Greene.  He was born Sep. 30, 1819 in NC and died Apr. 2, 1847 in Caldwell Co.  Mary, parents unknown, was born Feb. 2, 1820 in NC and died Jun. 23, 1871 in Caldwell Co.

Wilborn, son of William and Annie, husband of Sarah "Sallie" Cottrell, born May 14, 1807 in Burke Co., died Nov. 27, 1897 in Caldwell Co.  Sallie was the daughter of William and Lucy Day Cottrell, born May 1, 1812 in Wilkes Co., died Mar. 25, 1894 in Caldwell Co.

William Rufus, son of Wilborn and Sarah Cottrell Coffey and, husband of Harriet E. Moore.  He was born Nov. 17, 1832 in Caldwell Co., died Dec. 7, 1902.  He was a grandson of William and Anna.  Harriet was born May 3, 1835 in Caldwell Co., died Feb. 2, 1918.  Harriet was a daughter of David and Sarah Caroline Moore Moore, born May 3, 1835 in Caldwell Co., died Feb. 2, 1918.

Charlotte Caroline, wife of Jesse Richmond Moore, daughter of Wilborn and Sarah Cottrell Coffey, born Dec. 2, 1851 in Caldwell Co., died Mar. 18, 1944 in Caldwell.  She was a grand daughter of William and Annie.  Jesse was a son of David and Sarah Caroline Moore Moore.  He was born Mar. 16, 1849 in Caldwell Co., died there on Sep. 13, 1921.

Stella Victoria Gragg, wife of Lawrence Hill Moore, was a daughter of John Boone Gragg and Cordelia Adaline Coffey.  Cordelia was a grand daughter of William and Annie, making Stella a great grand daughter.  Stella was born Jul. 10, 1882 in Caldwell Co., died Aug. 30, 1943.  Lawrence Hill was a great grandson of William and Annie.  He was the son of Jesse Richmond and Charlotte Caroline Coffey Moore.

Wilma Victoria Moore, daughter of Lawrence Hill and Stella Victoria Gragg Moore and wife of W. (Willie or William) Buster Greene, was born Apr. 15, 1909 and died Feb. 14, 2004.  She was a double great granddaughter of William and Annie.

Sarah Ellen was a daughter of Jesse Richmond and Charlotte Caroline Coffey Moore and a great grand daughter of William and Annie. She was the wife of Adolphus Monroe Mast, son of John Allen Mast and Martha Elizabeth Moore.  He was born Jul. 22, 1865 in Watauga Co., and died in Caldwell Co. on Dec. 20, 1923.

Ruth Mast, daughter of Adolphus and Sarah, was born Dec. 24, 1898 in Caldwell Co. and died on Oct. 28, 1973.  Ruth was a second great granddaughter of William and Annie.

Addie Caroline Moore, daughter of Lawrence Hill and Stella Victoria Gragg Moore, and the wife of Waitsel Coy Greene.  Addie was second great granddaughter of William and Annie.  I have not yet found info on Waitsel except that he was born Feb. 8, 1909.

Lex Wilburn Mast, Jr., son of Lex, Sr. and Annie Lenoir Greene Mast, was born Apr. 14, 1944 in Caldwell Co. and died Sep. 6, 1974.  He was a third great grandson of William and Annie.

Dermont Richmond Moore, a son of Lawrence Hill and Stella Victoria Gragg Moore, was born Apr. 12, 1917 in Caldwell Co., and died there on Jun. 2, 2003.  He was a second great grandson of William and Annie.

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The Rufus Cemetery is located off the Mulberry Creek Road but, it appears from Google Maps that the entrance to it is located on the Boone Fork Park Road.  Geo Coordinates for that entrance are: Latitude: 36° 0' 0.74" N, Longitude: 81° 38' 26.51" W.  Click on the "Show on Google Maps" below and the link will take you to a very good satellite view of the area.

Show on Google Maps

Hopefully, I've made the correct kinship calculations. Please let me know of any errors.

Rev. John H. & Minerva Jane Coffey Nelson

John, sometimes referred to as "Rev. John Nelson," was a farmer in Caldwell Co. when he married Minerva Jane Coffey in that county in 1865.  He was a son of John M. & Elizabeth Penley Nelson*, born in Caldwell Co. on May 19, 1841.  Minerva, a daughter of Wilborn & Sarah Cottrell Coffey, was born there on Dec. 20, 1844.  John likely served the Confederacy during the Civil War.  There were at least three with the name from NC who enlisted.**  Which if any, is this John has not been determined.

Minerva gave John at least 11 children, all born in Caldwell Co. between 1869 and 1890.  They were:

Nora Cornelia, born Sep. 25, 1869, died May 22, 1953 at Belmont in South Point Twp., Gaston Co., NC.  Her spouse was Seth J. Setzer, a son of Larkin and Julia Holsclaw Setzer, born c1862.  They were married at Patterson on Mar. 20, 1888.  Seth died on Sep. 5, 1937 at Reidsville in Rockingham Co. and Nora on May 22, 1953 at Belmont.  Seth was buried at Mount Holly city cemetery in Gaston Co. while Nora was buried at Greenwood cemetery in Belmont.

Sarah, born Sep., 1870.  No further information.

Thomas, born c1873, married Mary Ingle, daughter of Mark & Nancy Ingle on Jul. 24, 1898 in Patterson Twp.  Mary was born c1876 in NC.

Minnie J., born Dec., 1874, married William "Willie" Estes on Feb. 15, 1903 in Johns River Twp.  He was born in 1880 in NC.

Robert Lee, born Feb. 1, 1875, married Junie Mae Phillips on Jun. 28, 1913 in Caldwell Co.  Robert died Jun. 6, 1955 in Lenoir; Junie there on Mar. 9, 1962.  Both are buried at Lenoir in Harpers Chapel cemetery.

William Rufus was born Dec. 6, 1879 and married Kate Pearl Suddreth, a daughter of Toliver Suddreth, on Oct. 4, 1913 in Caldwell Co.Kate was born c1890.  Rufus died Jun. 23, 1954 and was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir.  No info on Kate's death date and burial location. They had at least two children:  Albert Lee and Edna Minerva.

Henry L. & Mary C. were born in Dec., 1880 and Aug., 1883, respectively.  No further information.

George W. was born Mar., 1885 and married China Carlton on Feb. 14, 1910 in Burke Co., NC.  Children that I know of were:  Rubie, born c1917, Lorrane, born c1919, one unnamed, born c1926 and Willis Ester, a male?, born c1935.

Milton League, born Aug. 2, 1887, died in Lenoir on Feb. 18, 1966.  Milton married Cora Lee Kirby, born Sep. 3, 1894 in Caldwell Co. on Jun. 29, 1917.  Cora died Oct. 31, 1971 in Lenoir.  Both are buried at the Nelson Chapel in Lenoir.

The last child born to John and Minerva was Albert J., born in Apr., 1890.  He married Lucy B. Greene in 1919.  She died Oct. 4, 1938 and he followed her on Apr. 22, 1939.  I'm still looking for their burial places.  Chidlren:  Hattie Belle, born 1920; Mattie, born 1921; Annie Mae, born 1923; and Willie Wilson, born 1924.

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*John H. was not the only child of John M and Elizabeth to marry a Coffey.  Their son George W., born 1837, married Mary Lou Coffey on Jun. 9, 1859 in Caldwell Co.  Mary Lou was a daughter of McCaleb and Elizabeth Collett Coffey.  George died on Jun. 8, 1860 in Lenoir; Mary Lou on Sep. 24, 1863.  They are both buried at Nelson's Chapel in Lenoir.  Another of the Nelson children, a daughter named Mary Ann, married Elijah L. Coffey on Jun. 20, 1867 in Caldwell Co.  Elijah was a son of William Coffey, Jr., and his wife Margaret Robbins.
**One John H. enlisted in Co. F, 6th Regiment, NC Infantry. Another enlisted in Co. D, 52d Regiment, NC Infantry and a third [John H. D.] enlisted in the 33d Regiment, NC Infantry.

Other sources used:  1850, 1870, 1880, 1900 US Federal Census; NC Death Certificates; Various cemetery records; NC Registrar of Deeds web service; familysearch.org


All of the surnames in this blog represent some very old Caldwell and Watauga  Co. NC families, some pre-Revolutionary.  Many of the ancestors of these herein named were pioneer hunters, explorers and settlers in those counties..

Filmore Garfield & Martha Blanche Coffey Ford

Filmore Garfield Ford was a son of John Squire and Cenia Cook Ford, born Dec. 18, 1880 in Watauga Co.  Martha Blanche Coffey was a daughter of Thomas Carlton and Martha Ellen Cook Coffey, born Dec. 25, 1886 in Watauga Co.  The Cook ladies are probably related, but I have not investigated that connection.

Filmore and Martha Blanche was married on Nov. 13, 1904 in Watauga Co.*  They were parents of at least 12, seven of which I know to have lived and raised their own families.  I have found no info on sons Thomas Blaine Ford, born Mar. 4, 1918 or Farthing Gordon, born Jan. 3, 1930.  Son Herman was born Nov. 16, 1920 and died on the following day.

Update:  Farthing Gordon Ford died Jan. 7, 2002 in Davidson Co., NC.  Still searching for his wife's name.

Thomas Blaine Ford died Apr. 15, 1995 in Boone, Watauga Co.  His wife was Mary Rachel Herman, born 1923 in Alexander Co., NC.

The first born was William Stewart on Oct. 11, 1905 in Aho, Watauga Co.  He died Jan. 15, 1995 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. and was buried at Baileys Camp Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir.  His wife was Lillie May Ford, likely a cousin, but I have not found her parents.

His obituary:

Mr. William Stewart Ford

Mr. William Stewart Ford, 89, of Route 1, Hudson, a former resident of Route 8, Lenoir, died Sunday, Jan. 15, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir.

He was born Oct. 11, 1905, in the Aho community of Watauga County, a son of the late Filmore and Blanche Coffey Ford.  He was a retired farmer and a former employee of Broyhill Furniture Company.  He was a member of Bailey's Camp Baptist Church.

Survivors include six sons, Alfred Ford of Newton, Frank Ford and Walter Fork [sic] [Ford], both of Black Mountain, Ray Ford of Morganton, James Ford of Hudson and Paul Ford of Lenoir; one daughter, Lucy Smith of Morganton; three sisters, Mary Belle Hampton and Ella Richardson, both of Lenoir, and Sadie Church of Fleetwood; and three brothers, Glenn Ford and Blaine Ford, both of Boone, and Farthing Ford of Lexington.  He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Lillie Mae Ford Ford, one sister, Mrs. Pansy Jackson; and three brothers, Mr. Ralph Ford, Mr. Frank Ford and Mr. Ingle Ford.

Services were Wednesday afternoon at Bailey's Camp Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Max West and the Rev. Edgar Ford.  Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Ralph Allen was second, born May 25, 1906 in Watauga Co.  He died Aug. 1, 1972 and was buried at Reform Church Cemetery in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.  His death certificate tells us that he was a widower at time of death, but I have not found his spouse.

Third born was David Frank on Jan. 21, 1909.  Caldwell Co. records report his death in 1981 in that county, but so far I have found nothing else.

Update:  David Frank Ford married Ida Greene, born 1911 in NC, on Apr. 22, 1933 in Blowing Rock Twp., Watauga Co., NC

Fourth was Pansy Ellen, born Jun. 18, 1910 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 16, 1975 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co.  Her spouse was Clyde Jackson.  Pansy is buried at Old Mount Pleasant-Bethany Luthern Church Cemetery in Boone.

Julia Ella was next, born May 6, 1913 in Watauga Co.  She married Lonnie Curtis Harrison, son of Shuford Edward (Emanuel?) and Sarah Malinda Bradshaw Harrison.  The marriage took place in Boone on Dec. 24, 1942.**  Lonnie died in Caldwell Co. in 2005; Julia in Blowing Rock on Apr. 22, 2007.  She is buried at Bethany Baptist Church in Finley, Caldwell Co.  Lonnie is probably also there.

Her obituary:

The Watauga Democrat, Boone, Watauga Co., NC, Apr. 26, 2007

Julia Ella Ford Harrison

Mrs. Julia Ford Harrison, 93, of Richland Road, Lenoir, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at Blowing Rock Hospital.

She was born May 6, 1913 in Watauga County to the late Filmore Garfield and Martha Blanche Coffey Ford.

Mrs. Harrison was a homemaker and a member of Unity Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Eric Anthony Harrison of Lenoir and Shuford Edward Harrison of Wilkesboro; three daughters, Ms. Adairn Elaine Harrison of Hickory, Mrs. Joe (Evelyn Annette) Snyder of Hudson and Mrs. Gwyn (A. Elizabeth) Icenhour of Lenoir; a brother, Marion Glenn Ford of Boone; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Belle Hampton of Whitnel and Mrs. Sadie Blanche Church of Fleetwood; ten grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie C. Harrison; a daughter, Aleda Eva Burress; seven brothers, Ralph, Frank, Stewart, Blaine, Ingle, Hooker, and Farthing Ford; a sister, Pansy Jackson; and a grandchild, Curtis Snyder.

Services were conducted Wednesday morning, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Paul Dula and the Rev. Gary Waters. Interment followed at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church, 6777 Richland Rd., Lenoir, N.C. 28645; The Eva Harrison Burress Scholarship Fund, c/o Appalachian State University Foundation, P.O. Box 32014, Boone, N.C. 28608-2014; Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645; and Alzheimers Association, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, N.C. 28801-2644.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of the arrangements.

Child number six was John Ingle, born Aug. 1, 1915 in Watauga Co., died Aug. 6, 1973 at Boone.  John married Rhonda R. Greene, date unknown.  She was born May 19,1918 and died Apr. 12, 2009 at Boone.  Both are buried at Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery at Boone.

Seven and eight, Thomas Blaine and Herman are mentioned above.

Number nine was Marion Glenn, born May 10, 1922 in Watauga Co., died in Boone on Oct. 28, 2009.  Glenn's spouse was Brook Stanbury to whom he was married on Mar 16, 1947** at New River Twp., in Watauga Co.  He is buried at Laurel Springs Baptist Church cemetery at Deep Gap, Watauga Co.

His obituary:

The Watauga Democrat, Nov. 2, 2009

Mr. Glenn Ford, 87, of 560 Pine Branch Road, Boone, died Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, 2009, at his home.

Mr. Ford was born May 10, 1922 in Watauga County, a son of the late  Filmore and Martha Blanche Coffey Ford. He was a retired salesman and supervisor for Coca Cola Bottling Company, and a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church.

Obituary Photo

Glenn served in the United States Army during World War II.

Mr. Ford is survived by his wife, Brooke Stanbery Ford of the home; two daughters, Rebecca Barkley and husband, H.E, of Columbia, S.C., and Marian Ford of Hickory; one son, Mark Ford and wife, Gail, of Boone; one sister, Mary Belle Hampton of Lenoir; two granddaughters, Erin Ford Patterson and husband, John, of Boone, and Meredith Barkley Murphy and husband, Andy, of Columbia; one grandson, Michael Barkley of Columbia; and one great-granddaughter, Lauren Patterson of Boone.  He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters,  Pansy Jackson, Ellen Harrison and Sadie Church, and six brothers, Stewart, Ralph, Frank, Ingle, Blaine and Farthing Ford.

Services were conducted, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. Officiating were the Rev. Brent Bolick and Dr. Matt Brown.  Burial followed in Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Laurel Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, or to the Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 7504 U.S. Highway 421 South, Deep Gap, N.C. 28618.

Online condolences may be sent to the Ford family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

The tenth born was Mary Belle on Mar. 28, 1925.  She married Rhonda Gerald Hampton on Aug. 1, 1947 at Zionville in Watauga Co.**  He was born in 1918.  Their death dates and burial sites have not found.

Update: Rhonda Gerald Hampton was born Mar. 31, 1918 in NC and died Sep. 14, 1977 in Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC.  Mary Belle passed away on Feb. 1, 2012 in Lenoir.  She was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir.  Rhonda's burial site has not been found.

Next born was Sadie Blanche Ford on Apr. 8,1927 in Watauga Co.  She married Elster Brown Church, date unknown, who was born in North Carolina on Oct. 26, 1918 and died Jul. 14, 1985 in Watauga Co.  Sadie died Dec. 12, 2007.  She is buried at Liberty Grove Baptist Church cemetery at Deep Gap where Elster is probably also buried.

Her obituary:

The Watauga Democrat, Boone, NC, Dec. 17, 2007

Sadie Ford Church

Mrs. Sadie Ford Church, 80, of Fleetwood, N.C., died Wednesday morning, Dec. 12, 2007, at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson.

Obituary Photo

She was born in Watauga County, Friday, April 8, 1927, to the late Filmora and Blanche Coffey Ford.

Survivors include a son, Kenneth Church and wife, Debbie, of Fleetwood; a brother, Glenn “Brook” Ford of Boone, N.C.; a sister, Mary Bell Hampton of Lenoir, N.C.; two grandchildren, Becky Howell and husband, Gene, of Sparta, and Alicia Howell and husband, Richard Lee, of Walnut Cove, N.C.; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elster Church; seven brothers; and two sisters.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at Liberty Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. John Elledge and the Rev. David Long officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to: Liberty Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 400, Deep Gap, N.C. 28618.

You may give the family your condolences at our Web site www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.

Farthing Gordon Ford was their last child.  See above.

Update:  Farthing Gordon Ford was born Jan. 3, 1930 in Watauga Co. and died on Jan. 7, 2002 in Davidson Co., NC.  His burial site is not known.

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*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 A. J. Shull.


**North Carolina County Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org).

William & Anna "Annie" Boone Coffey

William was one of the sons of Thomas and Sarah "Sally" Fields Coffey.  He was the second of 10 children born to that couple and the first of eight sons.  Bible records provided in 1990 by Mary E. Thornburg, tells us that William was born "November 29th in the year of our Lord 1782," and died May 22, 1839 in Wilkes Co., NC.  He was buried there at the Rufus Baptist Church Cemetery in the Mulberry Community, now part of Caldwell Co. (Lat: 36.00080, Lon: -81.64390).

Mary's Bible records tell us that William married Annie Boone on Oct. 16, 1804 in Boone, Watauga Co., the daughter of Jesse Boone and his wife Sarah McMahan.  Annie appears to be the sixth of at least eight children born to Jesse and Sarah.  She was born Jul. 26, 1785 in Burke Co. and died in Caldwell on Jan. 16, 1876.  She is also buried at the Rufus cemetery.

At least six children were born to William and Annie, the first being Daniel Boone Coffey, born Nov. 12, 1805 in Burke Co., died Jan. 21, 1862 in Caldwell Co.  Daniel married Clarissa Estes on Sep. 11, 1834.  She was born Jul. 18, 1817 in Burke Co., died Jul. 17, 1884, probably in Caldwell Co.  They were parents of at least nine children:  1) Emily who married her first cousin (once removed) Charles Lewis Coffey, a son of McCaleb and Elizabeth "Betsy" Collett Coffey; 2) Drury Dobbins who married Harriet Elizabeth Collett on Aug. 25, 1859; 3) Martha Ellen who married Elijah L. Moore on Oct. 12, 1858 in Caldwell Co.; 4) Sophronia Tate who married Henry Clay Coffey, brother to Charles Lewis; 5) Jonah, born May 9, 1843 in Caldwell Co.  He may have died in infancy; 6) Israel Boone, born Apr. 19, 1845 in Caldwell Co., died Jul. 10, 1920 in Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS, married Catherine Emma Spainhour of North Carolina on Sep. 19, 1867 in Caldwell Co. 7) Julia, born Aug. 3, 1847; 8) Hezekiah, born 1852; 9) Celia, born Nov. 7, 1855, died Apr. 15, 1858.

Second born to William and Annie was Wilborn on May 14, 1807 in  Burke Co.  He married Sarah "Sallie" Cottrell on Jan. 2, 1832 in Caldwell Co.  Sallie was born May 1, 1812 in Wilkes Co. and died in Caldwell Co. on Mar. 25, 1894.  Wilborn died on Nov. 27, 1897.  Both are buried at the Rufus cemetery.  They were parents of at least eight children:  1) William Rufus, who married Harriet E. Moore on Dec. 4, 1856; 2) Thomas Milton, born c1835, died Aug. 12, 1863 on the Gettysburg battlefield; 3) Myra Emeline, born c1836, died before 1860; 4) James Grayson, born 1839, died Aug. 24, 1863 at the Union POW camp, Davis Island, New York Harbor, NY; 5) Minerva Jane, born Dec. 20, 1844, died Oct. 10,1934 and who married the Rev. John H. Nelson, born May 19, 1841 in Caldwell Co., died May 22, 1915; 6) John Calvin, born Apr. 30, 1848 in Caldwell Co., died in Mulberry Twp., Caldwell Co. on Feb. 27, 1930.  He married Nancy Caroline Tuttle, born Jan. 10,1854 in Caldwell Co., died Mar. 10, 1939 at Lenoir, Caldwell Co.; 7) Finley Patterson, born Apr. 30, 1848 in Mulberry Twp., died in Lenoir on Apr. 13, 1937.  His wife was Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Tuttle, born Sep. 11, 1851 in Caldwell Co, died Apr. 20, 1931 in Lenoir.  Nancy Caroline and Mary Elizabeth Tuttle were sisters, daughters of Robert G. & Lucinda Puett Tuttle. 8) Charlotte Caroline, born Dec. 2, 1851 in Caldwell Co., died Mar. 18, 1944.  She married Jesse Richmond Moore on Oct. 21, 1869 in Caldwell Co.  He was born Mar. 16, 1849 in Globe Twp., Caldwell Co. and died in the Mulberry Twp. on Sep. 13, 1921

William and Annie's third was Gilliam, born May 21, 1810, died Jan. 8,1910 in Patterson Twp., Caldwell Co.  He married Mary "Polly" Moore on Jan. 2, 1832.  She was born c1820 in Burke Co. and died in Caldwell Co. on May 26, 1871.  They were parents of at least six:  1) Harvey N., born 1837, died 1912, married Jane Cochran; 2) William Elbert, born 1839, died 1912 at Morganton, Burke Co.  His wife was Margaret Anne Kinkaid, born 1837 in Burke Co., died Dec. 22, 1921 in Morganton.  Margaret had a child after William died and whose father is not known to me.  She and William Elbert had at least six children:  Mary, William Alvin, Lula Eloise; Annie Jane, Harvey Macan, and Maggie Lee. 3) Harriet E., born Sep. 6, 1843 in Cedar Valley, Caldwell Co., died Dec. 12, 1937 in Elizabethton, Carter Co., TN.  Harriet's spouse was James Brown Blair to whom she was married on Oct. 7, 1866 in Caldwell Co.  James was born in Cedar Valley on May 1, 1844 and died in Carter Co. on May 24, 1920.  They had at least eight children:  Henry Lee, Gilliam Colbert, Harvey, John Caldwell, Job W., Mary E., Hatibel, and Lillie M. 4) Celia Adeline, born c1847, died before 1910.  Her husband was John Wesley Estes and they were married on Dec. 2, 1868 in Caldwell Co.  Their children were at least eight:  Benjamin G., Albert Lafayette, Horace Herndon; John C., Victor Scotland, Emma E., Homer Roy, and May C.  This family left NC sometime after 1880 and journeyed west to Iowa where Emma was born and then to Idaho where May was born.  5) Cordelia Adaline, born Jan. 10, 1853, died Jul. 9,1918.  She married John Boone Gragg on Dec. 17,1 877 in Caldwell Co.  He was born Feb. 15, 1856 in Caldwell Co., and died in Globe Twp., on May 23, 1937.  Both are buried at the Job Moore cemetery in the Globe.  Their children were at least seven:  William Hardie, Charlie, Stella Victoria, John Vernon, Laurance Dillard, Mamie, and Horace Milton.  Child 6) was Emma, born c1855.  Unfortunately, nothing else has been found for her.

The fourth child of William and Annie was Celia, Jun. 29, 1813 in Burke Co., died in Wilkes Co. on Jul. 12, 1899.  She married Hezekiah Curtis, a son of Samuel and Susanna Cottrell Curtis, on Dec. 26, 1833 in Wilkes Co.  Hezekiah was born May 16, 1810 in Wilkes Co., and died there on Jan. 20, 1901.  Both are buried at Mountain Park Cemetery in Wilkesboro, Wilkes Co.  Their children were Darcus, Judson, Larkin Junius, Julia, Finley Patterson, Caroline L., and Martha Gertrude.

The fifth and last child born to William and Annie was Calvin on Sep. 30, 1819.  He died Apr. 2, 1847 after a short marriage to Mary Greene in about 1839-40.  Four children were born to Calvin and Mary:  Harrison, Alexander, William and Patterson Vance.  William also died on the battlefield at Gettysburg.

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This is quite a long blog and I hope that I have not made it too complicated to follow.  Many of these folks have been written about in previous blogs.  Use the search window in the sidebar to look for them.  To assure accuracy, place "quotation marks" around the name your are searching for.  All of these, plus all of their known (to me) ancestors and descendants are present on the Edward Coffey Project DVD.  Readers can also use the "Search Also For" links at the bottom of each blog.

William Luther Coffey

This William Luther Coffey was born c1855 in North Carolina, likely in Caldwell Co., to Marvel and Nancy E. Pendley Coffey.  He was living with his parents in Kings Creek Twp. in census years 1860 and 1870.  He married Mary Ann Barlow, a daughter of Joseph and Louisa Laxton Barlow, on Mar. 5, 1874 in Caldwell Co.*  In census year 1880 he was again in the household with his mother, enumerated as a married man but a wife and children were not given.**  He has sometimes been mistaken for his distant cousin, also named William Luther, who was born Mar. 6, 1850 in NC, to Jesse Calton and Nancy A. Raines Coffey.

I believe there were at least two children born to William and Mary Ann:  J. (Julia?) Geneva, born 1875 at Kings Creek and, James William, born Sep. 16, 1877 in Caldwell Co.  Geneva married Finley Ferguson Barlow, born to Smith and Mary Jane Suddreth Barlow on Jan. 20, 1875 in Kings Creek, died Sep. 28, 1956 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co.  Finley was probably some kin to Geneva but I have not yet checked into that family.

James William married at least twice.  His first wife was Margaret Boughman to whom he was married on Oct. 1, 1899 in Lower Creek Twp., Caldwell Co.***  At least one child, Roy was born c1902.  His second wife was Thursa Elmira “Myra” Suddreth, born Sep. 27, 1883, died Mar. 6, 1931 at Kings Creek.  Myra had also been previous married.  Her first husband was Henry Coffey, a distant cousin of James’, and a son of Smith and Elizabeth Rebecca Greene Coffey.  Henry was born in Mar., 1883 and died c1906.  He and Myra were married on Dec. 20, 1902 in Caldwell Co.1

Henry and Myra had at least two children:  Roy, born c1902 and Annie, born Apr. 2, 1904, died Apr. 17, 1922.

James William and Myra were married c1907 and had at least seven children:  Clarence Lee, born Sep. 25, 1907, died Dec. 29, 1967 at Kings Creek; Pearl Lucille, born Jun. 10, 1912; Carter R., born Sep. 23, 1914, died 1985 in OH; Florence E., born c1917; Horace J., born c1910; Wayne, born c1921 and Wade Suddreth, born Apr. 10, 1924.

Of all the children named, the only one I have found any data for is Clarence Lee.  He married Winfred “Winnie” Jolly and they were parents of at least two children:  Alex Dale, born Nov. 25, 1936, died Jov. 27, 1936 at Kings Creek; and Jerry Lee, born Sep. 22, 1941.

A death record for William Luther has not yet been located.  Mary Ann Barlow Coffey died Feb. 3, 1943 at Kings Creek and is buried there in Kings Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  James William died Mar. 29, 1952 and his wife, Myra Suddreth Coffey died Mar. 7, 1931.  Both are buried at Kings Creek.  Clarence Lee died Dec. 29, 1967 and is buried there with his son, Alex Dale.  Others of this family are also likely buried at Kings Creek but I haven’t found a death record or other evidence of that.

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*Groom's Name: W L Coffey Groom's Birth Date: 1854 Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: 20 Bride's Name: Mary A. Barlow Bride's Birth Date: 1853 Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: 21 Marriage Date: 05 Mar 1874 Marriage Place: Caldwell, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: Manvel Coffey Groom's Mother's Name: Nancy Coffey Bride's Father's Name: Joseph Barlow Bride's Mother's Name: Louisa Barlow Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M74468-7 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 590345 Reference Number: bk 3 [North Carolina County Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org)]

**1880 Caldwell Co., Kings Creek, ED55, Page 5A, dwelling 27, family 41, Coffey, Nancy E., white female, age 60, widow, farmer, born NC, parents born NC; Coffey, Robert Lee, white male, age 5, grandson, single, born NC, parents born NC; Coffey, William L., white, male, age 25, son, married, born NC, parents born NC

***Groom's Name: James William Coffey Groom's Birth Date: 1877 Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: 22 Bride's Name: Maggie E. Boughman Bride's Birth Date: 1876 Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: 23 Marriage Date: 01 Oct 1899 Marriage Place: Lower Creek, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: Luthar Coffey Groom's Mother's Name: Mary A. Coffey Bride's Father's Name: T. Bowman Bride's Mother's Name: Keturah Boughman Groom's Race: White Groom's Marital Status: Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M74461-7 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 590347 Reference Number:  [North Carolina County Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org)]

1Caldwell 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, Marriage Register, Book 15, Page 139.

James & Nancy Greene Coffey

This James was born in 1806, probably in Cherokee Co., NC.  He was a son of Levi and Dolly Edmundson Coffey and, brother to Rice, Mary Ann, James, Robert, John, Keziah, Elisha, Levi, Jr., and Nancy.

Rice married Dorothy Jane Medaris; James married Nancy Greene; Robert married Mary LNU, Elisha married Anna Harmon Moody; and Levi, Jr. married Louisa Turnbull.

My interest at the moment is centered on James who married Nancy Greene, a daughter of John “Moccasin” and Elizabeth Coffey Greene.  Elizabeth Coffey Greene was a first cousin to James.

Their children were Abram, born c1829; Charity, born c1831; Sarah Elizabeth, born 1836; Daniel M., born c1844; James W., born c1846; and Mary Jane, born c1847.  All were likely born in Cherokee Co.

Sarah Elizabeth married Thomas Cummins West on Dec. 16, 1855 in Murphy, Cherokee Co.  He was born May 14, 1834 in Buncombe Co., NC and died in Graham Co., AZ on Jan. 8, 1888.  Sarah died Dec. 19, 1877 in McKinley Co., NM.  Thomas is buried at Graham Cemetery while Sarah was buried at Savola Pioneer Cemetery in McKinley Co.

James W. married Jane LNU and had a daughter named Dora, born c1878 in NC.

Mary Jane was born c1847 and is said to have married Henry Alexander Ditmore.

While researching this family I found a marriage for a Jane Ditmore in Clay Co., NC dated 25 Feb. 1875.  Her parents were named as James and Nancy Coffey.  One genealogy that I have found reports that a Mary Jane Coffey married Henry Alexander Ditmore c1865 in Cherokee Co.  A search for Henry Alexander Ditmore found him in Tom Greene Co., TX where he died in 1923.  His wife was named Elvira and they are said to have married c1869 in Panola Co., TX.  He was a native of McMinn Co., TN.

The thought occurred to me that the above Jane LNU who James W. Coffey might be Mary Jane Coffey Ditmore. There are problems with this thought, however:  James W. and Mary Jane Coffey Ditmore were brother and sister and, the marriage record for Jane Coffey Ditmore shows her groom to be James M. Coffey, a son of John Coffey.*

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Update 8/15/2013:

Henry Alexander Ditmore (son). Henry was born September 27, 1841 in McMinn County, Tennessee. About 1844 his family moved to Cherokee County, North Carolina. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served for the duration of the war. After the war ended he returned home to Cherokee County, North Carolina where he married Mary Jane Coffey. They had one son.

He left Mary and moved west where he settled in Panola County, Texas and remarried to Elvira C. Mathews. They had thirteen children. Around 1886 the family moved to San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas. Henry died there on January 29, 1923. 

Thanks to Elizabeth [lizzyiscrazy23 @ gmail.com] for the update!

The marriage info below* is that of Henry's former wife, Mary Jane Coffey and her marriage to James M. Coffey.  James M. was a son of James Coffey and Nancy Greene, born c1846 in NC.  

Henry Alexander Ditmore and his second wife, Elvira C. Mathews, are buried at the Grape Creek Cemetery in Grape Creek, Tom Green Co., TX. 

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*Groom's Name: James M. Coffey Groom's Birth Date: Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: Bride's Name: Jane Ditmore  Bride's Birth Date: Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: Marriage Date: 25 Feb 1875 Marriage Place: Brasstown, Clay, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: John Coffey Groom's Mother's Name: Bride's Father's Name: James Coffey Bride's Mother's Name: Nancy Coffey Groom's Race: Groom's Marital Status: Unknown  Groom's Previous Wife's Name: Bride's Race: Bride's Marital Status: Unknown Bride's Previous Husband's Name: Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M75237-1 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 840423 Reference Number: P 5

Samuel Monroe Austin

Samuel Monroe was a son of Samuel and Sarah Bolch (Bolick?) Austin and, was born Mar., 1824 in Watauga Co.  He was first married to Mariah Reed on Sep. 30,1854 in Caldwell Co. with whom he fathered six children:

Samuel M. & Mary Rich Austin

Sarah, born Dec. 25, 1849 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co., died Apr. 15, 1947 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co. Sarah married Anthony Granville Keller c1881. He was born Feb. 11, 1854 in NC and died in Watauga Co. on Mar. 4, 1927. He was a son of James Wilborn and Margaret Eveline Turner Keller. Their children were George Jefferson; Elsie N; Sallie Marie; James W., Pantha E.; John L.; Granville A.; and Mary J. Sarah and Anthony are buried at Winkler Cemetery in Boone.

Mary, born Jun. 14, 1857 in Watauga Co., died Sep. 19, 1934 in Gragg, Avery Co., NC. She married Eldelano "Lano" Coffey, a son of Jacob Zachariah "Zack" and Margaret "Peggy" Coffey Coffey. Lano was born in 1857 and died May 27, 1927 in Wilson Creek Twp., Avery Co. More about Jacob and Peggy here, and here.*

Louisa, born Jan. 17, 1858 died at Kings Mountain in Lincoln Co., KY on Sep. 26, 1929. She married James Monroe Holsclaw, born Mar. 15, 1858 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 14, 1927 in Lincoln Co. They are both buried at Gooch Cemetery in Kings Mountain.

Melinda, born Mar. 2, 1858 in Watauga Co., died there on Jan. 24, 1895. She married Jonas Keller, brother to Anthony who married Sarah, Melinda's sister. Jonas was born in Aug., 1847 in Caldwell Co., died in Watauga Co. in 1930. He and Melinda were married on Oct. 31,1879 in Boone. Both are buried at Winkler. Their children were: Margaret Louise; Roe Wilborn; Charlie; Samuel and Arthur.

Adaline, born Dec., 1859 in Watauga Co. No further information. She apparently died quite young.

Celia M., born Sep. 21, 1864 in Watauga Co., died May 29, 1939 at Shulls Mill. Celia married Sim Penley. She is also buried at Winkler. No information on her spouse.

Samuel Monroe married his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Rich (var.) c1866. Mary was born Jul. 30, 1843 in Cherokee Co. to John and Rebecca Tomson [sic] Rich and died Oct. 13, 1922 in Blowing Rock. Mary is also buried at Winkler. Before he died on Mar. 28, 1912, Samuel fathered another eight (at least) children with Mary.

Their children were:

Martha M., born Apr. 28, 1869 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 26, 1948 in Lower Creek Twp. She married W. J. Putnam. Martha is buried at Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir. No further information.

William Levi, born Aug. 31, 1870 in Watauga, died Aug. 12, 1946 in Blowing Rock. His wife was Della Greene. William is buried at Winkler.

Julia Ann was born Sep. 24, 1871, died Apr. 18, 1964 at Belmont in South Point Twp., Gaston Co., NC. Her spouse was a Mr. McMillian. Julia is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Belmont.

Samuel Monroe, Jr., born Feb. 14, 1873 in Watauga Co., died Apr. 23, 1959 in Boone. He married Minnie Belle Payne, daughter of John Milton and Eliza Jane Downs Payne, c1907. She was born Feb. 28, 1880 and died in Boone on Sep. 2, 1969. They too are buried at Winkler. Children were: Lewis Milton; Ella Mae; Daisy Virginia; one unnamed male child and Ned Payne.

Emma, born c1876, died Feb. 2, 1967 in Blowing Rock, married Benjamin Greene, a son of Amos and Sena Estes Greene. Ben was born Aug. 1, 1844 in Watauga Co. and died in Lenoir on May 7, 1921. Ben is buried at the Reform Church Cemetery in Blowing Rock; Emma is at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Cordelia, born c1878, also married a Greene, first name unknown. Cordelia died Dec. 27, 1969 in Obion Co., TN. No other information.

Carrie Naomi, born Sep. 26, 1881 in Boone, died Feb. 17, 1939 in Lenoir. Her spouse was William Lee Robbins, born May 14, 1877 to Rufus and Eliza Story Robbins. William died Oct. 7, 1955. I know of one child, Mary W., born Nov., 1899 in Boone. William is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery; Carrie is at Winkler.

The last of Samuel and Mary's children was George Washington, born Oct. 30, 1884 in Watauga Co., died Mar. 18, 1972 in Mocksville, Davie Co., NC. His wife was Lillie Victoria Moody, born Jan. 23, 1887 in NC, died at Shulls Mill on Feb. 27, 1940.

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*Readers can also search all blogs for members of this (or any) family by using the search window in the sidebar. Place quotes around your search parameters. You can also click on any of the labels below to see all blogs in which that name appears.
Photo via Margaret Coffey Farley

Jesse Calton & Julia Elizabeth Hollifield Coffey

Jesse Calton was born Mar. 27, 1867 at Coffey's Gap in Watauga Co., NC to George Washington "Wash" and Matilda "Tilda" Coffey Coffey.  Wash was the son of William Clayton and Sarah Greene Coffey while Tilda was the daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy A. Raines Coffey.  William was uncle to Jesse, their common ancestor being Jesse and Margaret Edmisten Coffey.

Julia Hollifield was born Mar. 31, 1873 in Watauga Co. and died Jul. 11, 1957 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.  She and Jesse were married May 7, 1892 in Watauga Co.  Her parents were Wiley and Mary Ann "Annie" Reid Hollifield.  Another daughter, Flora Ellen Hollifield married Reuben Finley Coffey on Dec. 14, 1893 in Caldwell Co.

Jesse and Julia were parents of at least nine children:

George Wiley, born Mar. 20, 1890, died Jan. 25, 1948 in Wilkes Co.  He married Ida Belle Norman on Apr. 11, 1912 and they were parents of at least nine children.  Ida was born in 1886 in Lenoir and died there in 1974.

Charles Alexander "Charlie" was born Jul. 2, 1894 in Caldwell Co., and died May 17, 1966 in Lenoir.  He married Julia Evelyn Knight on Sep. 4, 1915 in Watauga Co.  Julia was born Sep. 13, 1896 and died Jan. 21, 1981.  They were also parents of at least nine children.

Annie, born Feb. 16, 1896, died Jul. 4, 1976. No other information.

Thomas Leroy "Tom", born Oct. 13, 1898, died Feb. 11, 1974 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.  Tom married Alice Sanders on Jul 19, 1919 in Watauga Co.  She was the daughter of Eve and Emma Sumlin Sanders of Caldwell Co.  Alice died Feb. 24, 1962 in Blowing Rock.  They were also parents of at least nine children.

Ella, born Feb. 22, 1901, died Jul. 15, 1983 in Morganton, Burke Co., NC.  Ella married a Mr. Smith.  No other information.

Rev. Harley Clint, born Jul. 11, 1903 in Upton, Caldwell Co., died Mar. 5, 1972 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC.  He married twice, first to Dovie "Texie" Bolick on May 8, 1927 in Watauga Co., and second to Myrtle Thelma Andrews on Nov. 20, 1930 in Winston-Salem.  I know of only one child, a daughter Claudine, born to his union with Myrtle.  Texie died of dysentery after a little over a year of marriage, on Jun. 16, 1928.  Myrtle, a daughter of William M. and Manarky Victoria Shook Andrews died Nov. 13, 1979 in Valdese, Burke Co., NC.

Pearl Nevada, born Feb. 8, 1906, died Feb. 25, 1993.  She married first James Samuel Day on Apr. 22, 1923 in Watauga Co.  James, a son of James Mordichi and Annie Marie Reid Day, was born Aug. 5, 1899 in Watauga Co. and died there on Mar. 13, 1956.  She later married James' brother Spencer who died in Caldwell Co. in 1965.  Pearl died Feb. 25, 1993.

William Glenn, born Apr. 11, 1909, died Feb. 24, 1977 in Alexander Co., NC.  He married Annie Rivers "Nannie" Coffey, a daughter of Jesse Cleveland and Eliza Loudermelt Coffey.  Nannie was born Jan. 1, 1910 in Avery Co., NC and died Apr. 15, 1952 in Boone, Watauga Co.  I know of one child, Jerry Guy Coffey, born Sep. 12, 1933, died Jan. 25, 1998.  Jesse Cleveland and Jesse Calton were first cousins.

Bertha Vienna, born Sep. 2, 1912, died Jan. 14, 1970 in Blowing Rock.  She was the second wife of Adren Reece Moody, born Dec. 6, 1909 in Watauga Co., died Sep. 12, 1968 in Blowing Rock.  Adren was the son of Arthur C. and Rota Marticia Estes Moody.  He and Bertha were the parents of at least two children:  Teresa Geraldine, born May 7, 1932, died Jan. 8, 1994 and Catherine Elizabeth, born May 7, 1935, died Jan. 23, 1993.  Adren's first wife was Edna Porter with whom he had at least one child, Louise born Nov. 15, 1928.

Please contact me to add to or correct any of this information.

Gilliam & Susan Gragg Coffey

Gilliam was a son of William and Anna Boone Coffey. He was born May 21, 1810 in NC and died on Jan. 8, 1910 in Patterson Twp., Caldwell Co., NC. He married first Mary "Polly" Moore on Jan. 2, 1832 in Caldwell Co.

Mary died on May. 26, 1871 in Caldwell Co. She was the mother of at least six children:

Harvey N., born Dec. 16, 1837, died Aug. 10, 1912. He married Jane Cochran, born Dec. 20, 1848, died Feb. 11, 1911. Both are buried in the Job Moore Cemetery in the Globe, Caldwell Co.

William Elbert, born 1839 in Caldwell Co., married Margaret Anne Kincaid on Feb. 6, 18 60 in Burke Co., NC. Margaret was born in 1837 and died on Dec. 22, 1921 in Morganton, Burke Co.

Harriet E., born Sep. 5, 1843, died Dec. 12, 1937. Harriet married James B. Blain on Oct. 7, 1866 in Caldwell Co. He as born May 1, 1844 in Cedar Valley, Caldwell Co., and died May 24, 1929 in Carter Co., TN. Harried was born Sep. 6, 1843 in Cedar Valley and died Dec. 12, 1937 in Elizabethton, Carter Co., TN. Both are buried in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery at Keeneburg, Carter Co., TN

Celia Adeline, born c1847 of whom no further information.

Cordelia Adaline, born Jan. 10, 1853, died Jul. 9, 1918. She married John Boone Gragg on Dec. 17, 1877. He was born Feb. 15, 1856 in Caldwell Co., and died May 23, 1937 in the Globe. Both are buried at Job Moore.

Emma, born c1855, of whom no further information.

Gilliam married second to Susan D. (Susie) Gragg, a daughter of Jesse and Malinda Mast Gragg on June 4, 1882 in Caldwell Co. Susan had been twice before married: first to Patterson H. Moore on Sep. 6, 1866, and second to Isaac Green on Dec. 8, 1877. The only known child that survived this union was Hillie Horton, born Jul. 31, 1887, died Mar. 30, 1963.

Hillie marrie Bessie* McLean in 1908, Caldwell Co., and had at least four children: Unnamed son born and died May 16-17, 1921; James Harding, born and died Aug. 3, 1922; Fred Oral, born Mar. 16, 1924 and Ora Lee, born Feb. 27, 1927. Ora married Earl Greene in 1946, Caldwell Co.  Hillie died Mar. 30, 1963 in Collettsville, Caldwell Co., and was buried there in the Shoemake Cemetery.

The photo shows Hillie and his parents c1920. Please contact me if you contributed or know the source of the photo.

Please contact me to add to or to correct any of this information.

*I've seen another genealogy that names her Susie or Susan McLean

John Carroll Coffey

John Carroll Coffey was a son of William Clayton and Sarah Greene Coffey. He married Nancy Evelyn Hartley on Sep. 18, 1873 in Watauga Co., NC.

John's death certificate reports his death from pneumonia on April 5, 1926 in Globe Twp., Caldwell Co.

Given that, the child in the photo must be incorrectly identified. The child appears to be between one and two years old. According to birth records, Millie was born in 1929. I would think that the child is likely to be Floyd Pinkney, born May, 1924. It could even be Pink and Iler's first child, James, born 1922.

Iler Jane was born Jun., 1888 in NC and died in 1981 in Caldwell Co. Pinkney David, a son of Gideon and Martha Teague Philyaw, was born May 31, 1880 in NC and died in Forsyth Co., NC on Jun. 24, 1945. They were married in 1921.

Other children were:

James Thomas, born May 23, 1922. He married Toye Becler Green, born in 1918 in Caldwell Co.

Floyd Pinkney, born May 17, 1924, died May 7, 1993 in Hudson, Caldwell Co.

His obituary:

Floyd Philyaw

Floyd Pinkney Philyaw, 68, of 670 Hillcrest St., Hudson, died Friday May 7, 1993, at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born May 17, 1924, in Caldwell County to the late Pinkney David Philyaw and Ila Coffey Philyaw.

A member of Hudson Church of God, Philyaw was preceded in death by an infant daughter; two brothers, Herman and James Philyaw, a half-brother, David Philyaw; and a half-sister, Jesse Tickle.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Coleen Philyaw, of the home; six sons, Doug Philyaw of Ocean Springs, Miss., Carroll Philyaw of Lenoir, Burl Philyaw of Canton, N.C., and Malvin Philyaw, Malcolm Philyaw, and Byron Philyaw, all of Granite Falls; five daughters, Mrs. Rover (Doris) Summerlin of Lenoir, Mrs. Scott (Sarah) Lankford of Blowing Rock, Gail Philyaw of Hudson, Karen Philyaw of Lenoir, Ms. Harriet Philyaw of Lenoir; a sister, Millie Bowman of Lenoir; a half-sister, Allie Coffey of Lenoir; 17 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

The funeral is Monday at 11 a.m. at the church with the Revs. Rick Brackett and Stoy Lankford officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service.

Burial will be in Rich Cemetery in the Maple Grove Community.

The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hudson Church of God, 333 Cedar Valley Rd., Hudson, N.C. 28638

Herman Lee, born in 1927, and died in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. on May 7, 1975.

Millie died in 2000. The NC Death Index lists her name as Millie Evelyn Phillyaw Bowman.

Please contact me at the above e-mail address to add to or to correct any of this information.

Photo courtesy Margaret Coffey Farley

Jack Coffey

Today's on-line edition of the News-Topic in Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC, announced the death of Jack Coffey, age 87 of that city.  He passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at Blowing Rock.

Jack was the son of Monroe and Dovie Jane Clark Coffey.  Monroe was the son of Thomas M. and Martha Cordelia Gragg Coffey.  He was born Jan. 26, 1883 in Avery Co., and died Nov. 3, 1955 in Caldwell Co.  He and Dovie were married in Caldwell Co. in 1910.

Jack was married to Sadie Alice Huffman, born Feb. 3, 1923 in NC, died Oct. 10, 1984 in Winston-Salem.  She was the daughter of James Granville, a son of James and Betty Roberts Huffman,  and Grace Genelia Austin, a daughter of Harvie Austin and Alice G. Poarch [sic].

Dovie, born c1890 in NC, was the daughter of William Harvey and Martha L. Coffey Clark.

Martha Coffey and Thomas M. were first cousins.

The children of Monroe and Dovie are:

Ruby, born Jul 28, 1911 in Avery Co., and died Sep. 1, 1967 in Lenoir.  She married Oscar Frye.

Ruth, born Feb. 10, 1913 in Avery Co., and died Feb. 5, 2008 in Caldwell Co.  Her first husband was Jay Greene; her second was George Pappas.

Ruth's obituary, The News-Topic, Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC, Feb. 7, 2008

Ruth Pappas

Ruth Coffey Pappas, 94, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at Grace Hospital.

Mrs. Pappas was born Feb. 10, 1913 in Caldwell County to the late Monroe and Dovie Clark Coffey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jay Greene and second husband, George Pappas; a daughter, Mary Lou Williams; a son, Nolan Greene; two brothers, Bruce and Clyde Coffey and a sister, Ruby Frye.

Mrs. Pappas was a loving grandmother and well respected as a beautician. She was of Methodist faith.

Survivors include a brother, Jack Coffey of Collettsville; three sisters, Nell Mize of Georgia, Blanche Garren of Lenoir and Louise Steele of Lenoir; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, Feb. 8, 2008 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at Pendry's Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date.

The funeral service will follow at 7:30 p.m. with the Rev. Terry Adams officiating.

The family requests memorials to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, PO Box 1029, Valdese, NC 28690.

Condolences may be placed online at www.mem.com.

Pendry's Funeral Home and Crematory, Lenoir, N.C. is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sarah Nell Coffey, born Jan. 21, 1919 in Caldwell Co., married a Mr. Mize.

The fourth child of Monroe and Dovie was Jack.

Blanche, born 1923 in Caldwell Co., married Bill Garren.

Martha Louise, born 1925 in Caldwell Co., married Robert Haywood Steele, Jr.  He was born Oct. 6, 1920 in Lower Creek, Caldwell Co., and died Apr. 30, 2003.  He is buried at the Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Kings Creek, Caldwell Co.

The last child of Clyde and Dovie was Clyde Hedrick, born May 26, 1928 in Wilsons Creek, Avery Co.  He died Apr. 1, 2001 in Guilford Co..  He was married in 1956 to Rebecca Jeanette Estes, a daughter of Fredrick Caleb and Annie Rader Estes.  She was born in Caldwell Co. in 1928.  Clyde was a veteran of the Korean War and is also buried at the Blue Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery.

Click on the title link to read Jack's obituary.

Contact me at the above e-mail address to add to or correct any of this information.

Elijah L. and Martha Ellen Coffey Moore

Elijah L. Moore was born Jan. 22, 1839* in the Globe, Caldwell Co., NC to David and Sarah Caroline Moore Moore. he died on Mar. 1, 1903.* He married on Oct. 12, 1858 in Caldwell Co. to Martha Ellen Coffey, a daughter of Daniel Boone and Clarissa Estes Coffey. Martha was born Sep. 5, 1839 in Burke Co., NC.

Elijah and Martha appeared in the Caldwell Co. census records from 1860 through 1900. From 1860 to 1880 they resided in Patterson Township; in 1900 they were in Johns River.

Their children were:

- Israel Willard, born c1867 in Patterson Twp., Caldwell Co. He married there in 1884 to Eliza Callie Greene. Their children were Martha Alley, born Jul. 29, 1890, Helen Joyce, born 1896, and Amos Brawley, born 1899. No other records have been found.

- Charles Leonard, born c1869 in Patterson Twp., married Alice Drusilla Green. Their children were Charles B., born 1889 and Jack1 (Jay?) Shula, born 1895. This family moved to Riley Co., KS sometime before 1905 when they appeared there in the Kansas state census for that year.2

The family was also in the May 1910 Federal census and the 1925 Kansas state census.3 Charles apparently owned a department store in Manhattan. No further information has been found.

- Walter E., born Sep. 24, 1879 in Caldwell Co., married in 1899 to Mary Elizabeth (Bettie) Moore. No further information has been found.

Please contact me at the above e-mail address if you can fill in any of the blanks.




















*no source available
1Caldwell Co. birth records give his name as Jack; subsequent census records give his name as Jay.
2Name: Charles Leonard Moore Township/City: Manhattan City Age: 36 Gender: M (Male) Race: White Birth Place: NC Previous Residence: NC Occupation: Merchant
3Kansas, Riley Co., Manhattan PO, dwelling 112, family 122, Charles Leonard Moore, age 36, male, white; Alice Drucilla Moore, age 36, female, white; Charles B. Moore, age 16, male, white; Jay S. Moore, age 9, male, white

Nettie Louise Coffey

Nettie was a daughter of Francis Richmond and Etta May Hayes Coffey*. She was born in North Caroliona, probably in Caldwell Co., on 8 Dec., 1896. She died in Watauga Co. on Aug. 7, 1979. Both her birth and death dates were found in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) as well as in the North Carolina death records. She married Larkin Alberton Calloway in Watauga Co., but a marriage date has not been found. Based on birthdate of their first child, 1913 can be the presumed marriage year.



Larkin Alberton was born Apr. 1, 1885 in Watauga Co., and died Jan., 1966 in Banner Elk, Avery Co. His birthdate was found in the WW1 draft registration cards, and his death date was recorded in the SSDI. When he registered for the draft on Sep. 12, 1918 in Watauga Co., he was described as being of medium build and height with brown hair and eyes. Nettie was named as his nearest relative.



There were four children born to the marriage, but only two survived to adulthood. All were born in Watauga Co.

• DeEtte, born Apr. 22, 1914


• Nellie M., born Oct. 5, 1917, died at age 5 on Sep. 27, 1923 in Watauga Co.


• MacDonald, born Sep. 20, 1919, died at age 15 on Jan. 22, 1935 in Avery Co.


• Claude Coolidge, born Feb. 1, 1922

Francis Richmond was a son of Silas Carroll and Eleanor Green Coffey, and Etta was the daughter of Richard and Delphia L. Hayes Hayes.

Please contact me with additions and/or corrections. I would like to know when and where they married, and the parents of Larkin.

*Francis Richmond Coffey was a son of Silas Carroll and Eleanor Green(e) Coffey. Etta was the daughter of Richard and Delphia L. Hayes Hayes. Richard was in the Ransom and Sarah Greene Hayes line.