John Clinton & Nancy Elizabeth Coffey Jacobs

What began as an attempt to correct a previous blog about a member of this family resulted in deleting that blog and starting over.  For some unknown reason I could not remove a link that connected that blog to a now deleted website.

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Nancy Elizabeth Coffey was born on May 23, 1861 in Rash, Jackson Co., AL and died there on May 16, 1918.  She was born to the union of Rice Abner Coffey and his first wife, Mary Ann Coffey.  She and Rice were first cousins as well as double-fourth cousins.  She was the daughter of Benjamin B. & Mary Elizabeth Roach Coffey while Rice was the son of Alexander Hamilton and Nancy E. Weatherly Coffey.  Benjamin and Alexander were brothers as well as double-third cousins.  These families go back to Edward through Rice and Sarah Bradford Coffey, Rev. James Coffey and wife Elizabeth Cleveland to Edward's son John and his wife, Jane Graves.

Nancy Elizabeth married John Clinton Jacobs in Stevenson, Jackson Co., AL on Nov. 1, 1883. [1]  He was born on Apr. 22, 1855 in Beech Grove, Maury Co., TN and died in Scottsboro, Jackson Co., AL on Jun. 30, 1938.[2]

Their first child, a daughter, was Bennie Coffey Jacobs, born in TN in 1884, died in Scottsboro on Oct. 17, 1899 at the age of 15 years.  She is buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Scottsboro.

Elmer Pruitt was born in Coffey Co., TN in 1887 and died in Bridgeport, Jackson Co. in 1970.  He was involved with the Gunter Stove Works in Bridgeport for many years.  His wife was Lena Geneva Givan or Givens, born c1890 in Missouri.  They were parents of nine children:  Geneva, Bettie, Elmer, Jr., Sallie Belle, Rice Abner, Henry Grady, Lethia Ring, Nathan Bedford Forrest and Mary Jane.  Elmer, Sr. died in Bridgeport in 1970, Lena in Marion Co., TN in 1977.  Both are buried at Cumberland View Cemetery in Marion Co.  Lena appears in the 1910 Finley Twp., Christian Co., MO census with her parents and a large number of siblings.  The handwriting is small and blurred making it difficult to determine what exactly the surname is: Givan, Givans, Given or Givens.

Annie Theodosia "Dosia" was born in 1890, Coffee Co., TN, and married Mitchell Luther Harris of Cumberland Co., NC in Scottsboro on Mar. 14, 1910.  He died in Scottsboro in 1960, she in 1974.  She is buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Scottsboro and he is probably there as well.  Their children were John Clinton, Roderick Edward, Dr. Elmer Jacobs; Dr. Ruth; Mitchell Luther, Jr.; and an unnamed son who was born and died in Feb. 1928 at Autauga Co., AL.

Henry Woodfin Grady was born in 1892, Maury Co., TN.  He married Sarah Louise Wilson in 1913, McMinn Co., TN.  Sarah was born there in 1893 and died in Scottsboro in 1988.  They too are probably buried at Cedar Hill but I have not found them there.  I know of a couple of children:  Nancy Elizabeth, born 1915 and John Clinton, born 1918, both in Scottsboro.

Rice Abner was born in TN in 1894 and died in Scottsboro in 1980.  He married Jewell Riggs, born 1898 in GA, died 1952 in Scottsboro.  Jewell was living with her paternal grandparents in Haralson Co., GA in 1900.  I have not located her parents.  I have not found the marriage record for Rice and Jewell and do not know of any children.

Veda Pearl was born in AL in 1896 and married Claude Evans Spivey of Rhea Co., TN in Dec., 1917 at Scottsboro.  They had at least two children, Carolyn, born 1918 and Lunita Jacobs, born 1925, both in Scottsboro.  Carolyn married William Bethel Wilson on Jun. 26, 1941 in Tuscaloosa Co., AL.  Their engagement was announced in the Tuscaloosa News on Jun. 15, 1941.[3]

Miss Spivey Is Engaged to Wed Mr. William Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Philo Dayton Benham announce the engagement of their niece, Carolyn Spivey of Scottsboro, Alabama to William Bethel Wilson of this city.

The wedding will take place on the evening of June 26 at 7 o'clock in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Benham and Tuscaloosa relatives will attend the nuptial vows.

The bride-elect is the grand-daughter of the late John Clinton Jacobs, widely-known banker of North Alabama, and of Mrs. George Wesley Spivey of Dayton, Tenn. [sic].  She was graduated from Penn Hall Preparatory School in Chambersbury, Penn., and attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia where she was affiliated with the Kappa Delta sorority.

The bridegroom-to-be, known and admired in this city as Bill Wilson, is the son of Dr. and Mrs. John W. Wilson of Audubon Place and a nephew of Owen Meredith and of Commander J. E. Meredith (U.S. Navy) of Mobile.

Mrs. Wilson was graduated from the Tuscaloosa High School where he was a member of the S.E.A. fraternity.  At the University of Alabama he was affiliated with the Kappa Alpha fraternity and other social organizations. 

Philo Dayton Benham was the husband of Veda's sister, Fletcher Pitts Jacobs.  Fletcher was born in Jackson Co. in 1899 and died in Scottsboro in 1962.  Philo was born - according to the marriage record - in Delaware in 1895.  He and Fletcher married in Jackson Co. in 1929 and, he died in 1960.  Both are buried at Cedar Hill.  I know of no children for them.[*]

The last known child of John and Nancy was Lunita, born in 1902.  She married Robert Martin Lane in Scottsboro in 1927 and had at lest two children; Robert Martin and Frances Fletcher.  Nothing more is known of this family.

[*] Jerry Dickinson wrote in a Jan. 18, 2013 e-mail that "Fletcher Jacobs and Philo Dayton Benham did have at least one child - Nancy Benham b. 29 Jan 1933 in Alabama d. 9 Mar 1967 - Fulton, Georgia.  Married a Steenhuis.  Found her SSN/1940 census/some ship passenger list.  She is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery."

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[1] "Alabama Marriages, 1816-1957", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FQNJ-B2H : accessed 26 Nov 2012), J. C. Jacobs and N. Elizabeth Coffey, 01 Nov 1883.

[2] Information about John Clinton Jacobs was originally found at a website (Jacobs Family History) owned by Mary Ellen Harris.  There was an abundance of info about the family, including photos of all of the children of John and Nancy.  The site appears to be off line now; at least at the link I first found.

[3]The Tuscaloosa News

The photos were found on the Former Jacobs Family History website, no longer on-line with the same web address.

Arthur Hill & Mary Jane Coffey Dula

I have written previously about this family.  Interested readers can find that blog here.

1910 Snippet

While attempting to reconcile their (minimum) nine children with the census records, etc., I found some of their names to be quiet different in each census.

Notice on the 1910 snippet the child Rzela enumerated after Beatrice.  In other records she is Ruby Dula or Ruby Evelyn Dula, born Jan 19, 1910.*   Ernest D. is actually Ernest Drexell Coffey Dula and he was born on Oct. 18, 1908.  This birth date was found on his death certificate.**

Following Ernest on the census is a daughter named Lena R., born in 1910.  I haven't found a birth record for her.  But, note her age is given as 3 months which pretty much coincides with Ruby's birth date.

1920 Snippet

Then, we come to 1920 where the child following Beatrice is named Rosavelt.  Again, the census taker apparently misunderstood.  She was aged 15 meaning that she was born 1904-05 time frame and must be Ruth, who was born Aug. 5, 1904.‡

By 1930, the only child left at home was Cleda, age 12.  She was born Sep. 17, 1917.†

To recap all the children:

Clyde Lester Dula

Catherine G. Coffey

Clyde Lester, born Jul. 23, 1893 in Watauga Co., died Aug. 2, 1973 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co.  Married first wife Bertha Mae Robbins, a daughter of Joshua Rufus and Margaret Alenza "Maggie" Coffey Robbins, born Mar. 9, 1897 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 23, 1982 in Avery Co.  Their marriage produced three unnamed daughters between 1916 and 1918.  Mary Elise was born Feb. 8, 1923 and Anna Mae was born Sep. 26, 1926.  Clyde and Bertha divorced some c1930 and Catherine Gwendolyn Coffey, a daughter of Austin Blaine and Emma Mahalia "Hailey" Harris Coffey became his second wife.  Catherine was born Aug. 1, 1919 in Watauga Co., and died in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC on Aug. 19, 1997.  I am not aware of any children born to this union.  Clyde was 45 years old and Catherine was 19 when they married on July 4, 1939.  Both Clyde and Catherine at buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.  I do not know where Bertha was laid to rest.

Julius A. Gragg

Charlotte N. Dula

Charlotte Nevada, born Jan. 21, 1895, married Julius Allen Gragg.  He was born Jun. 25, 1892 in Caldwell Co. to Julius Leander and Margaret Jane "Maggie" Henley Gragg and died on Jun. 17, 1979 in Boone, Watauga Co.  Charlotte died on Jul. 14, 1989 in Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC.  Both are buried at Boone Fork Community Cemetery in Blowing Rock.  Their children were Lester Merrill, born 1916; Wanda Lee, born 1918, died 1965, married Clarence Richard Lamkin on Mar. 23, 1939 in Blowing Rock.  He was born in 1917 at Lenoir, Caldwell Co., and died Jan. 30, 1987 in Hickory, Catawba Co.  Both are buried at Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir.  Their third and last known child was Virginia Katherine "Jackie," born Dec. 1, 1924 in Watauga Co., died Jun. 30, 1999 in Lenoir.  Her husband was Earl William Ward, born Nov. 8, 1911, a son of Miles A. and Hester Elizabeth Trivett Ward.  Jackie and Earl was married Aug. 11, 1946 in Blowing Rock.  He died Sep. 24, 2002 and they are also buried at Boone Fork.

Anthony Cory

Olive Manila, born Feb. 26, 1899, died Dec. 17, 1985.  She married at least three times.  Here first was Robert Lawrence Coleman, born to Thomas and Emmerette Wright Coleman on Feb. 19, 1891 in Watauga Co.  They were married there on May 1, 1917.  I have not found a death record for Robert.  He and Olive apparently divorced because Robert married again c1924 to a lady named Frances J. and, they had at least one child, May R., born c1928 in West Virginia.  Olive's second husband was Anthony Cory [sic], born Jul. 6, 1881 in the Syrian Arab Republic.  He died on Nov. 15, 1946 in Watauga Co. and was buried at Boone Fork.  Olive's third husband was Will Estes, born 1877 in NC, died Jan. 7, 1971 in Boone.  It appears that Olive did not have any children by either of her husbands.

Beatrice Rema was born Jul. 7, 1902 in Watauga Co., died Nov. 16, 1977 in Winston-Salem.  She married twice, first to Joseph John Teague on Sep. 21, 1920 in Blowing Rock.  He was born Jul. 27, 1895 in Patterson, Caldwell Co., to Hiram John and Julia A. Coffey Teague.  Julia and Beatrice's mother were distant cousins.  Joseph died on Feb. 25, 1961 in Durham Co., NC.  There was one known child, a daughter Ophelia Hartt Teague, born in 1921, died in 1999 in Davie Co., NC.  She married Paul Roberson Coffey, born Mar. 17, 1922 in Caldwell Co. to Charles Alexander "Charlie" and Julia Evelyn Knight Coffey.  Joseph and Beatrice apparently divorced because before his death, she married Kenneth Wilmont Lentz on Mar. 20, 1954 in Forsyth Co., NC.  He was born Feb. 5, 1884 to Adam W. and Maggie Miller Lentz and died on Oct. 13, 1963 in Winston-Salem.  Beatrice died there on Nov. 16, 1977.  Both are buried there at Salem Cemetery.

Ruth Virginia married Zenobian Michaels Koontz on Nov. 12, 1927 in Forsyth Co.  He was born Jul. 12, 1902 in Davidson Co., NC and died in Winston-Salem on May 8, 1981.  Ruth died there on Sep. 2, 1990.  She is buried at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem; he at Wallburg Baptist Church Cemetery in Davidson Co.  They had at least two children, both daughters:  Ramona Jane in 1929 and Nancy, birth date unknown.  On Jun. 21, 1950 Ramona married Francis A. McKenna in Forsyth Co., NC

Ernest Drexell was born Oct. 18, 1908 and died in Winston-Salem on Sep. 7, 1974.  He married Jessie O. Coome on Jan. 19, 1929 in Forsyth Co.  He is buried at Forsyth Memorial Park.

Ruby Evelyn Dula

Murray Harris Coffey

Ruby Evelyn was born in Caldwell Co. on Jan. 19, 1910 and died in Guilford Co. on Apr. 13, 1999.  Her husband was Murray Harris Coffey, brother to Catherine who married Clyde Dula.  They were married in Watauge Co. on Nov. 19, 1938.  Murray died Apr. 5, 2003 in Blowing Rock.  Both are buried at Boone Fork Community Cemetery.  I know of only one child, a son M. Vern Coffey, born Oct. 5, 1939, died Oct. 3, 1990.

Lois Esther (sometimes spelled Estha) was born in Watauga Co. on Jun. 3, 1912 and died in Eden, Rockingham Co., NC on Oct. 29, 1999.  Lois married a Mr. Self.  I have been unable to find any information about him.

Cleda Elizabeth was the last child, born Sep. 17, 1917 in Watauga Co.  She married J. T. Nicholson on Aug. 24, 1939 in Forsyth Co.  I have found no other information about them.

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Rites held for Mr. Dula

Clyde Lester Dula, age 80, of Blowing Rock died Thursday in Blowing Rock Hospital after an extended illness.

Mr. Dula was born in Watauga County to Arthur and Mary Jane Coffey Dula.  He was a retired fuel oil distributor having been employed by the Colvard Oil Company for thirty-four years.  He served on the Blowing Rock Town Council for eight years and the local Recreation Commission for several years.  He also served as Elder at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church.
 
Surviving are his wife, Gwendolyn Coffey Dula of Blowing Rock; four daughters, Mrs. Elyse Milum of Lakeland, Florida, Mrs. John Broyhill of Blowing Rock, Miss Linda Dula of Blowing rock and Mrs. Mike Wilson of Boone; seven sisters, Mrs. Aileen Gragg of Boone, Mrs. W. H. Estes of Blowing Rock, Mrs. Beatrice Lentz of Winston-Salem, Mrs. Murray Coffey of Blowing Rock, Mrs. Virginia Willis of Winston-Salem, Mrs. Estha Self of Eden, Mrs. J. T. Niehulson [sic] of Los Angeles, Calif. and one brother, Ernest Dula of Winston-Salem; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church by Rev. Richard Holshouser and Rev. George Stenhouse.  burial was in the Blowing Rock City Cemetery.
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Charlotte Dula Gragg
Watauga County Native

Charlotte Dula Gragg, 94, of Asheville, and a native and former resident of Boone, died Friday, July 14, 1989, at Biltmore Manor, a nursing care center in Asheville.

She was born Jan. 21, 1895 in Watauga County to Arthur and Mary Coffey Dula.

Mrs. Gragg was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Lamkin of Lenoir.

Surviving are one daughter, Jackie Ward of Asheville; four sisters, Mrs. Cleda Nicholson of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Ruby Coffey of blowing Rock, Mrs. Estha Self of Eden, N.C., and Mrs. Virginia Finney of Winston-Salem; five grandchildren, including Barbara Lamkin Price of Lenoir, seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Boone Fork Community Cemetery.  The Rev. Murray Coffey and the Rev. Howard Hodges will officiate.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Boone.

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*Name: Ruby Evelyn Dula Date of Birth: 19 Jan 1910 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Caldwell Parent1 Name: Arthur Hill Dula Parent2 Name: Mary Jane Coffey; North Carolina Birth Indexes, Roll No. B_C017_68001, Vol. 24, Page 257.

**Drexell Coffey Dula, Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC death certificate No. 31539 (7 September 1974).

‡Name: Ruth Virginia Dula Date of Birth: 5 Aug 1904 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Arthur Hill Dula Parent2 Name: Mary Jane Coffey Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes, Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 14 Page: 70.

†Name: Cleda Elizabeth Dula Date of Birth: 17 Sep 1917 Gender: Female Race: White Birth County: Watauga Parent1 Name: Arthur Hill Dula Parent2 Name: Mary Jane Coffey North Carolina Birth Indexes, Roll Number: B_C102_66001 Volume: 3 Page: 549.

Jesse C. & Nancy F. Allen Coffey

I recently wrote a blog about their son Allen F. Sherman Coffey and his wife Susan Virginia Hamilton.  But, Jesse and Nancy had 11 other children (10 lived to become adults) and Susan Houk, a descendant of Allen's brother Joshua has assembled a fantastic collection of photos, which she inherited from her mother.  She has also documented her findings not only on the Coffey family but also collateral lines.

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Jesse and Nancy's first child was Mary Jane, born Feb. 8, 1855 in Nelson Co., VA and died in Greenville, Augusta Co., VA on Jan. 13, 1901.  She married Virginian John Abraham Harris, born in Dec., 1842 to Henry and Angeline Hardbarger Harris on Feb. 26, 1874 in Sherando, Augusta Co.  He died in that county on Oct. 17, 1909 and buried with his wife at Pines Chapel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Greenville.

Their children were:

Eric H., born Jan. 17, 1878 in Lyndhurst, Augusta Co., died there on Aug. 15, 1913.  Eric was married in Augusta Co. to Callie C. Nuckols, a daughter of Henry Juett and Georgianna Miller Nuckols on Aug. 29, 1902.  Eric died Aug. 15, 1913.  They had at least two children:  Nannie, born c1904 and Herman, born c1906.

Peachy Priscilla, born Sep. 6, 1880 in Lyndhurst, married c1899 to Marcellus S. Harris.  He was the son of Andrew A. and Elizabeth Painter Harris.  Marcellus died Oct. 9, 1950 in Augusta Co. and Priscilla died Feb. 20, 1964 in Waynesboro, VA.  They also had at least two children: Roy Baxter, born Jan., 1900 in Greenville, married Grace Catherine Dewall, daughter of Charles and Katie Chapman Dewall; and Virginia M, born 1910 in Charleston, WVa., married Willard Franklin Bell Sep. 5, 1928 in Berryville, Clarke Co., VA.  Her second husband was Frank O. Bellinger who she married in Staunton, VA on Feb. 27, 1934.

Anzy or Anzey, born Jul. 8, 1886 in Virgina, died Dec. 6, 1930 in Augusta Co.  She married Andrew Cleveland Lotts on Mar. 23, 1905 in Augusta Co.  Their children were Walter F., Jessie J., Bessie A., Margaret P. and Harry T.

George Hansford, born Jun. 18, 1891 at Vesuvius in Rockbridge Co., VA, died Nov. 9, 1968 in Waynesboro.  He married Gertrude Lyons, born Sep. 16, 1899 and died Jan. 25, 1969 in Augusta Co.  George and Gertrude are buried at Lyndhurst United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Their last child was Edgar Herman, born Jul. 8, 1894 in Augusta Co. and died there on Sep. 13, 1967.  He married Della Marie Hanger, born Oct. 17, 1907 to John A. and Sarah C. Kennedy Hanger.  She died in May, 1977 at Greenville.  Della was actually the grand-daughter of John and Sarah (her parents are unknown to me).  She appeared as their granddaughter in the 1920 census and as their "adopted daughter" in the 1930 census at Rivershead in Augusta Co.

The second child born to Jesse and Nancy was Joshua Elmo "Jerry", born May 3, 1857 in Staunton, VA, died Oct. 23, 1934 in Lima, Allen Co., OH.

Joshua married Emma Bridenbaugh* on Mar. 18, 1881 in Pike Co., OH.  Emma was the daughter of Valentine "Felty" and Elizabeth Loney Bridenbaugh.  Valentine was born in Lützel, Germany, then in Kassell-Hesse, now in Rhineland-Pfalz.  Elizabeth was born in Ohio c1827.  They were married in Pike Co. on Mar. 30, 1845.  Valentine died in June, 1896 but his exact burial place has not yet been located.


Emma gave birth to at least six children:

Elmer Coffey

Grace Ellis

Elmer J., born Mar. 28, 1833 in Waverly, Pike Co., died Dec. 16, 1929 in Springfield, Clark Co., OH.  He married Grace Ellis, born Feb. 12, 1886 in Monroe Co., MI, died Sep. 30, 1961 in Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., MI.  Elmer is buried at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh. 

Grace died on Sep. 30, 1961 and is also buried at Brookside.  Their children were:  Vera; Thelma; Elmer, Jr.; Vivian A.; Wenonah; Jack; and Robert E.

Edythe Beryl Coffey

Ben'j Hartman

Edythe Beryl, born Jun. 27, 1885 in Waverly, died Dec. 10, 1960 at Dayton, Montgomery Co., OH.  She married first Benjamin David Henry Hartman on Jul. 27, 1905 in Alma, Wabaunsee Co., KS.  He was born Jul. 9, 1886 in Clark Co. and died in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI on May. 19, 1948. 

Carmen Arlita Hartman Houk

They had at least two children:  Cecil Forest, born Dec. 17, 1906, died Feb. 2, 1955 and Carmen Arlita, born Jan. 23, 1912 in Troy, Miami Co., OH, died Oct. 25, 2004 in Akron, Summit Co., OH.  Carmen was the mother of Shirley Houk.  Her father was Arthur J. Houk, born Jul. 5, 1905 in Barberton, Summit Co., OH and, died there on Feb. 20, 1980.  Edythe and Benjamin were divorced sometime between 1910 and 1920.  Later in life, Edythe married Guy Harlow.  Edythe is buried at East Cairo Cemetery in Cairo, Allen Co., OH.  Mr. Hartman is buried at New Carlisle Cemetery in Clark Co., OH.

Asa Coffey

Patrick Coffey

Asa, born Mar. 1, 1889 in Rushtown, Scioto Co., OH, died Nov. 4, 1929 in Lenawee Co., MI.  He married first Wilda Sterling on Feb. 1, 1918 in Allen Co.  She was born Mar. 2, 1895 in Allen Co., IN and died in Auglaise, Camden Co., MO on May. 9, 1963.  Asa's second wife was Mable, born c1925.  Asa was the father of at least one child but at the moment I am unsure which of his wives was her mother.  Asa is buried at Cairo East.

Following Asa was Patrick, born Sep. 10, 1890 in Rushtown.  He married Cora Smith-Roush on Apr. 3, 1935 in Lima and died there on Aug. 6, 1958.  He is also at Cairo East.

Grover Coffey

Phronia Grafton

Grover followed on Aug. 22, 1892 in Rushtown, died Apr. 2, 1959 in Lima.  His wife was Phronia Grafton, born Feb. 4, 1896 in OH, died Jul. 12, 1988.  Both are buried at Cairo East in Allen Co.  Phronia was the daughter of Arthur Park and Mary Ballard Grafton.  She married her first husband Floyd L. Foreman  on Apr. 9, 1914 in Lima.  She had a daughter, Elsie, born c1916.  She and Foreman were divorced before 1920 when Phronia and Elsie were found living with her parents in Lima.  Shortly after that she and Grover were married and had at least two children, Glen, born c1924 and Gene, born c1929

Hazel Coffey

Their last child was Hazel, born Mar. 29, 1897 in Pike Co., died May 19, 1975 in Lima.  She married Gurney C. Spurlock on Apr. 9, 1917 in Hardin Co., OH.  He was born Aug. 14, 1892 in OH, died in Allen Co. on Jul. 22, 1971.  Hazel is buried at Cairo East cemetery in Cairo, Allen Co., OH.

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I will continue with family in later blogs.  Corrections and additions are welcomed.

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*The Bridenbaugh name has been spelled various ways including Breidenbaugh, Bridenbach,  and Brightenback.  I believe the more common spelling today is Breitenbach.

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Update Aug 28, 2011 - I have been reminded by e-mail from Jack Coffey, a grandson of Elmer J. and Grace Ellis Coffey, that Elmer and Grace had 12 children. There were five more born after Robert Ellis.

Mariella Coffey Lockwood

Betty G., born Feb. 15, 1921, died Jun. 23, 1982 in Howell, Livingston Co., MI. She married Earl Melvin Spangler, born Apr. 29, 1916 in OH, died Dec. 2, 1996 in Howell.

Mariella, born Jun. 23, 1922, died May 1, 2001 in CO. She married Emil Lockwood, born Sep. 29, 1919 in IL, died in Monroe Co., MO on Aug. 2, 2002.

Jerry Wayne Coffey

Charles Gillette, born Sep. 28, 1024 in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH, died May 3, 2003 in Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., MI. He married Dolores Jean McKenzie on Nov. 27, 1947 in Angola, Steuben Co., IN. She was born May 31, 1929 in LaSalle, Monroe Co., MI and died Dec. 14, 2003 in Lansing, Ingham Co., MI. Both are buried at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh.

Lee P., born Jun. 9, 1926 in MI, married Louise Smith. Lee was still living as of this date.

Jerry W., born Jan. 29, 1930 in Tecumseh and died there on Jun. 23, 1971. Jerry married Mary Patricia Spohr on Apr. 1, 1949 in Tecumseh. She was born Dec. 27, 1928 in MI and died in Tecumseh on Apr. 19, 2002. Both are buried at Brookside.

Elmer J. Coffey Death Certificate

Peter Virgil "Squire" Coffey

This is a third blog attempt to bring together the family of Peter and his descendants.  I did not have a lot of information on them until I found Wayne Coffey's headstone collection that he submitted to Find-A-Grave.  Wayne also sent the obituary and other information about Peter's family.

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Peter Virgil Coffey

Peter was a son of Charles B. & Ophelia* Everette (var.) Coffey.  He was born on Jun. 15, 1849 in Nelson Co., VA and died in Stuarts Draft, Augusta Co., VA on May 21, 1937.  He is buried at Calvary United Methodist Church cemetery at Stuarts Draft.

*Amherst Co. marriage records, 1763-1821 gives her name as Theodora.  Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850, spells her name as Theocler with the letter S written in over the letter R.


His obituary:

STUARTS DRAFT, May 28-, -- Peter V. Coffey, peacefully passed to his  heavenly home, at his residence at Stuarts Draft at one a. m. Friday,  May 21, 1937, after an illness of about a month.  He was born in Nelson  county June 15, 1849, of Scottish descent, his father having been Charles Coffey and his mother Ophelia Coffey (nee Everet). He moved to Augusta county when a young man and spent the rest of his long and useful life in, and in the vicinity of Stuarts Draft where he engaged in farming,  lumbering, etc. For the last twenty years of his life he was justice of the peace and was known as "Squire Coffey."

Mr. Coffey was united in marriage to Miss Bettie Catherine Kennedy, of  Augusta county, Dec. 24, 1879*. To this marriage were born four daughters and five sons. His wife, who passed away June 17, 1930, and a son and two daughters preceded him in death.  Children survive: J. E.  and J. L., of Mint Spring; the Rev. H. S., pastor of Granbery Memorial  M. E. church, South, Covington; Mrs. M. E. Elliott, Staunton; Russel E., Bluefield, W. Va., and Mrs. Roy Black, Stuarts Draft, who tenderly cared for him after the death of Mrs. Coffey.

 Mr. Coffey united with the Baptist church in early life, but many years  ago transferred his membership to the M. E. church, South, in which he was  an efficient and faithful member and held an official relation for many  years, having been a delegate frequently to the annual and district  conferences and was a member of the board of stewards of Calvary church  at the time of his death.  He was interested in the work of his adopted church until his death, often inquiring about the progress of the work  through his pastor and others.  He spoke of death as one who was preparing  for a pleasant journey. Death did not hold any terrors to him. He had  implicit faith in God for the forgiveness of sin through the atonement of  Jesus Christ.  He loved his church and the ministry of his church; always  was ready to speak a good word about the former pastors of his church.  He dearly loved his children and was held in the highest esteem and devotion  by his children and his grandchildren, of which he had a number.  Mr.  Coffey had been a prominent figure in his community for many years, in his  church, in business, in clean politics, and in everything that was for the  betterment of humanity.

His funeral service was conducted from Calvary church Sunday, May 23,  at three p. m. by his pastor, the Rev. A. Van Devander, assisted by Dr.  E. L. Woolf, pastor of the Harrisonburg M. E. church, South; the Rev. H. W.  Craver, pastor of Greenville M. E. church, South, and the Rev. T. H.  Campbell, pastor of Stuarts Draft Baptist church.  His body was tenderly  laid at rest in the cemetery adjoining Calvary church.  It is said by some  that his funeral was attended by the largest concourse of people that ever assembled at Calvary church. Less than half of the people could get in the  church.

At his own request the stewards of Calvary church were the active  pallbearers:  J. T. Almarode, Alden D. Rader, A. G. Painter, C. L. Dodge,  I. F. Fitzgerald, H. L. Henkel, W. Y. Boyd, E. M. Conner, and Layton Thacker.

The following hymns were sung: "The Solid Rock," "Home of the Soul,"  as a solo and "How Firm a Foundation."  His pastor chose as his theme,  "God's Harvest Home;" text, "Thou shalt come to thy grave in full age,  like as a shock of corn cometh in his season," Job 5:26.

Bettie Catherine Kennedy Coffey

Peter married Bettie Catherine Kennedy on Dec. 24, 1879 in Augusta Co.  Betty was born on July 25, 1857 in Virginia and died there on June 17, 1930.  See too is buried at Calvary.

Their children were:

John Emmett, born May 9, 1877, died Nov. 5, 1942.  John married first, Willie Harris c1904 in Augusta Co.  She was born Jan. 8, 1882 in VA and died on Jul. 18, 1915.  She and John had three children:  Bessie, Rudolph Wilson and Ivey, a daughter.  Some years after Willie's death, John married (c1922) Nancy Melissa Berry.  Melissa was born Oct. 3, 1882 and died Sep. 4, 1946.  John, Willie and Melissa are buried at Calvary.

James Leonard, born Nov. 11, 1879, died Jul. 14, 1941, married Bertie May Shue on Dec. 24, 1900 in Augusta Co.  She was born May 10, 1880 to John W. and Elizabeth S. Alvis Shue and died Feb. 19. 1956.  Their children were: (1) Paul H., born c1902; (2) James Austin, born May 17, 1906, died Aug 3, 1976 in Culpeper Co.  He married Jean Gladys Marlowe c1928.  She was born in VA on Jun. 17, 1906 and died Nov. 28, 1955 in Culpeper Co. (3) Allen, born c1908; (4) Ethel Ray, born 1916, married James Ray Strawn on Jun. 30, 1938 in Augusta Co.; (5) Richard Lee, born Mar 31, 1919 in Mint Spring, Augusta Co., died Jan. 14, 1978 in Staunton.  Richard married Nora Lee O'Dell in 1946, Augusta Co.  She was born Aug. 8, 1924 in Fayette Co., KY and died on Sep. 29, 1978 in Augusta Co.  James and Bertie are buried at Calvary.

Bessie Brown, born Jan. 1, 1882.  No other information.

Annie B., born Sep. 20, 1887, died Oct. 9, 1961.  Annie married a Mr. Elliot.  Her grave is also at Calvary.

Rev. Harry Scott Coffey, D.D., born Dec. 6, 1889 at Stuarts Draft, died there on Jun. 8, 1964.  He married Julia Durham c1915.  She was born Dec. 26, 1895 in GA and died at Stuarts Draft on Apr. 28, 1968.  They too are at Calvary.  Their children were Betty R., born c1918; Harry, Jr., born c1924, married Jean Shirley Williams; and John H., born c1929.  For several years (1916-1920) Harry, Sr. was the pastor at Fairfield Methodist Church in Rockbridge Co., VA.

The following was found in The Atlanta Constitution of Apr. 16, 1916:

Durham-Coffey

Mrs. Yula Reese Durham announces the engagement of her daughter, Julia, to Rev. Harry Scott Coffey, of Virginia, the marriage to take place the latter part of May.  No cards.  The marriage will be of cordial interest to a wide circle of friends.  Miss Durham is the granddaughter of the late Judge Augustus Reese of Madison, GA., and a niece of the late Judge Seaborn Reese, of Sparta.  Mr. Coffey is of a distinguished Virginia family.

Russell E., born Mar, 13, 1891, died Aug. 12, 1975 in Mercer Co., WV.  Russell married Ada C., daughter of David Lee and Minnie L. Holtz.  She was born Jul. 12, 1892 in VA and died in Mercer Co. on Aug. 8, 1959.  They are buried at Maple Park Cemetery at Bluefield.  Their children were Helen, born c1911; Russell Lee, born c1916; and Marjorie Elizabeth, born Oct. 5, 1923, died Mar. 27, 2006 at Roanoke, VA.

Her obituary:

Obituary, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV, Mar. 30, 2006

Miss Marjorie Elizabeth Coffey

ROANOKE, Va. — Miss Marjorie Elizabeth Coffey, 82, formerly of 3009 Bluefield Ave., Bluefield, died Monday, March 27, 2006 in a Roanoke nursing home.

Born Oct. 5, 1923 in Bluefield, she was a daughter of the late Russell E. and Ada C. Holtz Coffey. Miss Coffey was a member of the St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Bluefield, Va. and a graduate of Bluefield College. She was formerly employed at Bluefield Optical as an office manager.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: Russell Lee Coffey, and sister: Helen Bone.

Survivors include a niece; Nancy Arwood of Kentucky and several cousins.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2006 from the Maple Park Cemetery located in Bluefield with the Rev. Russ Hatfield officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations if desired, may be made to the Mercer County Humane Society, 1003 Shelter Rd., Princeton, WV 24740.

Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com

Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory of Bluefield is serving the Marjorie Coffey family.

Mary Sue, born Dec., 1892.  No further information.

Ruby Lee, born Jun. 23, 1895, died Jul. 6, 1991 at Staunton.  She married Robert Hamilton Black, born VA c1894, died Mar. 16, 1951.  Their children were Inez, born c1916 and Sherwood, born c1926.

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*Virginia marriage records give marriage year as 1874.  Additionally, in the 1900 census Peter and Bettie reported a marriage of 26 years, indicating too that their marriage year was 1874.

Corrections/additions welcomed!

William Webster Davis and his two Coffey wives

William Webster Davis was born Jan. 26, 1837 in Amherst Co., VA and died there on Apr. 10, 1909. He first married Sarah Jane Coffey c1860 in Amherst Co. This union produced two sons, John, born c1861 and Henry c1863. Sarah likely died in childbirth because she disappeared immediately after Henry's birth.

Sarah Jane was the daughter of John Jack and Elizabeth Susan Duff Coffey. John Jack and Henry, father of William Davis' second wife, Avarila Coffey, were brothers. John Jack and Henry were sons of Jordan Coffey.

William married Avarila Coffey on Sep. 14, 1865 in Pedlar Dist., Amherst Co. She was born Mar. 2, 1846 to Henry F. and Elizabeth (Betsy) McDaniel Coffey. Henry is often thought of as a son of Jordan and Elizabeth Rippetoe Coffey, but may have been the son of one of Jordan's daughters out of wedlock.

John Taylor, a Coffeytown researcher, had this to say about Henry:

"...although Henry Coffey shows for the first time in the 1850 Census as the head of a household, he may have been one of 2 boys his age living with Jordan and Elizabeth in 1840. According to Census reports, Henry was born around 1817. He married, at the age of 31, Elizabeth (McDaniel) (Ogden) Coffey, who was slightly older than Henry, and she had several children of her own from a previous marriage to Zachariah Ogden. Henry seems to have acted as guardian to her older children and they took his surname, at least for the census reports, but, except for Paulin, they are believed to have used their own surnames later. Henry F. Coffey died 10 June 1871 of Colic, in Amherst County, according to the Amherst County death records. The information on the death record, including naming his parents as Charles and Jane Coffey of Nelson County, was given by Henry's son, Henry L. Coffey. His place of burial is unknown, but is probably up on the hill behind Embree Crawford's house [Coffeytown], in an unmarked grave, perhaps with Elizabeth."

William and Sarah's children were John Davis, born c1861, and Henry, born c1863.

Children by Avarila were:

Virginia Anne (Jenny) Davis, born 1866, died 1941. She married Arthur Coffey, a once removed first cousin and son of William (Billy) and Sarah G. (Sally) Crawford Coffey. Billy was a son of Jordan and Elizabeth.

Arthur Coffey

Arthur and Jenny's children were: Hallie Pearl, born c1881, married John Houston Crawford; Hiram Randolph, born Feb. 26, 1886, died Sep. 17, 1924, married Susie A. Catlett; Mabel Irene, born Jan. 3, 1885, married Emmett Boyd Humphries; Ernest Webster, born Feb. 5, 1888, died 1982, married Ethel McClung Stratton, daughter of George Baxter and Elianna [Eleanor?] Coffey. Elianna was the daughter of Charles Edward and Sarah Jane Ogden Coffey.

The next child born to Arthur and Jenny was Alma Gertrude, born c1891, married Thomas Powell Crawford; Fletcher Beadles, born Oct. 3, 1893, died Aug. 11, 1975, married Maggie Lee Harris; Mina Lee, born Jan. 10, 1895, died Feb. 1, 1979, married first to Thompson Massie Davis; second to James William Gibson.

Sally, born c1897, followed Mina. She married first Wallace Earl Palmer and second, Glenn Wyatt; Leonard Carlyle, born May 13, 1903, died Aug. 23, 1959, married Mary Elsie Coffey, a daughter of Hiter Webster and Mary Higginbotham Coffey. Hiter was also a son of Charles Edward and Sarah Jane Ogden Coffey.



Leonard Carlyle and Mary Elsie Coffey Coffey

The last child of Arthur and Virginia was Essie Rose, born Apr. 4, 1907, died Jun. 19, 1999. She married Emmett Lewis Sale.

The remaining children of William Webster and Avarila Coffey Davis were:

Ida Penn, born c1867; Cornelia Catherine, born c1869, married Thomas H. McDaniel; Elizabeth Pendleton, born about Apr. 1870; Amanda Ellen, born c1873; Houston Carlyle, born c1874; Mary Lee, born c1877; Callie Tucker, born Sep. 1881; Tully Ashby, born Mar. 8, 1883; Chester Cleveland, born Jan. 11, 1885; Royal Wilbur, born Oct. 10, 1886; and Edna Belle, born Apr., 1891.

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

Austin Blaine Coffey

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

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

Austin Blaine Coffey

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

Hailey Harris

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

Funeral Services Held for Ralph A. Harris

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

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

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

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

Burial took place at Boone's Fork graveyard.

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

Ralph A. Harris

Hailey and Austin's children were:

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

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

Rev. Murray Coffey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Catherine G. Coffey

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

Hardin Blaine Coffey

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

Hardin's obituary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clyde Lester and Katherine G. Coffey Dula

Corrected Feb. 3, 2011 - See highlighted below.

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

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

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

Katherine G. Coffey

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Spelled Catherine in her obituary

Arthur Hill and Mary Jane Coffey Dula

Arthur Hill Dula and Mary Jane Coffey were married in Watauga Co., NC on Oct. 11, 1892. Mary Jane was the daughter of Thomas Avery and Louisa E. Gragg Coffey.

Arthur & Mary J. Coffey Dula

Arthur, called Hill, was born Jan., 1867 in NC and died Sep. 7, 1948 in Watauga Co., NC. Mary Jane was born in Aug., 1874 in Caldwell Co., NC and died May 26, 1955 in Watauga Co. Both are buried at Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery in that county.

Nine children were born to this marriage:

Clyde Lester Dula, born Jul. 23, 1893, died Aug. 2, 1973. Clyde was first married to Bertha May Robbins, born Mar. 9, 1897 in Watauga Co. His second wife was his cousin, Katherine Gwendolyn Coffey, born Aug. 1, 1919 to Austin Blaine and Emma Mahalia Harris Coffey.

Charlotte Nevada Dula was born Jan., 1894 and died Jul. 14, 1989 in Asheville, NC. She married Julius Allen Gragg, born Jun. 25, 1892, died Jun. 17, 1979 in Boone, Watauga Co.

Olive M. Dula, born Feb., 1899

Beatrice Rema Dula, born Jul. 7, 1902

Ruth Virginia Dula, born Aug. 5, 1904

Earnest Dula, born c1908

Ruby Evelyn Dula, born Jan. 19, 1910. Ruby was married on Nov. 19, 1938 to Murray Harris Coffey, born May 9, 1915 in Hudson, Caldwell Co., and died Apr. 5, 2003 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co. Murray was a brother to Gwendolyn who married Ruby's brother, Clyde Lester. Their children were Imogene Dula Coffey, born Aug. 19, 1930; Vernon Coffey, born Oct. 5, 1939, and Terry Lee Coffey, born Nov. 3, 1947.

Lois Esther Dula, born Jun. 3, 1912

Cleda Elizabeth Dula, born Sep. 17, 1917

Additions and corrections welcomed.