McCaleb & Sarah "Sally" Hayes Coffey

McCaleb was a son of Jesse and Margaret "Peggy" Edmisten Coffey, born c1814 in North Carolina.  He married Sarah "Sally" Hayes about 1838 in probably Watauga Co., NC where they lived and died.

There were two Coffey men named McCaleb and were born just 11 years apart.  The older McCaleb was born in 1803 to Thomas and Sarah Fields Coffey.  As best as I can determine, he was always a resident of Caldwell Co. and served as a Commissioner in that county in 1868.  He and McCaleb, subject of this blog, were first cousins, once removed.  Their common ancestor was John and Jane Graves Coffey, a son of Edward.

McCaleb and Sally Hayes Coffey had four sons, three of which were killed during the Civil War:

Thomas Ninevah Coffey was the eldest, born in 1839.  He was one of the first to volunteer for service in the Confederate army and was with Co. E., 37th NC Infantry Regiment when he was killed at Chancellorsville.

John E. Coffey was the youngest, born in 1844, and also enlisted in the 37th.  He too was killed at Chancellorsville on the same day as his brother Thomas.

Jesse Finley was born c1842 and was the third born to McCaleb and Sally.  He enlisted in what became the 58th NC Infantry Regiment in 1862.  The unit was originally Palmer's Battalion of Partisan Rangers.  They were consolidated in Apr., 1865 with the 60th NC Infantry and became the 58th NC.  According to an article found at Footnote.com, "over 1000 men came from Cumberland Gap...and was assigned to guard Big Creek Cap."  Jesse died there on Mar. 7, 1863 but a cause of death was not given.  He is buried at DeLap Cemetery at La Follette in Campbell Co., TN.

The last son born to McCaleb and Sally was Cornelius Jones Coffey and the only one to live and raise a large family.  He was born on Apr. 22, 1840 served in Co. E, 37th NC Infantry Regiment.  He enlisted on Sep. 18, 1861 and was discharged in July, 1863.

Mar. 1918 Notice of Sale
C. J. Coffey Property

In 1866, Jones married his first cousin, Martha Jane Gragg, the daughter of James Burton and Nancy A. Coffey Gragg.  Nancy was a younger sister of McCaleb.  Martha was born in Caldwell Co. in 1843 and died in Shulls Mill, Watauga Co. in 1900.  Jones died there in 1917 and both are buried at White Springs Cemetery at Blowing Rock.

Jones - as I understand he was called - and Martha Jane had at least nine children; seven sons and two daughters.

Their first was Thomas Herndon Coffey, born 1867, died 1946 in Watauga Co.  His wife was Annie Marilda Pendley [sic], a daughter of William Patterson and Lou Ellen Moore Pendley.  Annie was born in 1873, Caldwell Co., and died at Blowing Rock in Watauga Co. in 1959.  Thomas and Annie were parents of at least two children, Ellen Pendley Coffey (1902-1975) and Thomas, Jr., (1905-1978),  They two are buried at White Springs.

Emma Irene was their second child, born Dec., 1868 and died in Apr., 1947.  She married John Alexander Gragg, a first cousin once removed, in Watauga Co. in 1887.  John was born to Johnson P. and Nancy Jane Cuthbertson Gragg in 1856 and died in 1925 in Watauga Co.  Both are buried at White Springs.  They were parents of at least two children, both daughters:  Mary E., born 1888 and Ila Mae, born 1891.

A third child was Simms Coffey, born c1871.  I received that information from Margaret Farley Coffey (decd), and together we searched for any record of this child without luck.  About the only fact that can be associated with the family is that he was not enumerated in the 1880 census with Jones and Martha.

Elbert, fourth child, was born in 1872 and died in 1900 at Kelsey in Watauga Co.  He Margaret Matilda Simms in 1892 at Watauga Co.  They had one son, John B., born in June, 1891, just a few months prior to Elbert's death.  I do not know where Elbert was buried.  Neither do I know if Margaret Simms remarried.  The family needs further study.

John Finley, born 1877 in Caldwell Co. was next born.  He married Frances C. Holloway, a daughter of Reede and Martha Andrews Holloway, in Watauga Co. in 1894.  I have one child born to them; John Stuart Coffey, born c1906.  John Finley died in Carolina Co., VA in 1953 and Frances in 1956 at Partlow, Spotsylvania Co., VA.  Both are buried at County Line Baptist Church Cemetery at Ruther Glen, Caroline Co.  John Stuart married a lady named Ruth in c1922 and had at least three children:  Edity, Conway and Ruth.

Walter Gwyn was next, born in 1878, probably in Watauga Co., and died there in 1945.  He is buried at White Springs.  He was wed to triple third cousin Julia Hayes, daughter of Wyatt and Mary Jane Coffey Hayes in Watauga Co. in 1896.  They had at least eight children:  William Harston; Lloyd Edgar; McDonald; Roberta; Wyatt; Cecil; Emma and Bulah.  More information on several of these children is available.  Julia was born in Watauga Co. in 1876 and died there in 1955.  She too is buried at White Springs.

Charles Burton was number seven.  He was born in Watauga Co. in 1882 and died in Hickory, Catawba Co. in 1960.  He married Amanda Louise Misemore in about 1916 or 17.  She was born in Tennessee in 1888 and died in Hickory in 1967.  They had at least two children; Wiley Monroe, 19188-1921 and, James Grady, 1922-1941. Charles and Amanda were buried at First Baptist Church Cemetery  in Hudson, Caldwell Co.  Their two sons are buried at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery, also in Hudson.

We know the next child, Hattie, was born in Sep., 1833 at Watauga Co. and that she married Charles Stocks.  Nothing else is yet. known.

The last child was Rufus Monroe, born 1886 in Watauga Co., died there in 1965.  He married Emma Eliza Robbins in that county in 1906.  She was born in NC in 1886 and died there in 1952. Both are buried at White Springs.  Their children were Mabel, Howard, Helen, Edward, and Rhonda.  More information about the children and their descendants is available.

A letter to the editor appeared on page 2, column 2 of the Watauga Democrat of Thursday, March 14, 1895.  It was written by A. W. Beach [several Coffey ladies in Caldwell Co. had Beach husbands.  I do not know who A. W. was] discusses McCaleb's family.  In it he [presumed male] writes that he went to live with "uncle" Caleb and "aunt" Sally at the age of nine years in 1863.  He named their sons as Thomas N., Finley, John, and Jones.  Three sons were already deceased when he arrived and Jones was at home, disabled by a wound to a foot.  He thought that one of the sons had been brought back from the battle field and laid to rest somewhere along the Blue Ridge but, did not name the son nor a specific spot where the burial occurred.

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A double third cousin to Jesse and his brothers was Elbert Coffey, a son of William Coffey, Jr. and his wife Margaret Robbins.  Elbert was born at Buffalo Cove in Watauga Co., NC in 1837 and died "of disease" on May 15, 1863 at Big Creek Gap.  He too is buried at De Lap.

John William Payton & Sarah Elizabeth Coffey

John William Payton, born Jun. 13, 1864 in Kentucky was a son of Charles Payton and his wife, Margaret Brummett.  He was married c1885¹ to Sarah Elizabeth "Lizzie" Coffey, a daughter of Gabriel Russell and Margaret Caroline Rodgers Coffey.

Gabriel Russell was born c1845 descended from Edward and Ann Powell Coffey.  His father was Perry, son of Thomas, Jr., son of Thomas, who married Nancy Pendley; son of Thomas who married Elizabeth Smith; son of John, first son of Edward, who married Jane Graves.  Gabriel was in KY by around 1868 when he and Margaret are said to have been married.

Sarah's report to the census taker in 1910, when the family lived in Goodnight, Anderson Co.,  KY indicated she had been previously married.²  However, she was only age 17 when she married John Payton.  By 1920 the couple had moved to Louisville, where they remained until death.

Sarah was born in TN on May 18, 1868 and died on Sep. 24, 1948 in Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY. John died in Louisville on Feb. 8, 1952, They are buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville.

Children born to John and Sarah, numbered at least seven.  However, because they married c1885 and their first known child was not born until some six years later, it is likely they had two or three other who did not survive those early years.

Charles H., born Jan. 27, 1891, died Jan. 31, 1926 in Louisville and was buried at Evergreen.  His wife was Beulah Mae Howard, born Oct. 12, 1893 in Jeffersonville, Clark Co., IN, died Apr. 15, 1933 in Louisville.  They were married in Clark Co. on Sep. 17, 1913.  Beulah was the daughter of Joseph and Frances McCallister [sic] Howard.

Myrtle Lee, born Feb. 19, 1898 in Kentucky, died Oct. 22, 1983 in Louisville.  She married twice, first to Jesse Charles Miller, a son of Harry and Mary Goeben Miller, born Mar. 22, 1883 in Lucas Co., IA, died Jun. 18, 1983 in Louisville.  They were married on May 20, 1918 in Clark Co., IN.  Her second husband was William E. Smith, born Nov. 7, 1910, died Jun. 6, 1985 in Louisville.  Each are buried at Evergreen.

Mary Margaret, born May 21, 1899 in Anderson Co., KY, first married William W. Walters, a son of Aaron and Sarena Negals [sic] Walters, on May 1, 1920 in Clark Co., IN.  They were divorced in 1922 and on July 28, 1923 she married Arnold Palmer, the son of Bill and Eliza Bright Palmer, in Clark Co.  I do not have death dates or burial places for either.

The next child was Vannie Blanche, born July 7, 1901 in Anderson Co.  She was married at least four times before she was 40 years old.  Her first husband was a Mr. Reno.  A marriage record for them has not been found but, in the 1920 census, she was found living with her parents as the divorced Blanche Reno, age 18.  On Oct. 24, 1920 she married William E. Patton in Clark Co.  They also apparently divorced for on Jul. 13, 1924, at age 23, she married for the third time, this time to Marlin Stewart in Jeffersonville, Clark Co.  On that record, she noted a previous marriage had been "dissolved."  No other details were given.  On Jan. 8, 1938, at age 36, she married Cecil Altemeyer in Clark Co.  On that marriage record, she reported that she had been previously married and, that union had ended in divorce in 1934. I do not have Cecil or Blanche's death date or place of burial.

Lester, born Jan. 5, 1902, in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY, died Jul. 15, 1996 in Louisville.  Lester married Mary Frances Smith, the daughter of Sam W. and Frances Lester Smith, on Dec. 25, 1923 in Clark Co., IN.  She was born in Louisville on Apr. 19,1905.

John Thomas, born 1905 in KY, died Sep. 4, 1930 at age 25 at Louisville City Hospital.  His death certificate reports death as a result of being "struck by auto while crossing street at Preston & Broadway" on Sep. 3, 1930.  He never married.

The last child that I am aware of was Walter Edward Payton, born c1908.  I have no other information on Walter.

Jeffersonville, and Clark Co., IN are just across the Ohio River from Louisville.  It seems to have been "the" place to go to get married; at least for this family!

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¹1900 KY, Mercer Co., Dugansville Pct., ED 48, Sheet 9A, dwelling/family 163

²1910 Anderson Co., Goodnight, ED11, Sheet 3A, dwelling 57, family 58

Cornelius Jones Coffey

Cornelius was born to McCaleb and Sarah “Sally” Hayes on Apr. 22, 1840 in Watauga Co., NC.  When he was about 21 years old, Jones, as he was called, enlisted on Sep. 18, 1861 in Co. E of the North Carolina 37th Infantry Regt.  He was wounded on Aug. 29, 1862 at Manassas, VA but, returned to duty on Jan. 15, 1963.  He was “accidentally” wounded in the foot on July 16, 1863.  In November, 1864 he was transferred to Co. E, same regiment.  However, another record reports that he was “retired to the Invalid Corps by reason of disability from his wounds.”

On July 1, 1866 he was married to Martha Jane Gragg in Yadkin Valley, Caldwell Co.¹ and together they had at least nine children:  Thomas Herndon (1867-1946); Emma Irene (1868-1947); Simms (c1871-?); Elbert (1872-1900); John Finley (1877-1953); Walter Gwyn (1878-1945); Charles Burton (1882-1960); Hattie (1883-?) and Rufus Monroe (1886-1965).  Martha died at Shulls Mill, Watuaga Co. in 1900 and was buried at White Springs Cemetery at Blowing Rock.

On April 20, 1907 in Watauga Co., Jones was married to Sara Caroline Hodges, a daughter of Jesse and Nancy Storie Hodges.²  They are known to have had only one child, Junie Irene (1908-1982).

Cornelius died of heart failure on Feb. 10, 1917 at Shulls Mill and was also buried at White Springs.  Sarah was remarried on Apr. 23, 1920 at Lower Creek in Caldwell Co., to Calvin Hodges.³  Although there is likely to be some kinship between Sarah and Calvin, I am unaware of any.

The following April 25, 1918 The Watauga Democrat⁴ published the following legal notice:

"NOTICE North Carolina, Watauga County, Sarah Coffey, widow of C. J.Coffey Deceased, and Junio [sic] Coffey, by her guardian, W. D. Ashley, VS, Thos Coffey, Emma Gragg and her husband, John Gragg. John Coffey and wife, Francis Coffey, Gwin Coffey and wife Julia Coffey, Charley Coffey and wife, Amanda Coffey, Hattie Stocks [Stokes?] and husband Charlie Stocks, Rufus Coffey and Emma Coffey.

"By virtue of an order of the Superior court in the above entitled action, appointed the undersigned a commissioner to sell the lands of C. J. Coffey, I will on the 6th day of May 1918 sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described lands to wit: Being the land on which the said C. J. Coffey lived at the time of his death, and being bounded on the north by the lands of the Boone Fork Lumber Co and W. S. Whiting, on the west by Roby Coffey on south by Gwyn Coffey and on the east by Rufus Coffey and Rufe Baldwin Con. about 150 acres.  Said sale will be made subject to the dower right of the said Sarah Coffey, widow of C. J. Coffey, deceased, and allotted by T. L. Critcher, T. F. Greer and W. L. Holshouser, commissioners appointed by the court, to which reference is hereby made for more complete description of said dower.  This 23d day of March 1918.  T. E. Bingham, Com."

Click to Enlarge

Marriages:  Thomas Herndon married Annie Marilda Pendley on Nov. 19, 1900; Emma married John Alexander Gragg on Dec. 19, 1887; Simms Coffey is thought to be a child in this family but not proven.  If he was, then he was deceased by the time of his father's estate sale.  Elbert Coffey married Margaret Simms on Feb. 14, 1892.  Could this be where a child named Simms Coffey might have entered the family?  John Finley married Frances F. Holloway on Jul. 14, 1894.  Walter Gwyn married Julia Hayes on Jul. 4, 1896. Charles Burton married Amanda Louise Misemore c1918.  Hattie married Charles Stocks or Stokes. Rufus Monroe married Emma Eliza Robbins on Oct. 27, 1906.

Civil War Deaths:  Jone's brother, Thomas Ninevah Coffey, born 1839, died May 3, 1863 at Chancellorsville in Spotsylvania Co., VA. Another brother, Jesse Finley, born 1842, died Mar. 7, 1863 at Big Creek Gap in Campbell Co., TN.  Brother John E., born 1844 is thought to have died on the same date as his older brother Thomas and also at Chancellorsville.

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Sources: 

¹"North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979", index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F89P-JLW : accessed 04 Apr 2014), C. J. Coffey and M. J. Gragg, 28 Jun 1866; citing Caldwell, North Carolina, reference bk 2; FHL microfilm 590345.

²”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).

³"North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979". index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F895-TZX : accessed 04 Apr 2014), Calvin Hodges and Sarah Coffey, 23 Apr 1920; citing Lower Creek, reference ; FHL microfilm 590350.

4”The Watauga Democrat”, Apr. 25, 1918, page 2, col. 4 (http://tinyurl.com/nywde9x)

James Granville & Lois Ann Dancy Coffey

James was the eldest child of Marvel and Nancy E. Pendley Coffey.  Marvel was a son of James and Delilah Ferguson Coffey.

James is said to have been born on Jul. 4, 1845 in North Carolina and to have died on Feb. 19, 1915 in McDowell Co., WV.  I have not yet been able to confirm either date.

He married Lois Ann Dancy, a daughter of Neal and Rilda Cox Dancy, natives of Ashe Co., NC.  Lois was born Dec. 19, 1858 in that county and died on Sep. 28,1938 in Welch, McDowell Co., WV.  Her death certificate reports cause of death as hypostatic pneumonia.  Lois is buried at the Premier Cemetery in Premier, Welch Co., WV.  In 1920 Lois was a widow in McDowell Co., more of less confirming that James died after he appeared last in the 1910 census.

James and Lois had at least nine children, the eldest three born in NC, the others in WV.

Alice E., born Jul. 23, 1881 in Asheville, Buncombe Co., married William S. Taylor on Nov. 19,1894 in Mercer Co. William was a native of GA, born there c1868.  At least 10 children were born to this union:  Laura A., c1899; Cora E., c1901; Luther, c1903; James A., born c1906; Mary B., born c1909; William, Jr., born c1912; Daisy V., born c1914; Elizabeth M., born c1917; Charley F., born c1919 and, Evaline B., born c1924.  I have not found death date and burial sites for William and Alice.

Daniel Alexander, born Jun. 4, 1882, Ashe Co., NC, died Jun. 19,1960 in Welch, McDowell Co.  Daniel married Belle Bunn c1907 in WV.  She was a daughter of John P. and Mary J. "Mollie" Havens Bunn, born Apr. 17, 1892 in Pulaski Co., VA, died Nov. 13, 1984 in Ravenna, Portage Co., OH.  Their children were:  James G. P., born c Jul 1909 in WV, married a lady by the name of Mary A. c1929 in McDowell Co.  Howard Clinton, Feb. 25, 1911-Mar 23,1992; Clarence E., Sep. 14, 1914-Dec. 13, 1983; Bessie C., c1917; Albert Preston, Jun. 22, 1919-Nov. 11, 1994 in Jefferson Co., WV.  Albert married Lyda Louvernia Stumbo, daughter of Christopher Columbus and Minnie Ramsey Stumbo.  Lyda was born Mar 31, 1921 in Yukon, McDowell Co., and died in Ranson, Jefferson Co., WV on Apr. 29, 2010.  Hazel was next, born c1922; Effie A., born c1925 and Hellen M., born c1928.

Mary E., born Feb., 1883 in NC, married J. E. Ferguson on Dec. 20, 1905 in Coalwood, McDowell Co.  Mr. Ferguson was a native of Smyth Co., VA, having been born there c1876.

James Henry, born Mar. 20, 1889 in WV, died Jul. 6, 1958 in Welch, McDowell Co.  He married Hattie Pearl Woods.  A marriage date has not been found.  Hattie was born Apr. 20, 1892 in KY and died in Laurel Co., KY on Jan. 22, 1973.  Their children were Myrtle, born c1915, Beatrice I., Mar. 4, 1918 in WV-Nov. 24, 1971 in KY; Clifford L., born Apr. 4, 1920 in WV, died Feb. 1, 1984 in KY; and Rev. William Kelcie Coffey, born Jul. 14, 1923, died Jul. 6, 1997 in Laurel Co., KY.  Rev. Coffey married Gloria Edna Rogers and were parents of at least one child, James Roger, born Oct. 27, 1948 in Yukon, died in Corbin, Whitley Co., KY on Apr. 20, 2008.

George Lee, born Jun. 24, 1891 in Welch, died in Columbus, Franklin Co., OH on Jun. 17, 1961.  His wife was Elizabeth Mae Steele, born Mar. 21, 1903 in Ashland, Boyd Co., KY.  She died on Aug. 8, 1968 in Wilmington, New Castle Co., DE.  Children were Helen Kathleen, Raymond Scott and Charles L.

Elizabeth Jane, born Apr. 29, 1895 in WV, died Apr. 23, 1939 in Big Creek Dist., McDowell Co.  She married a Mr. Branhorn.

William Luther, born Apr. 29, 1895 in WV, died Jul. 27, 1977 in WV.  Married Lillian Banfield, born Jul. 28, 1909 in Williamson, Mingo Co., WV, died in Cherry Run, Morgan Co., WV in Sep., 1973.  They had at least one child, a son named Donald, born c1932 in WV.

Charles Earnest, born Apr. 17, 1897 in Freeman, Mercer Co., WV, died in Beckley, Raleigh Co., WV on Oct. 1, 1923.  His spouse was Lockie Quesenbury, born c1902 in VA.  They married on Jul. 28, 1921 in Coalwood, McDowell Co.

The last child born to James and Lois was Jesse Franklin on Jan. 18, 1900 in WV.  He married Virgie Sizemore on Jan. 4, 1923 in McDowell Co.  She was born c1905 in Wyoming Co., WV.  Their children were Charles, born c1924; James, born c1926; and Sidney A., born c1928.  There was also a stillborn male child on May 15, 1940 in North Welch, McDowell Co.

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Additions and corrections welcomed. Sources available on request.

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.

Marvel Coffey

As long as I've been researching Coffee/Coffey families I've read that other researchers who are interested in the Marvel Coffey who married Rachel Boone, have concluded that he was named Asbury Marvel Coffey. As one who has taken those researchers to be accurate (for the most part), I continued the search for Marvel's father without any success.

Just recently, with thanks to Janet de la Peña and Bonnie Culley, I received a copy of the Jesse Boone will. Jesse was the father of Rachel. In his will Jesse divided his estate between Daniel Boon [sic], Israel Boon, Jonithan Boon, Marvel Coffey, Jonithan [sic] Wilson, Smith Coffey, William Gregg [sic] [Gragg], and William Coffey. The will was written on Nov. 23, 1829 and recorded in McMinn Co., TN.

Jonathan, Daniel and Israel were his sons. Smith Coffey was his son-in-law, husband of Hannah, Jesse's daughter. William Coffey was also a son-in-law, husband of Anna Boone. William "Buck" Gragg was a son-in-law, husband of Celia Boone and Marvel Coffey, a son-in-law, husband of Rachel.

Jonithan Wilson may be the John Wilson who married Rebecca Coffey. Rebecca was the daughter of John Franklin Coffey, another son of Thomas Coffey and Elizabeth Smith.

Jesse appointed Asbury M. Coffey and his son Israel as executors of his will.

It is likely that many people reading this will believe that Asbury M. Coffey was the son-in-law, Marvel. However, Asbury M. was really Asbury Madison Coffey, an attorney in McMinn county at that time and believed to be the son of Eli and Hannah Allen Coffey. Asbury Madison later achieved fame in Kansas and Missouri.

In 1830, the McMinn county census lists only two Coffeys as head of household: Asbury M. and Marvel. We know that both Marvel and Asbury Madison relocated to McMinn county, so this - in my opinion - proves that the two of the Boone will were different people.

Now, how do we determine who the father was of Marvel? I can only speculate and offer the following:

Thomas Coffey, a son of John and Jane Graves Coffey, was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Smith with whom he had six children:

Elizabeth "Betsy", born 1763, died 1850 in Indiana, married David Allen.

John Franklin, born c1765, died c1812 in Wilkes Co., NC, married Hannah Wilson. Parents of Rebecca who married John (Jonithan?) Wilson. Several of John Franklin's children married children of Reuben Coffey, another son of John and Jane Graves Coffey.

Thomas Jr. born c1767, married first Margaret Coffey (parents not yet known) and 2) Nancy Pendley. born c1800. There were two Nancy Pendleys, both married Coffey men. However, the two were born about 18 years apart. The second Nancy was born c1818 in NC and married a Marvel Coffey who was the son of James Coffey and Delilah Ferguson. This Marvel remained in NC throughout his lifetime. Thomas, Jr. and his Nancy named one son James Asbury Coffey.

James, born c1772, died c1840 in Wilkes Co., NC is the son who married Delilah Ferguson and were parents of Marvel who married Nancy Pendley. James and Delilah's other children were Thomas, Lovancy, James, Jr., Eli, Myra and Louisa.

Mary, born c1775, died c1828 in NC, married William Coffey, born c1775 in Burke Co., NC, and a son of Benjamin Coffey and Mary "Polly" Hayes. Benjamin was a brother to Thomas making Mary and William first cousins.

Thomas' last child with Elizabeth Smith was Smith Coffey, born c1776, died 1839 in Cherokee Co., NC. He married Jesse Boone's daughter, Hannah.

It is interesting to note that James and Delilah named a son Marvel, and Thomas, Jr. and wife Nancy named one son James Asbury.

It is also interesting to me that of the nine children born to Thomas Coffey and second wife, Sarah Fields, the first four were born pretty much like clock work; e.g., every two years between c1780 and c1788. The next five were also born more or less like clock work, every two years. There is a gap between Elijah - fourth child, born c1788 - and Sarah, the fifth child, born c1792, that Marvel, born c1790 would fit into pretty well.

All of this assumes, of course, that the given approximate birth years for these children are somewhat accurate.

So, let me see if I can sum this up correctly!

- James Coffey was a son of John Coffey and Jane Graves

- James and wife Elizabeth Cleveland were parents of Eli, who married Hannah Allen and were parents of Asbury Madison Coffey.

- Thomas Coffey, also a son of John Coffey and Jane Graves.

- Thomas married 1) Elizabeth Smith and were parents of Smith Coffey. Thomas married second to Sarah "Sally" Fields.

- Thomas and Sarah "Sally" Fields Coffey were parents of William Coffey who married Anna Boone.

- William Coffey, Smith Coffey and Marvel Coffey, along with Asbury Madison Coffey all involved in the Jesse Boone will.

- A gap exists between the first four and last five of Thomas and Sally Fields Coffey's children; a gap that Marvel could fit into given that birth years are somewhat accurate.

Could it then be concluded from this somewhat preponderance of evidence that Marvel Coffey was a son of Thomas and Sarah "Sally" Fields Coffey?

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

How to Create a Convoluted Family History

William Obediah Gragg, referred to in some genealogies as "Revolutionary Bill," married his second wife, Nancy Coffey, the daughter of Joseph and Isabella Lindsay Coffey. William was born Apr. 15, 1878 in Virginia and died Oct. 20, 1847 in North Carolina. Nancy was born c1816 in Burke Co., NC and died in 1887, Caldwell Co., NC.

William's first marriage was to Elizabeth Pulliam, probably in the late 1700's, and perhaps in Virginia. One of their children was David Obediah Gragg, born Jul. 4, 1796 in Albemarle Co., VA, and died 1846 in Caldwell Co.

William's marriage to Nancy Coffey produced at least two children: Indiana Isabella, born c1838, died 1909; and G. L. Taylor, born c1846 in Burke Co., died Nov. 4, 1925 in Avery Co.

David Obediah married Elizabeth Webb c1820 in Caldwell Co. Elizabeth was born Mar. 25, 1794 in Caldwell Co., and died in that county in 1881. I have found 10 children for them, one of which was Edmond, born c1829 in Burke Co.

Edmond married his aunt, Indiana Isabella Gragg on Mar. 10, 1857 in Caldwell Co. They had at least six children, all of which were also his first cousins. Indiana was also their grand aunt.

Mary Gragg, one of Edmond and Indiana's daughters, married Joseph Burgess Coffey, her double first cousin1, and a son of Brice Brisco and Susannah (Sookie) Gragg.

Larkin Henderson, another of Edmond's children, married his first cousin1, Lee Ella Gragg, daughter of G. L. Taylor and Elizabeth E. Pendley Gragg.

I hope I have this correct! If not, please send corrections and/or additions.

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1 Also first cousin, once removed

George Washington Coffey (1870-1940)

I recently found a death certificate for George Washington Coffey, born Dec. 15, 1870, died Nov. 10, 1940 in West Virginia. The certificate lists his father as Marval [sic] Coffey, and his mother as Mary Ann Coffey.

In my files I have Mary Ann Coffey, daughter of Marvel and Nancy E. Pendley Coffey, born Jun. 10, 1850 in Caldwell Co., NC, died Jan. 15, 1910, also in Caldwell Co. Until now I did not know who her husband, and father of her children was: John Kelley, born c1869; George Washington, and Elizabeth G., born Oct. 6, 1873.

But, now I'm confused [not unusual at all!]. Who was Marvel descended from? Did the informant for George's death certificate make a mistake and give his grandfather's name instead?

Please contact me if you can help!

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Update Mar. 31, 2012

Marvel and Nancy Pendley Coffey were enumerated in the 1850 and 1860 Kings Creek Twp., Caldwell Co., NC census with a daughter named Mary. In 1850 she was 11 months old and in 1860 she was 12 years old.  In 1870 the family was still in Kings Creek Twp., and Mary, now aged 20, was enumerated as a "domestic servant."

Mary "the daughter" is said to be the mother of three children without benefit of marriage: John Kelly, born c1869; George Washington, born Dec. 15, 1870, died Nov. 10, 1940 in Williamson, Mingo Co., WV; and Elizabeth Jeanette "Lizzie," born Oct. 6, 1873 died May 18, 1958 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co.

There is a marriage record in Mingo Co., WV for John K. Coffey to Mary Crotts on which John names his parents as "Marvel & Mary Ann Coffey."

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jeanette was married first to Julius F. Barnett* on Nov. 18, 1893 at Kings Creek. On Nov. 8, 1911 she married Frank Wilson** at Granite Falls in Lovelady Twp., Caldwell Co.  Elizabeth died on May 18, 1958 at Lenoir.  The informant named on her death certificate was Mrs. Nellie Triplett, Lizzie's daughter, born to the Julius Barnett marriage.  The certificate names Lizzie's mother as Mary Ann Coffey but the father's name was "Not Obtainable."

So, I now have two of Mary's children who claim Marvel and Mary Ann Coffey as their father.  The third child only names Mary Ann as the mother.

Now, when Mary, the "domestic servant," appeared in the 1870 census, she was apparently the mother of the child John Kelly, age 1 year in that census.   Four years later, Mary "the daughter" married William Zachariah Maltba*** and lived with him until her death in 1910.

In the 1880 Caldwell Co. census, Zacariah [sic] Maltba and wife Mary A., had children (among others): John K., age 11; George, age 9 and Elizabeth, age 6, all of which appear to be the same children attributed to Mary Ann by documents mentioned herein.  Although not enumerated with the Coffey surname, they were much too old to have been children resulting from the Zachariah and Mary Ann union.

So, what are we to make from all this?  Mary who married Zachariah Maltba named Marvel Coffey as her father.  Was Mary's father also the father of her first three children?  Was there another Marvel?  Was Mary "the domestic servant" another Mary Coffey?  Was Mary "the daughter" also Mary "the domestic servant?"

The Maltba family remained in Kings Creek the remainder of their lives.  Elizabeth "Lizzie" remained in the Kings Creek area during her marriages to Barnett and Wilson while the two boys, John K. and George Washington moved on to West Virginia.

Anyone have this figured out?

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 *Groom's Name: Julius F. Barnett Groom's Birth Date: 1866 Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: 27 Bride's Name: Lizzie Coffey Bride's Birth Date: 1873 Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: 20 Marriage Date: 18 Nov 1893 Marriage Place: Kings Creek Twp, Caldwell, North Carolina Groom's Father's Name: Thos. H. Barnett Groom's Mother's Name: Sarah Barnett Bride's Father's Name: Bride's Mother's Name: Mary Ann Maltba 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: M74468-8 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 590346 Reference Number 

 **groom's name:N. F. Wilson groom's birth date:1862 groom's birthplace: groom's age:49 bride's name:Lizzie Barnett bride's birth date:1874 bride's birthplace: bride's age:37 marriage date:08 Nov 1911 marriage place:Granite Falls, Lovelady Twp, North Carolina groom's father's name:Jacob Wilson groom's mother's name:Margaret Wilson bride's father's name: bride's mother's name: 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:M74461-8 system origin:North Carolina-EASy source film number:590349 reference number


***groom's name:Wm. Z. Maltba groom's birth date:1853 groom's birthplace: groom's age:21 bride's name:Mary A. Coffey bride's birth date:1849 bride's birthplace: bride's age:25 marriage date:25 Nov 1874 marriage place:Caldwell, North Carolina groom's father's name:Jonathan Maltba groom's mother's name:Sarah Maltba bride's father's name:Marvel Coffey bride's mother's name:Nancy Coffey 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