"A Race for Life"

“Fight Between Gila County Officers and the White Mountain Apaches at Cibicu –  Chief Nan-tan-go-tayz Killed."

“Probably few, if any readers of the item published in last Saturday’s Silver Belt, that an Indian had been killed on Cibieu by cowboys, entertained the least suspicion that the parties referred to as ‘cowboys’ were Deputy Sheriff E. L. Benbrook and posse.  Few, in fact, were aware of his departure from Globe, or of his mission to the Cibieu country.  The facts in regard to that trip, as related by Mr. Benbrook, are about as follows:

The Silver Belt, Globe, Gila Co., AZ
Report of Apache attack at Cibicue Creek

“At the October (1895) term of the District Court of Gila county, two Indians, Tonto C 24 and Tonto O 8, were indicted for burglary committed at the Vosburg ranch, in the vicinity of Pleasant Valley.  The warrant for the arrest of the Indians wanted was delivered to Deputy Benbrook, who left Glove, December 1, for Cibieu to make the arrest.  Arriving at Pleasant Valley, he was joined by Bill Voris, Frank Ketcherside and Huse Kyle.  The party left the Gentry ranch, three miles above Ellison’s, on Thursday morning, December 5, and arrived at Cooley’s camp, (Cooley being head chief of the band of Indians), on Cibicu creek, 30 miles distant, about sundown.

“Nan-tan-go-tayz, the chief then in authority, a brother of Chief Cooley, upon being informed through an interpreter what the officers wanted, consented to the arrest of the two Indians.  Tonto C 24 was identified and placed under arrest, and the officers had started to ride away with their prisoner, when Ketcherside recognized the other buck wanted, Tonto O 8, among the forty or fifty Indians in the camp.  At this juncture Loco Jim hailed the officers and asked what they wanted with the two Indians, and Captain Jack, the interpreter, rode up and said they could not take the Indians away.

“While they were parleying the other Indians began to gather in around the officers, and Nan-tan-go-tayz, the chief, camp up close to Ketcherside’s horse and made a grab at the bridle rein, but missed it, as the horse jerked his head away.  The chief then went up to Voris and with both hands grasped the Winchester hung on the side of the saddle, and attempted to draw the gun from its holster.

“Voris, thereupon, caught the Indian’s wrist with both hands and broke the hold of one hand on the gun, when the Indian, retaining his hold on the gun with one hand, grasped the bridle rein of Voris’ horse with the other.  Just then Tonto C 24, one of the Indians whom the posse went to arrest, fired a shot from a distance of about 20 yards, and Voris, seeing that the situation was desperate and that they chief was getting the better of him, drew his six-shooter and fired at his adversary.  The Indian throw his head back and avoided the bullet, whereupon Voris placed the pistol close to the Indian’s breast and fired again.  Nan-tan-go-tayz fell forward on his face without uttering a sound.  About twenty-five Indians standing on the side of a hill, some sixty yards away, then fired a volley at the officers, which passed over their heads, and the latter returned the fire from their pistols.

“The officers put spurs to their horses and a race for life began, the Indians who were mounted and armed giving chase.  After a hard run of half a mile the trail made an abrupt turn and the Indians in the lead by a flank movement, got ahead of the officers, who, seeing they were cut off, took to the cedar brake to the right of the trail and up the steep side of the mountain.  Here the posse got scattered; Voris was in the lead, and, dusk having fallen, he regained the train, forged ahead alone and reached Ellison’s ranch about 1:30 o’clock on Friday morning.  Benbrook and Kyle soon came together again in the timber.  Benbrook’s pony was winded, and going up the mountain fell and caught the rider’s right knee under the saddle, causing him a painful injury.  Having returned to the trail, they were again headed off by the Indians and forced once more to take to the timber and were joined by Ketcherside.

“Voris, when he reached a narrow defile near Canyon creek, twenty miles from Cibicu, saw a signal fire a short distance from the trail, and when Benbrook, Ketcherside and Kyle passed, the embers of the fire were plainly to be seen.  The Indians who had got ahead of them on the trail had probably made the fire to signal John Dazin’s band of Indians, and he had then gone on to the main crossing of Canyon creek, with the intention of ambushing the officers.  Suspecting this, Voris left the main trail and crossed Canyon creek lower down, and his companions, under the guidance of Ketcherside, took an old trail that crossed the creek higher up, and they arrived at Ellison’s ranch at 3 o’clock Friday morning.

“When the fight commenced at Cibieu, the officers were compelled to abandon their pack mule which was carrying their blankets, sisty rounds of ammunition, provisions and camp utensils.  That any of the men escaped with their lives seems providential, and can be accounted for only by the approach of nightfall, which lent them its kindly protection.

“The officers, when they realized the futility to take the two Indians, tried to get away peaceably, intending to go to Fort Apache and ask the military for assistance, but the Indians, bent on mischief, provoked the fight.  The Indians were the aggressors and the officers when attacked were in the discharge of their duty.

“The apathy and apparent unwillingness of the military at Apache, on former occasions, to assist civil officers in the apprehension of Indian malefactors is sufficient excuse for Deputy Benbrook not going first to the post, to request a military escort to aid and protect him in the discharge of his duty.  It was in August, 1890, that Sheriff J. H. Thompson went to Fort Apache to secure the arrest of Guadalupe and other Indians who murdered young Baker in the Sierra Ancha.  Colonel Hunt, then in command at Apache, made no effort to arrest the Indians for whom the Sheriff held Warrants, further than that, after two or three days’ delay, two scouts went out, as alleged, to get Guadalupe, but returned without him.  A few days after Guadalupe came in and on the insistence of Sheriff Thompson was placed in the guard house.  The Sheriff then requested an escort to San Carlos, which Colonel Hunt refused him, and, after remaining about ten days at Apache, the Sheriff too Guadalupe from the guard house at 3 o’clock in the morning and, by a forced ride of 90 miles, reached San Carlos safely with his prisoner.

“The White Mountain Apaches, living on Cibieu creek, are the most warlike and treacherous Indians on the reservation.  While ostensibly under the surveillance of the commanding officer at Fort Apache, practically they are under no restraint whatever.  They continue in their pristine savagery, enjoying the largest liberty, and retaining their hatred of the whites.  They kill cattle and loot ranches when opportunity offers, and are not averse to taking human life.

“These Indians, living forty-six miles from Fort Apache, can not be kept in subjection.  They roam at pleasure, and may be off the reservation for weeks at a time without the knowledge of the commanding officer at Apache.  They are a continual menace to the peace of Eastern Arizona, and it is high time that the Government remove them to the Indian Territory, or elsewhere, where they could be kept under strict surveillance.

“In order to show the character of these Indians we will relate a little history.  In 1881, some 500 Indians were living on Cibieu creek, whom the Government had found it impractical to remove to San Carlos, as the Indians objected, and were too strong in numbers and warlike in spirit for the authorities to attempt compulsion.  Nock-a-del-kleny, a medicine man, by incantations and prophecies that he would bring the dear warriors to life, incited the Indians to rebellion, and to prevent the threatened outbreak[,] Colonel Carr, with a detachment of soldiers and scouts from Fort Apache, went to Cibieu to arrest the medicine man.  The Indians resisted and were joined by Carr’s scouts, who opened fire on the soldiers, killing Captain Hentig and ten soldiers, and followed the command to Apache and fired on the post.  Nock-a-del-kleny, the medicine man, was killed in the engagement at Cibicu.

“Proceedings were instituted before U. S. District Court Commissioner Kinney, on Thursday, and warrants issued for the arrest of the Indians, to the number of twenty or more, who fired upon Deputy Benbrook and posse, December 5, on Cibieu.  The warrants were placed in the hands of Deputy U. S. Marshall J. H. Thompson, who, accompanied by Messrs. Benbrook, Ketcherside, Voris and Kyle, left Thursday noon for San Carlos to join Lieutenant Fenton’s command and accompany them to Fort Apache, where Deputy Marshal Thompson will apply to Colonel Powell, the commanding officer, for assistance to the effect the arrest of the Indians.”

Next:  Troops from Apache

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NB:  Cibieu is Cibecue Creek; Nock-a-del-kleny was Nock-ay-det-Klinne who began holding ceremonies that became known as “Ghost Dances” at the village on Cibecue.

 

Col. Carr was Eugene Asa Carr.

 

William Voris was the husband of Pearl Virginia Coffee, a daughter of Robert Marion and Emma Gaines Reynolds Coffee.  Pearl was a descendant of Chesley through Joel (Martha Stepp); James (Eliz. Coffey, d/o Nathan & Mary Saunders Coffey); Logan McMillon (Mary E. Ragland), parents of Robert Marion.  The marriage was announced in the Daily Arizona Silver Belt on Dec. 22, 1898, Page 2, Col. 3:  "J. W. Voris and bride, nee Pearl Coffey, who were married December 23, at Albany, Texas, are expected to arrive tomorrow night. Mr. Voris, who is a well known resident of Globe, will receive hearty congratulations from his many friends. Mr. Voris will serve as deputy to Sheriff-elect W. T. Armstrong." [Note that publish date was a day before the wedding occurred.  One or the other is obviously incorrect.]

Cibecue is NW and a meandering 45 miles, or thereabouts, from Fort Apache.  Today, it will take about an hour to drive that distance in an automobile.  Riding a horse at a walk would probably take 10 to 12 hours, including rest stops for man and horse.  Riding at a lope would be faster but the horse would tire quicker.

Source:  Arizona Silver Belt. (Globe City, Pinal County, Ariz.), 14 Dec. 1895, Page 3, Col. 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84021913/1895-12-14/ed-1/seq-3/>

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George Edward & Lillie Mae Coffey Kimmel

In August of last year I wrote a short blog about this family

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George E. Kimmel Death Certificate

George Edward Kimmel, sometimes Kimmell, was born in TX on Jul. 7, 1879.  From his death certificate we learn that his father was John but his mother's name was not given.  We also know that he died by suicide when he took a "...concentration of arsenic" and was dead on arrival at the Granberry, Morris Co., TX Memorial Hospital on Sep. 16, 1959.

He and Lillie were married on Nov. 2, 1902 in Morris Co.  She was the daughter of John M. and Mary Ellen Ragland Coffey, born Sep. 11, 1884.  Her obituary tells us that her parents were one of the pioneer settlers of the Concord community of Omaha.

Her obituary:

Mrs. George E. Kimmell died at her family home in the Concord community at 2 o'clock Wednesday night of last week from the effects of pneumonia. Lille Mae, daughter of the late John M. and Mary Coffey, pioneer settlers of the Concord community, was born September 11, 1884.  

She was married to George E. Kimmell in 1902, and they established their family home in the same community in which she was reared.  To this union was born three children.

Surviving to mourn the death of their loved one is her Husband; one son, John Kimmell, two daughters, Mrs. Merl Beasley and Mrs. Willie Boozer, all of the Concord community; three brothers, W.E. Coffey ofQuanah, R.N. Coffey of Dallas, and H. B. Coffey of Fort Worth; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Ledbetter and Mrs. Virgil Leeves of Dallas; and five grandchildren.

Funeral rites were conducted from the Concord church by Rev. A.J. Findley at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon.  Burial was made in the Concord cemetery beneath a mound of beautiful flowers.

The three children were:

John Edward, born Aug. 17, 1903, died Oct. 4, 1959 in Omaha. His spouse was Pauline Ponder.  John is buried at the Omaha Cemetery in Morris Co.  I know of one child, Patsy Ann.

Sybil Meadow, born Nov. 18, 1904 in Omaha, died there on Jan. 3, 1999.  She married William Murl Beasley on Jul. 3, 1922. He was born in 1903 and died in Omaha in 1991.  I know of two children: Willie Carl, born 1923 and Thomas Edward, born 1928.  Sybil and William are buried at the Concord community cemetery near Omaha.

Alice Marie, born Nov. 7, 1907, died in Ajo, Pima Co., AZ on Nov. 28, 1953.  She married Willie Boozer, born 1910, died in Omaha in 1971. They too are buried at Concord.

Katherine Grace "Katy" Coffee

Katherine Grace Coffee

A recent tragedy in New Castle, Weston Co., WY is the yet unsolved murder of a young woman by the name of Katherine Grace "Katy" Coffee, and which spurred a search for her ancestry.

Katy was born on Jan. 12, 1976 in Kerrville, Kerr Co., TX to Harold Alan and Bobbie Stoebe Coffee.  She was murdered on Jun. 3, 2011 in New Castle where she had been newly hired as a district conservationist in Newcastle.

Katy's father was a son of Walter Cleve and Irene Elizabeth Gutschow Coffee. Walter was a son of Clyde M. and Abbie E. Griff Coffee. Up to now, few if any researchers knew who Clyde had married. I discovered her in the Texas birth records for their children, Walter Cleve and Tom Franklin Coffee.

This family goes back to the mythical Chesley. Beginning with Clyde, whose parents were Cleaveland C. and Mattie Leonora Swagerty Coffey. Cleaveland was a son of Mansel Matthews and Georgiana Frances Reynolds Coffee. Mansel was the son of Logan McMillon and Mary Elizabeth Ragland Coffee. Logan was the son of James and Elizabeth Coffey Coffey. James appears to be the son of Joel and Martha Stepp Coffey while Elizabeth was the daughter of Nathan and Mary Saunders Coffey. Both Nathan and Joel are currently thought to be sons of mythical Chesley and Jane Cleveland Coffey.

The Coffee spelling is thought to go back to Logan and Mary when they lived in Jackson Co., AL. The family, I believe (based on an obituary) thought incorrectly that they were descended from Gen. John Coffee of that state. Part of the obituary for Mansel (1839-1891) reads:

"His family is intimately connected with the history of this country as far back as Gen'l Coffee who, was second in command at the Battle of New Orleans in 1816."

That part was lined out by someone else by the time I received a copy.

The following appeared in a news article found at Trib.com, a website for the Wyoming Star-Tribune:

On the morning of June 3, 2011, the body of Katherine Grace Coffee, age 35, was discovered in her home in Newcastle, WY, the victim of an apparent homicide. The death is being investigated by the Newcastle Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Anyone that has information about the crime or has knowledge of Coffee's whereabouts on the evening and night time hours of Thursday, June 2, 2011 are asked to call the Newcastle Police Department at (307)746-4486. Coffee's family has offered a $25,000 reward to anyone that can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction or the person/s involved in this crime.

John M. & Mary Ellen Ragland Coffey

John was a son of Hugh and Mary Roman Coffey, born Dec. 11, 1848 in Scottsboro, Jackson Co., AL.  Mary Ellen was a daughter of Burrell & Matilda Gentry Ragland, born Jan. 6, 1853 in Omaha, Morris Co., TX.  She and John were married on Jan. 19, 1871 in Omaha.

To them were born at least eight children, all in Omaha:

William Edgar, born Apr. 17, 1872, died Apr. 1, 1948 in Quanah, Hardeman Co., TX.  William married Nora M. Thigpen on Dec. 27, 1894 in Morris Co.  She was a daughter of John and Harriet A. Thigpen.  Nora died Feb. 22, 1902 and William Apr. 1, 1948 in Quahah.  Nora is buried in the public cemetery at Omaha while William was laid to rest in Quahah Cemetery, Hardeman Co., TX.

Update:  William Edgar was married at least three times.  Nora was his first.  Second was Ella May Johnson, born Mar. 5, 1873 in TX, died Apr. 20, 1924 in Hardeman Co., TX.  She is also buried at Quanah Cemetery.  I have a third for him named Anna who appeared with him in the 1930 Hardeman Co. census.  I have found no children for him with either wife.

Thomas Jefferson, born Oct. 14, 1874 in TX, died Jan. 19,1920 in Omaha.  He married Lillian R. Ray on Mar. 6, 1901.  Lillian was born date unknown in Archer Co., TX and died in Omaha in 1971. I have two children for them:  Thomas Ray, born 1909, died 1985 in Shawnee, OK and, Evelyn Lucille, born 1911.

Update:  Still searching for their burial site.  Thomas Ray married Edna Mae Poindexter, c1935, who was born Jul. 26, 1914 in TX, died Nov. 6, 1986 in OK.  Both are buried at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee, Pottawatomie Co., OK.  They had at least two children but, I can find only one:  Thomas Ray, Jr., born Sep. 22, 1936, died Jun. 23, 2010.  He is also buried at Resthaven.  The other was Evelyn Lucille, born c1911 in TX.

Robert Novel, born Jan. 9, 1877, died Nov. 10, 1951 in Dallas.  He married Della S. Barrier on Dec. 27, 1896 in Morris Co.  Della was the daughter of Columbus C. & Dartha E. Cason Barrier.  She was born Feb. 26, 1879 in Omaha and died Nov. 20,1957 in Dallas.  Both are buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dallas.  I know of one son, John Columbus, born Sep. 15, 1900 in Omaha, died in Dallas on Mar. 1, 1971.  John married a lady by the name of Inez B.  She was born Oct. 25, 1902 and died May 5, 1996 in Tarrant Co., TX.  They are also buried at Mount Calvary.

Hugh Burrell, born Jul. 4, 1879 in Omaha, died Apr. 19, 1944 in Fort Worth.  He first married Vassie Alberta Lewis on Jul. 22, 1900 in Morris Co.  Together they had at least  two children:  Vanita Ann, born May 19, 1902 in Omaha, died Feb. 24, 1997 in Fort Worth.  Vanita Ann married Sebia Ambrose Bell on Aug. 31, 1910 inDallas.  He was born Jul. 21, 1899 in Odell, Wilbarger Co., TX and died Apr. 7, 1962 in San Francisco, CA.  Vanita Ann died Feb. 24, 197 in Fort Worth and is buried in Dallas at Greenwood Cemetery.  Hugh and Vassis's second known child was Tom H., born Sep. 14, 1903 in Omaha and died there on Oct. 4, 1904.  Hugh's second marriage was to Ella Hood on Apr. 16, 1905 in Omaha. Ella apparently died or, they were divorced for sometime after 1910 he married Josephine Angela Blackmon. She was born Dec. 19, 1898 in Dallas; died Jan. 18, 1952 in Fort Worth and was buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas.

Odia L., a son, born Nov. 27, 1881, died Feb. 18, 1901.  He is buried at Concord Cemetery in Omaha.

Lillie May, born Sep. 11, 1884, died Jan. 30, 1941.  She married George Edward Kimmel on Morris Co. on Nov. 2, 1902. George was born Jul. 7, 1879 in TX and died in Naples, Morris Co. on Sep. 16, 1959.  They had at least three children:  John Edward, born 1903, died 1959; Sibyl Meadow, born 1904, died 1999 in Omaha and, Alice Marie, born 1907, died 1953 in Ajo, Pima Co., AZ.  George and Lillie are both buried at Concord Cemetery.

Mary Ann "Annie," born Jun. 7, 1889 in Omaha.  Annie was married three times.  Her first husband was James Marvin Glass, a son of James W. & Alberta Farrier Glass on Dec. 25, 1907 in Omaha.  James was born Jan. 2, 1884 in TX and died Feb. 23, 1934 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX.  He and Annie apparently divorced sometime prior to 1915 because c1914 he was married to Gertrude Malone, a daughter of George W. and Florence Evans Malone.  Gertrude was born in TX on Dec. 30, 1885 and died Oct. 23, 1964 in San Antonio.  She was a retired public school teacher.  Gertrude is buried with her folks at Mount Vernon cemetery in Franklin Co., TX.  James is buried at Omaha but I do not know which cemetery.  Annie's second marriage on Oct. 20,1932 was to Dr. Wm. Carl Ledbetter.  He died in Bristol, TX in 1950.  They apparently also divorced because Annie married Benjamin Harrison Ledbetter on Oct. 20,1939.  I presume without proof that the Ledbetters were close kin.  I have found no children born to her with any of her husbands but she apparently had at least one.  She died Jun. 4, 1966 in Bristol, Ellis Co., and was buried in Dallas

Obituaries:

Mrs. Ledbetter Services Held

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Ledbetter, 76 , of Bristol, were held at 2p.m. Monday at Bristol Baptist Church, with the Rev. William Biggs officiating. Interment followed in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas,  with arrangements by Bunch Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were E. E. Ray and Noble Willis, Bristol, Tex; Thomas Beasley, Omaha, Tex.; Fred H. Bell, Arlington, Loyd Legg, Mt. Pleasant, and Willie Carl  Beasley, Dallas.

Mrs. Ledbetter was born June 7, 1889, at Omaha, Tex., daughter of John M. and Mary Coffey.

Her husband, Dr. W. C. Ledbetter of Bristol, died in 1950.  Mrs.Ledbetter had lived in California and Dallas prior to moving to Bristol,Tex.  in 1942.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bristol, Tex.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Nora E. Leeves of Dallas; a niece, Mrs.Walter Cox Johnston of Fort Worth, and several other nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Mary A. Ledbetter

BRISTOL,-Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Ledbetter, 76, who diedSaturday in Ennis, will be held at 2 P.M. Monday in the First Baptist  Church here.  Burial will be in Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.*

Among her survivors is a sister, Mrs. Nora Leeves of Dallas.

Ledbetter

Mrs. Mary Ann, Bristol, Tx.  Survived by sister, Mrs. Nora E. Leeves, Dallas; niece, Mrs. Walter Cox Johnston, Fort Worth; several other nephews and nieces.  Services 2 P.M. Monday, First Baptist Church,Bristol.  Interment, Restland, Dallas.  Bunch Funeral Home, Ennis.

John and Mary Ellen's last child was Nora Eva, born Jun. 1, 1892 in Omaha.  She married George Virgil Leeves, a son of A. J. and Dora McDaniel Leeves on Jun. 21, 1914 in New Boston, Bowie Co., TX.  George was born Feb. 15, 1888 in Naples and died Nov. 6, 1941 in Dallas.  Nora Eva died Apr. 11, 1979 in Fort Worth.  George is buried at Restland in Dallas.  Nora is probably there as well, but I have not found any evidence.

Obituaries:

DEATH CLAIMS G. V. LEEVES

Office Manager of Dairy Concern Succumbs to Heart Attack

George Virgil Leeves, 53, of 5738 Vanderbilt Avenue, office manager for the Triangle Dairy Company, died of a heart attack at this home Thursday. Dr. George W. Truett, pastor of First Baptist Church of which Mr. Leeves was a member, will officiate at funeral services at 2 P.M. Friday at the George A. Brewer Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Restland Memorial Park. Mr. Leeves was a native of Morris Co..  He came to Dallas eighteen years ago from Naples and had been associated with the Triangle Diary Company for many years. He is survived by his widow, a brother, E.J. Leeves of Naples, and two sisters, Mrs. C. L. Smith of Port Neches and Mrs. Lloyd Legg of Paris.

Pallbearers will be A.N. Phillips, Paul C. Ledbetter, Elmer Adams, George Short, R. Schenkel and R. L. Pou.

G.V. Leeves Died In Dallas

G. V. Leeves died at about one o'clock Thursday morning at his home in Dallas.

Virgil was born and raised near Naples and left here about thirty years ago making his home in Dallas since.

He is survived by his wife, one brother, E.J. Leeves of Naples, and two sisters, Mrs. Clayton Smith of Port Neches and Mrs. Lloyd Legg ofMarshall

Funeral will be in Dallas at 2o'clock this afternoon.

Deaths and Funeral Notices

LEEVES-George Virgil, are 53, died at the residence, 5738 Vanderbilt,Thursday.  Surviving are his wife, one brother, E.J. Leeves, Naples,Tx.;two sisters, Mrs. C. L. Smith, Port Neches, Tx. and Mrs. Lloyd Legg, Paris, Tx.  Services at the Geo. A. Brewer Funeral Chapel 2 P.M. Friday, Dr. George W. Truett officiating.  Interment Restland Memorial Park. Pallbearers:  A.N. Phillips, Paul C. Ledbetter, Elmer Adams, George Short, R. Schenkel, R.L. Pou.

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*"Mary Ann (Coffey) Ledbetter is buried at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Tx.  in Section T, Blk 19, Row M, Space #1

"Mary Ann was married to a Mr. J.M. Glass Dec. 25, 1907 (Glass Lake in Omaha, Tx.).  They divorced and her last marriage was to Dr. W. C. Ledbetter. She was his 3rd wife and theirs was a rocky marriage according to his grandson.

When he died in 1950 Mary had to sue his 1st wife for part of the estate as he left her nothing.  Mary got widow's rights to the house and a small settlement.  I have returned  Dr. Ledbetter's doctor's bag to Vaughn as it belongs to his family, not mine."  by Vaughn (Joan) Sims, Madison, MS

Mansel Matthews & Georgiana Frances Reynolds Coffee

Amended first Sep. 7, 2010, second Apr. 24, 2011.

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This Coffee family descends from the so-far mythical Chesley Coffey who is said to have married Jane Cleveland.  For the most part, this family's surname has been spelled Coffee since at least the early 1800's.

The immediate ancestor of Mansel was Logan McMillon Coffee, born Dec. 7, 1809 in Adair Co., KY, died Jun. 20, 1865 in TX, "the circumstances fraught with suspicions, possibly murder by his companions from the same neighborhood."*  In about 1837, while passing through Alabama heading to Texas, Logan married Mary Elizabeth Ragland.  She was born Jan. 15, 1815 and died in Lavaca Co., TX on Jan. 15, 1879.

From all indications, Logan's family name began as Coffey but left Alabama as Coffee.  My theory is that once they settled (for awhile) in Alabama and began to make records, their family was perhaps thought to be part of the family of General John Coffee, most notably famous for his role at the Battle of New Orleans.  General Coffee, and his Georgia counterpart - also named John - were first cousins, descendants of Peter Coffee.  A recent DNA discovery proves a connection between Peter and Edward, but very distant and well before either came to America.

Mansel M. Coffee

Mansel was the first child of Logan and Mary.  He was born Sep. 12, 1839 in Jackson Co., AL and died on June 5, 1891 in Throckmorton Co., TX.  His unattributed obituary made the claim that "his family was intimately connected with the history of this country as far back as Gen'l Coffee, who was second in command at the Battle of New Orleans in 1816."  Well before the obituary came into my hands, someone over struck that line, knowing as many of us do that it was inaccurate.  This is likely to be the reason why the family surname is spelled Coffee instead of Coffey.

According to that obituary, Mansel was thrown from his horse after it "dashed with great force against a wire fence..." tossing him into the air.  Upon falling to the ground, he struck the back part of his head causing him to fall into a coma from which he never recovered.

Georgiana Frances Reynolds

Mansel's wife was the beautiful Georgiana Frances Reynolds, a daughter of B. F. and Virginia Mayers Reynolds of Mississippi.  Georgiana was born in Rankin Co., MS in Jan., 1845.  She and Mansel were married in Lavaca Co. on Jun. 4, 1861.  Georgiana's younger sister, Emma Gaines Reynolds married Mansel's brother, Robert Marion Coffee.

Georgiana gave birth to at least nine children; seven boys and two girls.  There was, between some of the children sufficient time for her to have borne others, but perhaps they died young or, she was fortunate and did not become pregnant.

Woodson, born Mar 1, 1862 in Gonzales Co., TX, died June. 12, 1953 in Amarillo, Potter Co., TX.  Woodson married Ollie Pickens Stribling on Aug. 14, 1890 in Throckmorton, the daughter of Judge Cornelius Kinchelo and Ruth B. Greenwood Nancy Caroline Stribling Nancy Caroline was a cousin of Judge Kinchelo whom he met during the Civil War.  His first wife had died in 1860 with no children produced.  Ruth Bradley Greenwood was Judge Kinchelo's mother.  She and Woodson had at least nine children: Ruth, Benjamin, Grace, Woodson, Jr., Oran, Roy Coburn, Frank (died young), Ollie and Jack Kinchelow.  Ollie died of influenza on Jan. 23, 1930 in San Antonio.  She and Woodson are buried at the Llano Cemetery in Amarillo.

The second child was Logan Alonzo, born Mar. 5, 1865 in TX, died Feb. 19, 1945 in Miami, Roberts Co., TX.  He married Mary Mildred Harrah, a daughter of J. W. and Emogina Fitch Harrah of Wheeler Co., TX.  Mildred was born there on Nov. 16, 1880 and died in Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS on Jul. 26, 1922.  Both she and Logan are buried at the Miami Cemetery.  They were parents of at least six sons:  Joseph Logan, Harry M., Tom Leonard, Tas, Marion Clarence, and Dana.

Update Oct. 15, 2011:  After Dana came Lona, a daughter born Apr. 22, 1912; Merle R., a son, born May 14, 1913 and David, born Nov. 20, 1918, all in Miami, Roberts Co., TX.  There remains some confusion on my part about the child Merle.  Some genealogies name him Mansel.  However, I have found two documents, both relating to births on May 14, 1913:  One reports only on the birth of an unnamed male child on that date.  The second document was created on Mar. 10,1951 as a correction to the original birth certificate.  This document reports the birth of Merle R. Coffee on May 14, 1913 to Logan and Mildred.  The document was sworn to by Logan before the Roberts Co. clerk of court on Mar. 10, 1941.  So, was the first document for the unnamed child for one named Mansel that died at birth and the one for Merle as a surviving twin?

Next came Cleaveland C. (probably Charles), born in TX on Oct. 26, 1867.  He married Mattie Lenora Swagerty, daughter of W. T. and Lucy King Swagerty, on Dec. 31, 1890.  She was a native of Hunt Co., TX, having been born there on Dec. 15, 1871.  She died Jul. 21, 1959 in Amarillo and was buried at Miami.  Cleaveland is probably there as well; I just haven't located him yet.  Their children were nine:  Clyde M., Norman, Floyd Thomas, Effie Lelia, Hattie G., Bessie Lucy, Ada, Mattie Lenora and William J. "Bill."

Children of Mansel and Georgiana Reynolds Coffee

Fourth was Henry Coleman, born Nov. 7, 1869 in TX, died Jul. 4, 1956 in Pampa, Gray Co., TX.  He married Mary Eppie Thomas, born in TX in Aug., 1871, died in Ochiltree Co., TX on Jun. 21, 1904.  Henry was buried at Miami while Mary rests in an unmarked grave at Ochiltree Cemetery, Perryton, Ochiltree Co., TX.  Their children were Vida, Frances, Albert Mansel, Eugene L. and Raymond Oliver.  Raymond was a musician and died in an automobile accident near Amarillo in 1922.  According to cemetery records, Eppie is buried next to Raymond.  There is an open area next to him, but no marker to indicate anyone is buried there.

Fifth, and first daughter, was Hattie C., born Apr. 15, 1874, died in 1887.  Nothing else is known and she is thought to have died young.

James Volney was sixth.  He was born Aug. 15, 1875 in Lavaca Co. died Oct. 26, 1957. He married Alice Gertrude Tidwell, daughter of Will and Josephine Kendrick Tidwell.  Alice was born in TX on May 7, 1878 and died in Potter Co. on May 10, 1931.  Alice is buried at Miami; I'm still looking for James' final resting place.  Their children were:  William Cleveland, Joe F., Guy T., Volney Lanius, and Allene G.

Glenn L. was number seven, born in Dec., 1878.  He married a lady by the name of Mary Gentry, born c1883 in TX. but nothing more is yet known of this couple. Their children were Georgia Lee, Glenn F. and Katheryn Jean.

Mansel Reynolds was next.  He was born in Throckmorton on Oct. 28, 1885 and died in Perryton on Jun. 26, 1948.  His wife was Lillian Lee Long, born Nov. 28, 1889 in TX, and died at Perryton on Jun. 25, 1959.  Both are buried there in the Ochiltree Cemetery.  Their children were Doris Lorene, Mansel Reynolds, Jr., Mary Margaret and Georgia Nell.

Mary Virginia Coffee Locke

Mary Virginia was the last child.  She was born Feb. 28, 1888 in Throckmorton and died in Big Spring, Howard Co., TX on Oct. 26, 1965.  She was buried there in Trinity Memorial Park.  She married Claude B. Locke, a son of Judge Newton F. and Dora Barton Locke of Roberts Co.  Their children were Winnie, born c1907, Claude, Jr., born c1909 and Dorothy F., born c1912.  One of the daughters married Adolph Swartz and was the informant on her mother's death certificate.

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My opinion:  There appears to be somewhat of a very tiny element of veracity to the Chesley Coffey/Jane Cleveland theory.  They are said to have had a son named Jesse Cleveland.  Joel, also thought to be Chesley's son, named a son Cleveland.  Joel's son James named a son Cleveland.  Logan, brother to that Cleveland named one of his sons Cleveland, and Mansel, son of Logan named one of his sons Cleaveland [sic].  Interesting to note however, is that none of the descendants name a son Chesley.

All photos belong to Kathy Coffee Simmons and used with her permission

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*"On the Headwaters of the Lavaca and Navidad, Paul Boethel,Von Boeckmann - Jones, Austin, Texas c. 1967





No. 996

Hugh Burrell Coffey

Hugh Burrell Coffey was born in Omaha, Morris Co., TX to John M and Mary Ellen Ragland Coffey.  He was born on Jul. 4, 1879 and lived there until at least 1918 when he relocated to Fort Worth.  There he was in the loan brokerage business and, apparently, at one time a bookkeeper for an electric exchange co., and owner of Worth Radio and Applicance Company on Main St. in Fort Worth.

Hugh was residing in Dallas when he registered for the draft on Sep. 10, 1918.  He named his daughter Vanita as his nearest relative and a resident of Omaha.  He was described as being short and slim with blue eyes and brown hair and confirmed his birth date as July 4, 1879.

He was married at least three times.  His first was to Vassie Alberta Lewis, born Sep, 1881 in Morris Co., TX and who died there on Sep. 13, 1904, apparently from lingering difficulties after the birth of their second child on Sep. 14, 1903.  That child, Tom H. Coffey died on Oct. 4, 1904, some days after the death of Vassie.

Their first child was Vanita Ann, born May 19, 1902 in Morris Co.  She married twice, first to Sebia Ambrose Bell on Aug. 31, 1919 in Dallas.  There was one child, Frederick Hugh Bell, born Jun. 7, 1924 in Dallas.  He died in Arlington, Tarrant Co., TX on Jul. 4, 1982.

This marriage apparently ended in divorce because Vanita married Walter Cox Johnston on Apr. 16, 1935 in Dallas.  Sebia died on Apr. 7, 1962 in San Francisco, CA.  This union to Mr. Johnston produced at least one child, Donald Ray, born Mr. 16, 1939 in Fort Worth and died there on Nov. 12, 2000.

Vanita died Feb. 24, 1997 in Fort Worth.

Her obituary:

FORT WORTH --  Vanita Ann Johnston, 92, a homemaker, died Monday,Feb. 24, 1997, at a Fort Worth nursing home.  Funeral:  2 P.M. Wednesday at Greenwood Funeral Home.  Entombment: Greenwood Mausoleum.  Visitation: 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Vanita Ann Johnston was born May 19, 1904, in Omaha, Tx. Mrs. Walter Cox Johnston was a member of the Optimist Club, Park Hill Neighborhood Association and University Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Cox Johnston; a son,Frederick Hugh Bell; and a grandson, Walter Ray Johnston.

Survivors:  Son, Don R. Johnston of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Teri Stanek of Oklahoma, Okla., Cindy Winegardner of Arlington, Mark Bell of Irving and Lesa Bankhead of Azle; and great-grandchildren, Tyson Stanek, Neil Stanek, Brady Sharp, Tammi Sharp, Troy Sharp and Chelsea Post.  Greenwood Funeral Home 3100 White settlement Road  336-0584

Hugh's second wife was Ella Hood to whom he was married on Apr. 16, 1905 in Omaha.  No further information is known about this wife.  His third wife was Josephine Angela Blackmon c1910.  Jo - as she was named on Hugh's death certificate - was born Dec. 19, 1898 in Dallas and died there on Jan. 18, 1952.  Jo's parents were natives of Germany.  There are no known children from this union.

Hugh died on Apr. 19, 1944 of a cerebral hemorrhage; Jo died on Jan. 18, 1952 of colon cancer.  Both are buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas.