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.

Colby & Sarah Roberts Rucker

In 1927 Edyth Johns Rucker Whitley put together a rather comprehensive account of the Ruckers in American. By her own admission, Edyth did not set out to provide "a complete history of the family" before they began to arrive on the shores of this country.*

She emphatically states that the origin of the Ruckers was "no doubt a very historical family" and was German. She descended into a short description of when the family originated when a "Sir Knight crusader, John Von Rucker, was granted in 1096 AD¹ a coat-of-arms, dating from the first Crusade."

This book is available to read and download at Ancestry.com.  I will borrow only slightly from it in this outline of the family and their intermarriage with the Coffey and Dalton families of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. I have not relied on it entirely for Colby's descendants; instead I have relied on several contemporaries who have assisted me over the years while I researched my own Coffee/y ancestry.

Edyth tells us that Colby Rucker was a son of Peter and Sarah Rucker of Culpepper Co., VA. She found no exact date of marriage for Peter and Sarah but speculated that it "must have been about 1759." In 1775 Peter sold his land in Virginia and relocated with Sarah and his children to Mississippi. Through an investigative process Edyth speculates that although no official record has been found that provides Sarah's maiden name, she pretty much convinces researchers that her name was Sarah Cowherd, a daughter of Colby Cowherd whose property adjoined the Ruckers in Culpepper Co.

Colby Rucker was born Oct. 10, 1760 and died on Jan. 20, 1852 in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., TN and was buried there at the Rucker Cemetery. He married Sarah Roberts** c1784 and she died c1844, but we do not know where or, the location of her burial.

They had at least eight children; seven of which are believed born in Wilkes Co., and the last in Grainger Co., TN.

The first was Elizabeth. An un-sourced contribution to Coffey Cousins' tells us that she was born  born Jan. 6, 1787 and died Mar. 22, 1855.  She married John Coffey, a son of Benjamin and Polly Hayes Coffey on Mar. 1, 1804 in Wilkes Co.  It is said that 12 children were born to the union but likely there were only ten.  We have no data on two of them:  Jesse T. and George.

The others were Ausburn (var.) who was born on Jan. 11, 1805 and died on Dec. 30, 1876 in Grainger Co. He was married c1830 to Matilda "Tildy" Dalton, a daughter of Enos and Rebecca Williams Dalton. Tildy was born Jan. 30, 1799 in Grayson Co., VA and died in Rockcastle Co., KY on Jan. 30, 1899. Ausburn is buried at the Rucker Cemetery in Thorn Hill, Grainger Co., while Tilda died in Rockcastle Co. and was buried in Roundstone, KY at the Scaffold Cane Cemetery. Thirteen children.

Colby, born Aug. 23, 1806 in Wilkes Co., died in Estill Co., KY on Jun. 17, 1888. He was married to Mary Ann "Polly" Adams on May 22, 1830 in Grainger Co., TN. She was born Oct. 6, 1807 in VA, died Sep. 26, 1887 in Estill Co. Both buried at Garrett Cemetery in Jinks, Estill Co. Ten children.

Benjamin, born Feb. 8, 1808 in Wilkes Co., died May 8, 1867 in Rockcastle Co. He married Nancy Hayes c1872 in Hawkins Co., TN.  Nancy was born Jul. 23, 1802 in NC and died in Rockcastle Co. on Feb. 14, 1874.  Both are buried at the Maret Cemetery in Wildie, Rockcastle Co. Ten children

Elizabeth Coffey Whitsett Hayes
Photo via S. Phelps

Elizabeth was born Oct. 14, 1810 in TN and died in Cass Co., MO on Aug. 30, 1883. Her first husband was Nathan P. Whitsett to whom she was married on Dec. 1, 1839. He died in Jan., 1842 in Grainger Co. and she then married her first cousin, George W. Hayes, a son of Thomas and Sarah "Sally" Rucker Hayes. Sally was the daughter of Colby and Sarah Roberts. The marriage occurred on Feb. 23, 1845 in Grainger Co. Both George and Elizabeth are buried at Pleasant Hill in Cass County's Union Baptist Church Cemetery. At least five children.

Nancy, born Jan. 12, 1811 in Grainger Co., died Nov. 20, 1896 in Rockcastle Co.  She never married and in the 1860 census she was enumerated as "insane."  She is buried at the Thomas Jefferson Coffey cemetery near Lake Linville in Rockcastle Co.

John Jackson, born Jan. 12, 1812 in Hancock Co., TN, died Oct. 15, 1877 in Rockcastle Co. His spouse was Elsie Nash, born 1810 in TN and died in Grainger Co. on Jan. 7, 1867. They were married Jul. 7, 1839 in Grainger Co. He is buried at Maret Cemetery in Wildie; she at the Condry Cemetery in Thorn Hill. Elsie was a daughter of Thomas and Dicy Mallicoat Nash. They also had a son named Marvel Nash who married Louisa Wells. Their daughter, Sarah Nash later married Wiley Coffey, son of Ausburn and Tildy Dalton Coffey. A son, Parrot Leon Nash also married Martha Matilda Coffey, a daughter of Wiley and Sarah Nash Coffey. John Jackson and Elsie had seven children.

The Coffey's loved their cousins!

John and Elizabeth Rucker Coffey's daughter, Sarah Lucinda, born c1822 in Grainger Co., married William E. (or H.) Coffey on Mar. 21, 1840.  William was the son of George and Margaret Rucker Coffey.  Margaret Rucker and Sarah's mother, Elizabeth Rucker were sisters and, John and George Coffey were brothers.  So, Sarah and William were double first cousins!  Sarah and William had seven children.

Margaret Elizabeth Coffey, born Feb. 28, 1823, probably in Grainger Co., married Isaac Bullen on May 9, 1844 in that county.  He was born Apr. 23, 1802 in TN and died in Rockcastle Co. on Nov. 28, 1896.  Margaret also died in Rockcastle Co.  Margaret was Isaac's second wife.  His first wife was Mary Dotson to whom he was married on Nov. 3, 1829 in Grainger Co.  They had five children, one of which (Hannah) married Elias Henry "Eli" Coffey in 1851 Grainger Co.  He was another son of Ausburn and Tildy Dalton Coffey.  Both Margaret and Isaac are buried at the Thomas Jefferson Coffey Cemetery.  Mary Dotson is buried at the Dotson Cemetery in Grainger Co.

Catherine Coffey, born Apr. 29, 1827 in TN, died Sep. 27, 1914 in Howell Co., MO.  She married a Mr. Sweet in Cass Co., MO.  We know that Catherine is buried at the Langston Cemetery in West Plains, Howell Co. MO, but no clues yet on Mr. Sweet.

William M. Coffey, born Oct. 31, 1828 in TN is the last known child of John and Elizabeth Rucker Coffey.  He married Ellen Nash on Jun. 10, 1849 in Rutledge, Grainger Co.  He died on Aug. 9, 1893 in that county; she on Jan. 19,1884.  Unfortunately, I have not yet found where they are buried.

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2/16/2015 Update:

The following is from Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application made for the Colby's children.  His pension was denied as no proof existed that he actually served:

United States Department of Interior***

Bureau of Pensions

Rev. and 1812 Wars.         Washington, Nov. 6, 1925

Section R-9061

In response to your letter [presumed to be Whitley] of the second instant, I have the honor to advise you, that from the records of this Bureau it appears that Colby, or Colley Rucker was born October 10, 1760, place not stated.  During the Revolution he lived with his parents, whose names are not on record, on the Mississippi River, near Natchez.  He married soon after the Revolution in Wilkes County, North Carolina, date not given, Sarah Roberts.  He died in Grainger County, Tennessee, January 20, 1852.  His wife died about eight years before he died.  In 1852, their surviving children were:

Mrs. Margaret Coffee, aged sixty-five years.

Mrs. Elizabeth Coffee, aged sixty-seven years.

William Rucker, aged sixty-three years.

Mrs. Sarah Hayes, aged sixty-one years.

Mrs. Nancy Pain or Payne, aged fifty-eight years.

Mrs. Delphia Dalton, aged fifty-six years.

John Rucker, aged fifty-four years.

Mrs. Jane Hayes, aged fifty-one years.

On December 27, 1852, William Hays, or Hayes, soldier's administrator, a resident of Rockcastle County, Kentucky, applied for pension in behalf of the surviving children.  He was also soldier's son-in-law, but it is not stated which daughter was his wife.

It is stated that Colby, or Colley Rucker, enlisted in 1778, or 1770 and served under Captain Alston and Colonel Blunt, ranging up and down the Mississippi River near Natchez, for eighteen months.  After this, while going to North Carolina, he was captured by the British and confined in Savannah between four and six months, before he escaped.

He then went to Wilkes County, North Carolina, where he enlisted and served for three months under Captain John Keyes and Colonel Benjamin Harrald and Colonel Charles McDowell against the Cherokees.  Dates of service not given.

The claim was not allowed as soldier did not render six months service, in an embodied military corps as required by the pension laws.

Very truly yours,

Winfield Scott, Commissioner

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Sources:

¹ The People's Crusade; see http://tinyurl.com/l6b244m

*Neither do I plan to create here a complete descendant list of children and other descendants of Colby.  I will however, be glad to discuss and provide information, including sources, to any researcher who would like to know more about this very large family.

** Was Sarah's surname Roberts or Robins?  According to the website "Robins [Ro-Bynes] Robbins - Clan?" Colby Rucker married Sarah Robins, daughter of John Robins, Jr., and Margaret Strother.

See the wewbsite  http://jimrobins.cherokee-online.com/robins.php as source of following information:

Children of John Robins, Jr. and Margaret Strother:

William Robins, born c. 1745 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died c. 1774 in Orange Cty., Virginia. He was married c. 1766 to Ann Foster, born c. 1744, died 14 June 1833.

Capt. Thomas Robins, born c. 1748 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died bef. 1824 Coffey Cty., Tennessee. He was married on the 24 December 1775 to Mary Foster, she was born abt 1747, died 4 December 1807 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina.

NOTE: Check this link for a surname history for the Foster line: Foster Link

[http://www.fmoran.com/foster.html]

John Robins, born c. 1750 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died (?) in Franklin Cty., Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Dogan in c. 1771 in Orange Cty., Virginia.

NOTE: Check this link for a surname history for the Jones line

[http://www.fmoran.com/wilkes/jones.html]

Reuben Robins, born bet. 1750-1755 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died in 1833 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina. He was married on the 29 April 1782 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina to Jane Turner, born c. 1760-70, died c. 1850-60

Mary Robins, born c. 1760 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died (?) in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina. She married Joseph Roberts c. 1781.

Ann Robins, born (?) in Orange Cty., Virginia. She married James Sartin c. 1786.

Lucy Robins, born bet. 1755-60 in Orange Cty., Virginia, died bef. 1787 in Wilkes Cty., North Carolina. She married (Benjamin) Brown

Sarah Robins, born (?). She married Colby Rucker c. 1786.

***Microfilm publication M804 (Washington, D.C.: NARA, ), M804, Pension No. R.9061.

William "Willie" Calvin Coffey

1910 Whitman Co., WA Census

Willie was born on Apr. 13, 1906 in Revere, Whitman Co., WA to Len W. Coffey.  Len was born c1878 in NC.  His wife's name is unknown but, she too was born in NC.  They appeared in the May, 1910 census for Union Pct., Whitman Co., WA and although enumerated, the mother's given name was not provided.

Willie returned to North Carolina before 1935.  It was on Oct. 8 of 1934 that he married Macy A. Martin, a daughter of Nelson Harper and Martha Virginia "Mattie" Bradshaw Martin.

Macy had a brother, Roby Sherrill Martin. born Apr. 10, 1890 in Yadkin Valley, NC, died Jul. 27, 1962 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co.  Roby was married to Sarah Ivalee Crisp in Patterson, Caldwell Co., NC in Jan., 1913.  In Dec., 1913 their first child, William Lee "Billie" Martin was born.  Billie Married Blanch Gertrude Wellborn, a daughter of Joseph Harrison and Carrie Elizabeth Coffey Wellborn.  Carrie was a daughter of Thomas (son of William, Jr. & Margaret Robbins Coffey) and Rachel M. Coffey Coffey (a daughter of McCaleb and Elizabeth "Betsy" Collett Coffey).

Willie died on Dec. 3, 1988 in Caldwell Co., and Macy died there in Sep. 10, 1990.  Unfortunately, I do not yet know where they were buried.  They were parents of at least two sons:  William Harper, born c1936 and Thomas Lemuel, born 1939.  They appeared in the 1940 census in Mulberry Twp., Caldwell Co. with Macy's widower father.

Question:  Who were parents of Len W. Coffey?

 Jack

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Mystery solved, thanks to Bradley Ingels.  

William Calvin "Willie" Coffey was the son of William Lemuel and Faunnie Lambreth [sic] Coffey.  William Lemuel was a son of John Calvin and Nancy Caroline Tuttle Coffey.  The 1920 census for Caldwell Co. shows Willie living in the household with his uncle, William L. Lamburth [sic].  Willie's mother, Faunnie Lambreth Coffey died in June, 1910 and was buried at the Gragg Cemetery in Collettsville, Caldwell Co.  His father remarried in 1913 to Mamie A. Neff in Crook Co., OR and in 1920 they were living in Deschutes Co., OR while Willie was in NC.

William Lemuel died in Sunnyside, Yakima Co., WA on Jul. 14, 1957.  I have not yet found his burial site or, info on second wife.

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)

Larkin Coffey & his death at Point Lookout, MD

There were a number of Coffey men named Larkin.  Sometimes, it is very difficult to separate them because many of them were born around the same time and at the same place.  For example, there was Larkin, born c1834 in NC, enlisted in the CSA on May 7, 1862; Larkin, born c1841 who enlisted in the CSA on Mar. 19, 1862 and Larkin, born c1845 who enlisted in the CSA on Apr. 2, 1863, all in Caldwell Co., NC.

The Larkin who is the subject of this blog was born to William Coffey, Jr. and his wife, Margaret Robbins on Jun. 7, 1840.[1]  He was 21 years old at the time of his enlistment in Co. A., of the 22d North Carolina Infantry Regiment on Mar. 19, 1862 and, died on Aug. 4, 1864 at that infamous Union POW camp at Point Lookout in St. Marys Co., MD.

Wikipedia tells us that Point Lookout was located on a Maryland peninsula formed by the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Potomac River on the other.  Between 1863 and 1865 more than 50,000 Confederate soldiers were held in a prison originally designed to hold only 10,000.  Estimates, which are probably short of accurate, tell us that nearly 4,000 soldiers died there, mostly as a result of over crowding, poor sanitation, starvation, thirst, and exposure.

The State of Maryland turned this historic site into a state park some years ago.  Tourists, fishermen, campers, etc. roam the area today.  It is only one of many places made infamous by the North for mistreatment and death of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War where the federal government has banned the display of the Confederate Stars and Bars battle flag[2].

According to another website entitled The American Civil War, Point Lookout was established after the Battle of Gettysburg when it was discovered that Union forces did not have enough camps to hold all of the prisoners.  It also tells us that there were two fenced prison areas; one 30 acres in size, the other 10 acres.  One camp contained enlisted while the other contained officers. The landscape was sandy and barren.  There were no trees or shrubs.  It has since become known as one of the worst Union POW camps to have existed.

Much of the peninsular has been lost to the sea by erosion and, includes many of the sites where Confederate soldiers were buried.

Based upon the guard make up, the Union obviously intended to punish the Southern soldiers as harshly as possible   According to the American Civil War web site, the units assigned to guard the prisoners were, at various times, the 36th Colored Inf. Regt., the 5th Mass. Colored Cav., the 3rd and 4th Maryland Colored Regts., and the 24th and 28th Colored Inf. Regts.

The 22d NC Infantry Regiment has a long and valiant history.  It fought in most of the major battles of the Civil War, including Chickahominy River, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, Seven Pines, Richmond and Petersburg,  Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain, 2d Manassas, Sharpsburg as well as Gettusburg.  They also fought at Chancellorsville, Drewry's Bluff, and Harpers Ferry, to name a few.

Photo by Brent Coffey

Photo by Brent Coffey

According to his company muster roll, Larkin went missing in action on May 12, 1864.  From May 8 to 21 of that year, the 22d was engaged in the battle of Spotsylvania Court House where he was likely taken prisoner.  Within three months the Union Army finished his young life and buried him in "yankee" soil.

On a bronze casting containing the names of those who died at Point Lookout can be found the name of Larkin and the unit he fought with.  It is attached at the base of an 80' tall granite obelisk built in about 1910 by the federal government.

Check out this video on Youtube for a review of a relatively new memorial and Point Lookout.  Note the Stars and Bars flying above the other flags in the circle.

Larkin was not the only son that William and Margaret lost to the Confederate cause.  Their son Elbert, born in Jan., 1837 died of disease at Big Creek Gap in Campbell Co., TN and was buried at the Delap Cemetery  in La Follette, Campbell Co.

Confederate Grave Yard found in Campbell County[3]

Two women’s efforts lead to discovery of burial ground

For some forgotten soldiers in Campbell County, it took the chance meeting of two women to uncover a treasure trove of history.

Alice Coker knew the cemetery was there and that Bob Delay and several others kept it in excellent shape until the 1960s.  Coker used to visit the cemetery and always wondered why there were so many sunken graves and who was buried in them.  Bob Delay told her he had heard that there was a Civil War encampment at the foot of Pine Mountain near a big spring and that many of the soldiers had sickened and died.

Coker says, “I always thought I’d find time to do some research but I never did.”

Some 40 years later the second piece of the puzzle dropped into her lap.  In December 2002 a woman by the name of Leda Cornett from North Carolina walked into the Campbell County Historical Museum and said she believed that her grandfather was buried in Delap Cemetery.  Sara Chaniott was on duty that day and was one of the few people who knew about the old neglected cemetery.  Sara called Alice and Alice said “Please send the lady to my house as soon as possible.”

From the visitor Coker learned that records showed members of the 58th Regiment of the Confederate Army of North Carolina [1] were buried at Delap.  From these bits of information an image began to swirl into focus.

“The winter of 1862-1863 at Delay was a very harsh winter,” Coker found after doing more research.  “Over 1000 men came from Cumberland Gap, where two Tennesseans had joined the troops. (The regiment was formed at Camp Martin in Mitchell County, NC.).  The regiment was assigned to guard Big Creek Gap.”

Records show that a total of 50 men died while camped in the Jacksboro area.

Recently, county prisoners, under the supervision of Environmental Officer Glennis Monday, began the slow arduous process of clearing the ground.  Eighty loads of brush have been removed from the cemetery.  The needs for preserving this cemetery, however, are still many:  including chemicals to kill the roots of plants that have been cut down, road work, fill dirt, and a fence with a strong gate.  Bob Andreas, County Veterans’ Service Officer, made arrangements for the fifty military headstones which have already been delivered.

This Memorial Day these once “lost” soldiers can rest in peace.  Although they were never completely forgotten, their remains will soon be marked with tombstones after more than 140 years.  Now, their families have a place to come and honor their ancestors thanks to two determined women who never forgot.

A fund has been set up at Peoples Nation Bank, Civil War- Delay, 2300 Jacksboro Pike, P.O. Box 1221, Lafollette, TN 37766.

The following list is the fifty men from the North Carolina 58th Regiment (Confederate) who are believed to have died and are buried in Delay Cemetery, Campbell County, TN.

BAIRD, John H. Private (Company D)
Enlisted in Watauga County on June 7, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN prior to March 2, 1863.  Date and cause of death not reported.

BAKER, Newton A., Private (Company B)
Born in Yancey County and enlisted in Mitchell County at age 25, May 17, 1862.  Mustered in as Private.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Promoted to Corporal prior to March 1, 1863.  Reduced in rank on an unspecified date.  Died at Jacksboro, TN March 24, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

BROWN, William L, Private (Company H)
Resided in Watauga County where he enlisted on August 5, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died in hospital at Jacksboro, TN March 18, 1863, of “brain fever”.

BURLESON, Jason E., Private, (Company K, Previously Company E)
Previously served as Private in Company E of this regiment.  Transferred to this company on or about July 29, 1862. Died at Jacksboro, TN, February 5, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

CRAWFORD, James M, Private (Company C)
Born in Yancey County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Yancey County on July 12, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 21, 1863 of disease.  Was 25 years of age at the time of his death.

COFFEY, Elbert, Private (Company E)
Born in Caldwell County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Caldwell County at age 25, July 5 1862.  Reported present in January – April 1863.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, May 15, 1863 of disease.

COFFEY, Jesse F[inley], Private (Company E)
Born in Caldwell County where he resided as a farmer prior to enlisting in Caldwell County at the age of 20, July 25, 1862.  Reported present in January – February 1863.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, March 7, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

EGGERS, Adam, Corporal (Company D)
Born on July 23, 1831.  Resided in Watauga County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Watauga County at age 30, July 7, 1862.  Promotion record not reported.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 2, 1863 of “fever”.

FRANKLIN, Samuel D., Private (Company A)
Enlisted on December 30, 1861.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, prior to March 20, 1863.  Date and cause of death not reported.

GARLAND, Hodge R., Private (Company B)
Born in Burke County and resided in Mitchell or Yancey County where he was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Mitchell County at age 52, May 17, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 30, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

GLENN, Dudley G., Private (Company D)
Resided in Watauga County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Watauga County at age 21, June 27, 1862.  Died in Tennessee in October, 1862 of “sickness”.

GREEN, Larkin, Private (Company E)
Previously served as Private in Company D of this regiment.  Transferred to this company on or about July 29, 1862.  Died at Cumberland Gap, TN or Big Creek Gap, TN on or about November 18, 1862.  Cause of death not reported.

GRIFFIN, Stephen R., Private (Company G)
Born in Stanly County and resided in Caldwell County where he was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Caldwell County on July 16, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died in hospital at Jacksboro, TN, April 1, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.  Was 25 years of age at the time of his death.

GRUBB, Phillip H., Private (Company D)
Enlisted in Watauga County on November 7, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at “Jackson” (probably Jacksboro) TN, February 27, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

HARTLEY, Nathan, Private (Company E)
Resided in Caldwell County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting at “Alexander” at age 28, July 5, 1862.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN on an unspecified date (probably in the autumn of 1862).  Cause of death not reported.

HAYES, Jacob S., Private (Company D)
Born in Watauga County where he enlisted on July 7, 1862.  Died in Tennessee prior to February 4, 1863.  Date and cause of death not reported.

HICKS, Harmon, Private (Company D)
Born in Watauga County where he enlisted on June 27, 1862. Died at Big Creek Gap, TN prior to March 2, 1863.  Date and cause of death not reported.

HORN, Hilliard, Private (Company B)
Resided in Mitchell or Yancey County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Mitchell County at the age of 36.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, March 11, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

HUNTER, John W., Private (Company C)
Born in Burke County and resided in Yancey County where he was by occupation a carpenter or farmer prior to enlisting in Yancey County at age 18, May 29, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 4, 1863 of “fever”.

JANES, Losen M., Private (Company F)
Enlisted at Cumberland Gap, TN, September 30, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, February 27, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

JEMERSON, John, Private (Company F)
Born in McDowell County where he resided as a farmer prior to enlisting in McDowell County at age 24,  July 14, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, February 11, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

JOHNSON, Jacob, Sr., Private (Company D)
Enlisted in Watauga County on June 27, 1862.  Transferred to Company I of this regiment on or about July 24, 1862.  Transferred back to this company prior to December 22, 1862.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN prior to March 11, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

JOHNSON, Madison, Private (Company D)
Resided in Watauga County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Watauga County at age 44, June 27, 1862.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN prior to March 2, 1863.  Date and cause of death not reported.

JONES, Larkin G., Private (Company M)
Enlisted in Watauga County on September 26, 1862.  Died in hospital at Jacksboro, TN, March 31, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

JONES, William, Musician (Company C)
Born in Wilkes County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Yancey County at age 32, May 29, 1862.  Mustered in as Musician (Drummer).  Appointed Musician (Fifer) on an unspecified date.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 14, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

MASSEY, J.H., Private (Company F)
Enlisted at Cumberland Gap, TN, October 1, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, March 17, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

McINTOSH, William M., Private (Company C)
Enlisted in Yancey County on July 12, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 5, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

McKINNEY, Thomas, Private (Company A)
Resided in Mitchell or McDowell County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Mitchell county at age 28, July 16, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN in March 1863 of “fever”.

McVAY, John, Private (Company B)
Born in Yancey County and enlisted in Mitchell County at age 21, May 17, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died in hospital at Jacksboro, TN, March 24, 1863, of “measles”.

MICHAEL, John, Private (Company I)
Enlisted in Watauga County on August 5, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died in hospital at Jacksboro, TN, March 31, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

MILLER, David D., Private (Company I)
Resided in Watauga County and was by occupation a “domestic” prior to enlisting in Watauga County at age 18, July 15, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died in camp at Big Creek Gap, TN, March 7, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

NICHOLS, William A., Private (Company F)
Enlisted in Yancey County on July 12, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, March 15, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

NORRIS, John, Private (Company I)
Resided in Watauga County and was by occupation a “domestic” prior to enlisting in Watauga County at age 18, July 15, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, March 3, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

OWENSBY, Aaron Whitenton, Private (Company F)
Born in McDowell County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in McDowell County at age 26, July 14, 1862.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, January 6, 1863, of disease.

PHILLIPS, John W., Private (Company C)
Born in Yancey County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Yancey County at age 20, May 29, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, February 20, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

PHIPPS, Conarah D., Private (Company C)
Born in Yancey County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Yancey County at age 27, May 29, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, January 2, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

PRESNELL, David., Private (Company C)
Born in Yancey County and enlisted in July 1862.  Died at Big Creek Gap December 1, 1862 of pneumonia and measles.  (Addition to original list submitted by Lowell Presnell, October 2004)

PROFFITT, Jesse, Private (Company I)
Enlisted in Watauga County at age 19, July 15, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, March 29, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

SHEPHERD, Grandison, Private (Company C)
Born in Yancey County where he resided as a farmer prior to enlisting in Yancey County at age 35, June 16, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, November 20, 1862 of “measles”.

SMITH, James A., Private (Company I)
Enlisted in Watauga County on August 5, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, March 19, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

STEWARD, Joseph, Private (Company A)
Enlisted in Mitchell County on July 18, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, March 31, 1863, of “fever”.

TOWERY, Edward, Private.  (Company F)
Born in McDowell County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in McDowell County at age 32, July 14, 1862.  Died in TN on November 15, 1862 of “measles”.

TREADWAY, William, Private (Company L)
Resided in Ashe County where he enlisted on July 20, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, March 19, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

WATSON, Alfred, Private (Company M)
Enlisted in Watauga County on September 26, 1862.  Died at Big Creek Gap, TN, February 19, 1863, of “brain fever”.

WILSON, Edward M., Private (Company C)
Enlisted in Yancey County on May 29, 1862.  Died at Jacksboro, TN, February 7, 1863.  Cause of death not reported.

The following soldiers died about the same time but does not state place of death:

BAIRD, William J., Sergeant (Company E)
Enlisted in Caldwell County on July 5, 1862.  Promotion record not reported.  Died prior to January 13, 1863.  Place, date, and cause of death not reported.

MILLER, George M., Private (Company I)
Previously served as Private in Company D of this regiment.  Transferred to this company on or about August 5, 1862.  Died on January 8, 1863.  Place and cause of death not reported.

MOODY, Robert, Private (Company E)
Born in Caldwell County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Caldwell County at age 18, July 5, 1862.  Reported present in January-February 1863.  Died on March 1, 1863.  Place and cause of death not reported.

SEATS, Robert E., Private (Company I)
Resided in Ashe County and was by occupation a day laborer prior to enlisting at age 25, on or about July 24, 1862.  Died on an unspecified date (probably in the summer or autumn of 1862).  Place and cause of death not reported.

SPARKS, John, Private (Company F)
Born in Burke County and was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in McDowell County at age 29, July 14, 1862.  Died prior to April 25, 1863.  Place, date, and cause of death not reported.

WHITE, William, Private (Company F)
Born in McDowell County where he enlisted at age 34, July 14, 1862.  Died on an unspecified date (probably in the summer or fall of 1862).  Place and cause of death not reported.

Note from U.S. Thompson:  Recently discovered intact was : James Thompson (jr), The Spanish American War, Co. M , 4th Unit. This was found when the grave yard was cleared in 2004.

[Note:  Jesse Finley Coffey was a son of McCaleb and Saray Hayes Coffey.  He was born c1842 and died a Big Creek Gap in 1863.]

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[1] Undocumented
[2]  My understanding is the ban was lifted in 2000 after a federal judge ruled that the government's attempt to prevent the flying of the flag "clearly demonstrates that [the government is] choosing, and advancing, the viewpoint of those offended by the flag over the viewpoint of those proud of the flag. This preference is not viewpoint neutral and is, therefore, impermissible."  That decision was overturned on appeal and the Supreme Court refused to hear the case thereby upholding the rule that the Confederate flag could only be flown on Memorial Day and Confederate Memorial Day.
[3]http://www.footnote.com/page/1037/confederate_grave_yard_found_in/#entry1930

William Larkin & Nancy A. Drayman Coffey

William Larkin Coffey
Photo via Benna J.[1]

William Larkin was a son of Lewis Elbert and Hester Gravitt Coffey and, Nancy, a daughter of Leonard and Nancy Alexander Draymon.  William was second oldest of at least ten children, born Mar. 23, 1853 in Gilmer Co., GA.  Nancy was born on Feb. 23, 1854 in Pickens Co., SC.

She and Larkin were married on Aug., 6, 1875 in Pickens Co.  He died Nov. 18, 1905 in Morgan Co., TN and she, also in Morgan Co., on Apr. 3, 1945.  Nancy and Larkin ae buried at Crab Orchard cemetery in Oakdale, Morgan Co.

There were at least nine children born to Nancy and Larkin between 1876 and 1897.  The first five were born in GA while the last four were born in TN.

First born was Leonard Edward "Eddie", born Apr., 1876 and died in Hamilton Co., OH in Nov., 1964.  His wife was Eva Jane Gamble, born in 1882 AR, died in OH in 1956.  They were married in Roane Co., TN in 1899.  Their children numbered at least four:  Ella Mae, James, Josie and Bessie Annie.  All were born between 1902 and 1916 in TN except James who was born in KY.

Second born was James Harrison in 1878, Pickens Co., GA.  His spouse was Anna Laymance, married 1897 in Roane Co.  She died in that county in 1962 and James followed in 1966.  Both are buried at Riggs Chapel Cemetery in Harriman, Roane Co.  Their children were Lee, Maud and Robbie.  There are likely more but I have not yet dug any deeper.

Josie was the first daughter born to James and Nancy.  She was born in 1880 and died in 1881.

Rosa Lee was born in 1882, Murray Co., GA, died 1960 in Morgan Co., TN.  Her spouse was Arthur Samuel Shepherd, 1882 VA - 1959 TN.  Both are buried at Rankin Chapel in Oakdale, Morgan Co., TN.

William, born 1885 in Monroe Co., married Lucy Robbins in 1910, Roane Co., TN.  Lucy was the daughter of Zacharia and Mary Hurst Robbins and was born in Bell Co., KY in 1890.  She died in Morgan Co., TN in 1917 nd buried at Crab Orchard Cemetery in Oakdale.  William "Bill" married second to Donnie Robbins c1910 and they were the parents of at least two sons, John and Richard.  Bill is also married at Crab Orchard but a grave site for Donnie has not been found.

Walter F. was born in 1889 and died in Roane Co. in 1970.  He married Nora E. Adkisson in Roane Co. in 1919.  She was born in 1897 and died in Roane Co. in 1982 and, both are buried at Crab Orchard.  Children were Jesse; Clare; Clarennce; and Laura Mae.

Lawrence W. was born in McMinn Co., TN in 1892 and died in Morgan Co., TN in 1971.  He married Essie Edwards in Roane Co. in 1919.  She was born in Roane Co. in 1905 and died in Morgan Co. in 1997.  They too are buried at Crab Orchard.  Their children were seven:  Vance W., Helen Annalene; David Lawrence; Franklin Delano; Leonard Samuel; Wanda Sue and Larry James.

Coral Vernie Mae, born 1894 in Rhea Co., TN, married Charles Robert Clark in Roane Co. in 1912.  He was born in Morgan Co., in 1884 and died in Morgan Co. in 1958.  Coral died in Roane Co. in 1975.  Both are buried at Rankins Chapel cemetery in Oakdale.  Their children were:  Rev. Arnold Robert; Myrtle; Mabel; Walter Larkin; Albert Lewis; Lela Lodena; Carlene; Carl Boone; and Eva V.

The last child born to Larkin and Nancy was Minnie in 1897, Cumberland Co., TN.  Minnie married David Lee Blake in Roane Co. in 1924.  Both died at Pine Orchard in Morgan Co.; he in 1958, she in 1931. Both are buried at the Pine Orchard cemetery.

Updates and corrections welcomed.

Additional information is available for many of the Larkin and Nancy descendants.

  Jack

[1] This researcher has posted photos of other members of Larkin's family on Find-A-Grave memorial pages.  Click on the link in the caption under Larkin's photo to get started.

Jordan & Rachel Lorinda Coffey Hampton

Rachel Lorinda "Rinda" Coffey was a daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy A. Raines Coffey.  She was born on Nov. 14, 1856 in Haywood Co., NC and died Oct. 14, 1934 in the Blue Ridge Twp. of Watauga Co., NC.*  She was probably buried alongside Jordan in the Hampton Family cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Jordan was a son of Emanuel and Sarah Orilla Moreland Hampton and was born Sep. 10, 1856 in Watauga Co.  He and Rachel were married there on Nov. 7, 1875.**  Over the next 30 years, Rachel became the mother of at least 15 children.  The family appeared in every Watauga Co. census from 1880 until 1930, the last available.

The children as I have them:

Martha L., born Sep. 6, 1875, died Nov. 16, 1940 at Blowing Rock.  Her spouse was James Carey Ashley, born Feb. 2, 1868 in Wilkes Co. to Benjamin and Sarah Brown Ashley.  They were married on May 10, 1899 in Watauga Co.  James died Jun. 30, 1955 in Blowing Rock.  Both are buried at Middle Fork Cemetery in Boone.

Emanuel Arkie "Arkie", born Dec. 26, 1879, died Dec. 19, 1963 in Boone.  He married Mary Ann Storie on Nov. 19, 1905 in Patterson, Caldwell Co.  She was born in NC c1883.  Their daughter, Adda Leona Hampton, born Oct. 14, 1918, died Sep. 23, 1968 in Blowing Rock, married Rhonda Lester Coffey, a son of Rufus Monroe and Emma Eliza Robbins Coffey.  Arkie is buried at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery at Boone.  I have found no other info on Mary Ann.

Harley E., born 1881, died unknown.  He married Estella Lay on Jul. 28, 1901 in Deerfield, Watauga Co.***

William Spencer, born Jul. 21, 1882, died Sep. 7, 1964 at Boone.¹

Sarah Elizabeth, born Nov. 11, 1883.  No further information.

Eliza Jane, born Jul 30, 1886, died Jan. 23, 1972 in Watauga Co.  Her spouse was Roby Luther Storie, a son of J. L. & Martha Caroline Curtis Storie.  He was born Sep. 9, 1879 in Caldwell Co. and died at Boone on Oct. 12, 1952.¹  They were married on May 31, 1908 in Watauga Co.***  Both are buried at Mount Lawn Memorial Park in Boone.

Rev. Jesse Amos, born Jul. 30, 1886, married Verta Harrison, daughter of Jeremiah William and Delphia Melinda Cook Harrison on Aug. 13, 1911 in Watauga Co.  Rev. Hampton died a horrible death on Jan. 12, 1927 when he was crushed in his mill while removing ice from the wheel.  He is buried at the Hampton Cemetery in Boone.¹  Verta was born Aug. 15, 1884 and died Aug. 14, 1966 at Blowing Rock.  She is also buried at the Hampton Cemetery.  Another daughter of Jeremiah and Delphia married Newton Leonard Harrison, a son of Anson Lafayette and Eliza Jane Coffey Harrison.  Eliza was also a daughter of Jesse Calton and Nancy Raines Coffey.
Walter, born Feb. 3, 1889 in Watauga Co., died Mar. 10, 1956 in Statesville, Iredell Co., NC. He was buried at Mount Lawn in Boone.

Finimore Lindley, born Dec. 5, 1890, died Apr. 18, 1970 at Boone.  He married Nevada Bowles on Jun. 29, 1913 in Watauga Co.***  Nevada was born Jul. 1, 1894 in Watauga Co., died at Boone on Jan. 23, 1994.  Both are buried at Mount Vernon.

Constance "Connie" Geneva, born Oct. 12, 1992, died Mar. 3, 1984 at Boone.  She married Joseph William "Joe" Wheeler on Jan. 31, 1915 in Watauga Co.***  Joe was born May 1, 1892 in that county and died at Triplett, Elk Twp., Watauga Co. on May 9, 1951.  Joe's death certificate reports his burial in the "family cemetery" at Triplett.  Connie is probably also buried there.

Birdie, born Oct. 25, 1894.  No further information.

Oliver Estes, born Aug. 1, 1898 at Blowing Rock, died on Oct. 15, 1937 at Statesville.  He married Inez Day, born 1899 in NC, on Feb. 14, 1918 in Watauga Co.***  Oliver is buried at Boone in the Hampton Cemetery.

Elzy (Elsie?) Caroline was born Dec. 21, 1898, married Mar. 2, 1919*** to J. W. Johnson, born in NC c1895.

Jeremiah Russell, born May 8, 1902, died Dec. 21, 1954 in Watauga Co.  He married Fannie Lee Herman, a daughter of Carroll Marvin and Essie Loaney Coffey Herman on Dec. 25, 1921** in Watauga Co.  Essie was a daughter of John Nelson "Nels" and Laura Ann Henley Coffey.  Jeremiah is buried at Mount Lawn.  Fannie died Jul. 18, 1990 at Boone and is probably also buried at Mount Lawn.

Child number 15 was Theodore Augustus "Gus," born May 30, 1904, died Jun. 12, 1956 at Boone.  He married Edna Serena Green, daughter of Albert and Bertha Triplett Greer on Feb. 1, 1926 at Bamboo in Watauga Co.***  Edna was born Sep. 25, 1906 in Watauga Co. and died Jun. 6, 2008 at Boone.

Obituary, The Watauga Democrat, Jun. 10, 2008

Mrs. Edna Serena Greer Hampton, 101, of 206 Ridgewood Road, Deep Gap, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Glenbridge Health Care Center.

She was born Sept. 25, 1906 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Albert and Bertha Triplett Greer.

Mrs. Hampton was one of the original 43 charter members of Trinity Baptist Church in Deep Gap, N.C., where she attended for many years and also taught Sunday School.

A life well lived, Edna is fondly remembered by her family and friends as a maker of beautiful quilts, fine embroidery, good cooking, love of family, and a gentle spirit. As a descendant of some of the first settlers in this area (as well as Daniel Boone’s sister and Benjamin Greer, a soldier of the Revolutionary War) she is one of the last of a pioneering breed of true Americans. She enjoyed most of all family get-togethers, always featuring loads of good food. Edna enjoyed gathering and preserving food when in season. She is remembered best sitting at her quilting frames, or holding an embroidery hoop and needle, peeling and paring vegetables and fruits for canning, drying, freezing or preserving.

Survivors include four daughters, Rosella (Kay) Nolte of Millersville, Md., Evalee Stone of Lenoir, Bonnie Steelman and husband, Harold, of Deep Gap, and Margaret Jewell of Raleigh; two sons, Dale Hampton and wife, Marie, of Boone, and Kenneth Hampton and wife, Hazel, of Bowling Brook, Ill.; one sister, Maude Clawson of Boone; and four half-sisters, Bernice Cox of Lenoir, Ruth Miller of Boone, Gladys Gilbert and Melba Hayes, both of Boomer. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Obituary Photo

She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Augustus Hampton (Gus); two daughters, Reba Rourke; and an infant, Shelby Jean Hampton; one grandson, Claude Nolte; three sons-in-law, Robert Rourke, Bernard G. Stone and Joseph Jewell; three sisters, Mrs. Lawrence "Maggie" Green, Mrs. Walter "Lily" Triplette and Mrs. Willard "Ora" Watson; two brothers, Virgil Greer and Sherman Greer; two half-brothers, Bynum Greer and Vaughan Greer; and one half-sister, Chloe Greer.

Services will be conducted Monday afternoon, June 9, 2008, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be Dr. Wayne Brown. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends, Monday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times, friends may call at the home of Bonnie and Harold Steelman, 206 Ridgewood Road, Deep Gap.

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

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

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*Racheal L. Hampton, death certificate No. 442 (14 October 1934), Bureau of Vital Statistics, North Carolina State Board of Health, Caldwell Co., NC. (familysearch.org)
**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).
***North Carolina County Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org).
¹Source available on request 

Note:  Someone appears to have been cropped out of the family photo.  A shoulder and arm appears to the far right. Source of photo unknown; appears to be from a publication.

Samuel Monroe Austin

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

Samuel M. & Mary Rich Austin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their children were:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo via Margaret Coffey Farley

Margaret Elizabeth Bessie Coffey

There seems to have been two with the same name, both born around the same time in the same place and, both called Bessie!

If you have an Edward Coffey Project CD or DVD, please note the following addition and correction:

The first Margaret Elizabeth Coffey

She was born to Thomas Clingman Coffey and his wife Margaret Coffey.  Thomas was a son of Smith W. & Charity Elizabeth Redmond Coffey; Margaret, a daughter of William Coffey, Jr. and his wife Margaret Robbins.  Smith and William were first cousins, once removed as well as second cousins, once removed (common ancestors were John Coffey and Jane Graves).

This Margaret was born Aug. 14, 1897 in Caldwell Co., and died Feb. 1, 1956 in Lenoir.  She married James Franklin Coffey on Aug. 30, 1916 in Yadkin Valley.  James was a son of Elijah M. and Caroline Amanda "Carrie" Dobbins Coffey.  Thomas Clingman and Elijah were third cousins, once removed.

I know of two children:  Wallace E., born Aug. 11, 1917, died Sep 1, 1992; and Millard Lafayette, born Apr. 2, 1922, died Oct. 25, 1976.

The second Margaret Elizabeth Coffey

She was a sister to James Franklin Coffey.  There is some confusion about her given name:  Some say Margaretta while others say Margaret.  I have it as Margaretta because that's the way it appears in the Caldwell Co. birth register, Vol. 6, Page 266.

She was born Aug. 29, 1894 in Buffalo Cove, Caldwell Co. and married Millard Porter Campbell on Sep. 24, 1916* in Yadkin Valley.  Millard was born Jul. 14, 1894 in Caldwell Co., died of influenza and pneumonia on Jan. 12, 1919 in Lenoir and was buried at Buffalo Cove.  His parents were George W. and Dorcas Elizabeth Beach Campbell.

Margaretta very likely remarried sometime later but so far, I have not found a second marriage record.

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Please contact me if you know where the Buffalo Cove and/or the Lewis Cemeteries are located.

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*Groom's Name: Millard Campbell Groom's Birth Date: 1893 Groom's Birthplace: Groom's Age: 23 Bride's Name: Bessie Coffey Bride's Birth Date: 1894 Bride's Birthplace: Bride's Age: 22 Marriage Date: 24 Sep 1916 Marriage Place: Yadkin Valley Groom's Father's Name: George Campbell Groom's Mother's Name: Elizabeth Campbell Bride's Father's Name: Elijah Coffey Bride's Mother's Name: Carrie Coffey 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: M74476-1 System Origin: North Carolina-EASy Source Film Number: 590350 Reference Number: Cn 175. North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979 , digital images, FamilySearch.Org (www.familysearch.org).