James Robert Parks

This blog is ostensibly about James Robert Parks, born Sep. 17, 1874 in Larissa, Cherokee Co., TX to Doctor "Doc" Taylor Parks and his wife, Rebecca Ellen Brock.  However, as will be seen a little further down, I concentrate more on one of his descendants.

James Robert Parks was a conductor on the Texas & Pacific (T&P) Railroad.  His home was at Big Spring in Howard Co., TX.  He moved there in 1892 and the following year was hired as a switchman with the T&P.  Five years later he became a brakeman and promoted to conductor in 1900.  James was an employee of the T&P for 56 years, 49 years as a conductor when he retired on Jul. 1, 1949 at the age of 75. On Dec. 1 of that year he suffered a debilitating stroke and died in Big Spring on Mar 28, 1950.

With him all those years was his wife, Rosa Ann Cardwell, a daughter of Sam Cardwell.  Rosa was born in Frankfort, Franklin Co., KY in 1878.  She arrived in Big Spring in 1895 and married James on Sep. 29 of that year.  She died in 1954 at Big Spring, also of a stroke.  Both buried at Big Spring in the Mount Olive Cemetery.

I am fairly confident that they had only five children, all born at Big Springs.  They were Gladys Allene, born c1899; Robert M., born 1901; Mildred, born 1904, James Harold, born c1906 and Wendell, born 1920.

Daughter Gladys Allene was married c1918 in Big Spring to Roger Hammond White of Anson, Jones Co., TX.  He was also born c1899.  Together they had at least two children, Roger, Jr. and Shirley Jean.  Roger was born in 1919 and Shirley not until 1931. There were perhaps others born in between those years who didn't live to become adults, but I have not been able to identify any.

Roger, Jr. married Frances Genevieve Wallace in 1946.  Before that, however, he was a member of the 2d Battalion, 131st Field Artillery, 36th Division of the Texas National Guard.  His unit was activated at the beginning of WW2 hostilities and sent to the Pacific and the Indonesian island of Java.  In 1942 they were the only US forces on the ground.  On Mar. 12 that year, the British, American and Dutch military on the island surrendered to the invading Japanese.  All of the American forces were sent to Nagasaki where they remained prisoners for 42 months*.  According to some reports, there were about 400 POWs just to the north of Nagasaki when Maj. Sweeney, flying the B-29 bomber, Bockscar dropped the second atomic bomb on that city.

Although there were reports of some prisoners in the city being killed, I have found no evidence that any of the 2d Battalion prisoners being affected by the bomb.

After his marriage to Frances, he worked for the Pet, Inc., the evaporated milk company and was later employed by Cadena Jackson Food Services until he retired in 1981.

Roger, Jr. died at San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX on Jan. 22, 2010 and was buried there at Sunset Memorial Park. Frances preceded him in death on Sep. 5, 2000 and she too is buried at Sunset Memorial Park. They were parents of two daughters, Andrea and Wendy.

Neither James Robert Parks nor any of his ancestors are related to me.  His son, Robert M. Parks did marry Zou Margaret Hardy, the daughter of Abram Tyree and Lula Edna Coffee.  Lula was my first cousin, 2x removed, the daughter of Lilburn Warren and Margaret Goode Coffee. Lilburn Warren was brother to my great-grandfather, James M. Coffee.

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*Name Roger H White Jr Event Type Military Service Event Date 1941-1945 Event Place Asia Military Rank Staff Sergeant Service Number 20813494 Military Service Branch Field Artillery Parent Military Unit     36th Infantry Division Assigned Military Unit 131st Field Artillery Regiment Subordinate Military Unit E Btry World War II Prisoners of the Japanese Data Files, 04/2005 - 10/2007, NAID 731002. Collection ADBC: Records of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, 04-2005 - 2006; NARA NAID 731002, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

Elijah & Martha Coffey Coffey

Elijah Coffey Family

This Elijah was a son of Samuel "Sam" and Martha Wolfe Coffey, born April, 1881 in Grainger Co., TN.  Martha was the daughter of Jasper Newton and Lucy Jane Shell Coffey.  Jasper and Sam were second cousins with their common ancestor being Revolutionary War veteran Benjamin and Mary "Polly" Hayes Coffey.  Benjamin was a son of John and Jane Graves Coffey.  Martha was born in Hancock Co., TN in May of 1883.

I have not yet found a marriage record for Elijah and Martha.  The birth years of their 12 - at least - children, all born in Grainger Co., change from census to census making it difficult to document their birth order.

Their first child is thought to have been Martha, born c1899.  No further info

George Washington "Washie", born Dec. 29 1902, died Jan. 1, 1978 in Grainger Co.  Washie was twice married, first to Mandy or Manda Atkins (1903-1924) who likely died at or shortly after the birth of their only child, George Washington "Jessie" Coffey, born Jan. 1, 1924, died Mar, 1969 in Grainger Co.  His second wife was Gelina Atkins, a cousin to Manda.  I haven't found this couple in 1930 but, in 1940 they had a son, James, age 14.

Dexter Coffey Hedrick

Dexter, a daughter, is said to have been born in 1907 and married on May 5, 1928, Robert William Hedrick.  Robert appears to have died before the 1930 census because Dexter was a widow, living with her parents in Grainger Co.  They had one son, Robert William Hedrick, Jr.

Vara, fourth born, May 19, 1909, married Oscar Wallace on Oct. 3, 1926 in Hamblen Co., TN.  Oscar was born Jul. 21, 1901 in Grainger Co.  He died on Mar. 22, 1983 at Bean Station, Grainger Co.; she on Jan. 20, 1995 at Bean Station.  Their children were Minnie Ruth; Henry P. (Paul Earl?), Ruby Lee; twins Jerry and Perry, Charles Elmer and Oscar Lee.  Oscar and Vara as well as sons Jerry and Perry are buried at Bean Station Cemetery which I believe is also known as the Bean Station Baptist Church Cemetery.[1]

Samuel, born c1911.  No other information.

Walter Preston, born c1913.  No other information

Newton, Jul. 19, 1914, died Jun. 22, 1915 at Tate Springs in Grainger Co.

Thomas, born c1917.  No other information.

Ophia Coffey Coffey

Ophia "Ophie", born c1918, married Enos Garfield Coffey on Apr. 12, 1937 in Grainger Co.  She and Enos were related at least seven different ways as 3d, 4th, and 5th cousins.  Enos was the son of Charles Edward and Susan McDaniel Coffey.  Charles and Elijah were 4th cousins, once removed.  Enos and Ophie had at least two children, daughter Dussie (?) and son Charles W.

Irene, born c1920.  No other information.

Clint, born c1926.  No other information.

Henry, born Aug. 28, 1928, died Mar. 10, 2006 at Bean Station.

Washie, Newton, and Henry [perhaps other siblings as well] are said to be buried at the Atkins Cemetery in Thorn Hill.  In particular, they are said to be buried at the Atkins Cemetery in "Poor Valley" or, along "Poor Valley" Ridge.  There are several Atkins cemeteries in Grainger Co., found on Find-A-Grave including one with the name "Poor Valley" attached.  An internet search for this particular cemetery shows it in a densely wooded area.  At Find-A-Grave, this hidden cemetery is referred to as "Atkins Cemetery (Dixie Highway)" but, does not show any Coffey Graves.

Please contact me if you know exactly which Atkins Cemetery at which these Coffey families are buried.

Additions and corrections welcomed.

Jack





[1]This cemetery is located off US11W at the end of Lake Cove Lane on the south side of US11W about 5 miles west of Bean Station, on the north side of Cherokee Lake. Take the Old, or New Lee Hwy. from Bean Station, past the Dixie Highway turn all the way to a right turn onto the Bean Station Cemetery Road. Follow this road all the way to the cemetery.

Benjamin Franklin & Louisa Caroline Coffey Green

Benjamin was born Mar. 14, 1857 in MO to Levi and Mary Elizabeth Russell Green.  Louisa was a daughter of Eli and Louisa Caroline Storie Coffey, born Sep. 12, 1856 in NC.  Louisa and Ben were married c1877.

There were at least 10 children born to Ben and Louisa, all in Camden Co., MO.

Authelia (sometimes seen as Othello), a daughter, born Oct. 2, 1878, died Mar. 25, 1956 in Camden Co. She married William Allen Creach c1896 in Camden Co.  He was born there on Oct. 18. 1875 and died Jun. 17, 1943.  Authelia died Mar. 25, 1956 in Camden Co.  I know of one child, Dewey E., born Mar., 1890.  William and Authelia are buried at the Creach Cemetery in Macks Creek, Camden Co.

Millie Ann, born Aug., 1881, married Charles Hicks on Feb. 19, 1902 in Macks Creek.  No other information.

Delia Frances, born Nov. 30, 1883, died Jan. 8, 1884.  She is buried at Green Cemetery in Macks Creek.

Charles Edward, born Dec. 31, 1884, died Mar. 19, 1942 at Roach, Camden Co.  His wife was Mary A. Arnhold [sic] and, they were married Feb. 10, 1909 in Bannister, Camden Co.  Charles is buried at Green Cemetery; no info on death or burial place for Mary.

Sarah Jane, born May, 1887.  No further information.

Fred Arthur, born Nov. 4, 1889 in Camden Co., married Della V. Salmer on Feb. 28, 1912 in Camden Co.  Fred and Della had at least two children, daughters Opal H., born c1914 and Annie, born c1920.  Fred went from farming in 1920 in Camden Co. to being a loader for a motor co. in Jackson Co., MO in 1930.

Eliza, born Aug. 4, 1892, was married c1911 to James Clark Wallace, born Apr. 16, 1891 in Macks Creek.  The family lived in Hickory Co., MO through the 1930 census before moving to CA.  James died Mar. 19, 1970 in Riverside Ca., and was buried at the Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Calimesa, CA.  Eliza died Jan. 26, 1972 and was also buried at Desert Lawn.  Their children were Charles R., Lula Mae, Edna J. and Jessie O.

Chester Levi, born Jun., 1895, married Blanch Turner Mar 24, 1916 in Camden Co.  No further information.

William M., born Aug., 1897, died Jun. 22, 1964 at Banning, Riverside Co. CA.  His wife was Ada Frances Osborn, born Aug. 11, 1903 in Camden Co., died Jun. 7, 1988 at Rialto in San Bernardino Co., CA.  Both are buried at Mountain View Cemetery at Beaumont in Riverside Co.

The last child was Lula E., born Jan. 18, 1900, died Oct. 7, 1977.  Lula married Soud W. Dowell on Feb. 17, 1919.  He was born Jun. 22, 1895 in MO and died May 20, 1987 in Camden Co.  Their children were Hazel N., born c1921; Hellend (?) V., born c1922 and Fem (?), a female, born c1925.  Help with the children's name would be appreciated.  Both Soud and Lula are buried in Camden Co. at Macks Creek Cemetery.

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A little bit about Eli and Louisa Caroline Storie Coffey:  Eli and Louisa married Nov. 7,1852 in Caldwell Co., NC.  Between that date of Oct. 8,1860 they had at least five children.  Caroline's parents, Eli and Mary Carlton Storie left North Carolina shortly before or perhaps right after the Civil War.  They are not found in the 1870 census.   They are found in the 1880 census in Russell Twp., Camden Co., MO and daughter Caroline and four of her five children are with her.  James, her first son was married and farming in Auglaise, Camden Co. that year.  In the 1880 Caldwell Co. census, Eli Coffey reported himself as married and divorced.

In addition to Louisa Caroline, Eli and Louisa Caroline Storie Coffey had:

James H., born c1853 in NC, married Nancy, LNU, and had at least two sons, Columbus F., born c1879, died 1918 in Vernon Co., MO; and John M., born c1887 in MO.

Joshua, born c1854 in NC, no further info.

Isaac Milton, born Nov. 15, 1858 in NC, died Jan. 20, 1919 in Payette Co., ID.  He married Susan Frances Brook (surname not confirmed) c1879 and lived in MO until sometime after Dec., 1887 when their third child, Edna was born.  They then relocated to Idaho where the remainder of their children were born.  First born was Sarah in Jan., 1882 married Charles Ayers in 1901, Payette Co., ID.  Second was Benjamin L., born 1885, died 1920 in Payette.  Edna was third followed by Ella in 1893.  Elsie was next, born 1900 in ID, married Benjamin Belding in Payette Co. on Sep. 17, 1917.  Glen was next, born c1903 in ID, married Elizabeth (LNU) c1929.  In 1930 they lived with his widowed mother in Payette Co.  Last born was Ida, c1904.  Ida married Zack Greene in Payette Co. on May 27,1 920.  Susan reported in the Canyon Co., ID census of 1920 that she was the mother of 12 but only seven were living.  Isaac and Susan are buried at Riverside Cemetery in Payette, Payette Co., ID.

The last child of Eli and Louisa Storie Coffey was Lewis Jasper who married Alice Ann Josephine Moulder on Jan. 7, 1886 in Camden Co., MO.  More about them later.

Silas Milton & Margaret Caroline Philyaw Coffey

Silas was born Jun 16, 1886 in Blowing Rock, Watauga Co., NC to John Caroll and Nancy Evelyn Hartley Coffey. He died there on Nov. 4, 1961 and was buried in the Globe Baptist Church Cemetery at Lenoir in Caldwell Co., NC.

Margaret Caroline was born in 1889, the daughter of Gideon and Martha Teague Philyaw. She died Sep. 16, 1975 in Caldwell Co. and, although I do not have proof, is likely buried with Silas at Globe.

They were married on Nov. 5, 1905 and the photograph is a record of their 50th Anniversary celebration.

There were at least 10 children born to Silas and Margaret:

Wilma Jessie, born Dec. 5, 1909 in Mortimer Twp., Caldwell Co., and died Feb. 27, 1997 in Caldwell Co. She married Ray L. Cook there in 1930.

Beeler, born Jul. 17, 1911 in Globe Twp., Caldwell Co., and died Mar. 20, 1968 in Whitnel, Caldwell Co. His wife was Lema Lou Green, a daughter of Harlan and Lou Ellen Bolick Greene. They were married in Caldwell Co. in 1932. Lena was born Jan. 16, 1915 in Caldwell Co., and died there on Aug. 3, 2000. They had at least three children: Hazel, born Apr. 25, 1938, died Mar. 11, 2003; Kenneth Walter, born Oct. 14, 1940, died Sep. 26, 2001; and Bealer Wayne, born Jan. 20, 1943, died Jul. 5, 2000.

Lema's obituary:

Lema Lou Greene Coffey, 85, of Congress St., Lenoir, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, at Caldwell County Hospice.

She was born Jan. 16, 1915, in Caldwell County to the late Harlan Greene and Lou Ellen Bolick Greene. she was also preceded in death by her husband, Bealer Coffey; one son, Bealer Wayne Coffey; one daughter, Margaret Ellen Williams; one brother, Claude Greene and one sister, Alma Hartley.

She was a homemaker and a member of Globe Baptist Church.

Survivors include two suns [sic] Kenneth Coffey of Hudson and Larry Coffey of Granite Falls; three daughters, Dare Austin, Doris Bumgarner and Hazel Johnson, all of Granite Falls; 23 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a number of great-great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 962 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Floyd Raymond, born Jul. 19, 1913 in Edgemont Twp., Caldwell Co., died Oct. 9, 1983 in Caldwell Co. He married Eva Frances Ingram who was born Jun. 11, 1915 in Caldwell Co. They had at least one child, a son Charles Author [sic], born Feb. 3, 1934 and died Feb. 10, 2003 in Valdese, Caldwell Co.

His obituary:

Charles Author Coffey, 69, of Lakeview Acres Drive, Valdese, formerly of Lenoir, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2003, at the residence.

He was born Feb. 3, 1934, in Caldwell County to Eva Ingram Coffey of Valdese and the late Floyd Coffey. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Marty Dean Coffey and Danny Michael Coffey.

He was owner of Coffey & Sons Concrete Finishing Co. and was a member of Light House Ministries in Drexel.

Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Dollie Crump Coffey of the home; two sons, Jimmy Richard Coffey of Hildebran and Gary Steve Coffey of Gamewell; a daughter, Donna C. O'Neal of Valdese; a brother, Charles Melton Coffey of George Hildebran; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Thursday at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Mike Ferree, Becky Trammel and Cecil Hamby officiating. Burial will follow at Globe Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Coffey, Greg Moore, Rob McGee, Shane Marshall, Scott McLeod and Nolan Clark. Bauch Coffey will be an honorary pallbearer.

Horace M., born 1915

Dock Edward, born 1917, died Jul., 1979. He married Nancy Louise Crump, born Aug. 4, 1924 in Avery Co., NC, died Jan. 29, 2003 in Hickory Twp., Catawba Co., NC.

Nancy's obituary:

Nancy Louise Coffey, 78, of 10th Street Blvd., NW, Hickory, formerly of Lenoir, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at Frye Regional Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 4, 1924, in Avery County to the late Bill and Mary Jane Woodruff Crump. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Doc Edward Coffey; three brothers, Percy, Arnold and Joe Crump, and four sisters, Alma Crump, Nell Wallace, Eva Pearson and Edith Pat Hartley.

She was retired from American Efird Mills and Bernhardt Furniture Industries and was a caregiver. She was a member of Harrisburg Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Marshall Edward Coffey of Boone; two daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Linda) Miller of Lenoir and Mrs. Randy (Crystal) Setzer of Morganton; a brother, Jim Crump of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Ted Williams and Ron Miller officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends today from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and other times at the home of her daughter, Linda Miller, 1433 Bass Lane, Lenoir.

Pallbearers will be: Robbie Coffey, Chad Miller, Curt Miller, Buddy Detter, Alan Miller and Tommy Coffey.

Opal Rebecca, born Nov. 3, 1920 in Caldwell Co., died there Oct. 11, 2006. She married John Banks Myers, born Oct. 26, 1915 to Henry Dayton and Rose Dameron Myers. John died Apr. 13, 2005 in Lenoir, Caldwell Co. John was a veteran of WWII and is buried at the Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir. Opal is also buried there.

Opal's obituary

Opal Coffey Myers, 85, of Union Grove Road, Lenoir, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at her residence.

Mrs. Myers was a homemaker and a devoted member of Union Grove Baptist Chu-rch for 59 years. She will be remembered especially for her dedication and love to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Mrs. Myers was preceded in death by her parents Silas and Maggie P. Coffey; her husband, J. B. Myers; a daughter, Brenda Frances Myers; a grandson, J. B. Myers III; three sisters, Wilma Cook, Edith Robbins and Faye Keller and six brothers, Horace, Doc, Bealer, Clarence, Herman and Floyd Coffey.

Opal is survived by four children, Richard Myers, Pat Myers, Sharon Jenkins and J. B. Myers Jr., all of Lenoir. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Kimberly Robbins and husband Billy, Alison Crawford and husband Jason, Emily Freeman, Addie Tucker and husband Stuart, Cody Myers and Michael W. Jenkins Jr., all of Lenoir; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor, Rhett, Nathaniel, Hannah, J.B., Reagan, Colson and Grayson.

Funeral services will be held at Union Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 3 p.m. with Reverend Sam Craven and Reverend James Lambert officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael W. Jenkins, Jr., Cody Myers, Billy Robbins, Stuart Tucker, Jason Crawford, Austen Jud, Johnny Williams and Bobby Robbins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Union Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1808 Union Grove Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Herman, born c1921

Edith Evelyn, born in Caldwell Co. on Oct. 15, 1924, and died there on Feb. 5, 2005. She married Ernest Wayne Robbins.

Edith's obituary:

Edith Evelyn Coffey Robbins, 80, of Union Grove Road, Lenoir, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

Robbins was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Caldwell County to the late Silas Milton and Margaret Caroline Philyaw Coffey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: six brothers, Dock Coffey, Clarence "Cub" Coffey, Bealer Coffey, Herman Coffey, Horace Coffey and Floyd Coffey; one sister, Wilma Cook, and a granddaughter, Lisa Herman.

Mrs. Robbins was a homemaker. Her family was her life and she was ours.
Survivors include: her husband, Ernest Wayne Robbins, of the home; two sons; Wayne Milton Robbins and wife Gail, and Bobby Robbins and wife Debbie; four daughters, Carolyn Robbins Hicks, Donna Robbins Herman and husband R.L., Cherry Robbins, and Lynn Robbins Roberts and husband Joe; two sisters, Opal Myers and husband J.B., and Faye Keller and husband John; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service was 2 p.m., Tues., Feb. 8, 2005, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Lynn Hawkins officiating. Robbins' eight grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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

Lillie Faye, born Apr. 16, 1928 in Caldwell Co., died Sep. 15, 2005 in Hudson, Caldwell Co. She married John J. Keller.

Lillie's obituary:

Lillie Faye Keller, 77, of Hawthorne St., Hudson, died Thursday, September 15, 2005 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

She was born April 16, 1928, in Caldwell County, to the late S. M. Coffey and Maggie Philyaw Coffey. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ginger Webb; a great-grandson, Caleb Webb; six brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Keller was a Homemaker and of the Baptist Faith.

She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John J. Keller of the home; a son, Johnny Williams and wife Shelia of Granite Falls and a sister, Opal Myers of Lenoir.

Graveside service for Mrs. Keller will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11 am at Dry Ponds Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Rick Crouse officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of Johnny Williams, 22 Valley Street, Granite Falls.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Mackie-High Funeral Home is serving the Keller family.

The last child was Clarence (Cub), born Sep. 13, 1033, died May 18, 1977.

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

Photo courtesy of Margaret Coffey Farley