Home
Surname List
Name Index
Email Us |
First Generation
1. Edward COFFEY was born in (probably) Ireland
about 1670. He is found in deed of record on 11 Nov 1714 in St. Ann
Parish, Essex Co., VA when he sold 118 acres to John Barbee. He is
found in deed of record on 16 Jul 1716 in St. Ann Parish, Essex Co., VA as purchaser
of 200 acres commonly called Mosely's Quarters.
This property was purchased by Edward and John Coffee [sic] for 8000 lbs. of
tobacco and, was located on the est side of a branch of Occupation, a small branch
of Gilson, adjacent to land belonging to Tho. Button. It was signed by John
Mosely and recorded on Jul. 18, 1716.
He died in Essex Co., VA about 20 Nov 1716. Death was attributed to.
His will was made Feb. 14, 1716, proved 20 Nov. 1716 in Essex Co., VA
The first record of Edward Coffey in VA appears in the will of William Mosely,
dated January 6, 1699 in which he gives to his "servant Ed. Coffe one heifer
of 2 years old." The will was proved in Essex Co., VA April 16, 1700 and
on September 10 of that year Edward Coffey received a judgement from the Mosely
estate for his freedom, corn, and clothes.
Edward Coffey was likely transported to America during the Williamite Confiscation
by Edward Mosely around 1690, or perhaps a few years later.
Edward Coffey is a witness to Thomas Powell's will of Sittingbourne Parish, Essex
Co., VA. in which Thomas bequeathed 1 shilling to his daughter Ann Coffey.
Edward Coffey lived in St. Ann's Parish, Essex Co.,VA. In November, 1714, he
sold part of his land (bought from Augustine Smith) on Occupation Creek to Thomas
Warren. His wife, Ann Ester Powell, is a witness to this transaction. Edward
died in 1716 and Ann died in 1744. After Edward's death his widow, Ann, married
Robert Dulin and they had two sons .
Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol. 9, Essex Co VA Wills & Deeds 1714-1717
Page 339, Deed of Lease, dated 11 Nov. 1710 (sic) Place Powell of St. Anne's
Parish, Planter, leases for 99 years to Augustine Smith, Gentleman, 300 in the
Parish of St. Marion in the County of Richmond, whereon George and William Procters
now liveth. This land in the freshes of Pappa. River in the fork of Lambs Creek,
and was formerly granted to Francis Place.
Lease and release, dated 10 and 11 Nov. 1714. Edward Coffey of St. Ann's Parish,
Planter, sells John Barbee of the same parish for 5000 lbs. of "lawful sweet
scented tobacco" 118 acres, which land Coffee bought of Augustine Smith
and is on branches of Occupation Creek, adj. to land of Thomas Warren, on E.
side of Chickahomony Path, the land of Col. Francis Gouldman "to corner
red oak and white oak corner to Mr. Severley his Great Tract", etc. Signed
Edward Coffey, Witnessed by Tho. Ramsey, Saml. Stallord, Robert Parker. Ann Coffey,
wife of Edward, relic. her dower rights. Rec. 11 Nov. 1714.
Will of Edward Coffey - "being in bedd of sickness". Dated 14 Feb.
1715/16 - Probated 20 Nov. 1716. To two sons, John Coffey and Edward Coffey,
all land to be divided equally, at 16 if their mother is dead, otherwise at 18
yrs. To daughter, Marther Coffey a cow at 16 or her mother's death. To son John
a cow. To wife Ann Coffey the balance of personal property. At her death to be
divided equally between "my six children-John Coffey, Edward Coffey, Marther
Coffey, Ann Coffey, Austes Coffey, Elizabeth Coffey." Signed Edward Coffey,
Witnessed by Sam'll Edmondson and Thomety Seleven. Rec. 20 Nov 1716.
Inventory of Edward Coffey, was witnessed by James Edmonton, Will Taylor, Nicholas
Faulconer.
Deed 16 July 1716. John Moseley, Planter, of St. Anns Parish sells John Coffee
and Edward Coffee, Planters, of same Parish, for 6000 lbs. of tobacco, 200 acres
commonly called Moseleys Quarters, in St. Anns Parish, on E. side of a branch
of Occupation, a small branch of Gilsons, adj. land belonging to Mr. Matrum Wright
and land formerly belonging to Tho Button. Signed John Moseley. Witnessed by
Salvator Muscoe, John Staton, Peter Holland. Rec. 18 July 1716.
Early Immigrants to Virginia 1623-1666, and records of the land office in Richmond,
VA lists the arrival of John Coffey there in 1637. The Coffey Cousins newsletter
of March, 1993 indicated that John came to VA, perhaps as a crew member, maybe
returning immediately to where ever he came from. Some researchers believe that
this man was Edward's father, but no evidence has been found to support this
theory.
F.S. Crosswhite, writing in the Coffey Cousins newsletters of Sep., and Dec.,
1990, questions the supposed arrival of Edward Coffey in Virginia about 1690
as stated by L. H. Coffey in his book Thomas Coffee and his Descendants.
Also discussed is the 1699-1700 document in which Edward "Coffe" appears
as a servant of Moseley. In this article he treats in detail the strange M-like
mark which figures on the 1716 will of Edward. He had a vested interest in the
plantation "_M_oseley's Quarter". The complete essay is reproduced
in the CCC leaflets of Sep and Dec 1990.
Edward purchased land from Augustine Smith on Oct. 10, 1707, in Essex Co., VA.
Source: Coffey Cousins newsletter, March, 1993.
On 11 Nov. 1714, Edward and wife Ann sold land to John Barbee, land that Edward
had bought from Augustine Smith on Occupatia Creek. Property contained 118 acres,
and sold for 500 pounds of "lawful, sweet scented tobacco." Source:
Coffey Cousins newsletter, March, 1993.
The Will of Edward Coffey
In the name of God Amen I Edward Coffeey being in bedd of sickness but in perfect
sense and membry thanks bee to God I Edward Cofey do bequeath this to bee my
last Will and Testament: - I leave all my land to my two suns John Cofey and
Edward Cofey to be divided at 16 years of age if the mother of them be ded otherways
att 18 years of age. I also give one cow and her increas to my daughter'Mariner
Cofey att ye age of 16 or att her mothers deth also one cowe yerling to my sun
John Cofey and her increas. All the tenables stock and bock I give to my wife
Ann Cofey till her deth but if she marys then every one of my children to have
their parts as they come of age, and after ye deces of my wife all tenables to
be equall divided between my six children John Cofey, Edward Cofey, farther Cofey,
Ann Cofey, Austes Cofey and Elizabeth Cofey.
As witness my hand and seall this 14th day of Febry 1715/6.
His
Samuel Edmondson Edward X Coffey
Themethy Seleven Mark
At a court held for Essex County on Tuesday ye 20th day of Novr 1716s The above
last Will and Testament of Edward Coffey deed, was presented & proved
by the oath of Ann Coffey his wife & Exex. therin named & also
by ye oaths of Samuel Edmondson and Timothy Seleven the evidences thereto &
is ordered to be recorded & is recorded.
Tes. Thomas Herman DC Cur.
Essex County Virginia Deeds & Wills # 14, page 669.
Know all men by these psents that we Ann Coffee & Thomas Graves and Jno.
Hart are held and firmly bound unto John Lomax Drewry Robinson Aug. Smith reubn
Worth & Thos. Waring justices of the County of Essex & their Success'rs.
in the penal sums of one hundred pounds ster. to ye wch payment. well & truly
to be made we bind or. selves our heirs Exrs & Admrs. jointly & severally
firmly by these psents.
Witness our hands and Seals this 20th day of Oct. 1716
The condition of this obligation is such that if the above bound Ann Cofey Ec.
of ye Last Will & Testamt. of Edward Coffey deced do make or cause to be
made a true & perfect inventory of all * singular the Goods Chattels &
Credits of ye sd. Deced w.ch have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge
of the sd. Ann Coffey or into the hands or possession of any other pson or psons
for her and the same so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the County
Court of Essex at such time as she shall be thereunto required by ye Court and
the same Goods Chattels & Credits & all other the Good Chatteles and
Credits of the said deced at the time of death or which at any time after shall
come tothe hands & possession of the sd. Ann Coffey or into the hands or
possession of any other pson or psons for her do well & truly admr. according
to Law and further do make a true & just accot. of her actings & doings
therein when thereto required by the sd. court & also do well and truly pay
& deliver all ye legacys contained & specified in the said will &
testamt. as farr as the sd goods * Chattels & Credits will thereunto Edtend
& the law shall charge her Then this obligation to be void & none effect
or else to remain in full force & virtue.
Her
Anne A Coffee (SEAL)
Mark
His
Thomas T Graves (SEAL)
Mark
His
John / Hart (SEAL)
Mark
Sealed & Delivered in the
psence of
Robert Jones
At a Court held for Essex County on Tuesday ye 20th day of Oct. 1716
The av ve named Ann Coffey Thomas Graves & John Hart acknowd. this their
bond wh. is ordered to be recorded & is recorded.
Test
Tho. Herman DCI Cur.
Essex County, Virginia records
Deeds & Wills No. 14, Page 669
Edward COFFEY and Anne POWELL were married in 1700 in Essex Co., VA.
The Index to Marriages of Old Rappahannock and Essex Counties, Virginia,
page 58, cites their record of marriage is contained in Book D&W 10, page
75.
There is no proof of parentage of Edward. A myth has exploded onto the internet
that a John Coffey and Mary Joliffe (variously spelled), are his parents, but
no documentation has yet appeared in any of these reports. More information
concerning this myth is given below.
Following Edward's death, Ann Powell Coffey married a Mr. Dooling and had several
more children.
Some sources for additional information are: CC (Coffey Cousins) newsletter,
Mar. 1993; Dec. 1995; Dec. 1996; Karen D. Utley, 1442 Rawson t., Sanger CA 93657;
Bettie Albright, 15 Many Ln., Black Mountain, NC 8711; Jessie Coffey, 510 Westview
Ave., Lockland, OH 45215 103575.2667@compuserve.com)
On 18 July 1716, Edward and John Coffey, sons of Edward, purchased 200 acres
from John Mosley of Essex Co., Mosley's Quarters, for 8000 lbs. of tobacco.
Source: Coffey Cousins newsletter of March, 1993.
14 Feb 1716: Edward writes will. 20 Nov: Wills to John, Edward, Marther, Ann,
Annister, Elizabeth, and his wife Ann, land, cows, etc. The bond listed Thomas
Graves as one of those involved in bonding of wife Ann as administratrix. Land
to sons if 16 and mother dead, or 18 if mother living. No mention of which one
had to be 16/18, may have been twins. Date is evidently date of filing the will.
Source: Coffey Cousins newsletter, March, 1993. Will is recorded in Essex
Co., VA Will and Deed Book 14, page 669, dated Nov. 20, 1716. See also the Index
to Wills and Administrations, Library of Virginia, Deeds and Wills No. 14, 1711-1716,
Reel 6, page 689-690.
The John Coffee - Mary Jolliffee - Rebecca Ireland Myth
In 1960 George C. Greer published his reference, Early Virginia Immigrants,
1623-1666. In that work, Greer wrote that John Coffee came to Virginia in
1637 as the indentured servant of one Nicholas Hill.
In 1969, Nell M. Nugent, in her work, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of
Virginia Land Patents and Grants, Vols. I-III, transcribed the same information,
but recorded the name as John Coffin or John Scoffin.
Marvin Coffey, in his work of 1984, James Bluford Coffey, His Ancestors and
Descendants in America, wrote that he went to the original records, and found
that Nugent had copied the name correctly; e.g., Coffin in one place,
and what appears to be Scoffin in another. Marvin observed that whatever
the name, it is not Coffee or Coffey!
Many Coffee/Coffey genealogists have accepted that John found in Greer's work
was the earliest Coffee in America. Some researchers have given him a wife, often
two wives; either Mary Jolliffe or Rebecca Ireland.
Records found, in York Co., VA, mention a William Ireland, in that county from
1633-1648. And, there is a John Jolliffee in Nansemone and Isle of Wight counties
in 1653 (see Nugent). But, after all of the research, by literally hundreds of
Coffee/Coffey researchers over several decades, no one has related any credible
evidence that 1) there was a John Coffee/Coffey in that time frame, and 2) that
a Mary Jolliffee or Rebecca Ireland ever existed.
Edward is first found mentioned in the 1699 will of William Mosely. The will
was proved in Essex Co., VA on April 16, 1700, and in September, 1700 Edward
received his "freedom, corn, and clothes" from the Mosely estate. Mosley
transported many indentured persons to Virginia from about 1660 until the 1690's.
Edward was likely one of his servants.
Edward Coffee/Coffey remains as our earliest known ancestor in America.
Prior to his death, Dr. Marvin Coffey revisited the Edward Coffey/Mary Jolliffee
question at my request (jkcoffee). He followed up with the this information:
Peter Rigllesworth had a will in which he mentions a daughter Mary. It has been
said that this Mary married John Jolliffe but I have seen no record to substantiate
it. John Jolliffe appears in the deed records of Nansemond and Isle of Wight
cos., VA in 1653 and in Lower Norfolk co. in 1661, the latter being just a renewal
of the patent of 1653. I have not yet seen a list of John's children or that
he had a dau. named Mary, but I think it likely he did.
The record of a John Coffee(y) arriving in Elizabeth City co. VA in 1637 with
a patentee being Nicholas Hill was misread as the original record clearly says
"Coffin". I have found no Coffee(y), John or otherwise in early or
middle 1600s in Elizabeth City co., Norfolk co. or any closely surrounding ones,
except for a John Coffe(?) on an inquisition or jury in Surry co. in 1669. There
was also in the same county an Anthony Koffey(?) on a jury in 1654 and a John
Coffer in 1665. The ? after the first two names is not mine, it is of the person
recording it from some original. It indicates that this person couldn't read
it and was guessing at the spelling. There is also a John Coffin in Isle of Wight
co. in 1697 and several Coffers, inclcuding a John about this time.
Going further north in Virginia the records of Northumberland and Lancaster cos.
have several Coffins, Coffers and Coffee(y)s in the mid to late 1600s and early
1700s. None of these seems to be a John except a John Coffin or Coffins in 1669-70.
In the early 1700s we find Edward Coffee(y) in Essex co. and later his sons John
& Edward, Jr. in Spotsylvania and other counties.
In sum I have seen nothing to demonstrate that there was a John Coffee(y) in
the area where this Jolliffe family lived or a Mary who married a John Coffee(y).
If anyone should have any further records on this matter I would appreciate them
corresponding with me as I would like to solve this problem. Finally, it should
be noted that even if there were a Mary Jolliffe-John Coffey marriage there seems
to be no connection with Edward in Essex co. who was most likely an immigrant
and indentured servant, and not a son of some Coffey already in Virginia.
----
Two other possible children of Edward are James Coffey, found on the 1785
Botetourt Co., VA census, and William Coffey, found in some records of Montgomery
Co., VA from 1781-1785. They could also be children of Peter and Susannah Coffey
of Prince Edward County.
Other possible children of Edward are Jesse, found in Wilkes Co., NC 1779-1786,
and an Isaac or Isaiah Zarrah, also in Wilkes Co., 1782-1796. Daraleen Wade
believes that Isaiah, Isaac and Zarrah are all one man, e.g., Nebuzaradan. Jesse
is likely the one on the Pendleton Co., SC census of 1790 and 1800, andthe father
of six sons: Cleveland, Edward, Joel, Elohah, Elisha and John who moved to Rabun
Co., GA in 1821. The use of these names strengthen the probability that Jesse
was a son of Edward.
Jesse's full name could be Jesse Cleveland Coffey. He is also likely the "Captain
Coffey" of the Militia District in Wilkes Co. from 1778 to 1782. He was
also likely at Boonesboro, KY in 1777.
James is probably the one found on the 1782 tax list of Montgomery Co. He was
the father of Margaret Coffey, born 1775/6 in Virginia, and married Jan. 1, 1794
in Montgomery Co. to Moses Beavers. James was deceased at the time of the marriage,
and surety, and witness to the marriage was Thomas O'Bryan who had married Jane
Coffey in 1787. Jane was probably the wife of James because Thomas O'Brian's
will in 1821 listed Margaret as his step daughter. (Marvin Coffey,
Anne POWELL (daughter of Living and Mary PLACE) was
born in Essex Co., VA between 1683 and 1685. She died in Essex Co.,
VA between Oct 1744 and Dec 1744. Death was attributed to.
Ann's will was made 30 Oct., and proved 18 Dec. 1744 at St. Anne's Parish, Essex
Co., VA. See The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 14, pages 14, 15, and 17.
The History of the Powell Families of Virginia and the South by Rev.
Fr. Silas Emett Lucas, Jr., 1969, contains some information on the Thomas Powell
family, but is limited in accurate information about the family of Ann Powell
and Edward Coffey.
After Edward's death, Ann married a Mr. Duling (Dulin, Doolin, etc.?), and had
at least two more children. Thomas and William are known from this will. The
following is a copy of that will, extracted from Essex County Wills, 1743-1747.
Pages 232-34. Will of Ann Duling of the County of Essex in the Parish of
St. Ann's, being very sick, dated 30 Oct. 1744.
To my son William Duling one feather bed and furniture which he now hath in his
possession.
To my daughter Annisters Coffe one feather bed and furniture which I now have
in the house and one brown heifer and also one spotted heifer unto her son James
Coffe. Also one dish and two basons unto my daughter Annisters Coffe, also helfe
the corn that is made on my plantation this year and one pott and one frying
pan and one water pail, also one chist, my least chist, also five head of hogs.
To my son Thomas Duling one feather bed and furniture which he now hath in his
possession, and one gray hors and one cow and yearling.
All the remainder of my estate to be equally devided amongst all my children
herein not bequeathed.
My son William Duling and my daughter Annisters Coffe executor and executrix.
Ann (A) Duling
Wit: Wm. Taylor, William Dobson.
18 Dec. 1744. Presented in Court by Annister Coffe, esecutrix, and William Duling
executrix [sic]. Proved by both the witnesses.
Pages 234-35. Bond of Annister Coffee and executrix of Ann Duling. For £500
sterling. 18 Dec. 1744. Securities, William Duling and Robt. Farmer.
Annister (A) Coffee
Wm. Duling
Robert Farmer
18 Dec. 1744. Acknowledged.
Pages 254-55. Ann Duling. Inventory. No total valuation.
Nathl. Fogg
John Garnett
Joel Halbert
Signed by William Duling and Ann Ester (A) Coffey, executors.
19 Feb. 1744 (1745). Returned
Edward COFFEY and Anne POWELL had the following children:
|