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COFFEY REUNION
Alto, Virginia, August 23, 1919
The annual reunion of the Coffey Families descended from John Coffey, the second son of Edmund Eff Coffey, was held at the Lucas home near Alto, Virginia, August 23, 1919. A picnic luncheon was served in the grove. Photographs of groups representing four generations were taken.
Through the courtesy of Arch-deacon Warren, of Cork, Ireland, the family history prior to the emigration of Edmund Eff Coffey in 1783 was obtained. Barrister Whitehead completed the history down to the present generation after having examined the Virginia records. The following facts were enjoyed by the youthful Coffeys.
Edmund Eff Coffey was the younger of an "Irish Laird " and therefore not entitled to his father's property. He was destined for the priesthood, but he loved the daughter of Hudson Thackeray, a Baptist minister, who was a tenant on his father's estate. At sixteen he was placed in a monastery near Cork, Ireland. Two years of penance and priestly absolution did not eradicate the ruling power in his life--his love for Elizabeth Thackeray. He resolved to leave the priesthood and marry. His father and the girls father were horrified. His father furnished the money and Rev. Hudson Thackeray and family fled to Virginia. Edmund Eff Coffey ran away and followed on the next ship sailling for Virginia. He and Elizabeth Thackeray were married soon after arrival in Virginia.
To them five son's were born. These five sons have been erroneously called, "The five Coffey brothers who came from Ireland." They were native Americans, born and reared on Virginia soil.
Having a priest's knowledge of Iatin and English, Edmund Eff Coffey taught his five sons according to the methods used a century ago.
He wrote his will upon the blank leaves in their Bible. This will is a unique piece of literature. It is prefaced by the statement that he leaves no earthly possessions to his heirs, but bequeaths what a long life has taught him, and his will concerning those who shall hand down his blood from generation to generation. He commands his descendants to believe in God and His kind providence, be loyal to their country, loyal to the "Clean Blood" transmitted to them by their first American ancestors. He further commands them to train their sons in all useful knowledge, all useful labor and manly sports and protect and shelter their daughters from all evil and from all hardships.
He urges his sons, grandsons, great-grands for all time to "marry the girl you love"---Peaceable if you can forcibly if you must.
Mrs. J.C. Dunn, director of the voice department of Eastern College, and instructor in voice culture in Washington,D.C. was present and gave a most charming musical recital, both piano recital and voice recital were much enjoyed. The children who had been trained by Mrs. Dunn sang several patriotic tunes. The cornet and ocorino were heard in the last part of the recital. "Dixie" was rendered by Mrs. Dunn and her chorus class.
The program closed with "My Heavenly Father" sung by the whole chorus and the children choir.
(From an unknown source )