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From: K & A Dyckman <>
Subject: [ONT] Coffey in Wentworth and Kent counties
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2000 20:48:43 -0800


Hi everyone!

I'm new to the list and to Canadian research. I would like to get more
information on the following family(s).

Phinehas COFFEY born 7 Aug 1848 in Benbrook, Wentworth County, Ontario
(according to his obituary) and died 11 Aug 1917 in Shepherd, Isabella
County, Michigan. His death record simply said he was died at age 69
years, 0 months, 4 days and that he was born in Canada to unknown
parents. I just located his marriage license tonight. He was married
26 Oct 1881 in Blenheim, Kent County, Ontario to Eliza Huckle. Phinehas
is listed as 33 years old, resident of Harwick, born in Ontario,
Bachelor, Farmer, Methodist, and the son of James and Susan COFFEY.
Eliza is listed as 18 years old, Spinster, resident of Raleigh, born in
England, Methodist, daughter of Thomas and Betsey HUCKLE. Witnesses
were Anneta HARVEY of Blenheim and Carrie HUCKLE of Raleigh. They were
married by Rev George CLARK.

I understand that birth records before 1869 were kept only by the
churches, if you're lucky. Does anyone know of any Methodist churches
in the Benbrook, Wentworth area around 1848? Or know of a good resource
to look in?

Phinehas and Eliza COFFEY had three known children: a son who died in
infancy, daughter Mary Jane COFFEY born 16 April 1884 and Mable born 6
Dec 1885. I had heard through the family rumor mill that Eliza had been
married before and had a daughter named Rose who married a man with the
last name of LORD. I even have a picture of her. However, judging by
the info on her marriage certificate to Phinehas that doesn't seem
possible. According to US census records for Mable, the family
emigrated to the US in 1893. I have the birth record for Mable on
order, but don't know how much new information that will offer. Eliza
HUCKLE's parents supposedly died when she was very young either on the
way over from England or shortly after arriving and she was raised by
another family. I have not been able to substantiate that.

If anyone recognizes this family or has some suggestions for good
Canadian resources I would appreciate hearing from you.

I am also wondering about ordering records from the National Archives of
Canada. I found some census items I would like to order and it says it
only cost 20 cents per page. If I only want a few pages it seems silly
to pay by credit card, but they will only accept a check from Canadian
residents. (I live in Washington State.) For some of the records I
wouldn't mind ordering the microfilm through the Family History Centers,
but that adds up a lot faster. Has any other US researcher found a way
to order copies?

Thank you all for your time and patience.

Amanda Dyckman
Sumner, WA

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