Sixth Generation

682. Eliza Emeline Coffey was born on 10 March 1825 in Simpson Co., KY. She appeared in the census on 2 June 1900 in Newburg, Pike Co., IL.²⁸⁴⁹ Eliza died on 9 December 1901 at the age of 76 in Pike Co., IL and was buried at Blue River Cemetery in Detroit, Pike Co., IL.^2850,2851

Eliza Emeline Coffey and John M. Porter were married on 28 November 1850 in Pike Co., IL.^2852,2853 They^2852,2853 appeared in the census on 15 September 1860 in Newburg, Pike Co., IL.²⁸⁵⁴ They²⁸⁵⁴ appeared in the census on 2 July 1870 in Newburg, Pike Co., IL.²⁸⁵⁵ Eliza and John²⁸⁵⁵ appeared in the census on 12 June 1880 in Newburg, Pike Co., IL.²⁸⁵⁶ John M. Porter²⁸⁵⁷, son of David Porter and Nancy Culton, was born on 8 April 1824 in Lincoln Co., MO. John died on 27 May 1895 at the age of 71 in Pike Co., IL and was buried at Blue River Cemetery in Detroit, Pike Co., IL in May 1895 .^2850,2858

"John Porter. One of the most highly respected and popular citizens claimed by Newburg Township, Pike County, is the subject of our present sketch. His name is at all time spoken with words of praise and his opinion and judgment are consulted in matters of public importance.

"Mr. Porter is the son of David and Nancy (Culten [sic]) Porter, natives of Rockbridge County, Va., and married there. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Tennessee, where they continued to reside only a short time, after which they removed to Lincoln County, Mo., as early as 1809, remaining there until 1836, at which time they removed to Pike County, settling on section 24, Newburg Township. In 1849 the father started for California and died on the way to that State. The mother's death occurred in 1867 at the residence of our subject. To their union were born ten children, of whom our subject was the ninth in number.

"The subject of this sketch was ushered into this world on the 8th of April, 1824, his birth taking place at Lincoln, Mo., and he had reached his twelfth year at the time his parents removed to Newburg Township. He passed his youth here, receiving a common-school education and has been here since 1836. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and this is his favorite occupation, though for a period of three years he tried the mercantile business.

"Mr. Porter was married in Griggsville, Ill., November, 28, 1850, to Miss Eliza Emeline Coffey, daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Meredith) Coffey, natives of North Carolina. Her parents were married in Adair County, Ky., and from that point removed to Simpson County, that State, and in 1829 removed to Pike County, settling in Griggsville Township. They number among the early settlers of Pike County and endured the hardships incident to pioneer life. To them were born thirteen children, of whom our subject's wife was the tenth. Her birth occurred in Simpson County, Ky., March 10, 1825, and part of her childhood was passed in the Blue Grass State.

"To our subject and wife have been born five children, viz.: Emma; an infant, deceased; Sarah A.; Jennie, who is the wife of Edwin O. Goldman, and John D. Mr. Porter has not at any time engaged actively in politics, but has devoted his attention exclusively to his agricultural pursuits and in so doing has reaped marked success. His three hundred and forty acres of ground are in a highly cultivated state.

"Mr. Porter is a member of the Democratic party. He is liberal in his religious views, and his wife is a devout Christian, having been a member of the Baptist Church since her fifteenth year. Our subject has a vast number of warm friends and admirers throughout this community, and it is much to be regretted that his otherwise happy life is clouded by ill-health. The family of Mrs. Porter are all deceased except three, and are buried in Pike County except two infants and one brother whose remains rest in Iowa."

Eliza Emeline Coffey and John M. Porter had the following children: