Coffey, Robert James, 1839-1910

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1839 - 1910

Biographical History

Robert James Coffey (1839-1910) was a sergeant in the Civil War and later a journalist.

Robert James Coffey was born April 14, 1839 in Cumberland County, PA to James Coffey and Elizabeth Savage Coffey. He enlisted for the Civil War on September 1, 1864, and served as a sergeant with the Co. G, 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry. He was honorably discharged August 3, 1865. He enjoyed writing poetry, and wrote many verses during his time in the war. He married Nora Mary Brown on September 12, 1865, and they had four daughters. He went on to become a journalist and revived the Shippensburg Sentinel and founded the Shippensburg Democratic Safeguard. He continued to found and purchase other newspapers in other states. Robert James Coffey passed away March 11, 1910 in Delta, Colorado.

Citation:

Find a Grave, via WWW, November 15, 2017 (b. 14 April 1839 in Cumberland County, PA; sergeant in Civil War, d. 11 March 1910 in Delta, CO; enlisted September 1, 1864; served with Co. G, 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry and honorably discharged August 3, 1865)

MSS 9077 case file, November 15, 2017 (b. to James Coffey and Eliza Savage Coffey; enjoyed writing poetry; married Nora M. Brown on 12 Sept. 1865 and had four daughters; journalist; founded the Democratic Safeguard and revived the Sentinel; purchased and founded other newspapers)

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Robert James Coffey autobiography and poems

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS 1633

Scope and Contents

One bound volume and one loose volume of autobiographical notes, poems, and scrapbook materials along with photocopies of the collection. Coffey served in a Pennsylvania regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861-1865). He participated in a large number of campaigns and gives detailed accounts of army life. There are also printed copies of many of the poems Coffey was able to publish.

Dates: 1861-1903

Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections

Robert James Coffey letters

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS 9077

Scope and Contents

Two letters from Coffey to Nora M. Brown during his service in the Civil War at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Alexandria, Virginia. Includes a poem by Coffey titled "To Miss N.M.B." Dated 1864-1865.

Dates: 1864-1865