Multnomah-Marion County OR Archives Biographies.....Coffey, John B. September 13, 1868 - January 1, 1926
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com May 6, 2007, 12:26 pm

Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

     JOHN B, COFFEY, a man of well balanced capacities and powers, actuated at 
all times by the spirit of progress, exerted a strong and beneficial influence 
in business circles of Portland, and his activities in the field of public 
service won for him statewide prominence. He was born September 13, 1868, in 
Salem, Oregon, and his parents, James and Johanna (Harrigan) Coffey, were 
natives of Ireland. Both came to the United States in childhood and later 
crossed the continent. They met in California and were married in San 
Francisco. James Coffey enlisted in the United States Army and about 1852 came 
to Oregon with Captain Augur, who subsequently bore the title of brigadier-
general. For some time Mr. Coffey was stationed at Fort Hoskins, proceeding 
from there to Corvallis and afterward to Salem. In Oregon’s capital city he 
spent the remainder of his life and was engaged in the furniture business. He 
was active in politics and served for fourteen years as police judge and 
justice of the peace, establishing an enviable record as a public official. 
Mr. Coffey was a member of the Pioneer Society and manifested a deep interest 
in matters affecting the welfare and progress of the city and state of his 
adoption. He died December 31, 1888, when fifty-two years of age, and Mrs. 
Coffey afterward established her home in Portland, remaining in the city until 
her demise.
     John B. Coffey attended the public schools of Salem and continued his 
studies in Willamette University. He mastered telegraphy and followed that 
line of work in Salem until September 14, 1886, when he came to Portland and 
was employed as an operator by the Western Union until 1887. He then turned 
his attention to the clothing business and for three years was associated with 
A. B. Crossman. In 1890 Mr. Coffey opened a merchant tailoring establishment 
and as the years passed made this a notable center of service, catering to the 
most discriminating and desirable class of patrons. Later he opened an 
insurance office, also becoming a dealer in bonds, and was thus engaged until 
his death on January 1, 1926. His business was conducted with system and 
efficiency and success attended all of his undertakings.
     Mr. Coffey was married November 8, 1893, in Portland to Miss Marie L. 
Boire, a daughter of Ludger and Adele (Gratton) Boire. The father settled in 
Oregon in pioneer times and the mother was a modiste of international repute. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Coffey were born four children. Genevieve, the eldest, was 
united in marriage to Leonard Hurst, of Kansas City, Missouri. They are living 
in Portland and have one child, Virginia Lee. Marion became the wife of Warren 
A. Edwards, a member of one of the pioneer families of Cottage Grove, Oregon, 
and they are now living in Portland. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two sons, James 
McFarland and John Coffey Edwards. Valiere, the third daughter, is the wife of 
John S. Byrnes, a Portland business man, whose home was formerly in Kansas. 
The son, James W. Coffey, married Miss Lillian Berry, of Portland, and resides 
in the Rose city
     A stalwart republican, John B Coffey was an influential factor in the 
ranks of the party and his first public office was that of clerk of Multnomah 
county. In 1906 he was elected to represent his district in the Oregon 
legislature, of which he was a member for two terms. He also was a state 
senator and discharged his duties with customary efficiency and fidelity, 
exhibiting a zealous and watchful regard over public rights. He was a leading 
member of the Portland Lodge of Elks, of which he became treasurer and exalted 
ruler, and was also affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose, the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians, the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of Columbus and the 
Tribe of Ben Hur. Mr. Coffey was likewise a member of the Auld Lang Syne 
Society and adhered to the Roman Catholic faith. To all movements for 
Portland’s growth and betterment he was quick to respond, evincing an 
unselfish spirit of devotion to the general good. His innate courtesy, genial 
disposition and high code of honor won for him a secure place in the esteem of 
his fellowmen and his death, January 1, 1926, occasioned deep and widespread 
regret. Mrs. Coffey reveals in her nature those qualities which are most 
admirable in woman and has a large circle of steadfast friends.


Additional Comments:
History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Pages 257-258

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