"COUNTIES OF MORGAN, MONROE & BROWN, INDIANA.  HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL."
CHARLES BLANCHARD, EDITOR.  CHICAGO:  F. A. BATTEY & CO. PUBLISHERS.  1884.
F. A. BATTEY.  F. W. TEPPLE

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND MARTINSVILLE, MORGAN COUNTY, INDIANA
PAGE 177

COFFEY & LIVINGSTON.  Walter S. Coffey, senior partner of this firm, is the
fifth child of Wiley and Harriet (McDonald) Coffey, natives of Indiana.  He
was born six miles southeast of Spencer, Owen County, Ind., May 16, 1858.
His parents were married in Owen County, and located on a farm in Clay
Township in that county, where the father died in 1879, leaving his widow
with several small children, which she has reared. She is now living on the
old farm, hale and hearty.  Walter S. Coffey was reared on the home farm in
Owen County, where he received an education in the district schools of the
neighborhood.  By persistent effort and close application, he attained a
proficiency in music seldom excelled. When twenty-one years of age, he was
employed by F. G. White, the well known manager and actor, as leader of his
orchestra, and for three years traveled with him.  In July, 1883, he formed
a partnership with W. N. Livingston in the grocery business in Martinsville,
and they are at present doing a large, lucrative business.  Mr. Coffey is a
member of the Christian Church, in good standing, and an active and
influential one in upholding its principles.  In politics, he is liberal.