About Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.
Lived 1822 – 1902 (aged 80). Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. was an American miner and farmer.
Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. (1822–1902) was an American pioneer, homesteader, miner, and farmer in California; who was formerly enslaved. He is the only Black member of the California Society of Pioneers.
Early life Alvin Aaron Coffey was born enslaved on July 14, 1822, in Mason County, Kentucky, and owned by Margaret Cooke and her family. His parents were Nellie Cooke and Lewis (Larkin) Coffey. He was sold by his enslaver to a slave broker when he reached the age of 12, and moved to Missouri.
California gold rush and manumission In 1849 by age of 27, Bassett forced Coffey with him to California in order to work as a gold miner during the California gold rush for Bassett. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Red Bluff.
The Book of Reminiscences includes his personal written account of coming to California.
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Important facts
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.'s
Frequently asked questions
Who was Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.?
American miner (1822–1902)
When was Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. born?
Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. was born on 14 July 1822 in Mason County.
When did Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. die?
Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. died on 28 October 1902 in Alameda County.
What was Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.'s occupation?
Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. was a miner and farmer.
What nationality was Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.?
Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr. was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.
· DBpedia: Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.. https://biography.guide/alvin-aaron-coffey-sr/
MLA: "Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alvin-aaron-coffey-sr/.
Chicago: "Alvin Aaron Coffey Sr.." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alvin-aaron-coffey-sr/.
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