Cokers Of South Carolina Part 2 By Steven James Coker Published 1986 in "The Lavender Line" Vol. 4, No. 3 Allow me to begin the second part of this report by relating to you an intriguing story. It was told to me by my Uncle Fred T. Coker Jr. This is the story or legend of the Coker Coat of Arms. It is said that before the beginning of the current millennium, the Coker families lived in France. By or about the beginning of the millennium they removed across the channel to the country of the Angles, also known as England. Whether this move to the island was an expansion into new territories or a return to an old homeland, the legend does not say. With time, they came to control certain lands to the east, adjacent to the channel. This strategic positioning allowed them to play a significant role in William the Conqueror's invasion and conquest of England. In that conflict, the Cokers are said to have sided with and fought for William. The favorable location of friendly forces by the channel allowed William to gain uncontested entry into England and thus greatly aided his victory. As recognition for their assistance, William bestowed upon the Cokers a Coat of Arms, showing three Leopard's faces, signifying "Third in the Kingdom." This story is offered only for general interest and is not intended to be taken as documented fact. No other stories or legends are known to me regarding the Coker families of the old world. We have been informed that the true motto is "Riht, Fiat, Justitia" instead of "Fiat Justitia" as shown, meaning "Let it be right, just and lawful." [note: Coat of Arms with motto in 1986 article not shown here] Our first period of speculation, study and interest on Coker matters in the New World is that of 17th century Virginia. It is in that time and place we find Coker colonials believed to be the direct ancestors of the Whitley and Benjamin Coker lines. Much research and data gathering has been done on these early Virginia Cokers. However, the direct connections have yet to be proven, and it shall be left for future writers to elaborate on the theorized lineages. Let it suffice for now that our general theory holds that Virginia Cokers of the 17th century spread into North Carolina by the mid 18th century and thence to South Carolina by 1800. Of course, these migrations were sporadic and specific dates vary for different lines and branches. As we covered in our treatment in the last issue, Whitley Coker was settled and raising a large family in Sumter District, South Carolina by the time of the 1800 census. Around that time, also, several heirs of Benjamin Coker came to be living in Sumter District. These things we know to be a fact. We have reason to suspect that both Whitley and Benjamin fought in the Carolinas during the Revolutionary War, quite likely serving with Frances Marion, "The swamp Fox." Possibly even seeing action with Thomas Sumter, "The Gamecock." The following brief sketch of Revolutionary War events in 1780, South Carolina is based on the writings of David Ramsay in his HISTORY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, published 1858 (preface dated 1808). It is more than possible that the Cokers saw action in the conflicts described. By the spring of 1780, the British had generally defeated the colonists in South Carolina. The capitol city of Charlestown had been captured following a siege and the American forces had been defeated, dispersed, or driven into North Carolina. Of those driven into North Carolina was Colonel Thomas Sumter, who had commanded one of the continental regiments. Upon his retreat into North Carolina, the British burned his home and all the possessions it contained. This proved to be an unwise action on their part. Sumter was chosen to serve as leader by a band of those exiled South Carolinians. In the summer of 1780, this small band of free men returned to take the field against the British. Sumter and his men had no supplies of arms, ammunition, clothing or food on which to draw and depend. They worked farming tools into rude weapons and formed pewter utensils into bullets. At times they went into battle with less than three rounds to a man and some had to wait for others to fall before they were supplied with arms. Sumter began these offensives at a time when the population had given up its resistance. The conquering British had even sent dispatches to England, declaring that "The inhabitants from every quarter had repaired ... to Charlestown, to declare their allegiance to the King, and to offer their services ... and that there were few men in South Carolina that were not either their prisoners or in arms with them." It soon became evident to the British that they had declared victory too soon. Not only the heroic actions taken by Sumter, but the vengeful and dastardly deeds committed by the British served to rouse the people to continue the fight. Leading 133 men on July 12, 1780, Sumter defeated a detachment of British troops and a group of Tories at Williams' Plantation. By July 30, 1780, he commanded 600 men against the British at Rocky Mount. This attack met with no success. However, eight days later he thoroughly defeated the Prince of Wales regiment together with a large party of Tories led by Colonel Brian. Soon, other bands of free men were forming and turning out to harass and fight the British and the Royal Militia. Among these were Colonel Williams of Ninety-Six and of course, Frances Marion the "Swamp Fox." Because of his spirited pursuit of the British and his fight for freedom as long as you breathe attitude, Thomas Sumter has been called the "Fighting Gamecock." Very possibly Whitley Coker knew these men and may well have fought with them. Whitley's plantation as shown on Mill's Atlas is approximately 15 miles from both Sumterville and Statesburgh. It is easy to imagine his greeting and speaking to General Sumter while in town for business. We know Whitley lived in Sumter District at least from 1800 to 1820, and possibly from 1783 to 1829. (Note: Genealogy from Whitley Coker to the present (continued from Part I in LL4-2, pages 29-30) will be continued in the next issue.) TO BE CONTINUED ... -- + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Steven J. Coker [email protected] | | Home: PO Box 359, Charleston, SC 29402 [email protected] | | Work: PO Box 919, Charleston, SC 29402 [email protected] | | Home: 803-571-4586 http://www.wp.com/Coker | | Work: 803-727-4330 http://www.geocities.com/Paris/2780 | | Work: 800-208-2054 http://www.awod.com/gallery/rwav/cokers | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ +