Post 3 Nashua, New Hampshire
Post 3
Nashua, New Hampshire
About This Post
Post Namesake
James E. Coffey.
James Edward Coffey, the first soldier from Nashua to die in battle in World War I, was born on April 22, 1896, to Daniel J. and Catherine (Dillon) Coffey.
He attended Nashua schools and St. Patrick Church, and in June 1917, became one of the first Nashua men to enlist in the Army at the outbreak of the war. He was assigned to Company D, 103rd Infantry, 26th Division, and trained in Concord and Westfield, Mass.
Coffey and his unit, the famous 26th Yankee Division commanded by Maj. Gen. Clarence R. Edwards, deployed overseas in September 1917. In the early morning of May 10, 1918, Coffey was injured during heavy enemy shelling that included lethal mustard gas, the effects of which led to his death later that day.
The telegram bringing news of his death was sent to his parents at 51 Broad St., as was a subsequent, March 1921 letter from the War Department. That residence is no longer there, but it probably sat between Sullivan Street and the railroad tracks.
Coffey was buried in the St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial in France. The pastoral, handsomely appointed cemetery is 40 acres and contains the graves of 4,153 American casualties.
Coffey is one of an estimated two dozen New Hampshire soldiers buried at St. Mihiel. According to one World War I casualty record, two other Nashua soldiers – Eli Bouley and Wilkie I. Elliott – are also buried there.
Notable Members
Charter members 1919: William E. Sullivan, Dr. Albert E. Brownrigg, Daniel Maguire, Albert Cote, Harry D. Emerson, Ernest S. Woods, Charles Cote, Harry Parker, Horace D. Gibson, Ray S. Nute, Joseph A. Cardin, David P. Stevens, Everett M. Howe, John P. Nash, David J. Carmody, and Albert C. Poulin.
What Makes this Post Unique
We were the 3rd post to be granted a charter in the state of New Hampshire in 1919. Our current post home was once the police station for the city of Nashua, NH.
Photos
1977-1978 Post 3 Awards
Nashua, Bicentennial Celebration, 1976
Nashua Memorial Day Parade 1976
1953 NH Dept. Convention, Nashua
Past Commander Photos
James E. Coffey
1940 Boston National Convention Parade
1991 Post 3 Officer Installation
Annual Post 3 Clambake
Post 3 Color Guard Competes at 72nd NH Convention in Portsmouth, NH
Flag Day Ceremony June 11, 1989
Memorial Day 1989
HISTORY
1910
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE AMERICAN LEGION POST 3 BEGINNINGS
May 30, 1919
Memorial Day, May 30, 1919 saw a good turnout of World War 1 Veterans taking their place alongside of members of the Grand Army of the Republic and Spanish War Veterans in paying tribute to deceased veterans of all wars. When the Memorial Day parade and exercises came to an end, many of the foot weary marchers trudged off to their homes to spend a quiet afternoon. However, some twenty-five veterans of the war which..
Memorial Day, May 30, 1919 saw a good turnout of World War 1 Veterans taking their place alongside of members of the Grand Army of the Republic and Spanish War Veterans in paying tribute to deceased veterans of all wars. When the Memorial Day parade and exercises came to an end, many of the foot weary marchers trudged off to their homes to spend a quiet afternoon. However, some twenty-five veterans of the war which..
The First Officers of Post 3
Jun 15, 1919
A charter was granted by national on June 15, 1919 and the James E. Coffey Post became the third Legion Post organized in the State of N.H.. Following granting of the charter, an organization meeting was called and all the temporary officers were officially elected as the first regular officers of the Coffey Post. COMMANER: Colonel William E. Sullivan (pictured) VICE COMMANDER: Charles Cote FINANCE OFFICER & TREASURER: David P. Stevens RECORDING SECRETARY (Adjutant): Harry..
A charter was granted by national on June 15, 1919 and the James E. Coffey Post became the third Legion Post organized in the State of N.H.. Following granting of the charter, an organization meeting was called and all the temporary officers were officially elected as the first regular officers of the Coffey Post. COMMANER: Colonel William E. Sullivan (pictured) VICE COMMANDER: Charles Cote FINANCE OFFICER & TREASURER: David P. Stevens RECORDING SECRETARY (Adjutant): Harry..
LEGION POST SELECTS NAME OF FIRST SOLDIER KILLED IN WORLD WAR
Aug 15, 1919
1919 Aug 15, Telegraph - LEGION POST SELECTS NAME OF FIRST SOLDIER KILLED IN WORLD WAR Nashua post, American Legion, No. 3, honored their former comrade, Private James E. Coffey (pictured), by selecting his name at last night's meeting by a unanimous vote as the name for the post. He was the first Nashua soldier to die in action and have his death officially confirmed by the War department. The names of Capt. Wilkie I,..
1919 Aug 15, Telegraph - LEGION POST SELECTS NAME OF FIRST SOLDIER KILLED IN WORLD WAR Nashua post, American Legion, No. 3, honored their former comrade, Private James E. Coffey (pictured), by selecting his name at last night's meeting by a unanimous vote as the name for the post. He was the first Nashua soldier to die in action and have his death officially confirmed by the War department. The names of Capt. Wilkie I,..
Armistice Day Celebration, 1919
Nov 11, 1919
James E. Coffey Post 3 played a significant role in the celebration of Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1919 in Nashua. The post helped organize the Armistice Day Parade. The newspaper photo shown here depicts the Victory Arch which spanned Main St. in front of the old City Hall, right, is remembered by older Nashua residents as the focal point through which the Armistice Day parade passed. On the façade of the arch, left "July 4,..
James E. Coffey Post 3 played a significant role in the celebration of Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1919 in Nashua. The post helped organize the Armistice Day Parade. The newspaper photo shown here depicts the Victory Arch which spanned Main St. in front of the old City Hall, right, is remembered by older Nashua residents as the focal point through which the Armistice Day parade passed. On the façade of the arch, left "July 4,..
1920
Armistice Day Celebration, 1920
Nov 11, 1920
From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph dated Tuesday, November 11, 1920 DESCHENES PARK TABLET UNVEILED TODAY COMMEMORATES WAR HERO. Parade of veterans and school children precedes formal dedication exercises - Oval named for young soldier who saved the day at XIVRAY. This afternoon, the city of Nashua will pay its only official tribute to date to the memory of the heroes from this city who nobly carried Old Glory to consummate a world-wide..
From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph dated Tuesday, November 11, 1920 DESCHENES PARK TABLET UNVEILED TODAY COMMEMORATES WAR HERO. Parade of veterans and school children precedes formal dedication exercises - Oval named for young soldier who saved the day at XIVRAY. This afternoon, the city of Nashua will pay its only official tribute to date to the memory of the heroes from this city who nobly carried Old Glory to consummate a world-wide..
New Officers Installed for 1921
Jan 31, 1921
From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph, Tuesday, Feb 1, 1921 A rousing housewarming and the installation of officers marked the meeting of James E. Coffey post, American Legion, as a gala night long to be remembered, The installing officer was State Commander Reginald Stevenson of Exeter and many distinguished guests were present. An entertainment and lunch followed the installation and addresses of a number of guests. Mayor Henri A. Burque was present as..
From the front page of the Nashua Telegraph, Tuesday, Feb 1, 1921 A rousing housewarming and the installation of officers marked the meeting of James E. Coffey post, American Legion, as a gala night long to be remembered, The installing officer was State Commander Reginald Stevenson of Exeter and many distinguished guests were present. An entertainment and lunch followed the installation and addresses of a number of guests. Mayor Henri A. Burque was present as..
1921-1923
Nov 14, 1921
Commander: Leo A. Desclos (pictured) Vice Commander: Eugene Ackley Adjutant: Earl W. Pratt Finance Officer: George Haggerty Treasurer: Dr. A. E. Brownrigg Historian: David P. Stevens Sgt. at Arms: Arthur O'Neil Commander Leo A. Desclos served two terms a commander, serving from Nov 1921 to Nov 1923. The Coffey Post secured quarters in the old Sargent building at this time, and after extensive repairs by members, had a permanent meeting place. Many social times were..
Commander: Leo A. Desclos (pictured) Vice Commander: Eugene Ackley Adjutant: Earl W. Pratt Finance Officer: George Haggerty Treasurer: Dr. A. E. Brownrigg Historian: David P. Stevens Sgt. at Arms: Arthur O'Neil Commander Leo A. Desclos served two terms a commander, serving from Nov 1921 to Nov 1923. The Coffey Post secured quarters in the old Sargent building at this time, and after extensive repairs by members, had a permanent meeting place. Many social times were..
Dept. of NH Covention, The Weirs
Aug 14, 1923
The Department of New Hampshire State Convention was held at the Weirs August 14, 15, 16, 1923. William E. Sullivan (pictured), the first Commander and one of the organizers of James E. Coffey Post 3, was elected N.H. Department Commander at that convention. He was the first Coffey Post member to serve as N.H. Department Commander and led the N.H. delegation to the National Convention in San Francisco, CA in Oct. 1923. He was among..
The Department of New Hampshire State Convention was held at the Weirs August 14, 15, 16, 1923. William E. Sullivan (pictured), the first Commander and one of the organizers of James E. Coffey Post 3, was elected N.H. Department Commander at that convention. He was the first Coffey Post member to serve as N.H. Department Commander and led the N.H. delegation to the National Convention in San Francisco, CA in Oct. 1923. He was among..
Eugene R. Ackley Elected Post 3 Commander
Jan 22, 1924
Eugene R. Ackley (pictured) is elected Post 3 Commander. The post membership for 1924 is 134. From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Wednesday, Jan 23, 1924. Department Commander Sullivan Officiates at Induction Ceremony at His Home American Legion Organization. Officers of the James E. Coffey Post, American Legion, and of the Ladies Auxiliary were installed last evening with impressive services at the Legion rooms, with State Commander William E. Sullivan in charge of the..
Eugene R. Ackley (pictured) is elected Post 3 Commander. The post membership for 1924 is 134. From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Wednesday, Jan 23, 1924. Department Commander Sullivan Officiates at Induction Ceremony at His Home American Legion Organization. Officers of the James E. Coffey Post, American Legion, and of the Ladies Auxiliary were installed last evening with impressive services at the Legion rooms, with State Commander William E. Sullivan in charge of the..
Nashua Military Band
May 27, 1924
The Nashua Military Band marches in the N.H. Shriners Nobles of Bektash Temple parade on May 27, 1924. AAONMS. They are marching east of East Pearl Street and turning right onto Spring Street.
The Nashua Military Band marches in the N.H. Shriners Nobles of Bektash Temple parade on May 27, 1924. AAONMS. They are marching east of East Pearl Street and turning right onto Spring Street.
1924-1925 Officers Installed
Jan 6, 1925
From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Jan 7, 1925. "At a largely attended and enthusiastic meeting of the James E. Coffey Post, No.3, American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, held in Legion hall last evening, the officers of the Post and Unit were installed. The officers of the auxiliary were obligated by Department Vice President Mrs. Irene Walbridge of Peterborough, and the officers of the post were installed by District Vice Commander Wendell Crowell of..
From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Jan 7, 1925. "At a largely attended and enthusiastic meeting of the James E. Coffey Post, No.3, American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, held in Legion hall last evening, the officers of the Post and Unit were installed. The officers of the auxiliary were obligated by Department Vice President Mrs. Irene Walbridge of Peterborough, and the officers of the post were installed by District Vice Commander Wendell Crowell of..
Commander Earl W. Pratt 1925-1927
Nov 17, 1925
Commander: Earl W. Pratt. (pictured) Vice Commander: Albert Phippard. Treasurer: Dr. A.E. Brownrigg Finance Officer: George Haggerty Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache Historian: David P. Stevens Sergeant At Arms: Arthur O'Neil Commander Earl W. Pratt served two terms as commander of the James E. Coffey post, serving from autumn 1925 to autumn 1927. The American Legion National Convention was held in Paris, France in September 18-27, 1927. Attorney John D. Warren was the only Nashua..
Commander: Earl W. Pratt. (pictured) Vice Commander: Albert Phippard. Treasurer: Dr. A.E. Brownrigg Finance Officer: George Haggerty Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache Historian: David P. Stevens Sergeant At Arms: Arthur O'Neil Commander Earl W. Pratt served two terms as commander of the James E. Coffey post, serving from autumn 1925 to autumn 1927. The American Legion National Convention was held in Paris, France in September 18-27, 1927. Attorney John D. Warren was the only Nashua..
Legion Installs Officers
Nov 1, 1927
From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1927. " Officers of the American Legion Post and Auxiliary were installed at G.A.R. hall last evening at a joint meeting which was very largely attended. The meeting was one of the most enthusiastic of the year and following the installation of officers there was an entertainment and lunch. The officers of the American Legion Post were installed by District Vice Commander Richard Welch of..
From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1927. " Officers of the American Legion Post and Auxiliary were installed at G.A.R. hall last evening at a joint meeting which was very largely attended. The meeting was one of the most enthusiastic of the year and following the installation of officers there was an entertainment and lunch. The officers of the American Legion Post were installed by District Vice Commander Richard Welch of..
Ninth Annual Concert and Ball
Nov 8, 1927
The James E. Coffey Post hosted its ninth annual concert and ball at the Nashua City Auditorium on Tuesday evening, November 8, 1927. Music was provided by McEnelly's Victor Recording Orchestra. The General Chairman for the event was Past Commander Earl W. Pratt.
The James E. Coffey Post hosted its ninth annual concert and ball at the Nashua City Auditorium on Tuesday evening, November 8, 1927. Music was provided by McEnelly's Victor Recording Orchestra. The General Chairman for the event was Past Commander Earl W. Pratt.
Commander John L. Shea 1928-1929
Oct 23, 1928
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 23, 1928. Commander John L. Shea (pictured) was installed as Post Commander for 1928-1929. Installation was held at the Odd Fellows Hall. Installing officer was Andrew Fuegahlsted, District Vice Commander. Officers Installed included: Commander: John L. Shea Vice Commander: Ralph A. Parker Adjutant: Leo A. Desclos Finance Officer: George Haggerty Chaplain: Rev. Earl F. Nauss Historian: George M. French Trustee: Richard F. Welch Sergeant At..
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 23, 1928. Commander John L. Shea (pictured) was installed as Post Commander for 1928-1929. Installation was held at the Odd Fellows Hall. Installing officer was Andrew Fuegahlsted, District Vice Commander. Officers Installed included: Commander: John L. Shea Vice Commander: Ralph A. Parker Adjutant: Leo A. Desclos Finance Officer: George Haggerty Chaplain: Rev. Earl F. Nauss Historian: George M. French Trustee: Richard F. Welch Sergeant At..
Officers Elected for 1929-1930
Oct 1, 1929
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 1, 1929. After balloting, the following officers were declared elected for the ensuing year: Commander: Ralph M. Parker (pictured). Vice Commander: Earle L. Williams. Adjutant: Harold D. Stillman. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Earl F. Nauss. Historian: George M. French. Sergeant At Arms: Edward Douville. Trustee: John L. Shea. Post membership for 1929-1930: 229. The American Legion National Convention was held in Boston,..
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 1, 1929. After balloting, the following officers were declared elected for the ensuing year: Commander: Ralph M. Parker (pictured). Vice Commander: Earle L. Williams. Adjutant: Harold D. Stillman. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Earl F. Nauss. Historian: George M. French. Sergeant At Arms: Edward Douville. Trustee: John L. Shea. Post membership for 1929-1930: 229. The American Legion National Convention was held in Boston,..
1930
12th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION, BOSTON, MA
Oct 9, 1930
The Twelfth Annual National Convention of the American Legion was held in Boston, MA from 29 Sept. to 9 Oct. 1930. NH delegates to the 12th National Convention in Boston were: Dr. Forrest J. Drury, Londonderry; Frank N. Sawyer, Weare; Maurice F. Devine, Manchester; Clarence F. Worcester, Keene; Clyde Hannant, Greenville; Edward J. Campbell, Exeter; Damis Bouchard, Manchester; Thomas N. Troxell, Concord; George F. Richardson, Lebanon; Clarence Fielden, Franklin; Dr. P. A. Pion, Littleton. From..
The Twelfth Annual National Convention of the American Legion was held in Boston, MA from 29 Sept. to 9 Oct. 1930. NH delegates to the 12th National Convention in Boston were: Dr. Forrest J. Drury, Londonderry; Frank N. Sawyer, Weare; Maurice F. Devine, Manchester; Clarence F. Worcester, Keene; Clyde Hannant, Greenville; Edward J. Campbell, Exeter; Damis Bouchard, Manchester; Thomas N. Troxell, Concord; George F. Richardson, Lebanon; Clarence Fielden, Franklin; Dr. P. A. Pion, Littleton. From..
Officers Elected for 1930-1931
Oct 14, 1930
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 14, 1930. As a result of the election of officers, the following were declared elected for the ensuing year: Commander: Earl L. Williams (pictured). Vice Commander: Harold D. Stillman. Adjutant: Harold D. Stillman. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache. Historian: George M. French. Sergeant At Arms: Arthur O'Neil. Trustee: Ralph M. Parker. Post membership for 1930-1931: 261
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 14, 1930. As a result of the election of officers, the following were declared elected for the ensuing year: Commander: Earl L. Williams (pictured). Vice Commander: Harold D. Stillman. Adjutant: Harold D. Stillman. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache. Historian: George M. French. Sergeant At Arms: Arthur O'Neil. Trustee: Ralph M. Parker. Post membership for 1930-1931: 261
Officers Elected for 1931-1932
Oct 6, 1931
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 6, 1931. As a result of the election of officers, the following were declared elected for the ensuing year: Commander: Earl F. Mellon (pictured). Vice Commander: Arthur S. Johnson. Adjutant: H.J. Ainscow. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache. Historian: George M. French. Sergeant At Arms: Edward Douville.. Trustee: Earle L. Williams. Post membership for 1931-1932: 262. The official installation took place..
From the minutes of the James E. Coffey Post, Oct 6, 1931. As a result of the election of officers, the following were declared elected for the ensuing year: Commander: Earl F. Mellon (pictured). Vice Commander: Arthur S. Johnson. Adjutant: H.J. Ainscow. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache. Historian: George M. French. Sergeant At Arms: Edward Douville.. Trustee: Earle L. Williams. Post membership for 1931-1932: 262. The official installation took place..
Officers elected for 1932-1933
Oct 4, 1932
From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1932. Elections were held at the James E. Coffey Post meeting last evening. The following officers were elected: Commander: David F. Sullivan. Vice Commander: Leo Sirois. Adjutant: Harry J. Ainscow. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache. Historian: David P. Stevens. Sergeant At Arms: Edward Douville. Membership for 1932-1933: 316 Installation of officers will be held at a special meeting the last..
From the pages of the Nashua Telegraph, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1932. Elections were held at the James E. Coffey Post meeting last evening. The following officers were elected: Commander: David F. Sullivan. Vice Commander: Leo Sirois. Adjutant: Harry J. Ainscow. Finance Officer: William T. Mulligan. Chaplain: Rev. Pierre C. Gamache. Historian: David P. Stevens. Sergeant At Arms: Edward Douville. Membership for 1932-1933: 316 Installation of officers will be held at a special meeting the last..
