Coffee County was created by the Alabama legislature on Dec. 29, 1841, from what had been part of Dale County. It was named for Gen. John Coffee, a hero of the Creek War of 1813–1814. Coffee County is located in the southeastern part of the state and is bordered on the north by Pike County, on the east by Dale County, on the south by Geneva County, and on the west by Covington and Crenshaw counties. It encompasses 680 square miles. The first county seat was at Wellborn. The county courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1851, and the following year the legislature authorized an election to be held to select another site. The town of Elba, then called Bentonville, was chosen. Other towns and communities include Enterprise, Kinston, and New Brockton.
Probate Office: 230-P North Court Avenue, Elba, AL 36323; 99 South Edwards Street, P. O. Box 311247, Enterprise, AL 36331.
Research Support Groups: Pea River Historical and Genealogical Society. Publication: Pea River Trails.
Among Records Held: Births, 1904–1919, 1926; Deaths, 1908–1919, 1925–1927; Marriages, 1896–1929; Deed Index, 1820–1929; Deed Record, 1851–1858, 1862–1873, 1876–1900; Mortgages, 1858–1862, 1871–1876; Estate Case, 1820–1950; Voter Lists, 1908, 1912–1914, 1920, 1926; Wills, 1908–1953.
Other: Inventory Records, 1860–1906.