The Coffey family papers contain the papers of Vernon C. Coffey, a train porter who played an important role in the Brotherhood of Trainmen, Brakemen, Porters, Switchmen, Firemen, and Railway Employees, Inc. The Coffey family papers also includes the papers of Cornelius R. Coffey, a pioneer in the field of aviation, and Ada E. Coffey Williams, who has been influential in nursing and vocational education in Kansas.