Dr. J. W. Jeffries

On June 16, 1928 death visited our community to summon from the walks of life 
our esteemed fellow citizen, Dr. J. W. Jeffries, who had practiced medicine for 
a period of fifty years in this part of the county, retiring to make his home in 
Waltonville several years ago.

Dr. Jeffries was born in Virginia, Dec. 12, 1844 but moved with his fathers family 
to Callaway County, Mo., where he grew to manhood. He worked his way through school 
and taught school for a time, later entering the Missouri Medical College where he 
was graduated in 1876.

He located at Williamsburg near Waltonville where he began the practice of medicine. 
He was a successful business man owning several farms and had quite an extensive peach 
and apple orchards, in which he took great pride. He served as township treasurer for 
a number of years. He was also a member of the pension examining board which held meetings 
at Mt. Vernon, Ill. He was a warm advocate of temperance and took an active interest in 
national affairs up to the last weeks of his life and was fond of discussing the political 
outlook. In politics he was a Democrat.

Dr. Jeffries was married three times. His first wife was Melissa Gilbert who died at an 
early age leaving an infant daughter. After her death he was married to Miss Sarah Jones, 
who also died, leaving two small children. His third and surviving wife was Miss Florence Corn. 
Two children, Ray Jeffries of Mt. Vernon and Mrs. Maud Pierson of Portland, Ore., survive him, 
Mary and Walter preceeding their father in death many years ago. He is also survived by three 
grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Amanda Whanger, Mrs. Martha Bowman of Mokane, Mo., Mrs. 
Fannie Wilkerson, Shamrock, Mo., and two brothers W. G. and George of Mokane, Mo.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church where he has been a loyal and concecrated 
worker for several years. Rev. I. C. Ingram officiated.

Dr. Jeffries was a Mason, being a member of the Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 31, A.F. and A.M. The Masons 
had charge of ceremonies at Knob Prairie Cemetery where the body was laid to rest. A very large 
congregation of the friends and relatives of the family from nearby towns attended. The floral 
tributes were many and very beautiful.

"Father's gone, O how we miss him,
     Since he left our dear old home 
Tis so sad to be without him.
     In this dark, cold world alone."


Date: Unknown
Source: Register-News
Submitted by: Cindy Ford