HIRAM JEFFRIES.

For nineteen years Hiram Jeffries has resided upon the farm in Center township, Woodson County, which he now occupies. This covers the whole period of his residence in Kansas. Throughout the entire time he has followed agricultural pursuits and his place—one of the best improved in the township—is an evidence of an active, busy and useful career.

Mr. Jeffries was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of August, 1839, and is a son of Darlington Jeffries, who was born in Fayette County, Pa., in 1801, and was reared in the same county. The grandfather, William Jeffries, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and after his marriage removed to Fayette County, where he died May 21, 1848, aged 88 years. His first wife was Ann Woodward, who bore him Joseph, Rebecca, William, Hannah, Taylor, Ann, Mifflin, Elizabeth and Mary A. His second wife was Martha Mendenhall, whose children were Jane, Darlington, Esther and Martha M.

Darlington Jeffries remained in the state of his nativity until 1867, when he removed to McDonough County, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1886. He followed farming throughout his entire life. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Miller, and was a daughter of William Miller. By her marriage she became the mother of fifteen children: Rebecca M, wife of Eli Woodward, of McDonough County, Illinois; William M. of Fayette County, Pennsylvania; Lewis, of McDonough County, Illinois; Hiram; Robert, who is living in Nebraska; Matilda, wife of George Moore, of Fayette County, Pennsylvania; Lydia, deceased wife of Joseph Hezlett; Warwick of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Rachel Wright, of Chicago, Illinois; Aaron, of California; Oliver, deceased; Newton of Hancock County, Illinois; Elizabeth, widow of William Granger, of Hancock County, Illinois; Ester A., wife of David Miner, of California, and Mary, deceased.

Under the parental roof, Mr. Jeffries spent the days of his minority and to the common school system of the country he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. Practical experience in the work of the farm had well qualified him for the duties of agriculture, when he began farming on his own account, and throughout his active business career he has succesfully engaged in the tilling of the soil. When he started out upon an independent career, he had only a span of horses, two cows and two hogs. Located in LaSalle County, Illinois, he there remained for one year and in 1864 he took up his abode in McDonough county, that state, where he continued to reside until 1882, when he came to Kansas. He then took up his abode upon the farm which is still his home, purchasing a half section of land, which he has transformed into one of the most valuable and attractive farms in Center township.

In Fayette County. Pennsylvania, in February, 1861, Mr. Jeffries was married to Miss Martha Combs, a daughter of Joseph Combs, and unto them have been born the following named: Lou Emma, who married Clara Fullington; William, who married Ida Kemler; Joseph, deceased; Sarah, widow of Horace Normington, and John, of Jasper County, Missouri.

In early life, the father of our subject was a Whig and when the Republican party was formed became one of the stalwart supporters of

that organization. Reared in that political faith, and sanctioning the principles of Republicanism with his mature judgment. Mr. Jeffries has ever continued to cast his ballot for its men and measures. He has served as treasurer of the school board, but otherwise has never held office. The family attend the Baptist church and Mr. Jeffries withholds his support from no movement or measure which has for its object the good of the community. He is justly regarded as a valuable citizen and as a most progressive, enterprising and practical farmer whose well directed efforts have been the means of bringing to him gratifying prosperity.

Previous | Home | Next