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