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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Montgomery County, Arkansas published by Southern Publishing Company in 1891.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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James F. Jeffrey. This worthy agriculturist is the son of John H. Jeffrey, who during his residence here from 1839 until his death in 1884 was prominently identified with the county’s interests, and his memory is cherished by a host of friends and acquaintances who survive him. He was married here to Miss Harriet R. Flemming, both of whom were born near Tuscaloosa, Ala., he in 1822 and she in 1826, her death occurring in 1862, both being members of the Missionary Baptist Church. After the death of his wife Mr. Jeffrey was afterward married twice. He was a farmer and tanner by occupation, was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and for a short time served in the Confederate Army. His father, James Jeffrey, was of Cherokee Indian blood, was one of the early settlers of Montgomery County, Ark., but resided here only a few years, when he went to Caldwell County, Tex., there dying in 1860, having been with Crockett in the Florida War. James Flemming, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was also one of the early settlers of this region, and in an early day served as clerk of this county. He was a tanner and teacher by occupation, and passed from life in this county in November, 1860. James F. Jeffrey was born in this county in 1847, being the third of nine children. He was reared on a farm with but few educational advantages, and in 1863 joined Company F, Tom Gunter’s regiment of Cabel’s brigade of cavalry, and was afterward in the infantry in Southern Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, taking part in the battles of Mark’s Mill, Poison Springs, Jenkins’ Ferry and others. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex., at the close of the war, and returned home. In January, 1870, he was married to Mary E., daughter of Dr. George W. and Sarah Gray, the former a Georgian, who came to this county just prior to the war, Mrs. Gray dying in Clark County, Ark., while en route. Dr. Gray now lives in Comanche County, Tex., a successful medical practitioner. Mrs. Jeffrey was born in Georgia, and of twelve children born to herself and husband, ten are living. Since his marriage Mr. Jeffrey has lived on his present farm of 240 acres, of which he has 150 acres under cultivation, all being obtained by his own energy and perseverance. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is one of the well-known and substantial farmers and citizens of this county.

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This family biography is one of 37 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Montgomery County, Arkansas published in 1891.  For the complete description, click here: Montgomery County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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