My Genealogy Hound

George W. McFry, sheriff of Jefferson County, Mo., is a native of that county, born in Big River Township, May 1, 1843, and is the seventh of eight children born to George and Docia (Romine) McFry, natives of South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. When young both came to Jefferson County, where they were united in marriage, and with the exception of six months in St. Louis City, and a short time in Franklin County, spent the remainder of their lives in Jefferson County. Mr. McFry was a life-long farmer, and died in 1880. He was for some time superintendent of the county poor farm. His father was a Pennsylvania German. The name was originally Fry, and it was supposed that the Mc was added by him. Mrs. McFry died about 1875, and both she and her husband were members of the Baptist Church. George W. received a very limited education and at the age of eighteen enlisted in Company I, Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly four years, participating in the battles of Forts Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Siege of Vicksburg, Little Rock and a great many minor engagements. He remained in service until September, 1865, at which date he returned to the farm. He was married March, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Morgan and Sarah Bryan, and a native of Jefferson County. To them were born seven children, five now living, viz.: Ida, Peter Sherman, Joseph H., Mary A. and John A. The two children deceased are Andrew J. and Philip Sheridan. Mrs. McFry died July 10, 1879. Mr. McFry has lived, since his marriage, in Central Township, engaged in farming, and now owns 130 acres five miles west of Hillsboro. In 1886 he was brought forward by the Republican party for the office of sheriff, and, against a large Democratic majority, won a complete victory of 582 votes. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the G. A. R., and his first presidential vote was cast for Lincoln in 1864.