My Genealogy Hound
Below is a family biography included in The History of Weakley County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887. 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.
* * * *
A. J. Jeffress was born in Halifax County, Va., March 28, 1838. His parents, D. J. and Parmelia (Davis) Jeffress, were Virginians by birth, born in 1810 and 1818 respectively, and after their marriage came to Tennessee. The father died in 1863, and the mother in 1884. A. J. Jeffress was educated in the common schools and Bluff Springs Academy. In 1869 he married Cora Smolley, who was born in Benton County, Tenn., in 1852. They have four children: Sammie, Jones, Mattie and Laura. Mr. Jeffress engaged in carpentering after marriage in Martin, and remained there until March, 1886. He built the first house ever erected in Martin. In 1886 he purchased 180 acres of land near Gardner, and there now resides. He has always been energetic and economical, and has been fairly successful financially. He is a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for Breckenridge. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Infantry, and was at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca and Atlanta, Ga. He was in captivity three months, was exchanged and returned home in March, 1865.
* * * *
This family biography is one of 108 biographies included in The History of Weakley County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed. The History of Weakley County was included within The History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley & Lake Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley, and Lake Counties of Tennessee
To view additional Weakley County, Tennessee family biographies, click here
Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.