BENJAMIN F. JEFFRIES. The well-known family, of which this gentleman is an honored member, have for many years been closely identified with the history and progress of West Pike Run township. Joseph J. Jeffries was born of Irish parents in 1772, in Chester county, Penn., and in 1788 purchased the old farm in West Pike Run township, Washington county. In 1796 he married Betsey Robison, who was born in 1781 in Loudoun county, Va., and the young couple soon thereafter removed to the farm he had purchased. The place contained about two hundred acres of land, and here he carried on a profitable business in farming and stock raising. Joseph J. Jeffries died April 9, 1854, having been preceded by his wife June 16, 1833. The children born to them were as follows: Amor, John, Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and Job, all now deceased except the last named, who is now living in Lemont Furnace, Fayette county. Amor Jeffries was born March 21, 1803 on the home farm in West Pike Run township, Washington county, was educated at the subscription schools of the neighborhood, and learned the trade of wool carder, which he followed during early life, afterward devoting his attention to milling and agricultural pursuits. On April 6,1828, he was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a native of Washington county, born September 8, 1805. By this union were born the following children: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a farmer of Greene county, Penn.; Joseph, landlord of a hotel at Centreville, Washington Co., Penn.; Anderson; Benjamin F.; Elizabeth, died February 18, 1875; Jacob, died May 16,1883; John, died March 16, 1855; George W., died December 25, 1870; James J., died October 18,1874; Eleanor, died October 20, 1876, and Jackman, died January 24, 1844. The father of these children was fond of literary pursuits, and in political opinion voted with the Democratic party. He died June 15, 1885, having been preceded by his wife June 9, 1880.
Benjamin F. Jeffries was born October 22, 1841, on the home place in West Pike Run township, Washington county, and attended the common schools of the home neighborhood. On August 26,1875, he was united in marriage with Anna Pepper, who was born in 1846, in East Pike Run township, a daughter of William and Harriet (Nankivel) Pepper, natives of England, the former born in 1787, the latter in 1797. William Pepper, who was a butcher and farmer, immigrated to Pennsylvania many years ago, settling permanently on a farm in Washington county. He was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and held various local offices; he was also prominently identified with the religious and educational interests of his localitv. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper reared a family of seven children, namely: William, an agriculturist of East Bethlehem township; Mary, wife of Alexander Moffitt, a resident of Washington, D. C.; Thomas; Anna, Mrs. Jeffries; James, John C. and Elizabeth, of whom the last three are now deceased. The father died October 9, 1879, having been preceded by the mother March 7,1877. Both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
To the union of Benjamin F. and Anna (Pepper) Jeffries have come four children, as follows: Mary E., born March 8, 1878, in Jefferson township, Greene county; Annie P., born December 9, 1879, in West Pike Run township, this county; Hattie and Pollie (twins), born February 14, 1885, in West Pike Run township, all in Pennsylvania. Mr. Jeffries is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as school director for several years. In religious faith he is a member of the M. E. Church, and is superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He owns a well-cultivated farm, which contains eighty-two acres of prime land.
Text taken from page 1283 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed January 1997 by Jean Suplick Matuson of Plano, TX as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]