My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM D. JEFFERIS, whose fruit farm is one of the most extensive in Berrien County, is the owner of a large and valuable tract of land on section 32, Lincoln Township. The family of which he is a member originated in England and has been represented in this country for several generations. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Job Jefferis, was born June 9, 1766, in Lancaster County, Pa., but later went to Chester County, that State. In 1805 he removed to Ohio and settled in Chester Township, Clinton County, becoming a pioneer of that part of the State. He died January 2, 1846, on the farm where he first settled. One of his brothers was killed at the battle of Brandywine, in the struggle with England. He himself was a man of patriotic impulses, although not an active participant in the war. He made his home in Clinton County until his death. Robert Jefferis, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, emigrated to this country from England about 1740. He had a son named William, who became the father of Job Jefferis, above named.

The father of our subject, Joab N. Jefferis, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, January 29, 1811. He had a twin brother, Job E., and a sister, Hannah S.; also two half-sisters, and two half-brothers by his father’s former marriage. Joab Jefferis married Miss Angelina W., daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Pardee) Osborn, the former a native of Newark, N. J., and the latter of Guilford, Conn. Stephen Pardee, an uncle of Mrs. Jefferis, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and followed the occupation of a farmer. After his marriage, J. N. Jefferis farmed in Ohio until 1861, when he removed to Michigan and settled in Lincoln Township, Berrien County. Purchasing eighty acres, he commenced the work of clearing the land and succeeded in placing the larger part of the property under cultivation. His death occurred at the old homestead March 23, 1874. His wife died May 12, 1885. They were the parents of four children, namely: Lydia A., who makes her home with our subject; William D., of this sketch; Charles O., who is engaged in the oil business at Osage City, Kan.; and Oliver A., who resides in Lincoln Township on the old homestead. Politically, the father was first an Abolitionist and later a Republican. In religion, he was a member of the Society of Friends.

In Clinton County, Ohio, the subject of this sketch was born on the 7th of May, 1841, and there he resided until about twenty years of age. In that county he married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Newton McMillan, and to their union six children were born, five of the number now living. They are: Etta M., who is the wife of Rev. Samuel Trewin, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and now preaching at the Stevensville charge; William Ulric, who resides with his father; Angelina W., Edith N. and Shipley M., who are at home. The mother of these children died in 1887, and two years afterward Mr. Jefferis married Miss Ellen, daughter of George Howard, a prominent fruit-grower of Lake Township, Berrien County. Mrs. Jefferis was born in Indiana and has received excellent educational advantages. She is the mother of two children, Margaret E. and Arthur.

After his first marriage, Mr. Jefferis located upon his present farm and has resided here ever since that time. During the late war he enlisted, in September, 1863, as a member of Company B, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign. Having won an honorable record as a soldier, he was mustered out at the close of the war, his discharge papers bearing date of November 4, 1865. He has always adhered to the platform and principles of the Republican party, and has filled various local positions, including that of Township Treasurer. Socially, he is identified with the A. N. Chapman Post, G. A. R., at St. Joseph. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and takes an active interest in religious matters, having served as Steward and Trustee of his church and in other important positions.

The farm owned and occupied by Mr. Jefferis includes one hundred and one acres, of which about sixty-five are improved. Here he raises all kinds of small fruits, peaches, pears, plums, apples, quinces, etc. About sixty acres of the place were improved by his own personal work, and the improvements now noticeable here are the results of his efforts. The commodious and substantial frame residence was erected by him in 1884. The barns and other outbuildings were also built under his supervision. Surrounding his home there are many beautiful trees. However, some of the tallest have been cut down recently, as Mr. Jefferis feared they might fall on the house. Those still standing add to the beauty and attractive appearance of the homestead, and afford a cool retreat during sultry summer days.