West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1915-11-04
In MemorIam-E. G.-s{nerys.

Jefferys I'm Washington City on Octo-
Der s. 1915. marked the end OF another
Preston boy who grew to manhood
among her green hills and afterward
won distinction In the great world of
practical affairs. His was a life of
activity and achievement, such as his
fellow citizens delight to honor, and
his personality was that OF a true
gentlemen, such as all who knew him
admired and loved.
The subject of this brief sketch was
the only son OF Thomas and Nancy
(MichaeD Jenferys. and was born on
his fathers farm some three miles
south OF Function, In what is now
Reno district, on June IL, 1S48. He
remained on the farm until his six
teenth year, accustomed to hard work
and getting his primary education in
the country schools OF his neighbor-
hood. Unusually bright and active, he
early attracted the attention OF the
best men in the surrounding country
and in June, 1864, he was invited to
go to Kingwood. where under the di-
rection and patronage OF the late Hon.
James G. McGrew he finished his edu-
cation and was thoroughly equipped
for successful business career. Be
Ing OF an energetic disposition he was
soon connected with all the activities
OF the younger set in town, and among
OthQr thfnUQ aoofctad In no
famous Mozart Brass Band" of King
wood, and was for some time q leading
member OF that splendid musical or
ganization, while il was under the d.
rection OF the late Capt. w. II. Stoy
OF Waynesburg, Pa. He was also an
accomplished violinist. After complet-
ing his education, in which he distin-
guished himself as an artistic penman,
he was employed for several years as
clerk In Mr.. hebrews store, and
later served for some time in Record
| er Startzman's Office in Kingwood.
The clerical ability of Mr.. Jefferys
was soon widely recognized, and he
was offered and accepted a position at
Grafton in the Office of Gen. George
w. Brown, collector OF internal reye-
| nue. for the northern district OF West
virginia, and after General Browns
retirement he remained in the office
| for some time under Collector Bond OF
wheeling. Retiring from the collec-
tors office Mr.. Jefferys engaged in
a number OF business enterprises, SER
wing as editor of the Grafton Sentinel
for number of years and conducted
| a large shoe store on Main street for
some time, beside being interested in
other projects Of importance For
many years during his residence in
that city he was regarded as one of
the leading business men of Grafton.
In fact Taylor county adopted him
and seemed TO forget this man of
sterling qualities was a product of
Preston county
Some twenty years ago Mr. Jefferys
closed out his business in Grafton
and removed to the national capital
TO accept an appointment as chief
II
United States treasury. He still oc-
cupied this post at the time of his
sudden and unexpected death. No finer
testimony could be asked or given in
regard to his clerical ability, business
talent and sound judgment than this
long tenancy in such an exacting and
responsible position.
The melancholy accident that end
ed his career at the age of sixty-seven
occurred Friday afternoon, October 8.
near the Congressional library build
Ing. He was attempting to cross the
street, picking his way among a sea
or rapidly moving vehicles, when an
automobile containing three men-all
supposed to be under the influence of
liquor-came swiftly down the street.
struck him and passing over him, kill
ed him instantly. The body was pre-
pared for burial In Washington CITY
and after short funeral service at
his home was placed aboard train No.
Sunday afternoon and arrived in
Grafton Monday morning, October II
Ihere II was received by a delegation
OF Masons. of which order Mr.. Jefferys
had long been a member, and after w.
ing In state at the home OF his brother
in-law, II. G. Compton, for some hours.
was escorted by special guard of
Knight Templar to Andrews M. f..
church, where an eloquent funeral or
alton was pronounced by the pastor
Rev. w. ID. Reed, late superintendent
OF the Oakland district. The remains
were then taken to Blumont cemetery
and committed with Masonic rites to
the keeping OF mother earth, on whose
tender breast we must all at last lie
down TO sleep.
While still living in Grafton, in No
vember, 1884. Mr. Jenerys was united
In marriage TO Miss Lenora Compton.
daughter Of the late Henry Compton.
and TO them was born one son, now
entering early manhood. Beside these
two near and dear ones. he leaves
half-brother. Marcellus Jefferys. OF
Tunnelton rural route No. 2: three
nephews. Melcher NJ. Jefferys. late SUI
printendent Of the Gettysburg nation
al cemetery but now al the Soldiers
Home IN Washington City.and Thomas
y. and Jacob C. Jenerys OF Grafton.
TIE also leaves a number OF nleces and
friends innumerable In the city OF
MS adoption and In Preston and Tay-