COLLIN PIONEER
[George Jeffcoats]
Courier
June 1, 1916
Settled Near Blue Ridge in 1867
Uncle George
Jeffcoats, of Blue Ridge, was recently a welcome caller at our office. He is in
good health, notwithstanding his advanced age, and was enroute to Newport, Jack
county, Texas, to visit a son, who lives there. Uncle George was born Oct. 16,
1834, in Lexington district near the town of Lexington, South Carolina. His
father was a farmer, saw mill man and magistrate. When George was only 14, his
father moved in 1848 to the state of Alabama where he continued to reside until
1867 when he came to Texas, He served in Hilliard's Legion form 1862-65 in the
Confederacy. Mr. Jeffcoatts saw much hard service—was in the battle of
Chickamauga and other hard fights. His clothing was pierced by bullets more than
once but he fortunately escaped injury. He was captured by the Federals and held
a prisoner for several months at Rock Island, Illinois. In 1867, Uncle George,
who is now 82, settled one and one-half miles south of Blue Ridge where he still
lives. By industry, frugal living, good management and honest dealings, he has
steadily prospered and at present owns two good homes and doesn't owe a dollar.
He married Miss Sarah McAdams in Pike county, Alabama, April 20, 1855, and lived
most happily with her for over a half century. She died three years ago which
was a sad blow to the good old man who had walked by her side for so many years
during all of which time her love and devotion had inspired him ever onward and
upward. He was made a Mason in Farmersville in 1870. He later became a charter
member of Blue Ridge Lodge No. 490. When a lad of only 13 he was converted in
South Carolina and united with the M. E. Church South. For 67 years he has been
a faithful follower of the Meek and Lowly Nazarene and a devout member of the
Methodist church. He has filled all positions possible for a layman to fill in
his church—steward, class leader, delegate to conferences, etc. Uncle George has
always been a staunch democrat and influential in party councils of his section
of the county. His children are all honored and useful and a pride and honor to
their good old father. The children are: Tally Jeffcoatts of Blue Ridge; Will
and Webster Jeffcoatts, both of Snow Hill; Connor Jeffcoatts, of Newport, Texas;
Dudley Jeffcoatts of Blue Ridge; Mrs. C. W. Carson, of Ogburn, Texas; Mrs.
Hettie McGuffey, of Blue Ridge and Mrs. Walter Maddox of Water Ridge.
Uncle George
Jeffcoatts is gracefully traveling down the western slope of life—erect as an
Indian, always cheerful and hopeful and ready to brighten any life that may
cross his pathway. While already past the fourscore milestone on life's journey,
his good health and sturdy constitution bid fair to give him many more years of
happiness and strength yet before the grim messenger comes. Yet Uncle George
says that he tries to live each day so that when the summons does come, he shall
be ready to go and meet his Master in peace. His multitude of friends all over
the county wish this old veteran many more years of health and usefulness among
them.
Surname Index
Recommended Citation:
"Collin Pioneer George Jeffcoats,
EARLY SETTLERS OF COLLIN COUNTY." Collin County, Texas History
and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc., <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl>
[Accessed Fri February 13, 2004 ].
|
