California Biographies
Jeffress, J. T.

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Jeffress, J. T. The subject of this sketch was born at Deptford, England,
February 17, 1824. At the early age of sixteen he emigrated with his parents to
Australia, where he was engaged in sugar refining. In 1850 Mr. Jeffress came to
California and entered the employ of the San Francisco Gas Company, with which
he was connected for about six years. It is worthy of note, that the first gas
used in this State was manufactured under the superintendence of Mr. Jeffress.
He was next engaged in sulphur mining at Clear Lake, on the ground now occupied
by the celebrated Sulphur Banks quicksilver mine. The discovery of quicksilver
in that vicinity is due to him. In 1867 he assisted in building the Golden Gate
Sugar Refinery at San Francisco, and for a number of years was superintendent of
the works. Since that time he has been connected with sulphur mining and
refining, and is at present interested in the sulphur mines of Humboldt county,
Nevada. In 1878 he became a resident of Sonoma county, and purchased the
charming country seat known as the Riverside Farm, which is situated on the
Russian river, about two miles below Healdsburg, and which he has since occupied
as a family residence and private resort. He married Miss Elizabeth Kennedy, who
is a native of Scotland, August 12, 1845. The following are the names of their
large and interesting family: Mary E, Thomas W., Agnes W., Robert, James V.,
John K., George H., Walter F., Alexander M., and Egbert F.


Source: HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY, Alley, Bowen & Co. 1880