STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 112
On a farm about a mile west of Winchester lives the subject of this sketch. George Jefferson was born in Morgan county, Illinois, August 15, 1853. When he was about eight years old the family moved to Scott county, and, with the exception of two years spent at school in Minnesota, George has spent the remainder of his days in Illinois. He first attended the district schools of Scott county, and finishing there, took two years at St. Cloud, Minnesota, graduating from the high school of that city in 1876, and returned to Scott county. In the fall of 1876 he entered the Jacksonville business college and graduated from that institution the following spring. He alternated between farming and teaching school until 1884, when he accepted a clerkship in Robert Frost's drug store. He did not take kindly to that sort of work and the next year returned to the farm. It was while engaged in farming that he began the study of photography.
In 1889 he concluded to try his hand at that business and opened a gallery at Jacksonville in May. He sold out in Jacksonville and moved to Griggsville, Pike county, in October the same year, and opened out in business there. In 1890 he returned to Winchester and bought out the gallery operated by Watt W. Mosher (George Merritt's old stand) and conducted business there up to the time he sold the studio to Watt Mosher. As a photographer he was a success, but thought he could do better in other lines and so, as above stated, sold out to Mr. Mosher.
He was married to Miss Amelia Teague, December 27, 1893. Three children, Mary Amelia, Charles Teague and Margaret Elizabeth have come to bless their home. At present Mr. Jefferson is living on his farm and there, busied with his daily duties, he finds the independence, comfort and happiness so much desired.