Thomas Jeffries

First Generation | 1840-1926

 

 

*Born in Marengo County, Alabama, to Susan Moore.

 

*Susan (1812-1875) and her mother Nellie Collins (1795- ) accompanied Caucasian overseer John Collins (1798-1867)from Caroline County, Virginia,  to Marengo County, Alabama, in 1837.  Nellie, John Collins’ housekeeper, and her daughter Susan were free mulatto women.

 

*John Collins came to Alabama in the employ of the wealthy Tayloe brothers from Maryland and Virginia.  By the time of his death, John was wealthy in his own right, leaving a fortune to his Caucasian relatives, his mulatto children, servants and former slaves.

 

*As an adult, Susan became the housekeeper for one of John Collins’ employees, a man whose surname was Jeffries.  Susan gave birth to two sons with Jeffries.  The sons were John Jeffries (1838-1866) and Thomas Jeffries (1840-1926).

 

*Our patriarch Thomas Jeffries was responsible for John Collins’ animals, tools, and farm implements. Tom was a free man of color because his mother was free.

 

*Tom married Fannie Lois DuBose on January 24, 1867.  They gave birth to 12 children, four sons and eight daughters.  They were also blessed with 47 grandchildren.

 

*Tom and Fannie made their home in Hale County, Alabama. They owned land bequeathed to Tom in John Collins’ last will and testament.  They embraced their position as head of a large family unit.

 

*Married for 59 years, Fannie Lois passed away September, 1926.  Tom followed Fanny in death a few months later in December, 1926.

 

*Their legacy continues!!

 

 

 

 

Thomas Jeffries, 1840-1926.