James Jeffries

(By: Laura)

Fisher Jr./Sr. High School

The following topics are discussed in my report:

How Was He Personally Affected?

I assume that Jeffries was affected for the rest of his life by the terrible scenes laid before his eyes during the Civil War. He had to have been traumatized watching his partner die and then receiving news of his wife’s death only days later.

What Battles Did He Fight In?

James Jeffries fought in the battle of Bentonville. He was unable to perform because a musket ball that entered above the collarbone and passed out between the lower point of the shoulder blade and the spinal column wounded him. Due to this wound, Jeffries could not perform any manual labor. After he was mustered out in June 1865 he returned to East Bend Township and lived on the old Jeffries homestead in section 32. (Behrens; pgs. 201-203)

HOW DID HE CONTRIBUTE TO THE OUTCOME OF THE WAR?

I am not sure that he made a huge difference in the outcome of the war. I can be sure though that every single one of those men who were mustered into a battle (or even those who weren’t) made a small contribution that made them some of the bravest men in history.

WHY DID HE BECOME INVOLVED IN THE WAR?

In a letter he addressed to his girlfriend he wrote "I am having trouble with my personal life and with my family at home. I do not wish to bother you with my troubles, but I thought that I should inform you that I am enlisting to fight in the Civil War"

WHAT TYPES OF ITEMS DID HE USE IN HIS DAILY LIFE?

I assume that Mr. Jeffries used some of the same things we use today. I know that all army men carried rations with them and had to eat them every day. The soldiers also carried soap in with their few belongings and had to wash with their hands in crowded showers that held more than twenty men.

James Jefferies' Personal Life

Mr. Jefferies was born December 21, 1839 in Dewey, Illinois. He died December 9, 1893 in his hometown and buried in Beekman cemetery. James’ father was William Jefferies and his mother was Ruth Johnson. His spouse, Rebecca Argo, they were married on April 1, 1880 in Mohomet. Rebecca was born October 1, 1851 and died May 14, 1923. Rebecca was buried in Bellflower. Rebecca and James settled in the East Bend Township during 1860. James was a made a living as a farmer. Their children were Daisy Izora, James Earley, Edna Grace, and Jessie Iola. James was later sent to the army as a private and discharged in June 9 of 1865. (Family file folder)l

 

CONCLUSION

I conclude from my research that James Jefferies contributed as much to the battle of Bentonville (and the Civil War over all) as the lieutenant and generals did. For any man who can stand to watch his friends and partners die for their country has to be as equally strong as the men who commanded them to do so.

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