Jeffcoats Reunion
GEORGE JEFFCOATS FAMILY HOLD FIRST REUNION IN M’KINNEY SUNDAY, AUG. 24
FIRST SETTLED IN COLLIN COUNTY 70 YEARS AGO–OLD HOMESTEAD LOCATED IN NORTHEASTERN PART OF COUNTY BETWEEN BLUE RIDGE AND FAYBURG–MEMORY OF PIONEER COUPLE HONORED BY NEARLY 200 DESCENDENTS–TO BE ANNUAL EVENT HEREAFTER.
McKinney Weekly Democrat, Aug. 26, 1937
Surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives of the late “Uncle” George Jeffcoats and wife, pioneer settlers of Northeast Collin, long since deceased, met in their first annual reunion Sunday, August 22, in Finch Park, McKinney. Although the weather was threatening and a light shower or two fell during the day, the attendance was exceptionally good, there being from a hundred and fifty to two hundred present for the occasion.
They came from various parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Many baskets and boxes filled with all manner of tempting food was brought by the good women and spread on one of the sixty-foot long tables under the shade of the pecan trees where all were hidden to partake freely, after Thanks had been offered for the food and fellowship of the happy throng present by Walter B. Wilson.
After the bountiful dinner had been eaten, the remnants gathered up and the table cleared away, all repaired to the bandstand where several hours were spent in an informal way in conversation and renewal of acquaintanceship among the relatives. Some had never seen some of their elders before. Reminiscences were in order and singing and guitar playing were indulged in by the more talented of the group all of which were greatly enjoyed by all present.
***
Founder of the Collin County Family.
George Jeffcoats was born October 16, 1834 and died Sunday night, March 17, 1918 on his old family homestead located between Fayburg and Blue Ridge in Northeast Collin, being at the time of his death 83 years 5 months and 1 day old. He was a man much above the average intelligence of his pioneer times. He was a natural born leader of men in church, fraternal, civic and political affairs. From the file of the Weekly Democrat-Gazette of March 21, 1918, we take the following information from his obituary:
“Funeral services over the body of the late Uncle George Jeffcoats of Blue Ridge were conducted at the Methodist Church at that place, Tuesday, who died Sunday night, March 17 at 10:00 o’clock of pneumonia. He was a pioneer settler of the Fayburg -Blue Ridge section to which he moved and settled in 1867.
“He was born October 16, 1834 in Lexington District, South Carolina and as stated, was 83 years 5 months and 1 day old at the time of his death. His funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. F. Gilmore, Pastor of the Methodist Church at Blue Ridge. Rev. C. W. Dennis presiding elder of the McKinney district, delivered the funeral oration, paying an eloquent tribute to his services during life in the church, lodge and community activities. He was true and faithful to the end in every capacity.
He was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1849. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason by Farmersville lodge, No. 214 on September 3, 1871. He was a charter member of the Blue Ridge Lodge No. 490.
His burial took place according to the solemn Masonic rites by his latter home lodge.
The deceased moved from South Carolina to Alabama in 1859. His marriage to Miss Sarah McAdams was solemnized April 19, 1856. To this union was born eleven children. At the time of his death nineteen years ago, six of his children survived as follows; Tally, B. W., W. S. Jeffcoats of the Snow-Blue Ridge section; Conner Jeffcoats, Trindad, Colo.; Mrs. Hettie McGuffey and Mrs. Delia Maddox of near Blue Ridge.
Mr. Jeffcoats entered the Confederate army in April, 1862, serving in Hilliard’s Legion, Reeves Battalion, Glascove’s Company A, Gracies’ Brigade, Buckner’s Division, Gen. Braxton Bragg’s Army. He was captured in November 1863 and taken to Rock Island, Ill., for imprisonment where he was held captive from January, 1864 to March 1865. However, he saw active service in the battle Chickamauga and other hard fought contacts between the Confederate and Union armies. His clothing was pierced by bullets more than once, but he fortunately escaped bodily injury. As stated, in 1867, Uncle George settled on and one-half miles South of Blue Ridge. By a combination of industry, frugality, good management and honest dealings he steadily prospered and at the time of his death owned two good farms without any indebtedness whatever.
He and his good wife lived there happily together for more than half century. She died in 1913.
For nearly seventy years he was a follower of the meek and lowly Nazarene and a devout member of the Methodist Church. He filled all positions possible for a layman to occupy in that church–Steward, class leader, delegate to conference, etc. He was a staunch and influential Democrat. He was a man of portly figure, always neat in personal appearance, erect as an Indian in stature, always cheerful and hopeful and ready to brighten the life of those crossing his pathway. He left a large number of descendants, who are multiplying and following in his footsteps in their respective home communities wherever they may be in good citizenship and worthy living.
***
Jeffcoats Family Reunion Notes.
One of the most interesting members of the family to attend the reunion was Mrs. G. T. Jeffcoats of Aubrey, Texas. Her husband died there two years ago where they had settled and lived on their farm for about forty years. When they first married, they lived in Northeast Collin for several years, where the husband was chiefly reared. G. T. Jeffcoats was a cousin of George Jeffcoats. Mrs. G. T. Jeffcoats had three sons present: S. T. Jeffcoats of Fort Worth; J. H. Jeffcoats of Aubrey and J. I. Jeffcoats also of Fort Worth.
***
W. S. Arnold and wife and three children, James and Ardell Arnold and Mrs. Jim Quillin, all of the Woodland community four miles Northeast of McKinney attended the reunion. Mr. Arnold’s mother was a Jeffcoats. Mrs. Arnold was formerly Miss Viola Ingram, who was reared from early childhood by the late Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Blanton, a pioneer farm couple of the Woodlawn community. She was their niece. The Blantons also reared her sister, Mrs. Mina Thompson of Gainesville and their brother, Moses Claud Ingram, who now lives at 7552 Bothell Way, Seattle, Washington. It is interesting to state that Mrs. Mina Thompson was twice elected County Treasurer of Cooke County where she has lived after her marriage and is rated among the more influential women of this part of the State.
***
M. T. Jeffcoats, Route 3, Greenville, wife and son, Cletus, 16, enjoyed mingling with their relatives. M. T. Jeffcoats is a son of the late W. S. Jeffcoats, who died a few years ago at his farm home in the Snow Hill community. His mother, who now also lives in Greenville, was likewise present at the reunion.
***
Mrs. W. R. Davenport, Route 1, Celeste, Texas, was present with several of her children. She is a daughter of the late W. S. Jeffcoats and was born and reared in the Snow Hill community. Her mother is still living in Greenville. Mrs. Davenport is a widow, who had four of her eight children with her at the reunion. Those present were Herschel, Dorothy Faye, Janice, and Lillie McIntyre. Mrs. Davenport before her marriage was Margaret Jeffcoats. She and her children contributed much to the success and enjoyment of the first family reunion.
***
Edgar D. Jeffcoats, Route 2, Farmersville, wife and child, Theo, attended the happy occasion of the first reunion of their family. Edgar Jeffcoats lives on the old home place of his late father, W. S. Jeffcoats in the Snow Hill community.
***
Mrs. W. S. Jeffcoats, 3216 Templeton Street, Greenville, was one of the older members of the family participating in their first family reunion. Her maiden name was Miss Sallie Bailey, daughter of T. A. Bailey, a pioneer settler of the Verona community and a sister of the late Mrs. M. N. Stroup of the Verona community and also a sister of Wiley Bailey, now of Gainesville, Texas. Two of her nephews, District Clerk Tom L. Bailey and M. D. Bailey, a local merchant and cotton man are residents of McKinney.
***
J. W. Jones and wife, 2612 Birmingham Street, Dallas, helped make the reunion a success. They were accompanied by their daughter, Mrs. John Campagna and husband at the picnic. The Campagnas reside at 2850 Metropolitan Street, Dallas. Mrs. J. W. Jones was the former Miss Linnie Jeffcoats, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats. She was born and reared in Collin County.
***
Luther E. Jeffcoats, 2612 Birmingham, Dallas, helped make a success of the day in Finch Park from an enjoyable standpoint for all concerned. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats.
***
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Havens, 2918 Seevers Street, Dallas and two children were present. Mrs. J. E. Havens is the former Miss Flora Carson, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carson of Altoga. She is a granddaughter of the late George Jeffcoats.
***
Clyde Havens and wife, 627 Fordham, Dallas, came up for the family reunion. Clyde is a great-grandson of the late George Jeffcoats and wife and a grandson of the late Charles W. Carson. His brother, Floyd Havens, 303 Alaska, Dallas, was also present in the reunion group.
***
Mrs. Hettie McGuffey, Route 2, Blue Ridge, was among the direct Jeffcoats descendants present. She was the former Miss Hettie Jeffcoats daughter of Uncle George Jeffcoats and wife. Three of her children were also present: George McGuffey of Valdasta (Route 1, Blue Ridge); John McGuffey, and Jesse McGuffey, the latter of Dallas.
***
John McGuffey of Blue Ridge, a grandson of George Jeffcoats was accompanied to the reunion by his wife and three children, Tullis, Catherine and Joy. He is a son of Mrs. Hettie McGuffey of Blue Ridge. His brother, Jesse McGuffey and wife of 2910 Bryan Street, Dallas, were also present.
***
George McGuffey, son of Mrs. Hettie McGuffey and grandson of George Jeffcoats, was accompanied by his wife and little seven-year-old daughter, Wanda. They live at Valdasta, getting their mail on Route 1, Blue Ridge.
***
Theresa and Melba Jean Myrick, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Pink Myrick of Paris, mingled with the big crowd at the reunion. The father of these little girls is a star route carrier between the post offices of Parris and Texarkana, Texas. Their mother, Mrs. Pink Myrick was the former Miss Annie McGuffey, daughter of Mrs. Hettie McGuffey. It was with regrets that their parents were not able to attend their family reunion at McKinney here this year.
***
Tally Jeffcoats and wife, 2612 Birmingham, Dallas, greatly enjoyed the day mingling with their numerous relatives in Finch Park. Mrs. Jeffcoats was formerly Miss Clara Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Moore early settlers of McKinney, who are both buried in the old Stiff Chapel Cemetery, ten miles Northeast of town. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffcoats lived in Collin County where they were reared, until about 9 years ago, when they moved to Dallas. This editor has known this worthy couple since our earliest boyhood.
***
George A. Jeffcoats, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats and grandson of the late George Jeffcoats highly esteemed Northeast Collin early settler and influential citizen came from his home at Randolph in Fannin County to participate in the family reunion. George A. Jeffcoats was born at Blue Ridge and reared there. He was accompanied by his wife, who also helped make the reunion a bigger success.
***
Harve D. Thompson of Dallas a cousin of Tally and Webster Jeffcoats came up to mingle with his relatives in the first Jeffcoats family annual reunion held in Finch Park, McKinney, Sunday.
***
Stanley H. Davis, 1113 Walnut Street, Greenville, and wife, the former Miss Edna Jeffcoats of Snow Hill, this county, participated in the reunion. Their two children, Royce, who graduated from the Greenville High School this year, and Clifford, 13, accompanied them. Mr. Davis has had to get about on crutches for the past three or four weeks as a result of breaking a bone in his left foot in a fourteen foot fall while overhauling a gin in Greenville of which he is manager. He has suffered a great deal of pain from the injury but hopes to soon be well again.
***
Benjamin Webster Jeffcoats, R. F. D. No. 2, Farmersville and wife, enjoyed their family reunion to the utmost. They reside on their farm in the Snow Hill community within three miles of his father’s old home farm, where he was born and reared. This old, parental home farm is located between Fayburg and Blue Ridge about 18 miles Northeast of McKinney. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Jeffcoats were also present. They were Mrs. Stanley Davis of Greenville, Mrs. Claud Murphy of Snow Hill and Clarence Jeffcoats at home with his parents.
***
George Jeffcoats and wife Sarah (McAdams) Jeffcoats, were the parents of five sons and three daughters. Their three surviving sons are C. D. Jeffcoats of Asher, Okla, who could not be present and B. W. Jeffcoats of Snow Hill. Tally Jeffcoats of Dallas, B. W. and Tally Jeffcoats were both present. The two deceased sons of George Jeffcoats and wife were W. S. Jeffcoats who died at his home at Snow Hill, January 28, 1928. The other deceased son was Dudley Jeffcoats who died a number of years ago near Blue Ridge. The two surviving daughters of George Jeffcoats and wife are Mrs. Hettie McGuffey, Route 2, Blue Ridge and Mrs. W. B. Maddox of Breckenridge, Texas, both of them present at the reunion. The third daughter now deceased was Mrs. Charles W. Carson of Blue Ridge.
***
Among the younger generation of Jeffcoats at this first annual family reunion was General Fred Jeffcoats, residing at 500 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth. He is a son of Joe Jeffcoats and wife, who reside at 708 East Hattie Street, Fort Worth. Fred Jeffcoats, as he is generally called is a great-grandson of George Jeffcoats and wife, the founders of the family in Collin County, many years ago. He holds a responsible position in the business office of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. His paper has 400 or 500 employees. He is a great booster for the Star-Telegram and also for its owner, Amon Carter. Fred was accompanied by his young wife and son, Thomas.
***
Joel R. Jeffcoats, 708 East Hattie Street, Fort Worth, was also present. He is a son of the late G. T. Jeffcoats of Aubrey, who was a cousin of the late George Jeffcoats. He once lived for awhile in the Snow Hill community in East Collin.
***
Mrs. W. V. Maddox, 1319 East Walker Street, Breckenridge, Texas, greatly enjoyed the family reunion, which she came a long distance to attend. She is the former Miss Delia Jeffcoats, baby daughter of George Jeffcoats and a sister of Webster and Tulley Jeffcoats. She was accompanied by her youngest son, Bruce Maddox, of Breckenridge and also by her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Morgan of Borger, Texas, who probably came further than anyone at attend the reunion.
***
Postmaster Walter B. Wilson of McKinney was an invited guest, he being a lifelong friend of the Jeffcoats family and of the late George Jeffcoats, the originator of the family in Collin County. Mr. Wilson renewed many acquaintances among the more than 150 relatives, most of them Jeffcoats by name. He was shown many courtesies by them, which he genuinely appreciated.
***
The family tentatively agreed that a similar reunion should be held every year, and that it be held in McKinney on the fourth Sunday in August, unless otherwise agreed upon and announced through the local paper.
***
Some excellent voices and musicians are numbered among the Jeffcoats family relatives and descendants. This was demonstrated after the fine picnic dinner by the singing and banjo playing of different ones. Among them was the guitar playing and singing of Miss Lillie McIntyre and her mother, Mrs. Margaret Davenport of Celeste, also by Jess McGuffey of Dallas, who is an expert on the guitar on which instrument he played his own accompaniment while singing. One of the hits of the musical program was the singing of little five-year-old Janice Davenport, accompanied on the guitar by her sister, Miss Lillie McIntyre, who also joined in her singing. Wanda McGuffey also proved herself to have an excellent voice for a child. She was accompanied on the guitar by Jess McGuffey.
***
Among Those Present.
Clyde Havens, wife and children, Johnnie Fae, Ann Jeannette and Evelyn, all of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Jeffcoats of Snow Hill, Route 2, Farmersville.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Jeffcoats, Aubrey, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Moreland, Altoga.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Moreland, Dallas.
Bruce Moreland of Dallas.
Dwight Moreland of Altoga.
Mrs. W. B. Maddox, Breckenridge.
Bruce Maddox, Breckenridge.
J. J. Morgan, and wife, Box 351, Borger, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cox, Longview.
Mr. and Mrs. Durwood Cox, and their children, Travis, Pauline, Dorothy and J. W. Jr., all of Longview.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Davis, Royce and Clifford Davis, Mrs. W. S. Jeffcoats, all of Greenville.
Janie Jeffcoats, Aubrey.
Margaret Davenport, Celeste.
Lillie, Dorothy Fae, Herschel and Janice Davenport, all of Celeste.
Mr. and Mrs. George Jeffcoats, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Jeffcoats all of Blue Ridge.
Thomas Smith, Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Havens, Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Jeffcoats and their children, Betty and Patsy Jeffcoats all of Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Jeffcoats, Fort Worth.
J. T. Jeffcoats, Aubrey, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Lantrip, Aubrey, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Jeffcoats and Laverne Jeffcoats, all of Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Jeffcoats, Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. George N. Jeffcoats of Blue Ridge.
Labelle, J. T., Jeri Dee, Clifford Doyle and Wanda Lou Jeffcoats all of Blue Ridge.
Juanita Rushing and Laveta Fitzgerald.
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Quillin and children, Doyle and James Arnold Quillin, all of Woodlawn.
Eustice and Ray Littlejohn of Woodlawn.
Mr. and Mrs. Arbelle Arnold of Melissa.
Lacy Gene and Ardell Arnold, Jr. of Melissa.
Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Jeffcoats, Mr. and Mrs. Cleatis Jeffcoats, Doris and Harold Jeffcoats all of Blue Ridge.
Mr. and Mrs. Choice Clark and Betty June Clark, all of Blue Ridge.
Hettie McGuffey, Mr. and Mrs. George McGuffey and Wanda McGuffey, all of Blue Ridge.
Mr. and Mrs. John McGuffey and Tullus, Joy and Catherine McGuffey, all of Blue Ridge.
Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Jeffcoats and Cleatis Jeffcoats, all of Greenville.
Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Arnold, Woodlawn.
Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Shires and children, Noble, Lola Beth, Mattie Lee and Justin Shires, all of Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Sanders and children, John, Estelle and Opal Sanders, all of Hagerman, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Thompson, Walters, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Thompson, Jr., George Thompson and Mrs. Jennie D. Bollinger, all of Walters, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Eubanks and Shirley Jean Eubanks, all of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. Claud Murphy and Evelyn Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Jeffcoats, Raymond and Gene Jeffcoats, all of Snow Hill.
James P. Arnold, on of the bookkeepers at the Collin County National Bank, McKinney, wife and son, Jimmy.
Edgar Jeffcoats, wife and daughter, Theo of Snow Hill.
Wiley Jones and wife, Luther Jeffcoats, Johnnie Campagna and wife, of Dallas.
Billy McGomery and wife of Blue Ridge.
Estelle Overman and Alex Rhodes of Blue Ridge.
Melba Jean and Theresa Myrick of Paris, Texas.
And others who failed to register.
FIRST SETTLED IN COLLIN COUNTY 70 YEARS AGO–OLD HOMESTEAD LOCATED IN NORTHEASTERN PART OF COUNTY BETWEEN BLUE RIDGE AND FAYBURG–MEMORY OF PIONEER COUPLE HONORED BY NEARLY 200 DESCENDENTS–TO BE ANNUAL EVENT HEREAFTER.
McKinney Weekly Democrat, Aug. 26, 1937
Surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives of the late “Uncle” George Jeffcoats and wife, pioneer settlers of Northeast Collin, long since deceased, met in their first annual reunion Sunday, August 22, in Finch Park, McKinney. Although the weather was threatening and a light shower or two fell during the day, the attendance was exceptionally good, there being from a hundred and fifty to two hundred present for the occasion.
They came from various parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Many baskets and boxes filled with all manner of tempting food was brought by the good women and spread on one of the sixty-foot long tables under the shade of the pecan trees where all were hidden to partake freely, after Thanks had been offered for the food and fellowship of the happy throng present by Walter B. Wilson.
After the bountiful dinner had been eaten, the remnants gathered up and the table cleared away, all repaired to the bandstand where several hours were spent in an informal way in conversation and renewal of acquaintanceship among the relatives. Some had never seen some of their elders before. Reminiscences were in order and singing and guitar playing were indulged in by the more talented of the group all of which were greatly enjoyed by all present.
***
Founder of the Collin County Family.
George Jeffcoats was born October 16, 1834 and died Sunday night, March 17, 1918 on his old family homestead located between Fayburg and Blue Ridge in Northeast Collin, being at the time of his death 83 years 5 months and 1 day old. He was a man much above the average intelligence of his pioneer times. He was a natural born leader of men in church, fraternal, civic and political affairs. From the file of the Weekly Democrat-Gazette of March 21, 1918, we take the following information from his obituary:
“Funeral services over the body of the late Uncle George Jeffcoats of Blue Ridge were conducted at the Methodist Church at that place, Tuesday, who died Sunday night, March 17 at 10:00 o’clock of pneumonia. He was a pioneer settler of the Fayburg -Blue Ridge section to which he moved and settled in 1867.
“He was born October 16, 1834 in Lexington District, South Carolina and as stated, was 83 years 5 months and 1 day old at the time of his death. His funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. F. Gilmore, Pastor of the Methodist Church at Blue Ridge. Rev. C. W. Dennis presiding elder of the McKinney district, delivered the funeral oration, paying an eloquent tribute to his services during life in the church, lodge and community activities. He was true and faithful to the end in every capacity.
He was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1849. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason by Farmersville lodge, No. 214 on September 3, 1871. He was a charter member of the Blue Ridge Lodge No. 490.
His burial took place according to the solemn Masonic rites by his latter home lodge.
The deceased moved from South Carolina to Alabama in 1859. His marriage to Miss Sarah McAdams was solemnized April 19, 1856. To this union was born eleven children. At the time of his death nineteen years ago, six of his children survived as follows; Tally, B. W., W. S. Jeffcoats of the Snow-Blue Ridge section; Conner Jeffcoats, Trindad, Colo.; Mrs. Hettie McGuffey and Mrs. Delia Maddox of near Blue Ridge.
Mr. Jeffcoats entered the Confederate army in April, 1862, serving in Hilliard’s Legion, Reeves Battalion, Glascove’s Company A, Gracies’ Brigade, Buckner’s Division, Gen. Braxton Bragg’s Army. He was captured in November 1863 and taken to Rock Island, Ill., for imprisonment where he was held captive from January, 1864 to March 1865. However, he saw active service in the battle Chickamauga and other hard fought contacts between the Confederate and Union armies. His clothing was pierced by bullets more than once, but he fortunately escaped bodily injury. As stated, in 1867, Uncle George settled on and one-half miles South of Blue Ridge. By a combination of industry, frugality, good management and honest dealings he steadily prospered and at the time of his death owned two good farms without any indebtedness whatever.
He and his good wife lived there happily together for more than half century. She died in 1913.
For nearly seventy years he was a follower of the meek and lowly Nazarene and a devout member of the Methodist Church. He filled all positions possible for a layman to occupy in that church–Steward, class leader, delegate to conference, etc. He was a staunch and influential Democrat. He was a man of portly figure, always neat in personal appearance, erect as an Indian in stature, always cheerful and hopeful and ready to brighten the life of those crossing his pathway. He left a large number of descendants, who are multiplying and following in his footsteps in their respective home communities wherever they may be in good citizenship and worthy living.
***
Jeffcoats Family Reunion Notes.
One of the most interesting members of the family to attend the reunion was Mrs. G. T. Jeffcoats of Aubrey, Texas. Her husband died there two years ago where they had settled and lived on their farm for about forty years. When they first married, they lived in Northeast Collin for several years, where the husband was chiefly reared. G. T. Jeffcoats was a cousin of George Jeffcoats. Mrs. G. T. Jeffcoats had three sons present: S. T. Jeffcoats of Fort Worth; J. H. Jeffcoats of Aubrey and J. I. Jeffcoats also of Fort Worth.
***
W. S. Arnold and wife and three children, James and Ardell Arnold and Mrs. Jim Quillin, all of the Woodland community four miles Northeast of McKinney attended the reunion. Mr. Arnold’s mother was a Jeffcoats. Mrs. Arnold was formerly Miss Viola Ingram, who was reared from early childhood by the late Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Blanton, a pioneer farm couple of the Woodlawn community. She was their niece. The Blantons also reared her sister, Mrs. Mina Thompson of Gainesville and their brother, Moses Claud Ingram, who now lives at 7552 Bothell Way, Seattle, Washington. It is interesting to state that Mrs. Mina Thompson was twice elected County Treasurer of Cooke County where she has lived after her marriage and is rated among the more influential women of this part of the State.
***
M. T. Jeffcoats, Route 3, Greenville, wife and son, Cletus, 16, enjoyed mingling with their relatives. M. T. Jeffcoats is a son of the late W. S. Jeffcoats, who died a few years ago at his farm home in the Snow Hill community. His mother, who now also lives in Greenville, was likewise present at the reunion.
***
Mrs. W. R. Davenport, Route 1, Celeste, Texas, was present with several of her children. She is a daughter of the late W. S. Jeffcoats and was born and reared in the Snow Hill community. Her mother is still living in Greenville. Mrs. Davenport is a widow, who had four of her eight children with her at the reunion. Those present were Herschel, Dorothy Faye, Janice, and Lillie McIntyre. Mrs. Davenport before her marriage was Margaret Jeffcoats. She and her children contributed much to the success and enjoyment of the first family reunion.
***
Edgar D. Jeffcoats, Route 2, Farmersville, wife and child, Theo, attended the happy occasion of the first reunion of their family. Edgar Jeffcoats lives on the old home place of his late father, W. S. Jeffcoats in the Snow Hill community.
***
Mrs. W. S. Jeffcoats, 3216 Templeton Street, Greenville, was one of the older members of the family participating in their first family reunion. Her maiden name was Miss Sallie Bailey, daughter of T. A. Bailey, a pioneer settler of the Verona community and a sister of the late Mrs. M. N. Stroup of the Verona community and also a sister of Wiley Bailey, now of Gainesville, Texas. Two of her nephews, District Clerk Tom L. Bailey and M. D. Bailey, a local merchant and cotton man are residents of McKinney.
***
J. W. Jones and wife, 2612 Birmingham Street, Dallas, helped make the reunion a success. They were accompanied by their daughter, Mrs. John Campagna and husband at the picnic. The Campagnas reside at 2850 Metropolitan Street, Dallas. Mrs. J. W. Jones was the former Miss Linnie Jeffcoats, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats. She was born and reared in Collin County.
***
Luther E. Jeffcoats, 2612 Birmingham, Dallas, helped make a success of the day in Finch Park from an enjoyable standpoint for all concerned. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats.
***
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Havens, 2918 Seevers Street, Dallas and two children were present. Mrs. J. E. Havens is the former Miss Flora Carson, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carson of Altoga. She is a granddaughter of the late George Jeffcoats.
***
Clyde Havens and wife, 627 Fordham, Dallas, came up for the family reunion. Clyde is a great-grandson of the late George Jeffcoats and wife and a grandson of the late Charles W. Carson. His brother, Floyd Havens, 303 Alaska, Dallas, was also present in the reunion group.
***
Mrs. Hettie McGuffey, Route 2, Blue Ridge, was among the direct Jeffcoats descendants present. She was the former Miss Hettie Jeffcoats daughter of Uncle George Jeffcoats and wife. Three of her children were also present: George McGuffey of Valdasta (Route 1, Blue Ridge); John McGuffey, and Jesse McGuffey, the latter of Dallas.
***
John McGuffey of Blue Ridge, a grandson of George Jeffcoats was accompanied to the reunion by his wife and three children, Tullis, Catherine and Joy. He is a son of Mrs. Hettie McGuffey of Blue Ridge. His brother, Jesse McGuffey and wife of 2910 Bryan Street, Dallas, were also present.
***
George McGuffey, son of Mrs. Hettie McGuffey and grandson of George Jeffcoats, was accompanied by his wife and little seven-year-old daughter, Wanda. They live at Valdasta, getting their mail on Route 1, Blue Ridge.
***
Theresa and Melba Jean Myrick, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Pink Myrick of Paris, mingled with the big crowd at the reunion. The father of these little girls is a star route carrier between the post offices of Parris and Texarkana, Texas. Their mother, Mrs. Pink Myrick was the former Miss Annie McGuffey, daughter of Mrs. Hettie McGuffey. It was with regrets that their parents were not able to attend their family reunion at McKinney here this year.
***
Tally Jeffcoats and wife, 2612 Birmingham, Dallas, greatly enjoyed the day mingling with their numerous relatives in Finch Park. Mrs. Jeffcoats was formerly Miss Clara Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Moore early settlers of McKinney, who are both buried in the old Stiff Chapel Cemetery, ten miles Northeast of town. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffcoats lived in Collin County where they were reared, until about 9 years ago, when they moved to Dallas. This editor has known this worthy couple since our earliest boyhood.
***
George A. Jeffcoats, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats and grandson of the late George Jeffcoats highly esteemed Northeast Collin early settler and influential citizen came from his home at Randolph in Fannin County to participate in the family reunion. George A. Jeffcoats was born at Blue Ridge and reared there. He was accompanied by his wife, who also helped make the reunion a bigger success.
***
Harve D. Thompson of Dallas a cousin of Tally and Webster Jeffcoats came up to mingle with his relatives in the first Jeffcoats family annual reunion held in Finch Park, McKinney, Sunday.
***
Stanley H. Davis, 1113 Walnut Street, Greenville, and wife, the former Miss Edna Jeffcoats of Snow Hill, this county, participated in the reunion. Their two children, Royce, who graduated from the Greenville High School this year, and Clifford, 13, accompanied them. Mr. Davis has had to get about on crutches for the past three or four weeks as a result of breaking a bone in his left foot in a fourteen foot fall while overhauling a gin in Greenville of which he is manager. He has suffered a great deal of pain from the injury but hopes to soon be well again.
***
Benjamin Webster Jeffcoats, R. F. D. No. 2, Farmersville and wife, enjoyed their family reunion to the utmost. They reside on their farm in the Snow Hill community within three miles of his father’s old home farm, where he was born and reared. This old, parental home farm is located between Fayburg and Blue Ridge about 18 miles Northeast of McKinney. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Jeffcoats were also present. They were Mrs. Stanley Davis of Greenville, Mrs. Claud Murphy of Snow Hill and Clarence Jeffcoats at home with his parents.
***
George Jeffcoats and wife Sarah (McAdams) Jeffcoats, were the parents of five sons and three daughters. Their three surviving sons are C. D. Jeffcoats of Asher, Okla, who could not be present and B. W. Jeffcoats of Snow Hill. Tally Jeffcoats of Dallas, B. W. and Tally Jeffcoats were both present. The two deceased sons of George Jeffcoats and wife were W. S. Jeffcoats who died at his home at Snow Hill, January 28, 1928. The other deceased son was Dudley Jeffcoats who died a number of years ago near Blue Ridge. The two surviving daughters of George Jeffcoats and wife are Mrs. Hettie McGuffey, Route 2, Blue Ridge and Mrs. W. B. Maddox of Breckenridge, Texas, both of them present at the reunion. The third daughter now deceased was Mrs. Charles W. Carson of Blue Ridge.
***
Among the younger generation of Jeffcoats at this first annual family reunion was General Fred Jeffcoats, residing at 500 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth. He is a son of Joe Jeffcoats and wife, who reside at 708 East Hattie Street, Fort Worth. Fred Jeffcoats, as he is generally called is a great-grandson of George Jeffcoats and wife, the founders of the family in Collin County, many years ago. He holds a responsible position in the business office of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. His paper has 400 or 500 employees. He is a great booster for the Star-Telegram and also for its owner, Amon Carter. Fred was accompanied by his young wife and son, Thomas.
***
Joel R. Jeffcoats, 708 East Hattie Street, Fort Worth, was also present. He is a son of the late G. T. Jeffcoats of Aubrey, who was a cousin of the late George Jeffcoats. He once lived for awhile in the Snow Hill community in East Collin.
***
Mrs. W. V. Maddox, 1319 East Walker Street, Breckenridge, Texas, greatly enjoyed the family reunion, which she came a long distance to attend. She is the former Miss Delia Jeffcoats, baby daughter of George Jeffcoats and a sister of Webster and Tulley Jeffcoats. She was accompanied by her youngest son, Bruce Maddox, of Breckenridge and also by her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Morgan of Borger, Texas, who probably came further than anyone at attend the reunion.
***
Postmaster Walter B. Wilson of McKinney was an invited guest, he being a lifelong friend of the Jeffcoats family and of the late George Jeffcoats, the originator of the family in Collin County. Mr. Wilson renewed many acquaintances among the more than 150 relatives, most of them Jeffcoats by name. He was shown many courtesies by them, which he genuinely appreciated.
***
The family tentatively agreed that a similar reunion should be held every year, and that it be held in McKinney on the fourth Sunday in August, unless otherwise agreed upon and announced through the local paper.
***
Some excellent voices and musicians are numbered among the Jeffcoats family relatives and descendants. This was demonstrated after the fine picnic dinner by the singing and banjo playing of different ones. Among them was the guitar playing and singing of Miss Lillie McIntyre and her mother, Mrs. Margaret Davenport of Celeste, also by Jess McGuffey of Dallas, who is an expert on the guitar on which instrument he played his own accompaniment while singing. One of the hits of the musical program was the singing of little five-year-old Janice Davenport, accompanied on the guitar by her sister, Miss Lillie McIntyre, who also joined in her singing. Wanda McGuffey also proved herself to have an excellent voice for a child. She was accompanied on the guitar by Jess McGuffey.
***
Among Those Present.
Clyde Havens, wife and children, Johnnie Fae, Ann Jeannette and Evelyn, all of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Jeffcoats of Snow Hill, Route 2, Farmersville.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Jeffcoats, Aubrey, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Moreland, Altoga.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Moreland, Dallas.
Bruce Moreland of Dallas.
Dwight Moreland of Altoga.
Mrs. W. B. Maddox, Breckenridge.
Bruce Maddox, Breckenridge.
J. J. Morgan, and wife, Box 351, Borger, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cox, Longview.
Mr. and Mrs. Durwood Cox, and their children, Travis, Pauline, Dorothy and J. W. Jr., all of Longview.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Davis, Royce and Clifford Davis, Mrs. W. S. Jeffcoats, all of Greenville.
Janie Jeffcoats, Aubrey.
Margaret Davenport, Celeste.
Lillie, Dorothy Fae, Herschel and Janice Davenport, all of Celeste.
Mr. and Mrs. George Jeffcoats, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Jeffcoats all of Blue Ridge.
Thomas Smith, Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Havens, Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Jeffcoats and their children, Betty and Patsy Jeffcoats all of Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Jeffcoats, Fort Worth.
J. T. Jeffcoats, Aubrey, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Lantrip, Aubrey, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Jeffcoats and Laverne Jeffcoats, all of Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Jeffcoats, Fort Worth.
Mr. and Mrs. George N. Jeffcoats of Blue Ridge.
Labelle, J. T., Jeri Dee, Clifford Doyle and Wanda Lou Jeffcoats all of Blue Ridge.
Juanita Rushing and Laveta Fitzgerald.
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Quillin and children, Doyle and James Arnold Quillin, all of Woodlawn.
Eustice and Ray Littlejohn of Woodlawn.
Mr. and Mrs. Arbelle Arnold of Melissa.
Lacy Gene and Ardell Arnold, Jr. of Melissa.
Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Jeffcoats, Mr. and Mrs. Cleatis Jeffcoats, Doris and Harold Jeffcoats all of Blue Ridge.
Mr. and Mrs. Choice Clark and Betty June Clark, all of Blue Ridge.
Hettie McGuffey, Mr. and Mrs. George McGuffey and Wanda McGuffey, all of Blue Ridge.
Mr. and Mrs. John McGuffey and Tullus, Joy and Catherine McGuffey, all of Blue Ridge.
Mr. and Mrs. Tally Jeffcoats of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Jeffcoats and Cleatis Jeffcoats, all of Greenville.
Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Arnold, Woodlawn.
Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Shires and children, Noble, Lola Beth, Mattie Lee and Justin Shires, all of Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Sanders and children, John, Estelle and Opal Sanders, all of Hagerman, Texas.
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Thompson, Walters, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Thompson, Jr., George Thompson and Mrs. Jennie D. Bollinger, all of Walters, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Eubanks and Shirley Jean Eubanks, all of Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. Claud Murphy and Evelyn Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Jeffcoats, Raymond and Gene Jeffcoats, all of Snow Hill.
James P. Arnold, on of the bookkeepers at the Collin County National Bank, McKinney, wife and son, Jimmy.
Edgar Jeffcoats, wife and daughter, Theo of Snow Hill.
Wiley Jones and wife, Luther Jeffcoats, Johnnie Campagna and wife, of Dallas.
Billy McGomery and wife of Blue Ridge.
Estelle Overman and Alex Rhodes of Blue Ridge.
Melba Jean and Theresa Myrick of Paris, Texas.
And others who failed to register.
