John Jeffress 1762 - 1867 born in France died in London aged 105

by Jenny Jeffress
(Australia)

Hi

I'm looking for information on John Jeffress born in 1762 and lived in the Alsace region til he fled to England because of the French Revolution.

He married Mary Rowles on January 17 1794 in Oxfordshire England. He was a blacksmith and probably a Huguenot (French Protestant) :-)

He died in London in 1867 at the age of 105.

Thanks,
Jenny

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Where was he born and other details
by: Suzele

Hi Jenny,

Do you know if your relative was born in Alsace or married in Alsace?

Or which village or town he lived in Alsace?

It's hard to find any trace of someone in the 1700s without any records of where he was.

Until the French Revolution, we didn't have official state records like birth certificates, marriage certificates or death certificates.

So everything was through the church for most people.

Other than the occasional squabbles that were recorded in the town and village records.

Or records of purchases or leases of land.

Or someone working in an administrative position for the nobility or church.

In Alsace, a Protestant could have a very high status in some villages and towns.

Based on what I know about the Protestants in Alsace, it's unusual for an English speaker to settle here.

Most people didn't speak English - so I'm guessing he spoke enough German to get along.

Most of the Protestants in Alsace were from Switzerland, Germany or the Netherlands.

It was one of the few safe spots during the Reformation for Protestants.

Very curious as to why he left Alsace during the French Revolution.

It might have been to avoid the military.

Or he was working for the nobility and they lost most of their privileges during this time.

As a rule, Protestants weren't targeted during the French Revolution the way the Catholics were.

Interesting story and person.

Good luck with your research,
Suzele

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