- DAVID KELLER JEFFRIS is one of Janesville's leading business
men, and one of the best-known
- lumbermen in the State of Wisconsin. He is the son of David
JEFFRIS, whose biography
appears upon another page of this work, where may be found a
detailed sketch of the family's history.
- Our subject, was born in Janesville township May 28, 1867,
and has inherited the business acumen
- and tireless energy of his father. He was educated in the
common schools of Janesville. His first business experience was
obtained in his father's lumberyards, and in 1887 he embarked
in trade upon his own account. At that time he was but twenty
years old, and his subsequent success in life might be regarded
as phenomenal by those who should fail to take into account his
admirable mental endowment and quick, ready grasp of the problems
of every-day life. In 1890 he sold out his original plant, and
in that year erected mills in what is know as Jeffris, a village
having sprung up around them. Since that time his business enterprises
have steadily increased in number. His brother Frederick is associated
with him as a partner, and the firm owns and operates a large
factory in Janesville, for the manufacture of sash, doors and
blinds and window screens, employing between 250 and 300 men.
They also own sawmills at Jeffris, Wis. Mr. JEFFRIS is also an
extensive owner of real estate, and holds large tracts of valuable
pine lands in the northern part of the State, besides being a
director in the various moneyed corporations in the city of his
residence. He is a man of generous impulses and social instincts,
living the companionship of his friends and being both loved
and honored by them in return. He is a member of Janesville Lodge,
No. 55, A. F. & A. M., as well as the K. of P. and the B.
P. O. E. He also belongs to that widely reputed social organization
of lumbermen known as the "Hoo Hoos," whose good fellowship
and love of mirth are known throughout the Northwest. Being of
Scotch descent on the maternal side, he has been eligible for
election in the Caledonian Society, of which he is one of the
most esteemed members. Politically he is a Republican.
- Mr. JEFFRIS was married Jan. 2, 1889, his bride being Miss
Della HANCHETT, a daughter of
- Gerando M. and Anna (SPAULDING) HANCHETT. Their three children
are named Donald H., Jean E., and Grace M. Mrs. JEFFRIS is a
member of the Congregational Church.
-
- Taken from "Commemorative Biographical Record of
the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin"
(c)1901, p. 252-253.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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