He was educated at Limestone College. Taught a few years after graduation, and merchandised two years. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1858. In April, 1860, he married Mrs. R. C. Farr, of Jonesville, South Carolina. In March of 1862, he went into the service in Company F of the Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers, as private. He later joined the Holcomb Legion of Cavalry under Captain Frost. He was detailed with other men to come to South Carolina, to get up horses for the dismounted men, and on the way back learned that General Lee had surrendered. After the new constitution was adopted, in 1895, he, with other men, went to work to create a new County. The result was the forming of Cherokee County out of Spartanburg, Union and York Counties. After this he was elected Senator from the new County.


Private Jefferies wrote this to his wife.


Laurel Hill near Richmond, Va.
18 August 1862

My Dear Wife,

I have determined this morning to send Arnold home. He has been very puny for some time & has done very little good & I fear he will get down on my hands for we have a long march in contemplation. We are ordered to Stonewall Jackson. It is very agreeable with us. We think we will fare better up there than here — that is, we will get some vegetables up in that healthy region. I have just heard Jackson had whipped Pope & taken 300 prisoners with 29 commissioned officers. Some have landed in Richmond.

My health is still improving slowly & on this march I am going to take care of myself if I can. I am going to stop along the road and get some fresh dinner once in a while if it is to be had. If Arnold behaves himself right I will let him stay at home until next spring but if he does not, let me know & I will send after him. We have a young man in mess who has a very good boy who can cook for us all. We hire him for $10 per month. I have no idea that Arnold could stand the winter here. His feet have been swelling at times lately. He can haul manure & fix fence &c. &c. I wish I could be at home for awhile now for I know it can't be as dusty there as here if it is hot, which I doubt, for I think these are the hottest days I ever saw in my life.

We hear a vast number of camp rumors here tending towards the cessation of hostilities but there is very little hope. I saw a batch of northern papers brought by prisoners & in them I see a variety of notions — some large peace meetings & some flagrant, furious war meetings — & upon the whole I believe if the sober sense of the mass of the North could be arrived at, we would have a peace before long. But I don't know when that day will arrive, but no war can last always.

I sent Mr. Blanton a letter yesterday by Murphy & told him to leave it with you. I also wrote to Sparks & you will see that I guess I want the orchard manured & planted in cotton next year & the place behind the lot in wheat after your potatoes are off the field where Mabry tends all in wheat & the other two by the spring where you have corn in oats & some rye if you can get it. I think Mr. Blanton has some & if he has, he will let you have it. I will not close this until I start Arnold. It may be tomorrow.

Tuesday morning at the Depot in Richmond before sunrise. We have marched from camp here since midnight. I have stood it very well. I will write as soon as we get situated again. I send you $20 by Arnold. I received my pants &c. last night by John Cook. It was dark & I have not seen them but know they are right for you made them. Still direct your letters to Richmond but also add Evans Brigade. The boys are all well except Durban & I have not heard from him in a week. I received a letter from you yesterday, date 5th Aug, by mail. Also a note by Cook. You must not be uneasy about me for if anyone can get along, I can. I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Hands & Manda are so unwell but hope they may get better. Take care of yourself & kiss the baby for me.

Your devoted, — W. Jefferies