Thomas Jeffers

Thomas Jefferson Jeffers (Aug. 9, 1867 – July 28, 1954) was a Scott County lawman who served as sheriff at the turn of the century in 1900.

See Also: Sheriffs of Scott County
Preceded By: Frank Hughett • Succeeded By: Sam Sexton

Biography

Born Aug. 9, 1867, Thomas J. Jeffers was the son of Emsley Milton Jeffers (1830-1890) and Elmira Chambers (1836-1898). His father’s paternal grandfather (James McDonald) and his mother’s paternal grandfather (William Chambers) were both Revolutionary War veterans. He was the youngest of five children. His siblings included John, Allen, Martha Jane and Emberson.

Jeffers married Nannie Bell Botts and they had one child, son Emerson, born in 1888. Nannie Bell died just five months later, in January 1889, at age 21. Jeffers remarried to Motlany “Lanie” Byrd. She was the daughter of Bratcher Byrd and Margaret Boshears. They had at least 10 more kids. The first one was named Nannie Bell, after Jeffers’ first wife. Others included: Luther, Marzetia, Charles Dewey, McKinley Agie, Clyde Edison, Claude, Clara Mae, Pearl Lee, Celina Edna.

Sheriff

Jeffers was elected sheriff in 1900, defeating James Toomey. He replaced Frank Hughett. The Knoxville News Sentinel reported that he won election by 25 votes. However, the newspaper also reported that he was replacing his brother. Jeffers and Hughett were not brothers.

Jeffers served one term in office, and was replaced in 1902 by Sam Sexton, who would serve three two-year terms.

Later Years

Following his tenure as sheriff, Jeffers worked on his farm, which was located along present-day S.R. 63 in Huntsville.

Death

Jeffers died on July 28, 1954 in Lake City, Tennessee of an intestinal obstruction, less than two weeks before his 87th birthday. He was buried at Fairview Cemetery. Both his wives were also buried at Fairview (Lanie died in 1946).