Imperial
County
Biographies
HON.
ALTON W. JEFFUS
Hon. Alton W. Jeffus,
the efficient postmaster of Brawley, was born on a ranch in Houston county, Texas, January 4, 1900, his parents being Ira L. and
Ella Virginia (Allen) Jeffus, the latter a native of
Alabama. I. L. Jeffus, who was also born in the Lone
Star state, is now living in the Brawley Imperial Valley and is associated with
the Imperial Irrigation District. To him and his wife, who also survives, have
been born eleven children, eight of whom are living.
Alton W. Jeffus
acquired his education in the public schools of Texas and worked as a rancher
for some years. When this country became involved in the World war he enlisted
in the United States Navy and was on duty at the Great Lakes Training Station
and on the U. S. S. Arizona. He was honorably discharged at Brooklyn Navy Yard,
New York, on the 17th of October, 1919, and on the 30th
of December of that year came to Brawley, where he began working in the post
office in November, 1920. He served as clerk from 1920 to 1924 and from 1924 to
the 9th of January, 1931, as assistant postmaster. He was then
appointed by President Herbert Hoover to the position of postmaster, in which
he has served most acceptably to 1934.
On the 25th of October,
1925, Mr. Jeffus was united in marriage to Miss Ethelyn Headington, born near
Humansville, Missouri, a daughter of Madison L. and Naomi (Friend) Headington. They are the parents of three children, namely:
Alton W., born June 29, 1928; Eugene Levelle, born
December 15, 1931; and Franklin Delano, who was born June 8, 1938. The youngest
son of Mr. Jeffus was named in honor of President
Roosevelt, who sent him a beautifully embroidered handkerchief and a letter of
congratulation.
Mr. Jeffus
is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and has not missed a meeting in nine
years, at times traveling long distances in order to attend. A worthy exemplar
of the teachings and purposes of the Masoni
fraternity, he is a member of Brawley Lodge, No. 402, F. & A. M., and he
and his wife belong to Alamo Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, of which he was
patron in 1933. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Presbyterian Church of which he is an elder, and Mrs. Jeffus
also takes an active part in church and missionary work. They are a popular
young couple of the community in which they reside, having a circle of friends
which is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.
Transcribed By:
Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: California
of the South Vol. V,
by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 79-80,
Clarke Publ., Chicago, Los Angeles,
Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.