I am looking for any relatives to the Jeffreys family, I know we are descendants of Judge Jeffreys (famous for being the hanging judge) and there are a large number of relatives around the world, if anyone out there has information I would love to hear from you. My own Grandfather Nathaniel Jefrreys made a visit to New York in the 1960's, at that time it was quite a feat of endurance for someone from Wales. Any relatives?

Please send me your e-mail address...think I might have info on your line. FRSTL@juno.com

My great grandparents, Thomas and Maude Jeffreys, arrived in New York from Wales in April, 1865. They claimed to be descended from the Hanging Judge Jeffreys family.
He was from Aberamon, Wales, and was a coal miner. The family eventually ended up in California. Does this help?

I have been researching my wifes maternal family tree. Judge Jeffreys is reputed to be an ancestor, however, there is no proof as yet. I have only been able to get as far as 1725 when their ancestor died as a missionary at sea in Madagascar. He was survived by several descendants George Yarnold Jeffreys, Thomas Jeffreys, Anne May Jeffreys and Kethurah Jeffreys and his wife Kethura (nee Yarnold). His mother was Mary and Father was John from Staffordshire on the Welsh border. I am going to be doing further research in London at the records office.

I also heard some claim to relationship with "the hanging judge" but have not been able to establish any links, however I have in the process found a lot of info about said judge, if you'd like to keep in touch we can share info. eliz

Thanks for your note and offer to share information.
I don't have much to offer at this point. My great grandparents, Thomas and Maude Jefferys (Jeffries?) arrived from Wales in NY in 1867. I can trace the family from that point forward, but not back into Wales at this point. Anything you might offer would be much appreciated. Will do the same if I can.
-- Allan
eastout1@ulster.net

well to date I've found one book on the Judge... it seems he was a very bright man with rather a temper and a justly deserved reputation for severity... the books and articles about him have mainly been written by his political enemies, so it is hard to get a clear picture of the real person. He lived at Wem; his father was a county judge; he did have offspring who seem to have been connected with various prominent families. The family owned Bulstrode Manor which was later sold to the Earls of Portland. The name Jeffreys is Welsh; they came over with William the Conqueror originally, and I think it was probably spelt Geoffroy at that time. Many descendants lived in Norfolk. I have mainly used peerages to try to track down descendants of the Judge, and up till now it can't be confirmed that he has to do with my line. hope something turns up, will keep in touch if so, e.a.

Liz -

Many thanks.

Allan

Gareth -
Your Jeffreys research looks intriguing. I'm only back to 1867 with our line of the Jeffreys. Thomas Jeffreys, a Welsh coal miner, and his wife Maude arrived in New York in 1867 the day after Lincoln was shot. I'm trying to find their Welsh connections now. Thanks.

Allan
eastout1@ulster.net

The Jeffreys family I have managed to track down are found in Ellesmere, Shropshire. They are right on the Welsh border. The other Jeffreys of whom we are not immediately linked to is found in Cardigan, Wales. Do you have any idea where in Wales your family is from?