Geoffrey Jeffreys, The Early Years

Amid three cheers of "hip, hip, hooray" and a round of applause, Geoffrey Jeffreys rose to the esteemed position of Senior Prefect at Wellington College in Berkshire, England, in 1903.  Popular among his peers, he resided in Professor Toye's House (later Talbot's House) at Wellington and dutifully served as Head of House for 30 boys.  Upon graduation, Professor Toye extolled Geoffrey as possessing "a most excellent character."

Geoffrey Jeffreys, far right end, Wellington College, 1903

Before his tenure at Wellington, Geoffrey attended Sandroyd Prep School near Salisbury in Wiltshire, where an obsession with the boys' weights and heights led to regular measurements.  In 1898, Geoffrey was noted as the second tallest student.  Despite being advised that he "ought to use his hands more," he served as goalkeeper for Sandroyd's starting soccer team.  Nevertheless, his primary passions lay in mathematics and sciences.

Geoffrey hailed from a lineage of esteemed lawyers, with his father and maternal grandfather practicing law, a path diverged by Geoffrey in contrast to his half-brother, Charles N.T. Jeffreys.  His grandfather was a respected barrister and member of Gray's Inn, one of the four professional associations of barristers in London, membership in which was a prerequisite to practice in the city's courts.  Meanwhile, his father held various prestigious roles, including judge, High Sheriff, captain, and later deputy lieutenant in the Royal South Wales Borderers, also known as the Royal Brecon Militia.

As a young boy in South Wales, Geoffrey explored the rock outcrops and riverbeds near his home, Cynghordy Hall, which is bordered by the River Bran and the Brecon Beacons mountains.  These explorations revealed ancient strata and some of Britain's oldest caves, connecting him to the rich geological history of the region.  Later, as part of his education, Geoffrey spent time in the mines of Cornwall, studying the exposed strata.

Cynghordy Hall, 1910, photo by Geoffrey Jeffreys

The geology of South Wales, abundant in fine-burning coal deposits, was pivotal to the Industrial Revolution, establishing Wales as a leader among nations during the Victorian Era.  In the early 1900s, Wales emerged as the largest coal-producing nation globally.  This coal fueled the factories and railways that defined the era and played a critical role in Britain's economic supremacy.  The Industrial Revolution heralded a period of significant transformation, technological advancements, and the shaping of modern society.

However, the pursuit of natural bounty blasted from the bowels of the earth often came at a great cost.  The mines were fraught with accidents, and one of the worst in Welsh history occurred when Geoffrey was nine years old.  Just 40 miles from Cynghordy, the Albion Coalmine disaster in the summer of 1894 claimed the lives of almost 300 men and boys, along with over 100 horses.

The sorrow surrounding the Jeffreys family due to the Albion mine disaster was briefly alleviated when Geoffreys' oldest sister, Effie, married George F. Heath a few weeks later.  The wedding took place at St. Mary's of Cynghordy, where their father, Walter Powell Jeffreys, was the major benefactor.  The festivities at Cynghordy Hall included floral arches and cannons firing, with church bells in the town of Llandovery ringing merrily through the afternoon in honor of the newlyweds.

Geoffrey's mother, Frances Constance Jones, was Captain Walter Powell Jeffreys' second wife, twenty years his junior.  Walter, a widower with four young children, expanded and improved the Cynghordy estate following this second marriage.  The Jeffreyses actively participated in local social events such as fox hunts, associated balls, teas, country horse races, and other festivities.

Geoffrey's mother, Frances Constance (Jones) Jeffreys

Captain Walter Powell Jeffreys was deeply engaged in civic and social affairs as President of the local Horticultural, Dog, and Poultry Show, where he also won prizes for his potted plants, roses, ferns, and coleus.  Additionally, he served as Chairman of East Carmarthen Conservatives, was elected to the County Council, and presided over Eisteddfod, an annual celebration of Welsh culture and music.

Walter Powell Jeffreys, Deputy Lieutenant, Royal South Wales Borderers Militia

Despite a busy social life, Mrs. Jeffreys found time to involve herself in charitable activities, focusing on the welfare of the community.  Besides hosting events for other devotees of horses and hunts, she raised funds for local and national causes.  She funded and oversaw the redecoration of St. Mary's Church of Cynghordy when the Victorian-era church was in its second decade.

Many social and sporting events took place in Llandovery, a market town and drovers' town (a waypoint for livestock being walked from farm to market) five miles from Cynghordy, while others occurred at Cynghordy Hall.  Large events were also held at the nearby Llwynybrain Estate, which had its own racecourse, owned by their friends, Mr. and Mrs. J.C.P. Vaughan Pryse-Rice.  The Cynghordy staff were accustomed to hosting large gatherings, reflecting the popularity and sociability of the Jeffreys family.

Part of the grounds of the Cynghordy property

Like the summer before, news, both good and bad, was reported around the Cynghordy estate in 1895.  Geoff's half-brother, Walter Herbert Jeffreys, was promoted from lieutenant to the rank of captain like his father before him in the Royal South Wales Borderers Militia.  However, his achievement was short-lived.  Herbert inherited a vast sum of money when he turned 21 but was forced into bankruptcy within five years.  Living an aesthetic lifestyle in London's St. James district and owning an entire stable of racehorses proved his undoing.  In short, he resigned from his post as an officer and left the service.

In May 1895, a loud clap interrupted the peaceful quiet that usually prevailed at Cynghordy Hall.  The sound of a single gunshot was heard from the direction of the servants' hall.  A footman, Albert Leah, had been repeatedly loading and unloading cartridges into a gun.  The coachman came through the kitchen and told the boy to put the gun away, but Albert continued his playful handling of the gun.  The lady's maid, Elizabeth Morgan, also passed by and told the young man to put the gun away, then went upstairs to continue her duties.

Albert was in the scullery adjacent to the kitchen with Mary Jane Morgan, a cook employed by the Jeffreys, when he pointed the gun at her and pulled the trigger.  The girl was hit in the upper arm at her shoulder from several feet.  Captain and Mrs. Jeffreys came quickly into the servants' hall, as did several of the house staff.  Mrs. Jeffreys wrapped the girl's shoulder wound, which was bleeding profusely.  The next morning, Dr. Richard Jeffreys Owen of Llandovery, a cousin of Captain Jeffreys, was called to tend the girl's wound.  Due to the damage to the bones in her upper arm, Dr. Owen had no alternative but to amputate her arm at the shoulder.

Mary Jane filed charges against Albert Leah, and the case was heard in August of the same year.  Numerous members of the household staff - butler, coachman, gardener, maid - came forward to testify.  Statements were also taken from Captain and Mrs. Jeffreys.  While no one was a direct witness to the shooting itself, it was determined from the testimony to have been an accident.  The boy was acquitted in the end and admonished to be more careful.  As Mr. Jones, the boy's solicitor, referred to the defendant and his carelessness, they "couldn't put an old head on young shoulders."

While studying at Wellington College, Geoffrey focused on mathematics and drawing under the guidance of Professor Blundell.  The contemporary study of geology was still a relatively new field and was considered taboo by many in Victorian England.  Despite this, learned men began applying empirical science rather than relying on biblical theory to explain the history of the earth.

Wellington College (postcard)

In January 1901, English newspapers reported a consequential oil discovery from across the pond, the remarkable Spindletop Oil Field.  Located near Beaumont on the Texas coast, a group of prospectors and investors in the US struck upon a colossal pocket of oil that erupted dramatically from the ground.  This announcement sparked a frenzy of leasing, drilling, and promotion of other possible oil fields, as everyone sought to uncover their own hidden riches beneath the Texas soil.

After graduating from Wellington, Geoff wanted to attend the prestigious Mining Academy of Freiberg in Germany but was advised against it.  He was told that he didn't stand a chance of success there as a foreigner.  He also considered the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, but ultimately decided to remain in England.  There, he studied geology and mining under Professor George A. Brennan at the Camborne School of Mines.  He furthered his education with field studies in the Spanish Pyrenees, studying Basque geology, where millions of years of ancient strata were uplifted and exposed.

During his time at Camborne, Geoff became one of Professor Brennan's top students.  Brennan, despite being in his mid-20s, struggled with alcoholism, and Geoff often had to teach classes in Brennan's absence.  This pinch-hitting, as Geoff called it in later years, would soon prove crucial in launching Geoff's career.

In 1906, Brennan was summoned to London to meet with Sir Boverton Redwood, a scientist and government petroleum advisor.  However, due to his current bout of Delirium Tremens, Brennan sent Geoff in his place.  At the meeting were Redwood and William Herbert Dalton, a petroleum geologist.  They were tasked with finding a geologist to send to Mexico in search of oil for the account of the Pearson engineering firm.

Despite his youth and inexperience, Geoffrey made a strong impression.  He was instructed to prepare immediately for travel and set sail from Liverpool to Vera Cruz, Mexico, on the SS Darien on August 16, 1906.  At 21 years old, Geoff was appointed Assistant Field Geologist for the British engineering firm S. Pearson & Son, Ltd., marking the beginning of a pioneering adventure.

Chapter 2 coming soon

Walter Powell Jeffreys marries Agnes Robinson, 1869, Cockshutt Church

 

Frankton Grange

MARRIAGE OF WALTER POWELL JEFFREYS, ESQ, OF HENLLYS

The hamlet of English Frankton and the neighbouring village of Cockshutt were quite en fete on Thursday, in honour of the marriage of Miss Agnes Robinson, daughter of Charles Backhouse Robinson Esq., of Frankton Grange, with Walter Powell Jeffreys, Esq., jun., of Henllys, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, which took place at Cockshutt Church.  Mr. Robinson is the owner of an extensive estate in this locality, and when it became known that the wedding had been fixed, Mr Thomas Jones, the principal tenant, originated a movement for a public celebration of the event; and subscriptions flowed in to such an extent, that those who undertook the management were enabled to provide for the entertainment, literally, of “all comers” in a sumptuous manner.  The lady whose nuptials awakened so much kindly interest is held in high estimation, not alone by her immediate friends, but amongst the people generally, and the affection entertained for her, with the respect felt for the Grange family, caused the residents in the neighbourhood to vie with each other in the outward demonstrations of rejoicing that usually mark festivities of this nature.

     There was a rich display of bunting at both English Frankton and at Cockshutt, supplemented by equally lavish and still more effective floral decoration.  At nearly every turn of the winding road which leads from the Grange to Cockshutt rich combinations of greenery, flowers and flying colours met the eye; and cheerful voices, smiling faces and gay attire were not wanting to complete the joyous picture.  Spanning the roadway at a point near Mr. T. Jones’s farm was an elaborate arch, with side pillars terminating in firs, and profusely decked with bannerets, flowers, and wedding favours.  Surmounting the arch were mottoes in blue and red lettering, enclosed in neat borders – on one side, “May their union be one of unalloyed happiness,” and on the reverse to face the bridal party returning from the church, “Long life and happiness to Mr and Mrs Jeffreys.”  There was also an ornamental shield on the side towards Cockshutt Church bearing the inscription, “May their path through life be happy.”  A little further down, on the same road, was another arch, erected by Mr. Boden, which came in for a good share of admiration.  It was very neatly constructed, and the apex was adorned with a triplet of coloured red bannerets, below which were suspended mottoes on shields, wishing the “happy pair” “God speed,” and that “every blessing” might “attend them.”  What with the beautiful arch that connected Mr. Belliss and Mr. Marsh, and the flags and banners exhibited by each of these gentlemen, Crosmere was almost unrivalled for the excellence of its decorations.  The arch had a well-designed pediment, formed of evergreens, and was set off with intersected bows, shields and streamers.  The inscriptions it bore were numerous and apropos.  A conspicuous place was assigned to the trite aphorism, “Unity is strength,” and “God’s blessing” was invoked, not only upon “the union” but for the families of the bride and bridegroom.  The gable of one of Mr Belliss’s farm buildings, facing the highway, glistened with colours, and here there was a flag inscribed with the words, “Health, long life, and prosperity to Mr and Mrs Jeffreys.”  Cockshutt had for the nonce a very gay appearance, and was well nigh inundated with visitors attracted by the wedding.  A fine flap planted on the church tower fluttered in the breeze that played with the rustling leaves on the adjoining trees and agreeably tempered the heated atmosphere.  Nearly every house in the vicinity of the sacred edifice was adorned in some shape or other.  By Mrs Chester’s there was a large evergreen arch, of square form, under which the wedding party had to pass, having pillars topped with parti-coloured banners.  One of the banners was pointed out to us as remarkable on account of its history. It was made for the festivities that attended the coming of age of the twin sons of the Paton family, now between thirty and forty years ago, since which time it has figured at many local merry events, and it is still in a good state of preservation without stain or rent.  The gateway at the entrance to the churchyard was arched with greenery and flowers, the handiwork of Mr J Green, and the footpath and the central aisle of the church were carpeted in crimson baize.  Upon the arch were some prettily-worked mottoes, one of them consisting of a hand and heart, in combination, with the words “United” above and “God prosper you” beneath.  The elegant Easter adornments at the church had been allowed to remain, and in addition there were other decorations.  The altar rail was overlaid with artistic ornamentation, made up of white wadding, fern leaves and roses.

     The bridal party were expected to arrive about half past ten o’clock, and by that time the church was almost filled with eager spectators, while nearly as many more people stood in the churchyard or about the gateway.  A few private carriages were first driven up, and then came a brougham and pair, bringing the bridegroom, who was accompanied by Major Morgan, of Llandovery, the “best man,” and other gentlemen.  Several more equipages followed shortly afterwards, preceding the carriage containing the bridesmaids, Miss Emma Hecker, Miss Constance Carstairs, Miss Stubbs, and Miss Oswell (Welsh Frankton).  Their dresses were of white tarlatan, trimmed with lace and rose-coloured satin ribbon.  They awaited, within the churchyard, the arrival of the bride, who came in a carriage with her father.  She was attired in a splendid white silk dress, having a long train, and she wore a wreath of orange blossom, with a flowing veil of Brussels lace.  The bride and her bridesmaids carried magnificent bouquets (supplied by Mr Oldroyed, of Shrewsbury), and as they walked up to the altar their tout ensemble elicited great admiration.

     It was a glorious summer’s day, and if the ancient bridal adage be verified, as we trust it may, much happiness will fall to the lot of the bride, for upon her the sun shed his most radiant beams.  The wedding party comprised Mrs. C.R. Robinson, Miss C Robinson (Sudley, Liverpool), Mr. W.P. Jeffreys, sen., Mr. N. Robinson, Mr. E. Robinson, Captain Dickin and Mrs Dickin, and Mr Massey Dickin (Loppington House), the Rev Mr. Gabbett and Mrs Gabbett, Mr W.S. Oswell and the Misses Oswell (Welsh Frankton), Mr T.S.Oswell (Ellesmere), Mr and Mrs Lee (Redbrook), the Rev W. Steward and the Misses Steward (Wem), the Rev J.W. Davies and Mrs Davies (Loppington), and others.  The service was partly choral, and the girls in the choir wore neat dresses, of a uniform pattern, given to them by the bride.  The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev F. Walker, vicar of Good Easter, Essex, who was assisted by the Rev E. Furmston, vicar of Cockshutt.  At the commencement, “The voice that breathed o’er Eden,” was sung, and before matrimonial exhortation there was another hymn, “How welcome was the call,” from the same collection.  The vicar presided at the harmonium.

     At the conclusion of the ceremony, prior to the attestation at the register, the choristers presented the bride with a church service and a book of hymns, accompanied by an illuminated address, which was read by Miss J. Green.  IT ran as follows: “Dear Mrs Jeffreys – The choristers of Cockshutt Church beg of me, on the occasion of your marriage, to present you with this joint token of kindly affection and regard, sincerely hoping that God’s blessing will ever attend you in your future home.  We hope the offering, though it be, will sometimes put you in mind of the younger ones in that church community here of which you have always been an earnest and attached member.  We shall often miss you; but trust you may have kind friends in your new neighbourhood.  The choir wish me to take this opportunity of thanking you sincerely for the very generous present which you have given to each one of us, and to assure you we value it highly in remembrance of yourself.  So farewell.”

When the bride and bridegroom retired from the church their paths was strewn with flowers while volleys from an extemporized battery of artillery rent the air, and the bells rang out their loudest peals.  Merrily the bells could not ring, or rather be rung, for two out of the three seem to be hopelessly cracked.   
     The wedding breakfast at the Grange, given by the father of bride, was of a recherché character, and the guests, who numbered about fifty, included the Rev F. Walker, Rev E. Furmston, Rev J. Peake and Mrs. Peake (Ellesmere), Rev W. Bradshaw (Ellesmere), Rev R. Spoonley and Mrs Spoonley (Penley), Mr J. Corbett Lowe (Liverpool), Mr W. Lowe (Liverpool), Mr Small and Miss Small (Whitchurch), Miss Scrimshaw, etc, etc.  At the breakfast a deputation consisting of Mr T. Jones, Mr Boden, Mr Bellis, and Mr Oakley, waited upon Mrs. Jeffreys, to present to her an elegant silver salver, obtained from Mr Elliott of Sheffield, at a cost of ten guineas.  It bears the following inscription: “Presented to Miss Robinson on the occasion of her marriage, by some friends and neighbours, as a token of their respect and regard for her, and with their best wishes for her future happiness.  June 24th, 1869.”

     Mr Jones in making the presentation said – We cannot allow the happy occasion of your marriage to pass without, in some way, testifying to you the esteem and regard in which you have always been held by your friends and neighbours.  We hope you will accept this parting gift as a pledge of our sincere good will, and the highest wishes for the future happiness of yourself and Mr Jeffreys.  May God’s blessing attend you.  May He grant you every prosperity, a happy home in this world, and eternal rest hereafter.

     The bride, speaking under the influence of deep emotion, expressed her hearty thanks for this token of good will, and said it would be long before the great kindness manifested towards her was effaced from her memory.

     Mr. C.B. Robinson, who was also much affected, said he was at a loss to account for the display of interest in his family this day witnessed, which he should never forget so long as he lived.

     Mr Jeffreys also said a few words to the deputation, who then withdrew.

     The Whitchurch Rifle Band, engaged for the day, led the way to a field next to the house of Mr T. Jones, where two large marquees were erected, both elegantly decorated, inside and out, with banners, streamers, shields, evergreens and flowers, interspersed with mottoes such as “God bless the happy pair,”  “May love and prosperity ever encircle the bride and bridegroom,” and “May their union be a happy one.”  In the lower marquee luncheon was laid out for eighty invited guests, upon tables set off with flowers.  The chair was occupied by the Rev E. Furmston, and the vice-chairmen were Mr T. Jones, Mr J. Jones and Mr. Belliss.  A splendid bride-cake was sent to the luncheon by Mrs. Robinson, and the wines came from the Grange.  The meats, viands, etc. were furnished by Mrs Townsend, of the Lion Inn, Cockshutt, whose catering gave unqualified satisfaction.

     The Chairman, on rising to propose the toast of the day, said he knew there were many around him most anxious to drink it.  He begged to propose “The health of the bride and bridegroom. “  (Great cheering).   
     The virtues and amiable qualities of Mrs Jeffreys were well known to all present; he need not dilate upon them, and he was sure she would not wish him to do so.  He must, however, say that in his intercourse with her she had shown the most kindly feeling for the poor, and that she had always manifested great interest in the work of the Cockshutt chapelry.  (cheers).  In her going away, he knew that he should lose and earnest worker and a kind helper, but they must not grudge her to those amongst whom she was going.  He did not know much about her husband, but he could say that if he was not a happy man he certainly ought to be after to-day.  (Hear, hear, and laughter.)  He was sure that the people amongst whom Mrs Jeffreys was going would soon find out her estimable qualities, and he hoped that prosperity and happiness would ever attend both her and her husband.  (The toast was drunk with three times three).

     Mr. N. Robinson acknowledged the toast on behalf of his sister, and said that of all the wishes expressed for her to-day, she the most felt those offered by the people of the neighbourhood, who were to be seen everywhere between the Grange and the church, and even at the church itself.  (Applause.)  He thought she had always tried to do what she could to help any of them and to further the work of the parish, but he was afraid that the high praises bestowed upon her by the vicar were hardly deserved.  In conclusion he returned thanks for Mr Jeffreys, who (he said) would have been present but that he must go away at an early hour.

     Mr T. Jones said he had much pleasure in proposing “The health of Mr and Mrs Robinson.”  (Cheers.)  He was glad to see so many of the subscribers to the fund present, and he thanked them very much for their attendance.  Occupying a farm belonging to Mr Robinson, he could speak of that gentleman, as a landlord, in the highest terms.  He had ever found Mr Robinson just and upright, truthful and independent, and a landlord who fairly identified the interests of his tenants with his own interests.  (Applause.)  He was glad to have this opportunity of proposing the health of Mr and Mrs Robinson, and he hoped they would live many years to enjoy the blessings by which they were surrounded, and that they would see their children and their children’s children, happy in themselves, happy in their surroundings, and happy in the good will of their fellow creatures.  (Drunk with three times three).

“Auld Lang Syne,” by the Band.

     Mr Robinson acknowledged the compliment, observing that he most heartily appreciated the good wishes and kind feelings expressed for his family and himself, which he should never forget.  The good will thus manifested was to him most gratifying, but what his family had done to merit it, he could not think.  He had great pleasure in drinking the good health of all friends present.  Long life to them and God bless them all.  (Cheers.)

     The marquee was vacated to make room for the cottagers, who were treated to a substantial dinner, with ad libitum supply of good malt liquor; and it was astonishing to witness the zest with which they “applied themselves” to the excellent fare set before them.  Meanwhile a first-class tea was served in the second marquee to about two hundred cottagers’ wives and other women, who gave place to something like the same number of children, and they were regaled in a similar way.

     The bride and bridegroom are spending their honeymoon in Scotland, and great éclat was given to the festive proceedings by a visit which they paid to the field somewhat unexpectedly, on their way from the Grange to Wem railway station.  When the feasting was over the large concourse adjourned to another field, about a stone’s throw from the first, where dancing and rural sports were indulged in.

[The Welshman, 16 June, 1869]