John Jeffreys ca.1659-1715

John JEFFREYS ca.1659-1715

Bookplate of John Jeffreys (British Museum Franks Collection *285)

Biographical Note

Son of Walter Jeffreys of Llywell, Brecknockshire, and younger brother of Jeffrey Jeffreys. Both he and his brother were educated and supported by their uncle John Jeffreys, a wealthy London merchant and alderman. When Alderman John died in 1688, his estate was divided between the two brothers, who became very wealthy and continued to develop the mercantile business, with extensive involvement in the West Indian slave trade, and tobacco. He became MP for Radnorshire in 1692 and was returned for various other constituencies until 1708.

Books

Jeffreys used an engraved armorial bookplate, Franks *285 (his brother Jeffrey also used a bookplate); the extent and disposition of his library are not known.

Sources

• History of Parliament.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.