Jefferson County Historical Society

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George W. McFry, sheriff of Jefferson County, Mo., is a native of that
county, born in Big River Township, May 1, 1843 and is the seventh of
eight children born to George and Docia (Romine) McFry, natives of 
South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively.  When young both came to
Jefferson County, where they were united in marriage, and with the 
exception of six months in St. Louis City, and a short time in Franklin
County, spent the remainder of their lives in Jefferson County.  Mr.
McFry was a life long farmer, and died in 1880.  He was for some time
superintendent of the county poor farm.  His father was a Pennsylvania
German.  The name was originally Fry, and it was supposed that the Mc
was added by him.  Mrs. McFry died about 1875, and both she and her 
husband were members of the Baptist Church.  George W. received a very 
limited education and at the age of eighteen enlisted in Company I,
Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly four years,
participating in the battles of Forts Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth,
Siege of Vicksburg, Little Rock and a great many minor engagements.  He
remained in service until September, 1865, at which date he returned to
the farm.  He was married March, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Morgan and Sarah Bryan, and a native of Jefferson County.  To them were
born seven children, five now living, viz.: Ida, Peter Sherman, Joseph
H., Mary A. and John A.  The two children deceased are Andrew J. and
Philip Sheridan.  Mrs. McFry died July 10, 1879.  Mr. McFry has lived
since his marriage, in Central Township, engaged in farming, and now
owns 130 acres five miles west of Hillsboro.  In 1886 he was brought
forward by the Republican party for the office of sheriff, and, against
a large Democratic majority, won a complete victory of 582 votes. He is 
a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the G. A. R., and his first presidential 
vote was cast for Lincoln in 1864.