Background
Jeffries, John was born on February 5, 1745 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of David and Sarah (Jaffrey) Jeffries.
Jeffries, John was born on February 5, 1745 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Son of David and Sarah (Jaffrey) Jeffries.
Graduated from Harvard, 1763. Doctor of Medicine Marischal College, U. Aberdeen (Scotland), 1769.
14 children. Assistant surgeon on British naval vessel, 1771-1774. Surgeon major with British troops, 1775-1779. Surgeon general of forces in Nova Scoti.
Surgeon general American forces at Charleston, South Carolina., 1780. 1st to attempt to gather scientific data of free air. Made 2 ascents, one over London, 1784, other over English Channel for scientific purposes, January 7, 1785, balloon voyage successful, flew from Dover to Forest of Guines, Ardes, France, 1st crossing of English Channel by air.
Made baron of Cinque Ports. Gave 1st public lecture on anatomy in New England, 1789. Author: Narrative of Two Aerial Voyages, 1786.
Married Sarah Rhoads, 1770. Married second, Hannah Hunt, September 8, 1787.