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William Edward Jeffries Jr. (1819-1880) was the only child of wealthy Tasmanian landowner William Jeffries Sr. and his wife Madelyn. Born into privilege at the grand Jeffries Manor estate, William's early life was marked by the mysterious disappearance of his father when he was just a toddler. He went on to become a successful businessman, philanthropist, and family man, though he never escaped the lingering questions surrounding his father's fate.
William Jeffries Jr. was born on November 8, 1819 at Jeffries Manor in Granton, Tasmania, the only child of wealthy landowner and businessman William Jeffries Sr. and his wife Madelyn (née Bally). As the heir to the Jeffries family fortune, young William was afforded every privilege and grew up in the lap of luxury at the grand manor estate.
William's early childhood was marked by the mysterious disappearance of his father in August 1821, when he was not yet two years old. Though he was too young to remember his father, William grew up in the shadow of the scandal and enduring mystery surrounding the elder Jeffries' fate. His mother Madelyn capably managed the family interests and ensured William received the finest education from private tutors.
As a young man, William attended the prestigious Hutchins School in Hobart, where he excelled academically and was a keen sportsman, particularly in cricket and rowing. He went on to study law at the University of Cambridge in England, graduating with honours in 1841 at the age of 22.
Upon his return to Tasmania, William took over management of the Jeffries estate and business holdings from his mother. He married Ellen Cross, the daughter of a prominent Hobart judge, in a grand society wedding in 1843. The couple went on to have four children: Madelyn (b. 1845), William III (b. 1847), Elizabeth (b. 1849), and Thomas (b. 1851).
Under William's leadership, the Jeffries family fortune continued to grow, though he was determined to legitimise the business and distance it from the shadowy dealings of his father's era. He expanded the agricultural output of the estate and invested in several successful commercial ventures in Hobart and beyond. William also followed in his mother's footsteps as a noted philanthropist, generously supporting educational and charitable causes.
Despite his success, William never escaped the lingering questions and rumours about his father's disappearance. He spent considerable resources attempting to uncover the truth, even hiring private investigators, but no conclusive answers were ever found. This enduring mystery took a toll on William and strained his marriage, as Ellen wished he would put the past to rest.
In his later years, William became increasingly reclusive, rarely venturing beyond the confines of Jeffries Manor. His health began to deteriorate, exacerbated by his fondness for fine whiskey. William Jeffries Jr. passed away on August 18, 1880 at the age of 60. He was remembered as a complex figure - a respected businessman and benefactor who lived under the shadow of scandal and speculation. His eldest son, William Jeffries III, inherited the family fortune and estate, ushering in a new era for the Jeffries dynasty.
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