In later life, James Jefferies, son of James and Matilda Jefferies and grandson of Henry and Ann Jeffries, became Master of the Union Workhouse in Faringdon, Berkshire. As seems to have been customary, his wife, Emma Bossom Jefferies, became the Matron.
This piece, entitled Christmas Day in the Workhouse, is from the Reading Mercury of Saturday, January 1 1876, and is reproduced by kind permission of British Newspaper Archives.
A very enjoyable day was spent on Christmas-day by the inmates of the Faringdon Union, who were regaled with a capital dinner, consisting of roast beef and plum pudding, and an excellent tea and plum cake in the afternoon. In the evening a large Christmas-tree, beautifully illuminated and covered with all kinds of toys and fruits, was uncovered and greatly admired both by old and young. Christmas carols were sung by the children, and a distribution of cake, fruit, sweetmeats, etc., took place. The master, Mr Jefferies, at the conclusion said he felt assured after partaking of such an excellent repast as they had done, and all having so thoroughly enjoyed themselves, there could be but one feeling to their kind benefactors. Loud cheers were then given for all of the benefactors.