Jeff was the eldest surving son in a family of eleven children. Five of his brothers and sisters survived to adulthood: Mary Ann (Mollie), Nora Belle, Laura Susan, Harvey E. (Ed), and John (Foster). They were all most likely born in the Ford's Ferry area of Western Kentucky where James H. and Bettie had a farm on Crooked Creek and were members of the Dunn Springs Church.
E. F. married Emily A.(Angeline) Wofford on December 11, 1883, in Crittenden County, KY. The Wofford family had land adjacent to the Love property so they likely knew each other from childhood. They were both tall, with sharp features, a striking couple.
Jeff and Angie were the parents of nine children. Seven reached adulthood: Leslie Coin, William Earnest (Earnest), Elizabeth Morgan (Bessie), Raymond, Thomas Edwin (Ed), James Allen (Allie) and Lena Estelle. All the children were born at Fords Ferry and the family moved to Missouri about 1904.
Jeff and Angie continued farming in the Bootheel of Missouri clearing cypress groves to raise cotton with the help of their children and grandchildren. Many family gatherings took place on the Fourth of July to celebrate Jeff's birthday and America's independence.
"Grandpa Emory Love July 4, 1951 89 years old this day" |
Emory Franklin "Jefferson" died on September 28, 1952 at age 90 and is buried in Park Cemetery, Malden, Dunklin County, MO.