Born Langdale, Yorkshire, 1891. Son of John Jefferson (1853-1893) and Sarah Maria Wright (1857-1925), of 82, Belmont Street, Hull and 32 Lee Smith Street, Hull (Army addresses). His father was a Publican and died when he was aged  two. He had four brothers, Edmund, Francis, John and Thomas and three sisters, Lily, Sarah Jane and Betsey.

He was a Farm Labourer. Described as a "Good" Character, 5 foot, 7 inches tall, 36-38 inch chest, 132 lbs weight, brown hair, brown eyes, "robust " figure, scars on both legs from vein operations in childhood.

He enlisted at Beverley, on 16 October 1915. Posted to the 83rd Training Reserves. Discharged after 70 days, on 16 August 1917 with congenital imbecility. His medical report states he suffered from epilepsy and was "below the ordinary standard of intellect". He was committed to an asylum and died on 02/11/1918, aged 27. He is buried at Hull Hedon Road Cemetery. His grave inscription says he was aged 25.

His sister, Lily Atkins, claimed his war pension at 32, Lee smith Street, Hull (War pension records)

His elder brother, John Jefferson died after discharge, on on 24 Nov 1918, aged 31, at Grange Town Yorkshire. He served as Private, in the 50 Res Battery, RFA and Labour Corps (Regimental Number 327136).