From the February 18, 1909 Skidmore New Era (Skidmore, Missouri), page 4:
A Dinner to Brother and Sister Jeffers.
The gathering at the M. E. church, of both this charge and Burr Oak, in honor of Rev. Jeffers and wife, was one of the most enjoyable affairs ever held in the new church.
Over one hundred members of the church participated, and the dinner, the good cheer, together with the old-time family circle atmosphere that enveloped you at the door and gave significance to the welcome you knew went with it, made it an occasion long to be remembered. This atmosphere savored the chicken, the dressing and the gravy, the salad, cake and pies, and when the repast was over, without apparent effort of design, the diners arranged themselves in a circle around the rostrum in the Sunday school room, when J. C. Spahr, in a few well chosen words, presented Rev. Jeffers with a very fine, all leather traveling bag, in behalf of the brothers of the church, as a token of their high esteem and brotherly love. Rev. Jeffers was completely surprised and in response with a voice full of the deepest emotion, thanked them very kindly, saying that the gift was doubly appreciated, being just what he desired and needed in his travels in his new work, and more appreciated because it came as a kind remembrance from hearts full of love as a token of esteem. He said that he would carry it with him in his trips through the country and would ever be reminded of the brotherly love of his Skidmore and Burr Oak friends.
Mrs. Henry Barrett, in her inimitable way, in behalf of the sisters of the church, presented Mrs. Jeffers with a very beautiful table linen set, and to Miss Matilda Fuller, a cousin of Mrs. Jeffers, who is making her house with them, a very desirable china creamer and sugar bowl. Mrs. Jeffers, by actions as well as kind words, acknowledged the tokens of friendship and love.
It is needless to add that the church and the community at large regrets very painfully the departure of Rev. Jeffers and wife and Miss Fuller, but heartily wish them the greatest of happiness and usefulness in the higher work to which Bro. Jeffers is called.