Sackets Harbor, July 24.—Manuel Jeffrey, for many years driver of the old Concord stage coach between here and Watertown and former sexton of the Presbyterian Church, died yesterday in his home here, aged 85 years and four months. Death came after an illness of several months and was due to his advanced years.

        Mr. Jeffrey was born in Ox Church, England, March 14, 1837, son of Henry [Robert] and Jane Lane Jeffrey. He came to the United States with his parents in 1844, settling at Sackets Harbor where he had continued to reside the remainder of his life. He was one of a family of seven children, including five boys and two girls.

        About 1859, Mr. Jeffrey began driving the Concord stage coach between here and Watertown, the line forming a connection with the railroad and the boats which then plied at frequent intervals from this port. At that time Sackets Harbor was one of the thriving villages of the North Country, being a port of call for many vessels. A Concord coach took its name from the place where it was manufactured, Concord, N.H. At least four horses were needed to draw it and usually six were driven.

        Mr. Jeffrey maintained a regular schedule between Sackets Harbor and Watertown. On one trip he carried 36 passengers, besides his baggage and express. The coach was the popular mode of travel and was considered about the speediest route to reach either of the two terminals. Driven by fast horses kept in the pink of condition it always drew throngs when it arrived at its destination. Along its route, farmers stopped their work to gaze in wonderment and admiration at the vehicle always kept in resplendent condition. Mr. Jeffrey took particular pride in his coach and team and was regarded as one of the best stage drivers of those days.

        He continued in his work for about ten years when he entered the mercantile business which he followed for about ten years. Finally he accepted a position as sexton in the Presbyterian Church and had served both that society and the Methodist Episcopal church and Hay Memorial library. In the library he had to attend to the entire tower which necessitated his climbing the four flights of stairs many times. He also wound the big clock.

        Mr. Jeffrey was unusually faithful to his work, which was exemplary. He did his duty regardless of personal discomfort. In winter his walks were always shoveled and kept in that condition no matter how quickly they filled with snow. This thoroughness and grit kept him at work many times when others would have given up. He resigned his position as sexton in January, 1921. He had held various offices, including that of street commissioner. In politics he was a staunch Democrat. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church.

        He was married three times, his last wife, Laura M. Jeffrey, surviving, with three nephews, Matt D. Jeffrey of Mexico, N.Y., John G. Jeffrey of 108 Massey street, Watertown, and Herbert Larkins of Belleville; and one grand-nephew, Edward Reader of Sackets Harbor.

        The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 from the home. Rev. T. J. Searles of the Presbyterian church officiating. Burial will be made at Sackets Harbor.