WI BIO - Dane Co - ALFORD, Jabes 
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol II, pp 524-525

Jabes ALFORD, one of the leading business men of Madison, Dane County, WI, 
member of the firm of Alford Brothers, proprietors of the Alford laundry 
establishment, was born at Syracuse, [Onondaga County], NY, 21 Sep 1851, but 
was brought to Madison by his parents when only four years of age. All of 
his brothers, with the exception of one, was born in this city. Our subject 
was educated in the public schools of Madison and when about 21 he and his 
brothers Walter and Frank started in the laundry business, which they have 
built up by their own industry, assisted by good friends, who have patronized 
them. They are worthy business men and have established a reputation for 
excellent work. The business has grown from a small beginning until they now 
command the best trade in the city. The present location of the firm is at 
Nos. 113 and 115 Carroll Street, in a building recently erected for their own 
business. So large is the business that 25 assistants are employed all the 
while to turn out the work. In addition to this enterprise the brothers have 
a fine cigar establishment at No. 3 East Main Street, where their laundry 
office is also located. They are also interested in the Winnequa line of 
pleasure steamers. These three brothers are live, energetic young business 
men, who deserve much credit for their enterprise and ability. Another 
brother, William, is a large and successful marble and granite dealer on King 
Street, and still another brother, L. M., is in business with him. Two 
sisters, Mrs. A. W. PAIN, now a widow, and Mrs. C. E. JENITT, whose husband 
is a bookkeeper for the Fuller & Johnson Manufacturing Company, are residents 
of this city [Madison, Dane County, WI].

Our subject is the oldest son of the family born to Edward A. and Rachel 
(HALL) ALFORD, natives of Gilhughan, Dorsetshire, England. The father was 
born 18 Sep 1820 of English parentage and ancestry. He was educated in his 
native city and reared to the trade of a mason, which he followed for some 
time there. Here he married his wife who came of an old and aristocratic 
family, and after the birth of their first daughter, they embarked on a 
sailer to the U. S., landing in Oct 1849, and going from NY City to Syracuse 
[Onondaga County, NY], where they remained until the fall of 1855, when as 
already stated, they came to Madison, WI. In the last named city the father 
followed his trade of mason until within the past eight years, when he was 
appointed one of the janitors at the State capitol in the Supreme Court room 
and the State Law Library. Although advanced in years he is active and spry 
and bears his 72 years remarkably well. His is a well known face about the 
capitol and he is a favorite with all for his accommodating manners and 
politeness to all with whom he is brought in contact. He is a true 
Republican, but is in no sense of the work an office seeker. His wife, yet 
living, retains all her faculties, and although 64 years of age is a bright, 
intelligent lady with whom it is a pleasure to converse. Both the parents 
are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James ALFORD, was married in Madison, Dane County, WI, to Miss Margaret S. 
GOODRICH, a native of Madison, where she was reared and educated. She is an 
intellectual lady of Norse parentage. Her parents came to the U. S., 
settling in Madison at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Jabez ALFORD have no 
children. In all social matters they are very prominent and are great 
favorites among the young society people of the city. Mr. ALFORD has 
represented his ward, the 1st in the City Council, and has served as Chairman 
of the Board. He is a Knight Templar, being connected with Robert McCoy 
Commandery No 3, and has filled the chairs of the Blue Lodge, Ancient Free & 
Accepted Masons. The principles of the Democratic party are those with which 
he is in accord and he is very prominent in local politics.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly