John J. Jefcoat (b. ca. 1832) was farmer from Orangeburg District, South Carolina and enlisted as a musician in Co. D, 20th South Carolina Infantry on April 10, 1862. He later served as a private and was eventually promoted to sergeant. Many of the letters in this collection were written by John and his wife, Rachel (b. ca. 1840). Others were written by four of John's brothers: Henry W. Jefcoat, Benjamin J. P. Jefcoat (who died during the war), Samuel W. Jefcoat, and J. J. A. (Joel) Jefcoat. Henry and Joel served with John Jefcoat in Co. D, 20th South Carolina Infantry. The other two brothers served in Co. D, 7th South Carolina Cavalry. John survived the war.