J;eff; was born in Washington D.C. in 1895, an at least fifth generation American. At an early age he excelled at academic work and, while not the smallest kid in the class, was not exactly captain-of-the-football-team material either.
An academic scholarship to Georgetown University to study law should have set Jeff's path for the future but, with the outbreak of war in Europe, he enlisted with the Army after his first year. An avid reader of American History, Jeff considered it quite possible that America would side with Germany. This changed on 6 April 1917 with the American Declaration of War.
While being no advocate of the British Empire he accepted his president's decision and was prepared to do his duty. Jeff's respect for authority and applying the rules meant a relatively smooth existence in the army. He was discharged as a lieutenant after the war.
His experiences with traumatised soldiers lead him to an interest in psychology when he returned to Georgetown in 1918. He graduated with excellent grades in 1920 and applied for a job with the police in New York.
His main interest lies in criminal behaviour which is only partially utilised in his work as a prohibition officer in New York City.
The reality of the prohibition of alcohol is at odds with Jeff's compulsion to play by the rules. He sees the law as somewhat unproductive and is a front line witness to the rise in wealth and power of the criminal underworld - a direct result of prohibition. Being an educated man he is capable of rational thought - not like the lawmakers in the Capitol.
Nevertheless Jeff Winthrop does his job according to the mandate he is given. He is generally very thorough with his job and not known for his sense of humour; although very subtle dry remarks (usually over the heads of his colleagues) are not unheard of.
