Jaffray was formerly a siding, depot and steam train water stop. In the early 1900s, Robert Jaffray and several of his brothers worked at the local sawmills, eventually leaving and homesteading in
Lacombe, Alberta. Even though some local people believed that Jaffray may have been named after the brothers, according to folklore, Jaffray had already been named by the time they came to the area. Frank Desrosier may have been the first resident to purchase land in the Jaffray town-site, purchasing District Lot 3055. In September 1900, Robert Elmsby received a crown grant on D.L. 3543, obtaining for two hundred dollars, including most of what is now Jaffray proper. Since the first residents settled, Jaffray has had four hotels, including the Jaffray Hotel, the Henderson's Hotel, Desrosier's Hotel and the Pearson Hotel. Historical general stores included Anthony Modigh's General Store, Economy Corner Store, and the Jaffray General Store. ==Fire protection==