Samuel G. Telford

SAMUEL G. TELFORD. The fine farm whereon this gentleman resides comprises a part of section 18, Haines Township, and is one of the most valuable and attractive pieces of property in Marion County. The estate consists of three hundred and sixty acres forming the old Telford homestead, whereon every needful and convenient farm building has been erected, orchards and groves planted, and in short, everything done that will increase its value and enhance the comfort of the family. The residence is furnished in a manner in keeping with the means and refined tastes of the inmates and presents a homelike appearance, very attractive to the passer-by. In addition to this farm, Mr. Telford is the owner of one hundred and thirty-five acres of timber land.

Tracing the ancestry of the Telford family to its origin in America we find that our subject's grandfather, Samuel Telford, was born in Scotland ana thence accompanied his father, William, to the United States, settling in South Carolina in 1772, and there remaining until death.

Our subject's father, James, was born in Chester District, S. C., February 22, 1800, and there married Miss Jane Kell, also a native of that district. She was the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Gaston) Kell, the former of whom emigrated from Ireland to South Carolina in his boyhood.

On the 16th of September, 1822, the Telford family bade adieu to the friends and associations of their old Carolina home, and traveling by wagon, journeyed northward to Illinois. They arrived in Jefferson County on the 6th of November, and settling upon a farm there continued to make that place their home until 1835, when they came to Marion County. Purchasing land on section 19 the father improved a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and there resided until his death, which occurred March 23, 1857. His wife survived him for many years, passing away June 17, 1873.

In religious belief they were members of the Covenanter Church and died in that faith.

While he never held office, James Telford was nevertheless very active in political affairs and was a man of considerable influence in his community. Though he died before the opening of the Civil War, he foresaw the shadow of Rebellion and was firm in his opposition to the institution of slavery, so much so indeed that he was known to be one of the most aggressive Abolitionists in the county. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom are now living:

1. Samuel G., the subject of this biography; <
2. Jcrusha, Mrs. Morton, who has eight children and resides in Raccoon Township, Marion County;
3. Mrs. Margaret Brown, who has two children and resides iu Haines Township, this county;
4. Mrs. Rachel Burgess, of Raccoon Township, who has three children; and
5. Mrs. Martha Boggs, of East St. Louis, who is the mother of three children.
Those deceased are,

6. Margaret, who died July 1, 1834;
7. Thomas, who at his death left four children, and
8. William, who passed away in March, 1873, and seven of whose children are now living.

The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson County, ILL., November 22, 1827, and was reared upon a farm, in much the usual manner of farmer lads. His attendance at school usually averaged twenty or thirty days per year prior to the age of sixteen, after which he was obliged to give his entire time to agricultural pursuits.

At the age of twenty years lie established a home of his own, being married November 4, 1847, to Miss Mary Baldridge, who was born in Jefferson County, ILL., May 19, 1831. This lady was a daughter of Dornton and Margaret (Boggs) Baldridge, natives of North Carolina, who came to Marion County about 1818 and settled iu the vicinity of Walnut Hill. Mrs. Mary Telford passed away May 1, 1882, after having become the mother of nine children, of whom we note the following:

1. James D., who was born September 2, 1848, is engaged in the real-estate business at Salem, is married and has seven children;
2. Joseph, whose birth occurred September 6, 1850, is engaged in fanning in Kinmundy, this county, is married and has four children;
3. Margaret J. married Dr. Neff, a physician living in Missouri; she is a graduate of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and is an accomplished and intelligent lady.
4. Eva Gertrude and
5. Mary Alice, born respectively October 12, 1857, and January 11, 1860, are teachers, while
6. Kate, who was born September 10, 1862, follows the same profession.
7. George B., who was born on the 13th of May, 1867, is a successful attorney.
8. Arthur A. was born July 1, 1869, and is a farmer by occupation.
9. Clara Belle was born January 29, J873, and is engaged in teaching school.

The present wife of Mr. Telford, with whom he was united March 19, 1885, was Mrs. Esther Jane (Mathews) Young. She was born in Franklin County, ILL., August 7, 1838, and is a daughter of Andrew and Huldah (Swafford) Mathews, natives respectively of Tennessee and Franklin County, ILL.

In his boyhood Mr. Mathews came to this state and settled in Franklin County, there married and continued to reside until 1843, when he removed to Jefferson County and later came to Marion County, locating in Centralia. In that city Mrs. Mathews passed away February 20, 1893. Mr. Mathews still survives. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are now living. In 1855 Esther J. became the wife of Malachi Young, who was the son of Matthew and the grandson of Captain Young. After their marriage they settled in Salem Township, Marion County, where his death occurred December 31, 1881. Four children had blessed the union, but the only one now living is Alva, who makes his home in Centralia.

Having from childhood been familiar with farming pursuits it is not strange that Mr. Telford should be thoroughly conversant with every detail of the work. In addition to raising the various cereals to which the soil is adapted, he also raises stock and has met with success in that department of agriculture. When he settled upon his present homestead, shortly after his first marriage, it was wholly unimproved, and it has been only through the most arduous exertions that he has improved and cultivated the land.

In religious belief he is identified with the United Presbyterian Church, while his wife has been a member of the Christian Church since the age of fourteen years.

In educational matters he has for years been deeply interested, has served as School Director and has given his children the best possible advantages.

In politics a Republican, Mr. Telford has never held any public office save that of Justice of the Peace.

He is one of the valiant defenders of the Union, first by his sympathy and later by his active support. May 16, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, at Centralia, and with his regiment marched to Columbus, Ky., where he engaged in guard duty during the following summer, He served as First Duty Sergeant of his regiment and was honorably discharged October 22, 1864, at the expiration of his term of service. He is now actively identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and is Chaplain of the post at Foxville.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 520 - 522
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer