Troy Times

June 1, 1844 

TELFORD, ALEXANDER - {Communicated} - Another Revolutionary Patriot Gone - Alexander Telford--the Patriot--the Gentleman--the Christian--left earth for heaven on Wednesday the 22d of May, aged 84 years wanting 2 days.  He was born June 1st, 1780 In Rockbridge county, Va.  When yet a youth, in the true spirit of the patriot of the Old Dominion, he volunteered in his country's cause, and bravely fought for liberty, when liberty's friends were few.  After serving as a volunteer in two campaigns; he engaged the third time for the war, nor did he retire until its clarion had sounded victory over the redeemed continent.  In recounting the adventures of the war he dwelt with peculiar interest upon the last great victory at Yorktown.  He was there and selected with five others by Gen. Washington himself, as sharp shooters and stationed near a spring frequented by the enemy, when with deliberate aim he frequently discharged his musket.  The good old man always mentioned this with sadness, that he had probably taken life although in self defense, still he tried to hope that his balls had not been fatal, yet said he "I did my best".  At the close of that memorable battle, he stood in the ranks of the conquering host when Lord Cornwallis and his captured men, marched out to lay down their arms--and he often remarked "that was the proudest day in the Revolutionary struggle."  For his services in that war he drew a pension till his death.  A few years after the close of the war he married, and in 1788 removed to Kentucky which was then the "dark and bloody ground" of the "Far West."  He located in Hickman 8 miles south of Lexington, and afterwards returned to Scott co.  In 1791 for the fourth time he engaged in the duties of the Patriot, in two campaigns under Gen. Scott and Gen. Wilkinson, he engaged against the Indians.  They fell in with and captured many on the Wabash near where Logansport now is.  A detailed account of this expedition is given in Butler's history of Ky page 196--Edition of 1834.  With this closed his career as a soldier.  He removed to Ohio Green county, in 1804--In 1807 he came to this county, Miami, where having arrived to a good old age at peace with man and a faithful servant of God, he went down to his grave as calmly as sets the sun in autumn's eve.  As a citizen he had few equals.  Ever ready to defend the best interests of his country in peace as in war you knew where to find him.  On the side of right and order he maintained the supremacy of the laws by precept and example a Republican in his conduct a Republican at heart.  As a parent he was eminently successful in stamping upon the character of his family the principles which governed his conduct and he left a numerous  prosterity to respect and call him blessed.   Long will his memory live in their hears after his Patriarch form has mouldered to dust.  As a gentleman, none knew him but to have been.  All his innercourse with society was characterized by that urbane and courteous bearing, that ready but unobtrusive kindness that maguanimous yielding of his rights for the comfort of others--that unaffected desire for the enjoyment of all around him, which so clearly distinguishes the TRUE GENTLEMAN from the chester fieldian.  As a christian he had few very few equals.  He became a member of the Presbyterian Church at an early age and lived an irreproachable life, as a church member for nearly 60 years.  For many of these years he was an officer of the church--a pillar upon which it leaned and a burning and shining light to all who came within the sphere of his influence.  He lived for the church and the church in this region, will long feel his influence.  In labors he was abundant--in contributions to the cause of religion magnificent.  He did not accumulate and hoard up property to be expended he knew not how, but was his own Executor, and his works have preceded as well as followed him to his better home, and already have his friends received him to everlasting habitations.  In conclusion, he was the best example of well developed and symmetrical christian character we have ever known, humane intelligent, energetic independent yet peaceful charitable yielding, patient, perservering, untiring unelated by success undepressed by failure.  With the humility of the saint, who well understand his own heart, he combined the strong faith of one who unhesitatingly trusted in an Almighty arm.  He died as he lived calmly peacefully happily.  Write then--"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.  Yea saith the Spriit for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them".