Legislator Details
Number of sessions served 1
Gender: Male
Age at election: 54
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 8/23/1842
City: Spring Arbor Township, MI
County: Jackson County, MI
Country: US
Death
Date: 6/27/1914
City: Hanover, MI
County: Jackson County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 6/30/1914
City: Horton, MI
County: Jackson County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Horton Cemetery
Marital Information:
married Mary Ellen Anderson, dau. of William and Cynthia (Wilder) 12/24/1868 ; children: 3, Arthur A., Ora C. (Cox) and Burton R.
Number of Children: 3
Background
Religion:
Military Service: United States Army
Occupation: farmer
Race: Caucasian or White
Education:
district schools supplemented by a course at a seminary
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Varnum J. and Hannah (Miller) Tefft.He grew up on a farm. In 1861, he enlisted in Company D of the 1st Michigan Infantry, serving for 3 years. He returned home in 1865 to farm. He purchased a farm in Hanover in 1899. He served as justice of the peace for 16 years.
Notable Facts:
He was wounded in action in January 1863 but served until September 1864.
Find-a-Grave and Deland give mother's name as Miranda Vickery; death certificate says Hannah Miller.
Sessions Served:
Committees Served On: Agriculture , Elections , Soldiers' Home
City of Residence: Spring Arbor
County of Residence Jackson
District Description: Townships of Columbia, Concord, Grass Lake, Hanover, Henrietta, Leoni, Liberty, Napoleon, Norvell, Parma, Pulaski, Rives, Sandstone, Spring Arbor, Springport, Summit, Tompkins and Waterloo
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Notes: A Fusionist, backed by the Democratic and Greenback parties.
Bibliography:
MIBiog 2:352; Manual 1897 p.668; Michiganology; Find-a-Grave.com; USCen 1880, 1900; Deland p.1092-93
