Today in Savannah history September 17, 1807 Edward Telfair died. His death date alone clears up any and all speculation that he lived in or was involved with the Telfair house on what is now Telfair Square. The Square however was renamed in 1883 to honor the contributions of the entire Telfair family. Edward Telfair was a member of the Council of Safety otherwise known as the Sons of Liberty or the Liberty Boys. He and other rebellious members stole nearly 600 pounds of powder from the Royal Crown in 1775. He signed the Articles of Confederation which made Georgia a state in the union and served as Governor of Georgia. According to the City Tour Manual he incorporated the city of Savannah on December 23, 1789. He also entertained President Washington on his southern campaign in Augusta Georgia which was the capital of the state at that time. At the time of his death he was in Savannah so his funeral services were held at Colonial Park Cemetery even though he was buried at Sharon Plantation. It is written in his will that, "my remains be placed in a rough wooden coffin with common nails in it, with black crape only for such as may incline to mourn.” The Telfair ladies erected a monument which commemorates his name in Bonaventure Cemetery however he is buried at Sharon Plantation according to Charles Johnson Jr who wrote Mary Telfair: The Life and Legacy of a Nineteenth Century Women.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 20:42:34 +0000
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