Telford, Jacob

Jacob Telford

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company B, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

Place of Birth:

Seneca, New York

Date of Birth:

July 23, 1833

Place of Death:

McMinnville, Tennessee

Date of Death:

July 25th, 1905

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Jacob Telford was born on July 23, 1833, in Seneca, New York. On June 14, 1861, at the age of 27, Telford enlisted as a private in Company B of the 15th Indiana Volunteer Regiment. The 15th Indiana started their service in West Virigina and moved to Tennessee. They took part in the Battle of Shiloh and Siege of Corinth before moving north into Kentucky. In Kentucky, they fought at the Battle of Perryville, afterwards moving to Nashville, Tennessee. On December 26, 1862, the 15th Indiana began their march south to Murfreesboro.

On December 31, 1862, the 15th Indiana was positioned on the north side of the Round Forrest. Working alongside Hazen’s brigade, the 15th Indiana helped in repelling four Confederate attacks while holding their position. Pvt. Telford was severely wounded by a gunshot wound to the groin. 

Pvt. Telford was hospitalized at Hospital No. 8 in Nashville. During his recovery from the wounds sustained during the Battle, Jacob met Mary Jewett. Mary was a nurse at Hospital No. 8 and cared for Jacob. Once he had recovered, he was medically discharged from the army. Jacob went on to marry Mary Jewett on July 8, 1864. After the Civil War, the pair adopted three orphaned girls. 

Jacob passed away on July 25, 1905, in McMinnville, TN. He is laid to rest in Stones River National Cemetery in Plot P-6140. 

Tags: stones river national battlefield, stones river national cemetery, american civil war