Chattahoochee-Baldwin-Muscogee County GaArchives Biographies.....Raiford, Elijah G. 1825 - 1903 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 4, 2004, 6:14 pm Author: N. K. Rogers RAIFORD Elijah G. Raiford born in Baldwin Co., Ga. in 1825, was a son of Baldwin Raiford and grandson of John Raiford a lieutenant in 2nd N. C. Regt. of Continentals, who after the Revolution moved from N. C. to Ga., and was twice granted land under the head right system between 1788 and 1795 m St. George's Parish and in Burke and Screven Counties. John Raiford's will is recorded in Jefferson Co. Elijah G. Raiford married Elizabeth D. Munroe, Sept. 28, 1845 in Muscogee Co. Their children were Fanny (Mrs. Turner) Lucy (Mrs. J. H. Coudon), Albert (educated as a physician, died young), Cornelia (Mrs. Dudley), Baldwin and Augustus M. Raiford. E. G. Raiford m. -second (Mrs.) Georgia Johnson (nee Eelbeck). When Dr. Mose Edwards married Miss Mattie Bussey in 1866 Fanny and Lucy Raiford were the bridesmaids. E. G. Raiford with his family moved to Columbus in 1872, where he had a law partnership with James Russell. But after his second marriage he lived in Chattahoochee Co. again where he died in 1903. He was a capable and popular man having an agreeable disposition. He was active in the social, political and religious affairs of his community. His daughter (Mrs. Turner) recalls that he liked to bring unexpected guests to dinner and was always a genial host. During Civil War days, Capt. Raiford first left with Co. D. 46th Ga. but resigned and served in the Confederate legislature for two years. He then re-enlisted the army, being in 39th Ga. Cavalry. In a letter (original in hands of author) dated Nov. 18, 1864 from Camp McLaws in Camdan Co., Ga. B. P. Rogers wrote to Henry King "I wish to say something to you in regard to the county elections. Raiford has been solicited by his friends at home and has consented to be candidate for Justice of Inferior Court at the January election. Since we have been together in this Company I have become better acquainted with him and know him to be the right kind of a man and I would urge his claim out of a consideration of friendshp and because I am satisfied that he, like myself is not able to stand the service. I hope that it may be consistent with your feelings to help him in the election." Mr. Raiford was a successful candidate at this time, proof of which lies in the fact that he was one of the five men who received their commissions Jan. 31, 1865. Having also served as Ordinary before the war as well as during its progress, he was, no doubt, as well acquainted with the financial and political conditions of the county as any man living then. When the Methodist church of Cusseta was organized he was one of its first trustees, and was lay leader of the churches of the county— six in number then—for several years where he used his talent for singing as well as learning all the songs popular during civil war days. The memories recalled of him are of an honorable, genial man who served his family and country well. Additional Comments: From: HISTORY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTY, GEORGIA By N. K. Rogers Dedicated to KASIHITA CHAPTER U. D. C. and all worthy descendants of the County's first settlers. Copyright 1933 by N. K. ROGERS PRINTED BY COLUMBUS OFFICE SUPPLY CO. COLUMBUS, GA. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/chattahoochee/bios/gbs557raiford.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 3.8 Kb