Chattahoochee-Baldwin-Muscogee County GaArchives Biographies.....Raiford, Elijah G. 1825 - 1903
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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.




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