William Dickson Tedford

b. 5 March 1868, d. 22 July 1913
  • William Dickson Tedford was born on 5 March 1868 in Walker County, Texas.
  • Peter Royal and Martha Frances Harrison appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Huntsville, Walker County, Texas. Other members of the household included William Dickson Tedford, Henry Royal, Martha Clarana Reed, Katie Bertha Reed and Robert James Tedford.
  • Robert and William Tedford have yet to be found in the 1880 census.
  • Robert James Tedford appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Refugio, Refugio County, Texas. Other members of the household included William Dickson Tedford.
  • He married Emily Melvina Cole, daughter of John Jesse Cole and Martha Frances Moncrief, on 22 July 1901 in St. Mary's, Regugio County, Texas.
  • The following appeared in a local newspaper: On Monday night, July 22, 1901, at St. Mary's, Mr. W. D. Tedford and Mrs. Wilson were united in marriage. Mr. Tedford is the enterprising and prosperous merchant of that little city, and is noted for his manly character and generous disposition. Mrs. Wilson is a lady of refinement and natural grace, her many good qualities making her a fitting help-meet and life companion to the man of her choice. May their journey over life's tempestuous sea prove one full of pleasure, with love's craft rocking just enough to make the calms doubly enjoyable.
  • William Dickson Tedford and Emily Melvina Cole appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Rockport, Aransas County, Texas. Other members of the household included Mattie Leola Wilson, Robert Jesse Tedford, John Ernest Tedford, Mary Wilma Tedford, Burney Lloyd Tedford and Robert James Tedford.
  • He was a truck farmer, according to the 1910 census.
  • On 25 December 1910, William Dickson Tedford wrote to Emily Melvina Cole: Rockport Texas, Dec. 25- [19]10. Dear Emma, I received your letter today and was glad to hear you had gotten through all right. We are all well. The kids have been having a fine time. I let Bob stay in town with the old folks last night. Mrs. Wilson taken them to the Christmas tree last night. We had a big frost Saturday morning but it never done much damage. We had a good rain the evening you left. Everything is getting along all right but we'll be glad to see you come back. I am at Mr. Wilson's now and have not much time to write so will close. Write soon to your own, Billie.
  • The following appeared on 6 August 1911 in the San Antonio Light: Aransas Pass Will be the Harbor, and Shipping Port of Texas. No Place in the Entire South Has More Brilliant Prospects . . . Paints and Wall Paper. W. E. [sic]. Tedford is the proprietor of the only exclusive wall paper, paint and oil business in the city of Aransas Pass. He has an extensive line of wall paper with over 100 designs in stock, carries one of the best known brands of ready-mixed paints upon the market and a goodly supply of paint brushes and painters' supplies. Mr. Tedford does considerable jobbing business in small orders shipping to nearby points such as Port Aransas, Rockport and Gregory. Mr. Tedford is also the agent for the Gulf Refining company in this section, which branch of his business has developed lately into large proportions and will shortly make him divide his time equally with his wall paper and paint lines.
  • William Dickson Tedford died on 22 July 1913 at age 45 in Aransas County, Texas, near Rockport.
  • His wife Emily Melvina Cole became a widow at his death.
  • He was interred at Rockport Cemetery, Rockport, Aransas County, Texas.
  • Last Edited: 29 Nov 2013

Family: Emily Melvina Cole b. 5 October 1883, d. 29 November 1951