Mary Jewett Telford

(1839–1906) Mary was born in Seneca, Ontario County, New York to Hannah Southwick and Dr. Lester Jewett. She was commissioned as a nurse in the Union Army on November 28, 1863 and served at Hospital No. 8 in Nashville, Tennessee. Following the war, Mary wed Jacob Telford and spent the rest of her life in humanitarian efforts.

In 1883, Mary became a charter member of the Woman's Relief Corps, providing aid to Civil War soldiers and their families, and organization which is still in existence today. In 1894, Mary ran for Lieutenant Governor of Colorado on the Prohibition ticket.

Mary's other post-war activities included being an author of children's stories. She also toured the country, speaking on behalf of temperance for the WCTU, of which she and her sister Catherine were active members. The whole time, she had spinal difficulties and other health problems contracted during her service as a Civil War nurse.

Mary Jewett Telford was nominated for induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, Seneca County. (courtesy of Brighton-Pittsford Post (NY)/Friday, April 9, 2010)