Threads of ancestors, Telford – Ritchie – Mize

Threads of ancestors, Telford - Ritchie - Mize: a link among the days which binds the generations each with each

“Threads of Ancestors: Telford – Ritchie – Mize: A Link Among the Days Which Binds the Generations Each with Each,” authored by Leila Ritchie Mize and Jessie Julia Mize, explores the intricate tapestry of family lineage and migration across continents and centuries. Tracing roots back to Alexander Telford Sr., who settled near Rockbridge, Virginia around 1760, this book delves into the journeys and settlements of his descendants across the United States. Highlighting the Scotch-Irish origins of these families, the authors meticulously draw upon an extensive array of sources, including family Bibles, historical records, and personal diaries, to provide a detailed account of the Telford, Ritchie, and Mize families. Their narrative not only charts the genealogical paths of these families but also illuminates their substantial roles in the historical and cultural development of the regions they inhabited. This work stands as a testament to the enduring bonds and shared heritage that link successive generations, forming a foundational piece for both family members and historians interested in the Scotch-Irish contribution to American history.

Biography of Matthew Cleghorn

Matthew Cleghorn was born in 1829 in Knox County, Kentucky, to a minister and his Scotch wife. Leaving home at age twelve, he served in the Mexican War with the Sixteenth Kentucky Volunteers. Afterward, he traveled across several states before marrying Serena Hendry in Indiana. Cleghorn arrived in California in 1860, initially settling in Watsonville, then moving to San Bernardino County in 1864 where he homesteaded 160 acres. He became a prominent stock-raiser and established a successful livery business, amassing wealth and influence in the region.