Ernest John Telfer

Role: Son of John Telfer and Caroline Amelia Masters — brother of Francis Charles Telfer
Born: ~1877 — Kersbrook, South Australia
Died: ~1953 — South Australia
Parents: John Telfer (1847–1929) & Caroline Amelia Telfer (1842–1929) (née Masters)
Brother: Francis Charles Telfer (1875–1954)
Siblings: William James, Albert George, Walter William, Edwin Gilbert

Family

Profile enhanced from auto-generated stub. Further details of Ernest's life — marriage, children, occupation — are currently being researched.

Family Stories

Ernie was the first white baby born at Willow Plains, the family's pioneering property near Hawker. The book relates that he was born in 1877 in a galvanised iron room and tent — the only shelter the family had at the time. His uncle, Walter "Watt" Telfer, once described young Ernie as "a larrikin," suggesting he had a spirited nature. As an adult, Ernest became a missionary with the United Aborigines Mission and wrote a book titled Amongst Australian Aborigines, which became a valuable source for the family history. He also served as the family's photographer for many key events. He married Florence Nicholas and raised a family including John Ernest, Jessica Veronica, Lloyd Wilbur and Gweneth Miranda. (From the Borders to the Bush, pp.127, 141–142, 178)

Sources

• Francis Charles Telfer profile: confirms John Telfer and Caroline Amelia Masters as parents, lists siblings
• South Australian BDM records (research pending)