John Telfer (of Castleton)

John Telfer was a Scottish farmer from Castleton parish, Roxburghshire, in the Liddesdale valley. He is the earliest confirmed ancestor in the direct Telfer line.

Vital Details

• Born: ~1715–1735 (estimated — exact date unknown), Castleton, Roxburghshire, Scotland


• Died: Unknown


• Spouse: Elspeth Young (m. unknown, ~1750s)


• Occupation: Likely farmer or shepherd in Castleton parish

Known Children

| Child | Born/Baptised | Notes |
|-------|--------------|-------|
| James Telfer (1761–1845) | Baptised 14 Jul 1761, Castleton | Baptised to John Telfer & Elspeth Young at Castleton. Married Betty Hutton (1776–1853). Father of Francis Telfer (1809–1895). |

> Note: Other children may exist — the Castleton OPRs (1697–1819) are on microfilm at FamilySearch (batch C11865-1) and ScotlandsPeople but have not been fully searched for this family.

Sources

• FamilySearch IGI: Batch C11865-1 (Castleton OPR) — James Telfer baptised 14 Jul 1761, Castleton, Roxburghshire; parents John Telfer & Elspeth Young. Source call number 1067953. Accessed June 2026.


• James Telfer vault profile: James Telfer (1761–1845)

⚠️ Research Gaps

• No birth or baptism record found for John Telfer. The Castleton OPR begins in 1697; John may appear in it, but this requires a direct search of the registers.


• No marriage record found for John Telfer & Elspeth Young. The Castleton marriage registers begin in 1759 — they may have married just before this date or in a different parish.


• No death or burial record found for John Telfer or Elspeth Young.


• Parents unknown — the next generation back is unconfirmed. Likely Telfer families in Castleton include William Telfer, George Telfer, and James Telfer — but no direct link has been established.