Susan Burton Telfer
Biography
Born: 1844 | Died: 7 Oct 1924 (Yahl, SA) | Spouse: Robert Telfer (1837–1907)
Family
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Self | Susan Burton Telfer (1844–1924) |
| Spouse | Robert Telfer (1837–1907) |
Life Summary
Susan Burton married Robert Telfer and settled in the Mount Gambier district of South Australia. Her husband Robert worked as stock manager at Moorak, one of the large pastoral estates near Mount Gambier. When Dr. Browne subdivided the Woodlands estate, Robert purchased a farm there and the family moved to that property at Yahl, near Mount Gambier.
They raised seven children — three sons and four daughters. Susan was widowed in 1907 when Robert died, but she continued living on the Woodlands property until her death.
Her obituary in the Border Watch (Mount Gambier, 7 Oct 1924) described her as "another old and highly respected resident of this district." The funeral was conducted by Rev. A. H. Ballinger, with Mr. W. Pearce carrying out the arrangements.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1844 | Born |
| ~1860s–1870s | Married Robert Telfer |
| ~1880s–1890s | Robert employed as stock manager at Moorak estate |
| ~1900s | Family moved to Woodlands farm (purchased from Dr. Browne's subdivision) |
| 14 Jan 1907 | Husband Robert died |
| 7 Oct 1924 | Died at Yahl, near Mount Gambier, SA |
| Oct 1924 | Buried at Lake Terrace Cemetery, Mount Gambier |
Newspaper References
"MRS. S. TELFER" — Border Watch, Mount Gambier, 7 October 1924
Another old and highly respected resident of this district in the person of Mrs. Susan Telfer, of Yahl, passed away on Sunday last. The deceased lady was the wife of the late Mr. Robert Telfer, who for many years was employed on Moorak as stock manager. When Dr. Browne cut up Woodlands Mr. Telfer purchased a farm there and when he retired from Moorak he went there to reside with his family. Mr. Telfer died several years ago, but Mrs. Telfer continued to reside on the property until her death. Mrs. Telfer had a family of seven—three sons and four daughters. The sons are Messrs. Jas., Mount Gambier; W., Yahl; and Robert, N.S.W. The daughters are Mesdames George B. Renfrey, St. Kilda; Rowbotham, North Adelaide; and the Misses S. and E. Telfer. There are several grandchildren. The funeral was held this afternoon, the Rev. A. H. Ballinger conducted the service, and Mr. W. Pearce carried out the funeral arrangements.
Source: Trove – Border Watch, 7 Oct 1924 — accessed 9 June 2026
Sources
- FindAGrave – Susan Burton Telfer (1844–1924) — accessed 26 May 2026
- Trove – "MRS. S. TELFER" obituary, Border Watch, 7 Oct 1924 — accessed 9 June 2026