Thomas Shelford Explained

Thomas Shelford (23 November 1839 - 12 January 1900) was a merchant and a member of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements and the Municipal Commission of Singapore.

Early life

Shelford was born in Cosford, West Suffolk on 23 November 1839.[1]

Career

He came to Singapore in 1863 or 1864 due to his poor health. He was then employed at Paterson, Simons & Co. as a junior assistant, and eventually became a partner of the firm.[1] [2] In 1867, he became a member of the Board of Trustees of Raffles Institution.[3]

In June 1872, he was made an unofficial member of the Legislative Council of Singapore, and served on the council for around 25 years.[1] [2] In 1887, Shelford, Charles Burton Buckley and John Cuthbertson contributed funds to convert The Singapore Free Press from a weekly publication to a daily publication.[1] He was a member of the Municipal Commission of Singapore, and retired from the commission in December 1893.[4]

In 1892, he was conferred the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.[5] In 1895, he was nominated a Municipal Commission of Singapore representing Rochor Ward.[6] He was also on the board of trustees of the Raffles Library and Museum.[1]

Personal life and death

Shelford married twice and had several children,[1] including Robert Shelford, William Heard Shelford and Thomas L. Shelford.[7] [8] [9] In 1897, he and his family returned to England as his second wife and his children could not adapt to life in Singapore.[1]

He died of Influenza at his residence in Guildford on 12 January 1900.[2] A full-length portrait of him was unveiled at Singapore City Hall on 10 June 1901.[10] Shelford Road was named after him in 1941.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thomas Shelford. Tan. Bonny. Singapore Infopedia. National Library Board. 30 March 2023.
  2. News: 13 January 1900. THE LATE MR. SHELFORD.. The Straits Times. Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  3. News: 15 January 1900. MR. THOMAS SHELFORD, c.m.g.. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (Weekly). Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  4. News: 14 November 1893. The Municipal Elections.. The Straits Times Weekly Issue. Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  5. News: 31 May 1892. The Hon'ble T. Sheflord, c.m.g. (May 26th).. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (Weekly). Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  6. News: 26 November 1895. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  7. News: 26 July 1912. LATE MR. R. SHELFORD.. The Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  8. News: 10 June 1937. ONE OF S.S. "COMMERCIAL GIANTS" PASSES.. The Straits Budget. Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  9. News: 19 June 1915. THE LATE CAPT. T.L. SHELFORD. R.N.. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. Singapore. 30 March 2023.
  10. News: 15 June 1901. Memorial Portrait of the late Mr. Shelford.. The Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. Singapore. 30 March 2023.