Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - Edward Laverne Tefft


Key:1.“+” before a child’s name indicates the child has their own entry in the next generation.
 2.“born xxxx” indicates the child is under 18 years of age so the birth date is not shown.
This family history features Edward Laverne Tefft and his immediate family.



First Generation
1. Edward Laverne Tefft,1 born 30 November 1939 in Norwich, Chenango County, New York, the son of William Raymond Laverne Tefft and Norma Louise Terk;1, 2, 3, 4 died 15 January 1994.1, 3 Edward is buried in North Norwich Cemetery, North Norwich, Chenango County, New York.1

Edward was recognized for his heroism in saving his father’s life, as told in an article in the Norwich Sun:5

Local Scout Cited for Heroism;

Saved His Father’s Life.

For saving his father from a fiery death and also his home from possible destruction, Edward L. Tefft of 11 Court Street, second class scout of Norwich Troop 64, has been awarded the Certificate of Merit of the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America. Young Tefft saved the life of his father, Deputy Sheriff William L. Tefft Jr., on February 21 of this year when the deputy fell asleep and a cigaret ignited his hair and clothing. The boy removed his father’s burning clothing, threw water on the blazing chair, and gave his father first aid while awaiting a doctor. Troop 64 scoutmaster Onslow Brown called Scout Tefft’s action “heroism, resourcefulness and skill commensurate with the highest ideals of scouting.” In a letter to the national boy scout court of honor, Dr. Martin H. Jacobi, who attended the injured deputy, said, “If it hadn’t been for his (Scout Tefft’s) courageous intervention, his father would have possibly died of more serious burns, suffocation or shock.” William Barone, local scout executive said it was the first time such an award has been given to a scout from this area. The certificate was presented to young Tefft on Saturday.

  1. Find a Grave (website). North Norwich Cemetery, North Norwich, Chenango County, New York, Edward Tefft, born: 1935 [sic, he was born in 1939; his gravestone has the correct date]; died: 1994 (from record, which provides the names and links for his father, siblings, and son).
  2. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), Social Security Applications, Edward Laverne Tefft, born: 30 November 1939 in Norwich, Chen[ango County], New York; father: William L. Tefft; mother: Norma L. Terk.
  3. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), Death Files, E. L. Tefft, born: 30 November 1939; died: 15 January 1994.
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, New York, Chenango County, Norwich, E.D. 9-19, Sheet No. 6A, William Tefft, Jr., 29, New York, shovel runner, City of Norwich; wife Norma Tefft, 30, New York; son Charles W. Tefft, 11, New York; daughter Betty Jean Tefft, 7, New York; son Edward L. Tefft, 4/12, New York.
  5. Norwich Sun, Norwich, New York (available at newspaperarchive.com), 17 August 1953, Local Scout Cited for Heroism; Saved His Father’s Life.