Tefft, I. K. (Israel Keech), 1794-1862

Israel Keech Tefft (1794-1862) was born in Rhode Island and came to Savannah in 1816. He and James William Finn, noted actor and playwright, became joint editors and proprietors of the Savannah Georgian. He was associated with the Bank of the State of Georgia from 1822 until his death. He was one of the founders of the Georgia Historical Society in 1839 and was its Corresponding Secretary until his death. His interest in history and literature led him to establish a library in his home which became a cosmopolitan gathering place for the literati. He also amassed one of the largest collections of autographs in the world; this collection was sold at auction in New York in 1866.

From the description of Israel Keech Tefft papers, 1815-1861 (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 76945125

Israel Keech Tefft (1794-1862) was a prominent autograph collector of Savannah, Georgia. He served as corresponding secretary of the Georgia Historical Society incorporated in December 1839 at Savannah (Georgia Historical Quarterly II (June 1918), 65).

From the description of Israel Keech Tefft correspondence, 1858-1859. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78221990