Thomas Shelford

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.

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. In 1867, he became a member of the Board of Trustees of Raffles Institution.

In June 1872, he was made an unofficial member of the Legislative Council of Singapore, and served on the council for around 25 years.

In 1892, he was conferred the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 1895, he was nominated a Municipal Commission of Singapore representing Rochor Ward. He was also on the board of trustees of the Raffles Library and Museum. In 1897, he and his family returned to England as his second wife and his children could not adapt to life in Singapore. Shelford Road was named after him in 1941.