The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 68, July 1964 - April, 1965 Page: 29

Court oseph refeuer and the
iNew /ork, 'ZeKas, aid A4lexicaH
ARailway Company
JOHN C. RAYBURN
LITTLE REMAINS IN TEXAS AT PRESENT TO REMIND ONE OF COUNT
Joseph Telfener other than his name, misspelled, on a
-highway sign. But this international figure shone brightly
on the South Texas scene in the 1880's when he played the leading
role in the construction of the New York, 'Texas, and Mexican
Railway Company.
Colonel Daniel E. Hungerford, a colorful figure who migrated
from New York to California, had two daughters: Marie Louise
Antoinette and Ada. After suffering numerous hardships, Louise
married John W. Mackay, the great financier from Nevada.
Colonel and Mrs. Hungerford and their second daughter, Ada,
frequently visited Mrs. Mackay, who spent much of her time
in Paris. While visiting in Europe, Ada met Count Joseph
Telfener, a dashing nobleman from Rome, Italy, and they were
married in Rome at Palazzo Telfener, formerly a royal residence,
on March 15, 1879. Because of the approaching Easter season,
a relatively simple ceremony was held, but the event was of
enough importance to warrant the presence of Mgr. Cataldi, a
representative of the Pope.
At 3 o'clock the guests went to the races which had been specially
organized in honor of the marriage, and which took place in Count
Telfener's park, situated outside the Salaro gate. The King of Italy,
who had made it known that he would honor the races with his pres-
ence, arrived on the course at 3:15, accompanied by the Duke d'Aosta
and General Medici. As soon as Count Telfener had presented his new
family to the King, his Majesty gave up the places of honor to the
Countess Telfener, to Mme. Mackay, to Mme. Hungerford, and to
the bridesmaids. The other guests remained standing behind his
Majesty.,
1Continental Gazette, quoted in Ellin Berlin, Silver Platter (New York, 1957), 273.