In 1835 he left his native county and came to New York City, where he entered the grocery store of Benjamin Albro. It was while here that he first met his future partner, Mr. Park, with whom, after a clerkship of five years, in Mr. Albro's store, he embarked uj>on his first business venture at No. 35 Carmine Street, New Y'ork City. How successful this proved to be is well known to all who are familiar with the wholesale and retail grocery business in New York City and throughout the country. Park & Tilford, by their close attention to the details of their business, and the strict integrity which they have preserved throughout an unbroken partnership of nearly forty -six years, have won for themselves a world-wide reputation and a credit wliich is unsurpassed by that of any house of a like description in the country.

Some twenty-five years since Mr. Tilford began the purchiise of ground in Westchester County, and is now the possessor of many acres of farming land in and about the towns of Harrison and White Plains. He has a handsome residence in White Plains, and is well known in its social circles.

In 1840 he married Miss Jennie White. He has two sons, Charles E. and Frank, both of whom are engaged in business with their father.

His business foresight, together with his genial manner, have caused liis advice to be widely sought in financial circles and have endeared him both to those in his emjiloy and to the many whose business brings them into daily contact with him.