TF 24

Todds of western Chester County, PA

 

 

James Todd, the progenitor of this family, appears 1765-1769 and 1771 on tax lists in East Nottingham Township, at the southwestern edge of Chester Co, PA.  He settled there in 1765.    By this time, he was a family man having 6 children, based on the fact that his will in 1772 implies adult children born probably in the 1750s.

 

Will of James Todd d 1772 East Nottingham Twp, Chester Co, PA

 

TODD, JAMES.  East Nottingham.

March 16, 1772.  June 3, 1772.

Provides for wife Jennet.  To son John £5 and bed.  To son James £5 and

I give him, his wife and children house room and diet since he came

from Carolina and I allow that as recompense for what he has done for

me.  To son Hugh, daughters Hannah, Mary and Margaret £5 each.

Executors:  Sons-in-law Gilbert Anderson and James McCorkel.

Wit:  Andrew Lowrdey, James Willson.

 

We believe that John, James and Hugh, the sons of James Todd d 1772 are the individuals referred to in the:

various records of James Todd in East Nantmell and elsewhere in Chester Co up to 1803

will of Hugh Todd d 1772 Lancaster Co, (see abstract below)

will of John Todd d1809 West Nantmell Twp, Chester Co, census of 1790 (Honeybrook), 1800 (West Nantmeal)

 

 

James Todd (son of James Todd d 1772)

 

James Todd appears in the 1769 tax list of East Nottingham as an “inmate” (meaning married man without land), but by 1771/2, he appears in East Nantmell Twp as an inmate and by 1774 he appears in East Nantmell as owning 90 acres.  There are deeds in the 1770s documenting the purchase and sale of land by James Todd and his wife Susanna.  Though his father’s will refers to James having children, we have not been able to determine who these children were.  He appears on the 1785 tax list as a tenant in West Nantmell.  He may be the James Todd with Susanna his wife referred to in a will of Marian Smyth in East Whiteland on the eastern edge of Chester Co in 1803.

 

The Chester County Historical Society reports that in a 1789 deed:  Between Peter and Catherine Hook, 1789 of East Nantmeal, and John Robinson also of East Nantmeal,  being the same land that James Todd and Susanna Todd of 22 Nov 1774 did grant and confirm to Peter Huck.

 

25 March 1829 between Jean Robinson of Salsbury Twp in Lancaster Co, widow and Lewis Evans of East Nantmeal Twp in Chester.. in a line of land thence by land formerly of James Todd.  (Jean was an heir to John Robinson.)

 

Hugh Todd (son of James Todd d 1772)

 

Hugh Todd died single and a young man in 1772 just a few months after his father died.

 

Will of Hugh Todd d 1772 (son of James d 1772) Coleraine Twp, Lancaster Co, PA

 

“In the Name of God Amen I Hugh Todd of Colerain Township and County of Lancaster being of Sound Mind and Memory and understanding Do make and publish and Declare this my last will and in manner and form following===

to Witt – first of all I give and bequeath unto my Mother Jannet Todd the sum of fifty pounds together with my Bed and bed Cloathes with one Sow and Six Susses (Scapes?)  of Beer (Becr?)

also I give and Bequeath into my Sister Hanna Anderson the Sum of Twenty pounds—

Also I give and bequeath unto my Sister Marey McCorial the Sum of Ten pounds also I give and Bequeath unto my Sister Margret Todd the Sum of Twenty five pounds together with my silver Buckls and buttens the Remainders of my Estate to be Equally Divided amonst the above named

Also I leave to my brother John Todd the sum of five shillings also I leave to  my brother James Todd the Sum of five Shillings and I hereby nominate and appoint My mother Jannet Todd and John Fullton Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former will and wills by me heretofore made

In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Eleventh Day of September 1772       

Signed Sealed published and

Delleared by the above named

Hugh Todd as his last Will and

Testament in the presence of us:

Gilbert Anderson

Samuel Doak

       

21 September 1772..Gilbert Anderson and Samule Doak.. saw and heard Hugh Todd the Testator within named sign seal publish pronounce and declare the within writing as and for his Last Will and Testament.”

 

John Todd (son of James Todd d 1772)

 

We have not been able to prove that John Todd d 1809 West Nantmell is the son of James d 1772, but given that James, son of James d 1772 was in East Nantmell in 1771, it seems likely that the John Todd who died there in 1809 was part of the same family.

 

Will of John Todd of West Nantmel (assumed son of James Todd d 1772 East Nottingham Twp)

March 10, 1809 proved May 1, 1809

To sons James and William my plantation with stock and utensils.

To daughter Margaret, wife of William Snodgrass 10 pounds.

To daughter Mary, wife of Michael Essick, 30 pounds.

To son John's 3 children 30 pounds, to be divided. Provides for wife,

unnamed.

Executors: Friends James McClure and Ephraim Allen

Wits: George Evans, Mary Child.

Letters to James and William Todd, executors and widow, Grizzel renouncing.

 

 

James and William stayed in Chester County, but Margaret Todd Snodgrass b 1776, Mary Todd Essick, and John Todd Jr all migrated to Washington Co, in western Pennsylvania.

 

 

John Tod d 1809 son of John Todd d 1809

 

Will of John Todd d 1809 of Washington Co, PA , son of John Todd d 1809 Chester Co, PA

 

Washington Co. Wills

 

John Todd, book 2, p 243

 

I John Todd of Donegal Twp, Washington co. Pennsylvania.to my two sons William and John all the lands and tenements I possess when the said two sons arrives to the age of 21 years..to my two daughters Jean and Grissel $100 each and decent bed and bedding.. to wife Elizabeth my big brown mare, saddle and briddle also of the profits of the place during her natural life and widowhood also the two cows and eight head of sheep.  .. Executors: John Graham and Charles Mcroberts..to sell by vendue all my moveable property..order a convenient house to be raised for my wife Elizabeth on any corner of the place she may choose and to take ___ furniture she chooses.. for her and the childrens benefit.  28 Dec 1809

 

James Todd 1783-1854, son of John and Grizella Todd (John d 1809 West Nantmeal Twp)

 

 

Death certificate of James Todd Chester Co Archives:

 

 

 

 

 

LastName       FirstNamd Race Sex  Age      Father                          Mother'sOccupation

 

Todd    James             White   Male    71        Todd    John                Grissella          Farmer

           

Occupation     BirthPlace       Spouse            DeathDate       Causeof Death PlaceofDeath Page

 

Farmer            Honeybrook    Janetta            July 24, 1854  Paralysis         Wallace           136

                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

 

I found the above abstract of the death certificate for James Todd d 1854 Wallace Twp, Chester Co PA at the online Chester Co archives site which provides interesting information about his birthplace, birth year and the names of his parents.

 

His wife was Jenetta

He was 71 years old, hence born 1783 (which is consistent with all the census records 1810-1850)

 

His father was John Todd

His mother was Grizella.

 

In the 1809 will of John Todd, below we see that though his friends James McClure and Ephraim Allen were named executors, but letters of administration were sent to James and William Todd as exectors and Grizzel renounced her right of administration, implying that she was the widow of John.  Presumably James and William were the sons of John named in the will.

 

James' 1854 death certificate also indicates that he was born in Honeybrook (which is the adjacent township).  Note that this is where John Todd d 1809 was living in 1790 when he appeared in the census and where he was living when he bought land in West Nantmeal Township in 1793.  James would have been 10 years old in 1793 when his father moved to West Nantmeal.

 

 

 

8 April 1793…William Caldwell of Wets Nantmell, Chester county and John Todd of Honeybrook twp, yeoman,  1788 grant for land in East Nantmell ..60 acres .. also adoining parcel of 103 acres in West Nantmell.. 425 pounds paid by John Todd

 

 I think this is conclusive evidence that James Todd wife of Jennetta Harris was the son of John Todd d 1809 and hence he was the brother of William, JOhn, Margaret Snodgrass, Mary Essick- all mentioned in the will

 

 

 

Yesterday, the 4 deeds for your family that I ordered from Chester County arrived in the mail.

 

I have plotted up all the deeds for your family and here is what I have learned.

 

1.  The deed in 1856 by which Robert and John Todd sold to Wm Todd 128 acres from their father's estate pursuant to their father James Todd's will.  The deed reads: "Whereas James Todd (was) lawfully seized..of two tracts...(in) township of Wallace..160 acres and 57 perches and 11 acres and 141 perches...made his will.. 1 Feburary 1851.. whereby..he ordered his executors to sel to his son..William Todd.. the whole of the first..at $60 per acre and the last at $25 an acre ..subject to certain rights..reserved for his wife (who died before the sd James Todd) and unmarried daughters..

 

The plot that I made of this land in 1856 is an almost exact match with the boundaries of a parcel belonging to Jesse Roges as shown on a map of Wallace Township in 1883.  So with this deed and the 1856 plot and the 1883 Wallace Twp map, you could locate where your ancestors lived after 1793.

 

The metes and bounds also make reference to an adjoining property called "the church lot".

 

2.  The 1839 deed conveys a little over an acre from James Todd and Jenet/Jennetta his wife to the trustees designated to purchase a site for a Presbyeterian church.  One side of the lot is adacent to "land of James Todd" in the same direction and the same length as the 1856 parcel.  The conveyance indicates that "it being a part of the same premises that fell to the lot of Sd James Todd by a ..division of 161 acres which the said James Todd and his brother William Todd becamed seized as tenants in common..23 March 1811. 

 

3.  The 1803 deed states: John Todd and Grizel his wife ..in consideration of the love and affection which they have for their Son the said John Todd Junior as well as for and in consideration of the sum of one Dollar..sold..a tract..of land..situate part in East and part in West Nantmill Township in Chester County..46 acres.. being part of two continguous tracts of land which William Caldwell of West Nantmill Township ..1793..conveyed ..to John Todd (the grantor).

 

4.  The 1793 deed states:  8 April 1793..between William Caldwell of West Nantmeal, Chester County, Pennsylvania and Jennet his wife and John Todd of township of Honeybrook, Chester County.. two contiguous tracts..township of East and West Nantmell one..53 acres..(other) 103 acres.

 

I just looked again at the 1811 division of land between James Todd and his brother William and see that two of the courses of the land that went to James Todd exactly matched two courses of the land that James Todd bequeathed to his son William in his 1851 will.  So this is just one more supportive proof that James Todd of Wallace Township was the son of John Todd d 1809.

 

Here also are some baptismal records of Rev John Cuthbertson who lived in Lancaster Co just across the county line from Chester Co who did baptisms as far away from his Lancaster home as Brandywine in Chester Co.  Because of the geographic proximity to Wallace Twp and East Nottingham Twp and because of the census record that indicated that Margaret (Todd) Snodgrass, dau of John Todd d 1809, was born in 1776, both Margaret and John are defintely considered children of John Todd d1809 and Jean and Mary are possibilities.

 

p. 253 - Section II, "Church Registers," (Copied from transcripts & microphographic copies at the Historical Soc. of York Co. performed by the Reverend John Cuthbertson  (1751-1791)

 

9 Apr 1775, "Sabbath" Baptized Jean, dau. John TODD, at Thomas Kennedy's, Brandywine.
8 Nov. 1778, "Sabbath" Baptized Hannah, dau. Wm. Rankin;  Bap. Mary, dau. John TOD.
4 Aug. 1776, "Sabbath" Bapized Margaret, dau. John TODD, at home.
20 May 1781, "Sabbath" Baptized John, son of John TODD, at home.

John Todd Sr sold John Todd Jr land in 1803 which based on the above baptism would have been when John Jr was just about to turn 22 years old.

 

(File: todd-j.txt)

 

Biographical Sketch of the John TODD Family (1881); Chester County, PA

 

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Sandra Ferguson .

 

http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/

***********************************************************************

 

from THE HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, by Futhey and Cope (1881);

 

The Todd family is of Scotch origin and the first of the name know in this

county was John, whose son James married Jennetta Harris and settled in Wallace

twp.  Of their 18 children, John Todd was born in March of 1812, in Wallace, and

died 2-27-1876.  He was reared on his father's farm and received but the poor

educational advantages of his day.  At the age of 18 he turned  his attention to

driving and dealing in cattle, paying his father 200 dollars for his time until

his majority.  He married, 5-16-1834, Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Sarah

Essick Pergrin, from which union were born 8 children; Sally, married to Jesse

Rogers; Jenetta, married first to William Krauser and then to Erastus Ives; Mary

Ann, married to Benton Evans; James H; Emaretta, married to Edward Crows; John

T.; Clara V, married to Henry Arons; and Samuel Winfield.  Mr Todd was actively

engaged in various business enterprises, embracing, besides farming and stock,

that of merchandising, hotel-keeping, lumber and coal-yards, at Byers' Station,

Pa.  During the war he furnished the government with thousands of horses.  His

family attended with him the Presbyterian Church, to the support of which he was

a liberal contributor.  He was buried on the farm on which he was born, and at

his death owned the original Todd tract. He was one of the managers of the

county Agricultural Soc and a large stockholder in the old Chester County Bank. 

Originally a Whig, he became a republican and was active in the politics of the

day.  Byers' Station and village is part of his estate, which includes, in

addition, 5 farms aggregating 700 acres.  He began life poor, and made his first

5 dollars on the sale of some chestnuts; but he rose to be one of the leading

businessmen of his county.  He was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens and

contributed largely to the materialgrowth of the northern part of the county,

notably in the construction of the Pickering Valley RR.  On his estate, near

Byers' Station, are the ";lumbago Works", which he discovered, started and

leased to a company now successfully operating them.

    (there is a line drawing of John, and his home that accompany this bio)

 

Assumed children of James:

  1. Mills Todd b 1810
  2. John Todd b 1812/1814
  3. Robert Todd b 1813
  4. unidentified dau b 1810-1815
  5. unidentified daughter 1815-20
  6. Nancy Todd b 1817
  7. Jane Todd b 1819
  8. Margaret Todd b 1822
  9. William Todd b 1820
  10. Sarah Todd b 1824
  11. David Todd b 1829
  12. Rachel Todd b 1831
  13. Jenetta Todd b 1837

 

 

Lizzie/Elizabeth b 1835? md Mr. Beck (per 1870 census?) living w/ Nancy and Margaret and child

 

Brief sketch of the first 3 generations of James Todd d 1772

 

James Todd d 1772

            Hugh b ca 1750 d 1772

            John Todd b 1750s r Honeybrook 1790, West Nantmell 1800, died 1809

                        James b 1780 md Jenetta Harris, r in Nantmells and Wallace until after 1850,                                            large family

                        John b 1780s, went to Washington Co, PA died 1809: sons died by 1827

                        William, in 1805 tax list, 1814 tax list, 1820 census, 2 sons and 3 dau in 1820.

            James Todd b 1750s , md Susanna prior to 1774, tax list 1769 €1785 West Nantmell,

                         mentioned in land record 1789 East Nantmell, still alive in 1803 per will of

                         Marian Smyth of East Whiteland Twp, possibly the James Todd of East

                         Whiteland in 1800.

 

John Todd d 1809  r 1790 Honeybrook Twp, 1800 West Nantmeal, will 1809 W Nantmal

(Note that there is a John Todd in West Nantmell tax list  in 1785; in 1789, Honeybrook Twp was created from West Nantmell; hence, the John Todd of Honeybrook Twp in 1790 could be the same John Todd of the 1785 tax list.  In 1793, John Todd of Honeybrook bought land in West Nantmell and thereafter moved to West Nantmell where he is listed in the 1799 tax list and the 1800 census.)

 

1800:  3 sons: 1 b 1784-90, 2 born 1774-1784 (James, William, John, JR)

 

1810 census lists only James in W. Nantmeal but with two males b 1755-1794 and one born 1784-1794.  These other males could be James brothers.

1820 census lists James Todd and Willliam Todd b 1775-1794 probably sons of John Todd d 1809

1830 census does not list William in the Nantmeals, (he died in 1826) though there is one elsewhere.

James is in East Nantmeal in 1830, West Nantmeal in 1840& 1850

 

Detailed descendants list of James Todd, assumed son of John Todd d 1809.

 

James Todd resided West Nantrneal, Chester, PA born abt 1780-Pennsylvania   

            Md Jenrietta Harris b abt 1793 Pennsylvania   

 

1.   Mills Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1810 Pennsylvania   

md Judith Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1812 Pennsylvania  

John Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1834 Pennsylvania   

Md Lydia b abt 1834 NY (resides 1870 Indianapolis, Marion Co, IN)

            Newton/Isaac Newton  1860

            Md Bessie

                        Newton Taylor 1896  (r 1930 Indianapolis, Marion Co, IN)

                        Md Elizabeth 1902

                                    Newton Taylor, Jr 1925-22 May 2003 Kissimee, Osceola, FL

                                    Died 22 May 2003

                                                Earl of Huntsville, AL

                                                            Ryan

                                                            Scott

                                                Brother: (2 daughters)

                        Herbert W       1899

                        Lucy N             1930

            Willie/Marion Willis                  1863

            Anna                1865

            Mary 1871

            Emma 1873

            Helen 1877

Newton Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1837 Pennsylvania   

Elizabeth Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1839 Pennsylvania   

Margarett Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1840 Pennsylvania   

2.  John Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1814 Pennsylvania   

md Elizabeth (Pergrin) Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1814 Pennsylvania   

Sarah Jame Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1836 Pennsylvania   

Janetta E Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1838 Pennsylvania   

Mary Ann Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1840 Pennsylvania   

James Harison Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1842 Pennsylvania   

Md Ella b abt 1855

            Jennie abt 1874

            Clara abt 1876

            Charles abt 1871

Emerett Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1844 Pennsylvania   

Clara V  Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1846 Pennsylvania   

John Taylor Todd Uwchlan, Chester, PA abt 1849 Pennsylvania   

Md Emma B. b abt 1855 (born E. Prussia, language Yiddish)

            Robert D 1873 married but no children in 1920,1930)

Samuel Winfield abt 1852 (S Manfield 1880 Upper Uwchlan, Chester)

Md Esther b abt 1856 (1900 Esther is head

            Lagrtetta? Abt 1877

            Lorna?Irena     abt 1878 (Dec 1877)

            John 6/12 (Dec)

            George H Sept 1883

            Harrison R Jan 1886 (1910 Harry R. age 24)  d 1944 1920 Wall,

                         Monmouth Co, NJ, 1930 Spring Lake, Monmouth Co, NJ)

                        Md Alice Powers per her death notice 1979 Monmouth Co, NJ)

                        Irena C. 1909-1984 md Pharo

                        Adeline md Bangert (resided Spring Lake)

                        Harrison R. JR b 1914 (772-778-4772: 1645 52st East, Vero

                                     Beach Fl))

                        Robert W. 1916

                        Richard C. 1929

                                    Harrison R b 1954 (Vero Beach, FL) 

3.    Unidentifed dau b 1810-1815 per 1830 census

4.    unidentified dau b 1815-1820 per 1830 census

5.    Robert Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1813 Pennsylvania   

md  Ann Todd West Nantmeal, Chester, PA abt 1812 Pennsylvania   

Mary Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1843 Pennsylvania   

William Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1845 Pennsylvania  d 1910-1920

Md Sarah F ____ b 1847

            Anna Grace 1870

            Lily 1874

            Robert B b1882/4 In Wallace Twp through 1920, then Delaware Co.

            other

Henretta Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1846 Pennsylvania   

            James abt 1850

                        ?

                        James b 1852 in 1880 census for Honeybrook

                        Md Catherine Given b 1857

                                    William Todd b 1876

                                    Lenora Todd b 1877

                                    ?

                                    William R. Todd b 1876 in 1910 census for Honeybrook

                                    Md Hannah b 1863

                                                William L Todd b 1904

                                                Hazel R Todd b 1913

                                                ?

                                                William L. Todd b abt 1907 PA in Worcester, MA

                                                Helen F b abt 1906

                                                            William _ J. b 1930

6.  Nancy Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1817 Pennsylvania   

7.  Jane Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1819 Pennsylvania   

8.   Margaret Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1822 Pennsylvania   

9.   William Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1820 Pennsylvania   

Md Hetty

            James B/Brittain  abt 1855  (1880 East Brandywine Chester , PA; 1900-1930

                         Norristown, Montgomery Co, PA)

                        Md Louisa ?/Delia Hadley b 1860

                        Lizzie 1881

                        James H 1885 (Montgomery Co, PA 1920,1930)

                                    Md Jennie H b 1886 

                                    James H Jr 1912 (610-539-6756)

                                                Md Virginia Wessel

                                                James Harrison b 1940

                                                            James Harrison IV b 1974

                                                                        James Harrison V b 2005

                                                            Susan Kelly b 1971

                                                                        Margaret Matson Devoe

                                                                        Mark Matthew Devoe

                                                Catherine Jane b abt 1943 md Ronald E. Crooks

                                                Henry W. abt 1946

                                                            Ann Louise b 1970s

                                                            Kevin Michael b 1970s

                                    Mary E 1913

                                    Virginia H 1916

                                    Joseph S 1921 d 1 Apr 1990 PA

                                                Karen todd schnaithmann white haven

                                                Joseph florida

                        Edith A/Anna 1887 (Richard Locker, family historian, comes from Edith)

                        Charles 1890

                        Walter H 1892 (Montgomery Co, PA 1920, 1930) d May 1985 Norristown

                                    Md Elsie

                                    Harold 1917

                                    Helen E 1920

                                    Preston F. 1923 Lives Umak, WA, numerous children including Reynold Todd in Pottstown

                        Clara 1895

                        Carola C 1897

                        Clarence 1900

            Edith A  abt 1857

            William abt 1859

            John H 1871 (brother to James B per 1880 census)

10.  Sarah Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1824 Pennsylvania   

11.  David Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1829 Pennsylvania   

12.  Rachel Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1831 Pennsylvania   

13.  Jennetta Todd West Nantrneal, Chester, PA abt 1837 Pennsylvania   

 

Lizzie Todd md Mr. Beck (per Richard Locker) b 1835 per 1870 census Wallace, Chester Co, living with Nancy and Margaret Todd and with dau Annie b 1861

??     

David Todd Warwick, Chester, PA abt 1805 Pennsylvania   

Phebe Todd Warwick, Chester, PA abt 1825 Pennsylvania   

John Todd Warwick, Chester, PA abt 1817 Pennsylvania   

Catharine Todd Warwick, Chester, PA abt 1826 Pennsylvania   

 

Gricilla Todd East Nantmeal, Chester, PA abt 1825 Pennsylvania   

David Todd abt 1804 resides East Nantmeal 1830, 1840, Warwick 1850-1880 shoemakr,

             Single in 1880.  He could not be the son of James and Jenetta because they have a son David born 1829; also since Jenetta was born abt 1793, she could not be the mother of David at age 12!  Further, the 1810 census indicates that James and Jenetta have only one child in 1810.  It is unlikely that they only had 1 child between 1804 and 1810.  More likely the child in the 1810 census born 1800-1810 and the child in the 1820 census born 1804-1810 is Mills Todd b 1810. 

 

I assume these Warwick Twp Todds are related to one of the Lancaster Co, Todds families or possibly to William Todd, brother of James Todd 1784-1853?, who died in Chester Co about 1826.

 

Possibly Deeds of Chester Co relevant to Todds of Chester Co

 

John Todd and wife to John Todd Jr.  1803/1806 Book Z2, p 433 (Film 20873)

John Todd Jr and wife to David McKnight Book A3, p 142 (Film 554995)

James Todd and wife to William Todd 1811/1811 Book F3 p 97 (Film 555252)

previously sent

 

These deeds will give the wife's names which will help with identification

and the county of residence of each of these presumed children of John Todd

d 1809.

 

** 

1850 Census West Nantmeal Twp, Chester Co, PA

James Todd age 66 (hence born 1784)

Jennetta  age 57 (hence, born 1793)

Nancy, 33 (b 1817)

Jane, 31 (b 1819)

Margaret, 28? (b 1822)

William, 30 (b 1820)

Sarah 26 (b 1824)

Rachel  19 (b 1831)

Jenetta 13 (b1837)

David 21 (b 1829)

 

Here are the three families living in Wallace in 1860. 

 

1.  Nancy and her younger sister Margaret are livining together.  These appear to be nearing the same age as the daughters of James and Jennetta Todd from the 1850 census.

 

2.  Robert Todd b 1814, a widower with children - the right age to be one of the sons of James.

 

3.  William Todd b 1815 - a widower with young children.  This appears to be your William.

 

 

 

 

  Nancy Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 40  abt 1820  Pennsylvania  Female  

  Margaret Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 36  abt 1824  Pennsylvania  Female  

 

  Robert Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 46  abt 1814  Pennsylvania  Male  

  Mary Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 16  abt 1844  Pennsylvania  Female  

  Wm Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 15  abt 1845  Pennsylvania  Male  

  James Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 10  abt 1850  Pennsylvania  Male  

 

  William Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 45  abt 1815  Pennsylvania  Male  

  Hetty J Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 7  abt 1853  Pennsylvania  Female  

  James B Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 5  abt 1855  Pennsylvania  Male  

  Edith A Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 3  abt 1857  Pennsylvania  Female  

  William Todd Wallace, Chester, PA 1  abt 1859  Pennsylvania  Male 

 

In any event, the 1850 census says James was born 1784 which is consistent with the 1780-1790 dates given by the 1840 and 1830 census and consistent with the 1765-1794 date given by the 1820 census.

** 

 

1.  Below is a deed from James Todd and Jennet his wife in 1811 to William Todd of the same place.  Note that in the 1820 census for Chester Co, there is only one James Todd in all of Chester Co and he is the James Todd of West Nantmeal.  Also there is a William in West Nantmeal. 

 

I believe that since Wallace Twp was created out of West Nantmell in 1852, that when we look for your James, we need to be looking in West Nantmeal Twp.  I believe that the James and Jennett of the 1811 deed are your James Todd and Jennetta Harris.

 

 

1820

Robert Todd East Whiteland,Chester,PA 1820  

  William Todd Kennett,Chester,PA 1820  

  Nathaniel Todd West Chester,Chester,PA 1820  

 

  James Todd West Nantmeal,Chester,PA 1820   head born 1765-1794, wife 1794-1804, 3 sons born 1810-1820, 1 son born 1804-1810, 3 dau born 1810-20.

  Wm Todd West Nantmeal,Chester,PA 1820 

 

Note that the above James Todd is the only James Todd in the county and the only James Todd in the portion of Chester Co that became Wallace Twp in 1852.

 

Chester County Support

Deed: Bk F3, p 97:  James Todd and wife to William Todd, 1811

            ..23 March 1811 between James Todd and Jennett his wife ..of West Nantmeal (Twp, Chester Co, PA) and William Todd of the same place..as tenants in common of a tract in township aforesaid ..161-1/4 acres.. James Todd shall have..beginning at a corner, thence by land of Paul McKnight N9W 66 perches, by land of David McKinight N80-3/4E 20 perches, by same land N4-1/4E 85.3 perches, by same lnad N27.5E 120.6 thence by Lot No 2, S24.5 W 65.3 p., by same land S81W 17.9 p, by same land S24.5W 83.4 p, by same land S80W 51.5 p, by land of Alexander Wilson N80@, 49 p to beginning . 78 acres and 20 perches..and allot to William Todd.. residue of the said tract beginning at a stone corner, by land of David McKinight S85E 12.2 p, by land of James Dugan S25-1/4E 82p, by land th Estate of Robert Wallace dec S83-3/4W 147.8 p by land of Alexandr Wilson N80W 52.2 p, by lot No 1, N8E 51.5 p, by same, N24.5E 83.4 p, by same N 81E 17.9 p, by same N24.5E 65.3 to beginning..83acres and thirty perches…signed: James Todd (seal) Jennett Todd (seal) William Todd (seal) in presence of Alexr Lockheart, William Huston.  Witnessed 12 April 1811

 

Please note that in the 1820 census David McKnight (identified in the above deed as a neighbor) appears directly above James Todd suggesting that the James Todd of the 1820 census is the neighbor of David McKnight.  In the above deed, James Todd and Jennett his wife are neighbors of David McKnight.  Hence, this suggests that the James Todd of the 1811 deed is the James Todd of the 1820 census.    This James Todd of the census had a son born in 1804-1810 and so this James Todd was probably born 1784-1790 (assuming 20 years from his birth to the birth of his son) and maybe a few years earlier.

 

Note also that this is a deed of division between James and William who own the land jointly, as if they inherited it from their father.

 

Deed:  Deed: Bk K3, p 122: Daniel Krider to James Todd: 1814

…7 April 1814Daniel Krider of West Nantmeal Township, Chester Co (PA).. and Catharine his wife of the one part and James Todd of the same palce of the otyher part..$1400.. have sold..tract,,beginning at a post, thence by other land of James Todd N78E 119.5 perches, S85E 12 p, by land of Warwick Company N24W 65 p, by land of David McKnight S50W 48 p, N76W 38.5 p, S76-3/4W 18.2 p, S16W 19p S6W 40.5 p to beginning ..36 acres: Witnesses: George Evans, Sarah Evans.. Witn: 7 April 1814

 

So here, James Todd 3 years after the 1811 division is adding another 36 acres adjacent to the land he already owned.

 

        c.  Deed:  There is no deed in Chester County documenting the purchase of the West Nantmeal land by James and William suggesting that they inherited it.  Below we have a John Todd who bought land that straddled the boundary between East Nantmeal and West Nantmeal.

 

8 April 1793…William Caldwell of Wets Nantmell, Chester county and John Todd of Honeybrook twp, yeoman,  1788 grant for land in East Nantmell ..60 acres .. also adoining parcel of 103 acres in West Nantmell.. 425 pounds paid by John Todd

 

(This is John Todd d 1809, presumed son of James Todd d 1772)

 

Note that the total acres in this 1793 purchase by John Todd is 163 acres which is very close to the 161+ acres that were divided by James and William Todd in 1811.

 

 

 

    d.  The John Todd of Honeybrook who buys land in the Nantmells in 1793 appears to be the John Todd in the 1790 census of Honeybrook Twp.  Note that in 1790, John Todd of Honeybrook is the only JOhn Todd in Chester Co:

 

Robt Todd East Whiteland, Chester, PA 1790  

  Wm Todd East Whiteland, Chester, PA 1790  

  Jno Todd Honeybrook, Chester, PA 1790  

 

e.  In 1800, there is only one John Todd in all of Chester Co.  There is no John Todd in Honeybrook but there is a John Todd in  West Nantmell.  This fits with the 1793 purchase of land iin West Nantmell by John Todd of Honeybrook.

 

William A Todd East Caln, Chester, PA 1800  

  Quinton Todd East Marlborough, Chester, PA 1800  

  David Todd East Whiteland, Chester, PA 1800  

  James Todd East Whiteland, Chester, PA 1800  

  William Todd East Whiteland, Chester, PA 1800  

  John Todd West Nantmeal, Chester, PA 1800 

 

In the 1800 census, the person right above John Todd is Paul McKnight.  David McKnight is 5 persons down the list.  this suggests that Paul McKnight and David McKnight are neighbors of John Todd.

 

f.  By 1810, John Todd is gone from West Nantmell which fits with the following will of John Todd of West Nantmell in 1809:

 

Will of John Todd of West Nantmel (assumed son of James Todd d 1772 East Nottingham Twp)

 

March 10, 1809 proved May 1, 1809

To sons James and William my plantation with stock and utensils.

To daughter Margaret, wife of William Snodgrass 10 pounds.

To daughter Mary, wife of Michael Essick, 30 pounds.

To son John's 3 children 30 pounds, to be divided. Provides for wife,

unnamed.

Executors: Friends James McClure and Ephraim Allen

Wits: George Evans, Mary Child.

Letters to James and William Todd, executors and widow, Grizzel renouncing.

 

 

 

g.  By 1810, the only Todd in West Nantmeal is James Todd (living next door to DAvid and Paul McKnight.  However, he is listed as aged 26-45, but also living in his household is another male 26-45 and a male 16-26.  The other male 26-45 is probably William, since we know that William was still in West Nantmell until his death in 1826.  Also living with James is a male born 1800-1810, presumably his first son.  There are also two females age 16-26, presumably wives of James and William.

 

 

 

Wm Todd East Marlborough, Chester, PA 1810   

  David Todd East Whiteland, Chester, PA 1810  

  William Todd Euchland, Chester, PA 1810  

  James Todd West Nantmeal, Chester, PA 1810 

 

So what we have proven up to this point is that John Todd of Honeybrook Twp, Chester Co in 1790, came to West Nantmell in 1793 and bought land that straddled the East Nantmell/West Nantmell Twp line, and died there in 1809, leaving sons James, William and a deceased son John.  The above will shows that James and William inherited the plantation from their father.

 

In 1811, James and William divide the property as described in the deed listed at the beginning of this email. 

 

h. In 1820, James and William show up in the 1820 census in West Nantmell.  William has 5 children born 1810-1820, suggesting he married around 1810 which is consistent with the 1810 census.  James has 3 boys and three girls aged 0-10 (born 1810-1820) but also a son born 1804-1810 which is consistent with the 1810 census.  James Todd of West Nantmell is the only James Todd in all of Chester Co.    

 

Robert Todd East Whiteland,Chester,PA 1820  

  William Todd Kennett,Chester,PA 1820  

  Nathaniel Todd West Chester,Chester,PA 1820  

  James Todd West Nantmeal,Chester,PA 1820  

  Wm Todd West Nantmeal,Chester,PA 1820 

  

 

i.  We know from the 1881 Chester Co History that John Todd was born in Wallace in 1812  and that John was the son of James Todd and Jennetta Harris. But since we know also that Wallace Township was not created until 1852 from West Nantmell, then a more accurate statement would be that John Todd was born in West Nantmell Township in 1812, and that John was son of James Todd and Jennetta Harris. 

 

From the above, we know there was only one James Todd in West Nantmell Twp in 1820 and that this was the James who with his wife Jennett sold land in 1811 in West Nantmell, one year before John was born.    And we know that the land this James sold was the land owned by John Todd d 1809.    Based on the land records, the will records and the census records, I see no other conclusion other than that John Todd b 1812 was the son of James Todd and Jenetta Harris and the grandson of John Todd d 1809. 

 

 Later censuses

In 1810, James of West Nantmell had one son.

In 1820, James of West Nantmell had 4 sons (1 born 1804-1810 and 3 born 1810-1820) and 3 dau.,

1830 East Nantmell Twp, Chester Co

James  Todd 1112001-023101

 

James is born 1780-1790 with wife born 1790-1800 and 5 sons (2 born 1810-20, one born 1815-20, one born 1820-25 and one born 1825-30) and 6 daughters.

 

1840:  West Nantmell Twp, Chester Co:

James Todd 00102001-1012301

James is born 1780-1790 with wife born 1790-1800 with 3 sons and 7 daughters.

 

His other two sons have started their own families:

1840 West Nantmell Twp

Miles/Mills Todd (b 1800-1810)

John Todd married Elizabeth Pergrin and had two dau by 1840.

In sum:

1810: (one son) Mills Todd b 1810

1820:  (four sons) Mills Todd b 1810, John b 1812, Robert b 1814, William b 1820

1830:  (five sons) Mills Todd b1810, John b 1812, Robert b 1814, William b 1820, David b 1829

1840: (three sons living with him (Robert, William and David) and two sons with their own families (Mills and John)

1850:  (one son living with him (David) and other sons with their own families (Mills  in West Nantmell, John in Uwchlan Twp, Robert in West Nantmell, William in West Nantmell)

 

 

Note on the Family Tradition

 

It has been reported in the family tradition that James Todd was born about 1795 and his father John about 1770.  According to Richard Locker