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Note: POSTED ON FIND A GRAVE WEB SITE: FROM THE SCRAPBOOK OF MELI TODD @ http://www.yatescounty.org/upload/12/historian/TODDscrapbook1.htm
OBIT:
We make no apology for presenting the following brief mention of another of our most distinguished early settlers, his business connections giving him a more extended acquaintance than is often attained in the common walks of a private citizen. A biographical sketch by Rev. Mr. CLARKE, says:
Truman R. TODD first saw the light of day near Hartford, Conn., March 23d, 1801. Soon after his birth the family removed to Mount Holly, Vermont, where his brother Meli and sister Lavina, now Mrs. PADDEN, were born, and who are seated with the mourners today. In 1811 the family moved to Barrington, Yates county, N. Y., soon after which the father died, leaving four children, Truman, the oldest, only twelve years of age. By a disastrous failure to receive pay on a large labor contract, the family were left penniless in that then new country, subjecting our friend to a discipline where he well performed his part, and prepared him successfully to attain under his circumstances a distinguished prosperity in afterlife. February 22d, 1822, he married Miss Polly PADDEN, and in 1823 moved to Stockton , being then alike destitute of money or credit. Nor was he alone, the extreme pressure financially forbade credit to most, however promising the appearance of the strangers.
He soon engaged for one year for $120, and Mrs. TODD for $1 per week, enabling him to deed 50 acres of land at $2.50 per acre, and furnish an outfit for their log house, in which the next year by clearing off land and produce realized, they were placed on the road to prosperity if not affluence.
With the quick perception characterizing later years, he sought enlargement, and by exchange of farms every move counted to his credit, until the village hotel became his with several houses and building thereunto belonging, and next the lot diagonally located with its spacious buildings came into his possession, making him by far the largest real estate owner of the place. It was not by trades and land alone, that his best gains arose, but his drover, and especially his salesmen, he was most fortunate. By himself and in company with Mr. BLOOD, of Portland, he spent several seasons in that trade. It was his misfortune in early life not to acquire the education desirable for the voluminous accounts and extensive trade, but happily for him it was proverbial "that his word was as good as his note or bond."
In his business life Mr. TODD was irreproachable and honest to the core," (sic) and we are reminded that he ever avoided all legal complications in the use of his money, and if practicable in all his business pursuits. Again, his moderate success never inflated him with self-esteem, or produced unnatural manners, always offensive when exhibited, and his parting advice to his sons evinced that his whole soul was permeated with the importance of truth and honesty as most essential to their permanent success in life. By his will he leaves his estate mainly equally divided with his children, Mrs. Salina PIERCE, and sons Charles T. and M. Stanley, and satisfactory to each.
After the casualty of the 10th inst., which ended his life on the 22d, he received all that care which skill and attention could command, his physicians being unremitting in their care as well as friends.
The funeral service, most appropriate, by Rev. Mr. CLARK and choir was held at the Methodist Church on the 24th, and he was buried in the village cemetery by the side of a monument which his care years since erected, and which will for ages perpetuate the family name.
The attendance was large, and we notice from out of town Rev. TOTMAN, S. S. CRISSEY, Dr. HARRISON, T. D. COPP, and Milton SMITH, and all showing a deserved respect for the aged departed one. - Fredonia Censor
T. TODD died 1879 aged 78 years 4 months. (Handwritten note)
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