S. F. Todd

S. F. TODD, an esteemed resident of Scottdale, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and a man who by his own exertion and perseverance has attained an honorable place in the world of successful business men, is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Merritt) Todd, and was born in Rostraver, Westmoreland county, October 11, 1852. The Todd family in America originated with Robert Todd, a native of Brittania, France, a captain in the home guards, who at the overthrow of the government at the time of the insurrection hastened from his native land, finding a haven in America. He lived and died in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He had one son, Robert, the grandfather of S. F. Todd.

Robert Todd removed from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Rostraver, Westmoreland county, in 1779. He settled on a farm located a mile and a half east of Rostraver postoffice, and which is now owned by his grandson, Robert Todd. When he took possession of the property it was a wild tract of land, but he carefully improved it, and brought it to a high state of cultivation. He followed agricultural pursuits in conjunction with the conduct of a tannery all his active working life, and achieved the most gratifying success. He affiliated with the order of Quakers. His wife was Hannah Hammond, a native of France, by whom were born the following named children: Hannah, deceased; Polly, who became the wife of Peter Van Meter, a Frenchman: Margaret, married John Foot, of old Connecticut extraction; Ann, married John Hasson; Robert, a farmer of Rostraver township; Daniel, father of S. F. Todd; Samuel, a farmer of Rostraver township; James, formerly a steamboat captain, later a merchant. The father of these children, Robert Todd, died in 1821, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a useful, industrious citizen, a kind and loving father and husband, and his loss was keenly felt.

Daniel Todd, sixth child and second son of Robert and Hannah (Hammond) Todd, was born in z8o8, in Rostraver township. He obtained his education in the common schools and the old Concord school house, and upon leaving school turned his attention to the quiet but useful occupation of a farmer. In 1847 he removed to South Huntingdon township, where he engaged in the cultivation of a splendid farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres. He was a regular and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Elizabeth Merritt. a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Harrold) Merritt. Seven children, three sons and four daughters, were the issue of this marriage union: Hannah, deceased, the wife of Oliver Lenhart: S. F., mentioned hereafter; Daniel, deceased; James, died in youth; Elizabeth, the wife of Hugh Espey, .of East Huntingdon township; Laura, who marriect Robert Hill, of Scottdale. Daniel Todd died in 1863.

S. F. Todd received his intellectual training in the public schools and Normal school, spending two terms in the latter. After the death of his father he took up his residence with his uncle, Samuel Todd, and when a young man made a trip to the west, remaining there for two years. He then returned to South Huntingdon township and followed agricultural pursuits until 1886, when he removed to Scottdale and worked in the rolling--mill and clerked in stores until 18g1. when he embarked upon his present successful business enterprise. His present business is that of a stone, marble and granite dealer. His is one of the leading and substantial establishments in the county. He deals in monuments of all kinds, from the smallest tombstone to the finest mausoleum. His place of business is at 211 South Broadway. Mr. Todd contracts for the erection of stone buildings, and at times employs as many as twenty men. In 1901 he erected one of the most attractive modern houses in Scottdale, made of Cleveland stone, and situated on South Broadway, where he and his niece reside in comfort and luxury.

Politically Mr. Todd strongly defends the principles of the Democratic party. Public-spirited and patriotic, he is deeply interested in all public affairs and always has the best interests of the community at heart. He has taken pride in the upbuilding and growth of his town, and is ever ready to lend his assistance to any enterprise which will advance the interests of the public. In the fall of 1904 he was strongly solicited by members of his party to become a candidate for county comptroller, but declined. He has served as a member of the borough council, and during his visit to Florida was placed on the borough ticket for burgess. He returned four days before election, and his popularity was such that he came within sixteen votes of being elected in a district strongly Republican. An upright, honorable man, Mr. Todd enjoys the entire confidence of the community. He has never married. During his mother's life he felt that she needed his support, arid after her death he took care of his sister. Since her marriage he has cared for his niece, Laura, the daughter of Mrs. Lenhart and an accomplished young woman.  

Source: Page(s) 226-227, History of Westmoreland County, Volume II, Pennsylvania by John N Boucher. New York, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906.
Transcribed August 2008 by Nathan Zipfel for the Westmoreland County History Project
Contributed for use by the Westmoreland County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland/)

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