History

Stephen and Caroline Todd's first child Charles was born in 1875, in Canada. The other nine children were born in Michigan from 1877 - 1897. Stephen and Caroline Todd were married for 24 years. Stephen died July 9, 1898 of cystitis, according to Dr. N. R. Bradley. Caroline died sometime after July 16, 1900 but before 1901.

Stephen suffered from chronic illnesses, had back and spinal problems and heart disease and an injury to the left arm. This was according to an application for pension on September 11, 1890. Correspondence continued for the pension for 10 years, but both died trying. To the best of our knowledge no pension for war was ever received.

Stephen and Caroline were very poor. They possessed two cows and twenty-four chickens, yielding about $30 a year income. The children had to fend for themselves with no relatives to help because Caroline's parents disowned her. The children did remarkably well with no help available. It made them tough, stern and hard workers to survive. Their children were: Charles 1875; Louis 1876; Mary Jane 1880; William 1882; Sophia 1885; John 1887; Florence 1888; Fredrick 1890; Victoria 1893 and Irene 1897. Charles, Louis and Mary worked away from home as soon as they were able. William later worked at lumber camps and was the head of the family until Sophia was able to manage. Sophia remained the head of the family until the last five were on their own. The youngest boys--John and Fred could not attend school because they were needed on the farm to insure food for the summer and winter.