My Great-Grandparents, Benjamin Franklin Todd and Cora L. Mater

Benjamin Franklin Todd

Early picture of Benjamin Franklin Todd, date unknown

My great-grandfather, Benjamin Franklin "Frank" Todd, is my mother's paternal grandfather. He was born on July 23, 1860 in Elizabeth City County, VA. This birth date is supported by the censuses he was enumerated in and is the date on his gravestone. An alternate birth date can be calculated from his death certificate, where it listed that he was "71 years, 2 months, 29 days" old when he died - this would put his birth date at July 21, 1860 - only two days off the July 23 date. Another alternate birth date can be estimated from his age given in the 1930 census - 68, which would result in an estimated birth year of 1862.

Benjamin first appeared in a census in 1870, when he was listed as a member of Elias Todd Jr. and Dianah Landrum's household on August 5, 1870 in Wythe Township, Elizabeth City County, VA along with Dianah Ella Todd (sister), Lemuel Baker Todd (brother), Mary E. "Lillie" Todd (sister), Elizabeth Topping (unknown relation), and Henrietta J. Todd (sister). He was 10 years old and was attending school.

He was listed as a member of Elias Todd Jr. and Dianah Landrum's household in the 1880 census on June 7, 1880 at a farm in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA along with Andrew Clay Todd (brother), Dianah Ella Todd (sister), Lemuel Baker Todd (brother), Lulu Belle Todd (sister), Margaret T. "Maggie" Todd (sister), Marnetta Todd (sister), Mary E. "Lillie" Todd (sister), Henrietta J. Todd (sister), and Elias Fayette "Fay" Todd (brother). He was 20 years old, single and worked on the family farm.

Frank bought land in Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA about 1890. The land was about 30 acres and he supposedly paid $1000. The site was located along Todd's Lane in Hampton, Virginia and was also where he built his home. This information has been handed down in the family and has not been corroborated through researching land deeds.

House where Benjamin Franklin and Cora Mater lived, shortly before it was torn down in the mid-1990s

Benjamin Franklin "Frank" Todd and Cora L. Mater obtained a marriage license on March 17, 1892 in Elizabeth City County, VA. This was the same day they were married. Benjamin's age was 31 and Cora's was 19. This was the first marriage for both, and they were both born in Elizabeth City County, Virginia. His parents were listed as Elias and Diana Todd, and her parents were W. H. and Hannah Mater. Benjamin worked as a clerk. Family story is that he worked at the J. T. Lee Store on Queen Street in Hampton, VA and walked 5 miles each day to open the store at 5 AM.

They were married on March 17, 1892 in Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA by W. R. Webb.

Marriage License of Benjamin Franklin Todd and Cora L. Mater

They appeared in the 1900 census on June 6, 1900 in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA along with their Florence "Flossie" Todd, Floyd Benjamin Todd, and Zachary Taylor "Zack" Todd. Benjamin was the head of household, 39, and born in July 1860 in Virginia. He and Cora had been married for 8 years. He was a farmer and could read and write. Their farm was owned with a mortgage. Cora was listed as his wife, 28, and born in March 1872 in Virginia. She had 3 children of which all 3 were living. She could also read and write. Their daughter, Florence, was 7 and born in January 1893 in Virginia. Their son, Floyd, was 4 and born in October 1895 in Virginia. Their younger son at this time, Zack (my maternal grandfather), was 2 and born in November 1897 in Virginia. Their farm was listed in the census immediately before the Elias Todd, Jr. (Benjamin's father) farm, which could mean their farms were adjacent to each other.

Frank and Cora next appeared in the 1910 census on May 11, 1910 in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA along with Emmett D. Todd Sr., Florence "Flossie" Todd, Floyd Benjamin Todd, Herbert Elias Todd, William Franklin Todd, and Zachary Taylor "Zack" Todd. They were listed in the census one farm away from Andrew C. Todd, Benjamin's brother, where Benjamin's mother Diana was living at the time. Benjamin was 49, a farmer, and born in Virginia. He and Cora had been married for 18 years. Their farm was still mortgaged. Cora was listed as 30 (this is a little off - she would have been about 37 at this time), mother of 6 children of which all 6 were living, and born in Virginia. Their daughter, Florence, was 17, single and born in Virginia. Their son, Floyd, was 14, born in Virginia, and had attended school the previous year. He worked as a laborer on the farm. Their son, Zachariah (also known as Zack, my grandfather), was 12, born in Virginia and had attended school the previous year. (This is the only document I've found where my grandfather is listed as "Zachariah", instead of Zachary, Zackary, Jack or Zack.) Their son, William, was 8 and born in Virginia. Their son, Emmet, was 6 and born in Virginia. Their youngest son at this time, Herbert, was 5 and born in Virginia.

Benjamin's address was R.F.D. #2 in Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA on September 12, 1918. This information is from the World War I draft registration of his son, Zachary.

Benjamin and Cora appeared in the 1920 census on January 28, 1920 in Elizabeth City County, VA along with Carroll Todd, Emmett D. Todd Sr., Floyd Benjamin Todd, Herbert Elias Todd, and William Franklin Todd. Benjamin, who was listed as "B. Frank Todd" in this census, was the head of household, 59, married, a farmer, and born in Virginia. Cora was listed as his wife, 45 (her age was 46), and born in Virginia. Their farm was owned free with no mortgage. Their son, Floyd, was 23, single, and born in Virginia. He had no occupation listed, although he probably helped on the farm, as did all their sons. Their son Franklyn (William F.) was 18, single and born in Virginia. He also had no occupation listed. Their son, Emmett, was 16, single and born in Virginia. Their son, Herbert, was 15, born in Virginia, and had attended school since September 1, 1919. Their youngest son, Carrol (Carroll), was 9, born in Virginia, and had also attended school since September 1, 1919.

They appeared in the 1930 census on April 3, 1930 in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA along with Carroll Todd, Floyd Benjamin Todd, Herbert Elias Todd, and William Franklin Todd. Benjamin was listed as "Frank Todd" in this census. He was the head of household, 68, born in Virginia, and a general farmer. He was married to Cora, and he was 30 when married (a little off - he was closer to 32). Cora was listed as his wife, 57, and born in Virginia. She was 19 when married. They owned a home worth $3000, lived on a farm, and had a radio set. Their son, Floyd, was 36, single, born in Virginia, and worked on the farm. He was listed as a World War I veteran. Their son, Franklin (William F.) was 26, single, born in Virginia, and worked on the farm. Their son, Herbert, was 23, single, born in Virginia, and worked as a ship fitter at a shipyard. Their youngest son, Carol (Carroll) was 20, single, born in Virginia, and worked as a draftsman at a shipyard.

Benjamin died from valvular heart disease on October 20, 1931 at the age of 71 in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA. His death certificate said he was 71 years, 2 months, 29 days of age, born in Elizabeth City County, Virginia and a farmer. Death occurred in Elizabeth City County, Wythe Magisterial District (probably his home, based on his census location being the same). He was married, and the informant was his widow, Mrs. B. F. Todd (Cora Mater Todd). His father's name was given as "Elijah" Todd (Elias Todd), born in Elizabeth City County, and his mother's name was given as Dianna Landrum, also born in Elizabeth City County. His doctor attended him from April 1931 until he passed away at 11 AM on October 20, 1931. According to his doctor, his death was not an accident, suicide or homicide, and was not related to his occupation. He was to be buried on October 23, 1931 in the West Burying Ground (Cemetery) in Hampton. My Mom had always heard that he died of Bright's disease and also suffered from gout in his lower legs, but neither of these conditions were listed on his death certificate as contributing causes to his death.

Frank's obituary appeared on October 21, 1931 in the Daily Press newspaper in Newport News, VA: "BENJAMIN F. TODD DIES AT BIG BETHEL. Benjamin Franklin Todd, aged 71 years, died at his home near Big Bethel yesterday morning at 11 o'clock. Mr. Todd had been ill for some time. Mr. Todd is survived by his widow and seven children: Mrs. Florence Wilson, Floyd, Jack, Franklin, Emmette [sic], Herbert and Carroll Todd. There are two surviving brothers, L. B. Todd and A. C. Todd and five sisters [even though six are listed]: Mrs. D. L. Souder, Mrs. T. S. Tennis, Mrs. Edward Shackelford, Miss Maggie Todd, Miss Ella Todd and Miss Henrietta Todd. Mr. Todd, who was a prominent farmer of Elizabeth City County, was born and reared near Big Bethel. Arrangements for the funeral had not been completed last night." (The fact that funeral plans had not been completed may indicate that his death was unexpected.)

Benjamin F. Todd's Obituary

He was buried probably a day or two after October 21, 1931 at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, VA. His headstone is next to the headstone for his wife Cora, their daughter Florence (Flossie) and two infants in the R. S. Wilson plot. R. S. Wilson was his son-in-law, married to Flossie. I have found no evidence that he was ever buried in the West Burying Ground in Hampton, Virginia as written in his death certificate.

Benjamin F. Todd Gravestone

Cora L. Mater

Early picture of Cora L. Mater, date unknown

My great-grandmother and my mother's paternal grandmother, Cora L. Mater, was the daughter of William H. Mater and Hannah J. Topping and was born on March 15, 1873 in Elizabeth City County, VA. This is the birth date I've found for Cora that is supported by her marriage certificate, death certificate, tombstone, and multiple censuses. Alternate birth dates for Cora include March 1872 (a year earlier) from the 1900 census, and an estimated 1874 (her age was listed as 45) from the 1920 census.

She first appeared in the 1880 census as a member of William H. Mater and Hannah J. "Jennie" Topping's household on June 14, 1880 at a farm in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA along with her sister Carrie B. Mater, sister Catherine T. "Cate" Mater, sister Lucy Mater, and brother William Garrett Mater. Cora, their daughter, was 7 years old and born in Virginia.

Cora's listings in the 1900 - 1930 censuses are described above for her husband, Benjamin.

After her husband passed away, she was listed in the household of Floyd Benjamin Todd in the 1940 census on April 1, 1940 in Wythe District, Elizabeth City County, VA along with Calvin Bernard "Bernie" Todd, Emmett D. Todd Sr., Emmett Dudley Todd Jr., William Franklin Todd, and Grace M. Hodgins. Cora L (67, widowed, born in Virginia) was living with her son Floyd (44, born in Virginia), her son Frank (38, born in Virginia), her son Emmett (36, married, born in Virginia) and his wife Grace M (31, married, born in Virginia), and their two sons (her grandsons): Emmett, Jr. (5, born in Virginia) and Calvin (2, born in Virginia). They all lived on a farm worth $5000, and had all lived in the same house in 1935. Cora had a 5th grade education and no occupation.

Cora was a long-time member of Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA until March 9, 1954.

She lived at Big Bethel Road in Hampton, VA until March 9, 1954. My mother remembers differently that Cora lived at the old farmhouse on Todd's Lane until she passed away. She remembers visiting her as a young girl and how "stern" Cora seemed.

Cora died from cerebral hemorrhage and arteriosclerosis on March 9, 1954 at the age of 80 at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, VA. The informant on her death certificate was one of her sons, Carroll, who lived on Manteo Avenue in Hampton, VA.

Cora's obituary appeared on March 10, 1954 in the Daily Press newspaper in Newport News, VA: "Mrs. Cora Mater Todd, 81, of Big Bethel Road, Hampton, died yesterday in Riverside Hospital after a long illness. A native of Elizabeth City County, she was the widow of B. F. Todd and was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. R. S. Wilson of Warwick; six sons, Floyd Todd, Zack Todd, Franklin Todd, Emmett Todd, Herbert Todd and Carroll Todd, all of Hampton; three sisters, Mrs. Perry Leisher of Silver Spring, MD, Mrs. Ruth Wagner of Brooklyn, and Mrs. W. T. Wilson of Warwick, 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 3 P. M. with the Rev. George B. Fletcher, of Liberty Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, Warwick. Pallbearers will be six of Mrs. Todd's nephews, B. R. Wilson, Dixie Wilson, Herman Wilson, Dudley Todd, Bernard Todd and Robert Wood. Friends of the family will act as honorary pallbearers."

Cora L. Mater's Obituary

Cora's funeral was held on March 11, 1954 at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, and she was buried on the same day at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, VA.

Cora L. Mater's Gravestone

Children of Benjamin Franklin Todd and Cora L. Mater

Benjamin Franklin Todd and Cora L. Mater had the following children:

Florence "Flossie" Todd, born January 3, 1893, Virginia; married Richard Saunders Wilson Sr., October 7, 1912, Elizabeth City, Pasquotank, North Carolina; died November 6, 1964.

Floyd Benjamin Todd, born October 6, 1895 in Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA; never married; died June 3, 1989 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hampton, VA.

Zachary Taylor "Zack" Todd, born November 9, 1897, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA; married Mamie Virginia Leitch, March 2, 1926, Norfolk, VA; died November 29, 1973, Williamsburg, James City County, VA.

William Franklin Todd, born August 24, 1901 in Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA; never married; died April 19, 1986, Elizabeth City County, VA.

Emmett D. Todd Sr., born October 20, 1903, Virginia; married Grace M. Hodgins, about 1929; died April 10, 1996, Hampton, VA.

Herbert Elias Todd, born December 23, 1904, Virginia; married Rosa Lee Nettles, August 31, 1931, Phoebus, Elizabeth City County, VA; died September 14, 1995, Newport News, VA.

Carroll Todd, born July 19, 1910, Virginia; married Mildred Elizabeth Saunders, October 2, 1935, Hampton, Elizabeth City County, VA; died June 24, 2004, Hampton, VA.


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