Abraham & Ann Todd: Faith, Family, and the Fields of Granger
The Todd Family of Granger: Pioneers of Faith, Farming, and Community
Abraham Todd and Ann Tofts Todd stand among the respected early settlers who helped shape the farming community of Granger in the Salt Lake Valley.
Abraham Todd was born May 5, 1836 in Forncett St. Mary, Norfolk, England, to Anna Moriah Moore and John Todd. Raised in a family of tenant farmers and sharecroppers, Abraham learned early the value of hard work. By age 14, he was tending the gardens at the Tassburg Rectory, and later, when he moved to London, he became a professional gardener.
Ann Tofts Todd, born February 1, 1835 in Bishop Stratford, Hertfordshire, England, came from a good family and was skilled in homemaking, taking pride in her appearance and home. In her twenties, Ann moved to London, likely for work, where she met Abraham. They were married at St. Andrew Church in London on May 3, 1863.
Shortly after their marriage, they heard the message of the LDS missionaries. While Abraham was receptive, Ann at first resisted—often leaving home when the missionaries came—but an unexpected spiritual experience changed her heart. She felt surrounded by a warm light and heard a gentle voice urging her to “go back and listen to those men.” She did, and both were baptized on February 1, 1864.
In May 1866, the young couple courageously left England aboard the Cornelius Greenwell, landing in New York on July 11, 1866, with two small daughters, Ellen and Emily. They joined the Joseph S. Rawlins Ox Train Company and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on October 1, 1866.
At first, the Todds worked on the Bradford farms in South Cottonwood (near 4800 South 6th East) for six years. Here they were sealed in the Old Endowment House and welcomed three more children. They then moved near the west bank of the Jordan River around 4000 South, where William Todd was born and where they sometimes faced tense encounters with local Native Americans.
By 1875, they settled at 4000 South Redwood Road, where Abraham homesteaded his own land and built a small adobe home—later replaced by a larger family home around 1885. There they raised the rest of their ten children: Charles, Fannie, and Abraham Jr.
Abraham’s farm reflected his training as a gardener, with well-tended orchards, shade trees, and bountiful crops. The family was known for their thrift and hard work. The Todd men helped build some of the first railroads and hand-dug canals to bring irrigation to the valley—foundational work that supported farms throughout Granger and neighboring areas.
At their peak, the Todds ran up to 1,000 sheep, though a dishonest partner cost them much of the herd. Later, their sons revived the sheep business, grazing flocks in Millcreek Canyon, where they fended off bears with traps and watchful nights.
Beyond their farm work, the Todd home was known as a gathering place for music and community fun. Abraham played the concertina, Aunt Fannie mastered the organ, and together with fiddle and guitar, the Todd children provided lively music for dances and gatherings. The Todds’ warm hospitality made their home a beloved social hub for neighbors and young families alike.
After decades of building up their land and community, Abraham and Ann moved to 2200 West around 1915, where they spent their final years surrounded by family. Ann passed away on December 24, 1917, and Abraham followed on December 31, 1924, closing out a life marked by faith, hard work, hospitality, and enduring legacy.
Today, the Todd name remains respected in Granger history—a testament to their sacrifices, devotion to family, and the foundation they laid for generations to come.
Abraham & Ann Todd surrounded by friends and family
