... daughter of Major Robert Parker, a Revolutionary War officer, and a first cousin of Levi Todd. The Parker home, it was said, was the first brick residence in Lexington.
When Eliza's father died in 1800, the Kentucky Gazette noted him as "an early adventurer to Kentucky — of extensive acquaintance — and universally esteemed." His will, leaving farms, slaves, town lots and personal property to his widow, enjoined "It is my sincere will and desire that all my children be carefully brought up and well educated." ...
... Robert S. Todd was in the thick of the fighting, came through alive, and before the end of 1813 was at home in Lexington housekeeping with the young cousin he had married. ...
... Robert S. Todd was a solid and leading citizen. The growing family that came was served by negro slaves; Jane Sanders, the housekeeper; Chaney, the cook; Nelson, the body servant and coachman; old "Mammy Sally" and young Judy, who took care of the little ones.
Two daughters, Elizabeth and Frances, were born, then a son Levi, then on December 13, 1818 Mary Ann Todd. Like the others, Mary seemed to be of the well born. She was born as one more beautiful baby in the world, flawless and full of promise. A baby brother came, died in the second summer. Then a girl who was named Ann Marie and thereafter Mary Ann dropped the Ann from her name, except in signing legal documents.
Another baby brother came. And the house was dark. And the horse two wheel carriage of the doctor stood in front of the one-house. And the children were taken next door to their grandmother.
It was the Fourth of July; artillery cadets firing cannon: church bells ringing; famous generals visiting Henry Clay at a barbecue dinner, toasts to Washington, the Union and "The Ladies of the Western Country — the rose is not less lovely, nor its fragrance less delightful because it blooms in the Wilderness."
And the one-horse gigs of the doctors waited in front of the home of Robert S. Todd. The new child, the baby brother, came. But Eliza Parker Todd didn't live through it. It was the next day that old Nelson, the black slave, hitched up the family carriage and delivered to the friends of his master little cards with black border, reading: —
"Yourself and family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of Mrs. Eliza P., Consort of Robert S. Todd. Esq., from his residence on Short Street, this evening at four o'clock. July 6, 1825." ...
