The Titteringtons of Northern Ireland

The following information has been taken from various published documents and the reader will note that there are some discrepancies.

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The placing of William as a member of Richard’s family has posed a bit of a conundrum.  Alan Cookson, from his extensive research, claims that there was only the one Titterington family in this area of the United States at this particular point in time. William also names one of his sons Adam. One might infer from this that the child was named after William’s older brother.  Alan further claims that the use of the name Adam in the Titterington clan was rare at this time.  This was the first two uses of that name.  

 

In his will, Richard names all his sons:  William is not included.  In his Bible, Adam names all his siblings as they are recorded in their father’s will: William is not included.  So why is this?  Alan argues that Richard was in the military evidenced by his occupation (Articifer) and the place it was written was a military fort i.e Presque Isle.  William was born on 5th October in Fort Pitt, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, a military Fort.  As a British soldier, it is possible that Richard was away from his marital home for long periods.  Alan makes the point that he may have had a relationship with a woman, resulting in the birth of William Titterington.  Richard may have gone on to fight in battle and may not even been aware of the birth if he had moved on.

 

In his Bible, Adam records - “April 27 1805 parted with my brother on the top of the Chestnut Ridge Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania”.  Adam gives us no indication as to which brother he refers.  Could it have been William?  We do know that William lived his life in Pennsylvania.  We also know that in 1819 William was an indentured servant.  In his will in 1797, Richard made plans for all his older sons to become Apprentices.  

 

If one considers this theory to be a plausible explanation then it means that Adam and William were half-brothers. They may, or may not have known each other.  At this point in time there is not enough information available to place William Titterington anywhere else. 

 

William married Martha Smith who was born on 27th September, 1803 In Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

 

The Wills and Letters of Administrations of Westmoreland County Court House, Greenburg, PA records in 1819 an extract of the Will for Ephraim Adams in which he makes a bequest to William Titterington, indentured servant.  From the full will we learn that the bequest was for 100$ with the proviso that William should behave and complete the remaining years of his indenture. Consequently, a Memorandum of Alterations indicates that “William Titterington his share to go Jane Adams (he receives nothing)”.   So, the question is – Did William receive the bequest, or did he misbehave, or not complete the remaining time of his indenture?  William marries Martha in 1820 so perhaps he received his $100 and was able to move on to greener fields??

 

In the 1870 census of Grant, Indiana, Pennsylvania, William aged 79 and Martha aged are both registered as being unable to write.  Their son Adam, a Farmer is living with them with his wife Leah and all their family and so to, is their daughter Margaret, with her husband.

 

Their daughter, Elizabeth was born on 22nd May, 1821 in Pennsylvania.  She married John Manner who was born on 22nd November, 1818 in Wittenburg, Germany.  Elizabeth died in 1901 in Pennsylvania.

 

Their son John Engle,was born on 25th February, 1823 and died at the home of his daughter, on 11th July, 1909 in Grant, Indiana where he was a well known resident. He had lived for many years on a farm near Deckers Point and was married to Matilda McGee.  He was a veteran of the Civil War, in which he enlisted with his son Aaron.   John Titterington was taken prisoner at the Battle of Wilderness on 6thMay, 1864.  His son Aaron was killed during the battle but his body was lost and believed to have been burnt in the fire that swept across the battlefield after the fight.  During his imprisonment both his health and mind were affected by the starvation he suffered in Andersonville prison and when he returned north after the prisoner exchange in February, 1865 he was extremely emaciated.

 

Their son Adam, was born on 3rd June, 1826 in Westmoreland, married Lea Riddle who died in 1895 and then he married Phoebe Rearick Leck.  He died on 11th May, 1908 in Logan County, Oklahoma.  

 

Their daughter Catherine, was born on 11th November, 1828, married James Riddle and she died on 12thJuly 1901.

 

Their daughter Martha Jane was born 25th February, 1831, married William Thurston and she died on 31st January, 1876.

 

Their daughter Dorcas, was born on 25thMay, 1835 and died at the age of eight on 16th October, 1843.

 

Their daughter Nancy was born on 17th September, 1836 married Phillip Smyers and died on 10th April, 1910.

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Their son Hiram, was born on 12th April, 1840 married Hannah Stuchel  and died on the 17th May, 1926.  Hiram names his son Ephraim.  Ephraim marries Adam’s daughter Effie.

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Their daughter Lavinia was born on 30th April, 1842, married to William Riddle and died on 26th November, 1899.

 

Their daughter Margaret was born in 29th March, 1847, married David Bates and she died on 27th March, 1875.

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