Ann Tonge (c1792-1863) built the three buildings as rental units for mill workers in Ellicott City. Born in England, she married James Tonge who died c1840 and she signed a release of mortgage deed on Feb 26, 1844 as "Administratrix of James Tonge deceased."
Two heirs were mentioned in her will - daughter Margaret Ellen (Tonge) Hughes (1823- ) and granddaughter Sarah Ann Fusting, born 1844 to Jane Ann (Tonge) Fusting (1819-1847) and Joseph P. Fusting (1808-1871) of Catonsville. Sarah would inherit the northern half of Tonge's Row, and Margaret would get the southern half. Margaret would also get: Baltimore House (406 West St. from Anton Cadper on in May 1859); and two "frame dwellings in Ellicott mills on the Frederick Turnpike [Main St] together with the lot of ground upon which they are located".. from Edward and Rebecca Johnson. If Sarah died Margaret would inherit everything.
Tonge Row - "tract of land on Columbia Turnpike from John Day Feb 2, 1844... with the three stone dwellings thereon erected...six stone buildings known as Tonge's Row".
The Feb. 10, 1863 probate listed Margaret E. and William Hughes with Thomas Jenkins putting up a bond for $2,000.
The three duplexes of "Tonge Row" are two stories on the road, and a walk-out bottom floor in the back. Each duplex side has an upper and lower door and a central chimney.
Photocopy of signature from the Howard County Historical Society
Located at 3736-3742, 3744-3748, and 3752-3744 Old Columbia Road.
Will in Howard County Wills TBH Libr2 folio 3 Feb 3, 1863. Md State Archives
©2017 Patricia Bixler Reber
Forgotten history of Ellicott City & Howard County MD
Thank you for a little Wednesday information I love this kind of facts
ReplyDeleteShe was an interesting lady!
DeleteI am trying to learn a little more about the history of Ellicott City as it pertains to the Hughes family. I believe the daughter, Margaret Ellen Tonge-Hughes married an Evan Hughes who I believe was the brother of my 4th GGF William Hughes who was a butcher, farmer and county commissioner who lived on the Old Columbia Turnpike. Are the properties mentioned here still standing and are you familiar with the Hughes family?
ReplyDeleteHi. I've just located this post and find it extremely intriguing as I believe there is a connection to my ancestors. Ann Tonge's daughter Margaret Ellen Tonge-Hughes-Polland was first married to an Evan Hughes who I believe was the brother of William Hughes mentioned here as posting bond as part of the probate in 1863 upon Ann's death. William was my 4th GGF who was a butcher, farmer and county commissioner and I believe trained one of the Kraft family members in the "butcher" trade. Margaret who inherited a portion of her mother's estate would have been William's sister in-law if I have my family tree correct. Is there a way to find out more information on this?
ReplyDeleteI don't have more on her daughter, but Hughes is in my blog post on Kraft butchers. from HO-894 MIHP - Kraft Home Place (Stark Funeral Home) 3871 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, (just up the street from the Tonge row) -
Delete“In 1851, Andrew Kraft, then 15, immigrated to the United States from Germany. Butcher and farmer William Hughes provided him with employment. Upon retirement, Hughes sold the business to William H. Scott, who opened a shop on Main Street in Ellicott City.” The Kraft butcher shop on Main St. most recently became a tea shop and now closed, but still standing after the flood. Tonge row is still there.