Theophilus was the twin brother of Abel Adgate; they were named for their grandfather, Theophilus Abell. Their mother, Mary Abell seems to have died shortly after they were born.

Census Tracking:
* 1820 - Liberty, Sullivan Co., New York
* 1830 - Thompson, Sullivan Co., New York
* 1840 - Victory, Cayuga Co., New York
* 1850 - Orange, Ionia Co., Michigan
* 1860 - Orange, Ionia Co., Michigan
* 1870 - Orange, Ionia Co., Michigan