Todd, George 1828 – 1901

TODD, GILLEN, RICHARDS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/5/2015 at 14:36:44

GEORGE TODD.

The pioneer history of Winneshiek county contains the record of no more worthy and honored citizen than George Todd, who settled upon a farm in Fremont township in 1857 and for forty-four years thereafter gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, making substantial contributions to general growth and development. His death occurred upon his farm in January, 1901, and was widely and deeply regretted, his genuine personal worth and sterling qualities of character having greatly endeared him to many friends.

Mr. Todd was born in Ireland in 1828, a son of Joseph and Martha (Gillen) Todd. The father died in Ireland in 1835 and the mother afterward came to America, making her home with her children until her death. Mr. Todd acquired his education in the public schools of his native country and when he was a young man emigrated with his brothers to the United States. He located at Elgin, Illinois, in 1851, and although he had learned the weaver's trade in Ireland, worked at the mason's and plasterer's trade in Elgin, continuing thus until 1856. In that year he moved to Toledo, Tama county, Iowa, following his former occupation for nine months, after which he returned to Elgin. After six months in that city he removed to Winneshiek county, where he took up a government claim of eighty acres in Fremont township. This he cleared and improved, later adding to it twenty acres which he purchased, and upon this fine property he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, gaining an individual success which was important as a factor in general advancement. He became well known in agricultural circles as a progressive, substantial and able farmer and his death, which occurred in January, 1901, was felt as a distinct loss to agricultural interests.

Mr. Todd married in Decorah, in 1858, Miss Harriet Richards and they became the parents of two children: Emma, who died in 1875; and Charley, also deceased. Mr. Todd's wife survived him eight years, dying September 5, 1909.

They were people of exemplary character and highly esteemed and respected in the community where they had so long made their home. Mrs. Todd was a member of the Christian church. Mr. Todd gave his political allegiance to the republican party. He was interested in public affairs, for he had watched Winneshiek county develop from a frontier wilderness into a prosperous and wealthy farming community, and his own labors had been a cooperant factor in promoting the change. His long residence in this part of the state made him very widely known and his integrity and honesty gained him the good-will and confidence of all with whom he had business or social relations.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913

Burr Oak Cemetery gravestone
 

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