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DR. JOHN TODD. John Todd was born April 27, 1787, near Lexington, Fayette county, Kentucky. He was among the earliest graduates of Transylvania University at Lexington. He next entered the Medical University of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated there. Dr. Todd was married July 1, 1813, in Lexington, Kentucky, to Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Rev. John Blair Smith, D.D. She was born April 18, 1793, in Philadelphia. Her mother was a daughter of General Nash, a leader in the American Revolution from Virginia. Dr. Todd was appointed Surgeon General of the Kentucky troops in the war of 1812, and was at the battle and massacre of the river Raisin, in Canada, where he was captured. After the war he returned to Lexington and practiced there. He was for a short time at Bardstown, Kentucky, and from there in 1817, moved to Edwardsville, Illinois. In 1827 he was appointed by President John Quincy Adams, Register of the United States Land Office, at Springfield, and at once moved there. He remained in office until he was removed solely for political reasons, by President Jackson in 1829.

On his arrival in Springfield, and while discharging the duties of his office, Dr. Todd engaged in the practice of his profession. When he retired from office he devoted his whole time to practice, and obtained many patients throughout the county, and even in adjoining counties.

Dr. Todd was a man of fine physique, of robust constitution, and one suited to endure the hardships of a pioneer life, or practice among pioneers.

Dr. Todd was a liberal man in his dealings with his fellow man. He was ever ready to do them a good turn, and his home was thrown open to all, and all received a hearty welcome.