W. Brand Todd

As printed in 1881

W. BRAND TODD, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Clifton. The grandfather of this energetic farmer, James Todd, was a native of Ireland, who came to the American Colonies before the dawn of freedom. settling in Massachusetts, and on the break.

1058: i ing-out of the Revolutionary war, he gave his services to help crush the hereditary foe of his native land. When the Colonies shook off the tyrant’s grasp and breathed the air of freedom, he located close to Philadelphia, Penn., where he was married to Mary

Brand, to whom were born seven children, James Todd, the father of W. Brand, being the fourth in the family. He was born near Philadelphia, Penn., Oct. 22, 1797, and in 1806 the whole family came West, settling, finally, ia Warren Co., Ohio, building their cabin close to a small branch of the Miami River, which yet bears the name of Todd’s Fork.” His mother died there, and his father was again married to a Mrs.

Neely, to whom was born two children, and there his parents resided until death. James

Todd grew to manhood in this portion of Ohio, and Jan. 28, 1819, was married, in

Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio, to Elizabeth Garlough, daughter of John and Margaret Garlough, he a native of Germany and she of Maryland. Mrs. Todd was born in Maryland, Jan. 12, 1799, and her husband, after marriage, settled permanently in the northern part of Green Township, where he followed the peaceful avocation of a farmer until his death, Dec. 29, 1863. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which denomination his widow still adheres; and now, in her 83d year, in the enjoyment of good health, with a figure as straight as an arrow, she pursues the even tenor of her way, surrounded by her descendants, passing the few remaining days of her life in peace and happiness. James Todd was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen., Harrison, and the subject of this sketch has now the rifle, powder-horn and bulletpouch which his father carried throughout that struggle. To James and Elizabeth

Todd were born nine children, W. Brand being the fifth in the family. He was born on the old homestead, in Green Township, Aug. 20, 1829, and there grew up, following the general routine of a farmer’s son. His early education was obtained in the neighborhood subscription school, but general reading and experience has given him a knowledge and intelligence that could not be acquired in the schools of any period.

Until the.age of 33, he remained with his parents on the farm, with the exception of the summer seasons of eight years, during which he worked with his father at millwrighting. He was married, May 26, 1863, to Miss Rebecca Wilkinson, daughter of Joseph

Wilkinson, of Madison Township, Clark Co., Ohio, to whom has been born two children, one of whom is living, viz., Charles E., a bright, intelligent boy, whose future prospects are indeed promising. In 1870, Mr. Todd purchased his present farm of 100 acres, located one mile east of Clifton, which he has since brought to a high state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. Todd is an ardent Republican; has been Township Trustee five years, Assessor ten years, and a member and Treasurer of the Clifton School Board five years, all of which offices he has filled with honesty and capability. He isa well-informed, agreeable gentleman, and is respected by the people throughout his township.

As printed in The History of Clark County Ohio, (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.