Aaron James Todd

TODD

Posted By: D. M. Todd (email)
Date: 7/19/2014 at 11:38:50

Aaron J. Todd, who through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests in former years won the competence that now enables him to live retired, still resides on his farm, which is situated a half mile from Toddville. His birth occurred in New York on the 27th of November, 1837, his parents being Jacob M. and Jane (Smith) Todd, who were of Scotch descent and were likewise natives of the Empire state, the father born in 1808 and the mother on the 17th of June, 1805. In 1856 Jacob M. Todd came to Linn county, Iowa, and purchased a sawmill successfully operating the same until the time of his death in 1881. His wife, who survived him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in 1895. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, as follows: John A, whose demise occurred in California; Eliza G., the wife of Douglas M. Long; Sarah C. and Jane J., who have likewise passed away; Aaron J., of this review; and Ester, who is also deceased.
Aaron J. Todd spent the first twenty years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Linn County, within the borders of which he has resided continuously since. General agricultural permits claimed his attention throughout his active business career and by reason of his untiring industry and capable management he won the competence that now enables him to spend his declining years in well earned ease. His farm is situated within a half mile of Toddville and he still makes his home thereon.
On the 12th of March, 1862, Mr. Todd was joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah J. Ransier, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1844, a daughter of George and Lydia Ransier, both of who were natives of the Buckeye state. Her mother passed away in February, 1896, but her father still survives at the venerable age of ninety-one years and makes his home with out subject. Mrs. Todd was one of a family of nine children and by her marriage has become the mother of four, namely: Jeannette, who wedded William Booze and died on the 24th of April, 1908; Clara, who gave her hand in marriage to H. Oliphant; Wesley, who operates the old homestead farm; and Lydia.
In his political views Mr. Todd is a republican and he has served as the capable incumbent in several township offices, acting as township trustee for three years. Both he and his wife belong to the Church of Christ, in the work of which they take a deep and helpful interest. More than a half century has passed since Mr. Todd came to Linn county and he found this part of the state largely an uncultivated wilderness. In the years which have since come and gone he has witnessed a most wonderful transformation as splendid farms have been developed and thriving villages have sprung up. The fact that today this county ranks among the best in the state is largely due to the efforts of those sturdy pioneers who, like Mr. Todd, braved the hardships and privations of frontier life, broke and virgin soil and established homes in the midst of the wilderness. He has ere maintained an unassailable reputation for integrity and is widely recognized as a leading, influential and highly respected citizen. Both he and his estimable wife have a host of warm friends throughout the community and justly merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.

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