My Genealogy Hound

J. E. Todd, one of Clark County’s most prominent citizens, was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, in April, 1842, and is the son of William H. Todd, a native of Kentucky, of German descent, and Julia (True) Todd, also a native of Kentucky, and of English descent. The parents of our subject came to Clark County, Mo., in 1843, and settled upon the farm in Folker Township, on which their son now resides. The mother died in 1862, a good Christian, and mourned by her many friends. The father is now in his eighty-seventh year, and will soon follow the footsteps of his wife. He also is a member of the church. Our subject lived with his parents when a youth, and received the advantages of a college education. After leaving college he was married to Helen M. Blackledge, on March 7, 1867, after which he moved on his present farm, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Todd’s parents, Samuel and Jane (Figley) Blackledge, were both natives of Ohio, coming to Van Buren County, Iowa, in 1838, and settling upon the farm on which they have since resided. Our subject’s wife lived with her parents, and received a good education, after which she was married. This union has been blessed with seven children, of whom but three, Emma, Samuel and Birdie, are living. Our subject has been a resident of Clark County for some time, and has well earned the reputation of being an honest and law-abiding citizen. He was elected presiding judge of Clark County by a large Democratic majority, last November, and can show a good official record, having, among other things, ordered the construction of three iron bridges, of which the county is badly in need. He is a close observer of the revenue collections, and has thereby reduced the delinquent taxes about $10,000. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.