My Genealogy Hound

PROF. HUGH BLAIR TODD, one of the best known men in the State, was born in Spottsylvania County, Va., June 2, 1815, and is a descendant on both sides of distinguished English and Scotch families. Some of his ancestors were noblemen and were among the early adventurers to America. His maternal grandfather, Col. Winslow, of the British Army, finally settled in America, where he died. His paternal grandfather, Richard Todd, settled in Virginia, and there his father, William Todd, who was an Episcopal clergyman, was born. His father died in that State in 1854. Our subject was educated in the private schools of Virginia, and at the age of seventeen began teaching. In 1835 he moved to Fayette County, Ky., and there established his first boarding school, and after four years of success purchased “Green Hill,” near the home of Henry Clay, and there established a school which became famous throughout the State. He conducted schools at Lexington, Ky.; Carlisle, Ky.; Mount Sterling, Ky.; Camden Point College, Mo., and Platt City, Mo., where he remained until the beginning of the late war. He then cast his fortunes with the South, but on account of failing health was compelled to resign, after which he returned home, and in 1862 took charge of the Rogerville Academy, in East Tennessee. Our subject has been married three times — the first was in 1836; he wedded Eliza Dickenson, of Virginia, and by this union has three living children. In 1862 he wedded Mrs. Kate Carr, of Tennessee, and has one child by her. In 1868 he took for his third wife Mattie T. Gorth, a native of Todd County, Ky., and by her has one son, Hugh Blair, Jr. Prof. Todd is one of the most successful and distinguished teachers the South has ever known. He is an able and fluent speaker, and carries with him the feelings of the people. For years he was the friend of Henry Clay, whom he resembled somewhat. He is an active worker and member of the Christian Church. During the year 1883 he was chief of the department of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and decorator of the grounds at the Louisville Exposition. In 1884 Prof. Todd moved to Franklin, where he expects to pass the remainder of his days. He is a Democrat in politics.