BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 559-560.


DR. JOHN M. TODD - One of the early pioneers and physicians of Bridgeport,
Ohio, is Dr. John M. Todd, who was born in Fayette county, Penn., January
26, 1826, son of Samuel P. and Susan (Kerr) Todd, natives of New York
and New Jersey, respectively. The father was one of the early physicians
of Belmont county, Ohio, having practiced at St. Clairsville at a
very early date. Samuel and Susan Todd had eight children born to
them, all of whom are living, six boys and two girls. He died at Union-
town, Penn., May 30, 1846, at the age of forty-four years.  Mrs. Todd
died at Claysville, Penn., February 23, 1884, at the age of eighty-six
years. The subject of this sketch received a common school education
which he obtained in the public schools of Washington county, Penn. At
the age of eighteen years he began the study of medicine, but before
he completed the study he entered the Mexican army under Capt. George
W. McCook, of Steubenville, and shared the fortune of occupation under
Gen. Taylor. After returning he continued his studies under the precep-
torship of R. F. Biddle, of Monongahela City, until he received his
finishing training in the Jefferson medical college, at Philadelphia.
In 18S2 he began the practice of medicine at Holliday's Cove, Hancock
county, W. Va., remaining here until 1855, when he moved to the county
seat, remaining there for four years, when he left because of the want
of educational advantages. He then moved to New Lisbon, Ohio, where
he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he took the
commission of surgeon in the field regiment, Sixty-fifth Ohio volunteers,
serving until 186S. Having resigned on account of a severe injury
received at Atlanta, Ga., came to Bridgeport and engaged in his
practice and also the drug business, he having continued the practice
until the present time. Dr. Todd has been surgeon of C. & P. R. R., in
which capacity he has served for twenty-three years. He was married
April 17, 1855, to Mary E. Wilson, daughter of Alexander Wilson, of
Monongahela City, Penn., a very prominent citizen of that city. They
are the parents of two children, both daughters, Ida V., who married
Frank P. Zimmer, of one of the prominent families of Wheeling, September
19, 1883, now residing at Omaha, Neb., and Eva May. The family are
members of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Todd is a member of the Branum
post, No. 271, G. A. R. Dr. Todd has acted as postmaster of Bridgeport
for eight years, beginning with Grant's last term. He is an active
republican in politics.