Williams, Teel, McGhee and Rivers Families of VA and NC:Information about Joseph Warren TODD
Joseph Warren TODD (b. 02 Sep 1834, d. 28 Jan 1909)
Notes for Joseph Warren TODD:
From New River Notes, Ashe Co, NC:
Todd, Joseph W.Waugh, Sallie J.9/3/18671,3Charles K. MillerE. C. Bartlett
Captain Joseph Warren Todd, by Elizabeth Transou Moye.
Joseph Warren Todd was born in what is now Ashe County on September 2, 1834, a son of James and Jane Ray Todd.He was of Irish descent, his great-grandfather having come from Carrickfergus County of Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1757.His grandfather, James Todd, was born on the trip from the old world on July 31, 1757.James Todd was married to Margaret Erwin on March 11, 1784, after serving as a captain in the Continental Army.James Todd, Jr., their son, was born November 1, 1796 and married Jane Ray about 1830.
On May 11, 1861, Joseph Warren Todd joined the Confederate Army and returned home May 10, 1865, after serving during the entire conflict between the North and the South.He was in the Ninth Regiment (First Calvary) and was first lieutenant, Company D.During the time that Captain Blair was in prison, Todd was acting captain, but was not commissioned captain before the close of the war.Under fire in no less than one hundred skirmishes and battles, he was slightly wounded at Namozine Church and Ream's Station.Horses were shot from under him at Middleburg, Five Forks and Gettysburg.
After returning to his native county, then Watauga, Captain Todd joined others in petitioning the government for protection against the lawless bands of invaders and camp-followers who were plundering, stealing and burning homes.Their petition was approved and he was commissioned captain to form a company to serve as guard to the people and their property.He and his company never received anything from the United States Government for their valuable services in ridding the country of bushwhackers.
As a child and young man, Captain Todd took the fullest advantage of the education available to him in the free schools and high schools.Soon after his return from the war, he studied law and in January, 1867, on his return from his examination before the Supreme Court in Raleigh,, he found that he had been elected solicitor of the Watauga County Court.He was elected to the State Senate, serving during the session of 1872-73 and to the House of Representatives, serving during the session of 1876-77.He was asked to be a candidate for the House from his congressional district and lost in a close race with Hon. W.H.H. Cowles.That same year, he was elected to represent his senatorial district in the legislature, session of 1885.
On September 3, 1867, Captain Todd married Sarah Isabella "Sallie" Waugh.Sallie was born August 31, 1844, in Johnson County, Tennessee, the daughter of Captain William K. Waugh and Catherine "Kitty" Coville.Her mother died in 1848 and in June of 1864, her father was killed by the bushwhackers.A feud was started by his friend and the murderer; forty-seven people were killed.
Sallie was educated at Salem Academy, Salem, NC,While there, she received a letter from her brother telling of going with his father to Tarboro, NC, to buy slaves.
With relatives in Jefferson, it was during her visits with them that she met Captain Todd.Both were devoted to the Confederacy; he had served from the beginning to the end of the conflict and she had lost her father and he a brother (James Todd) to the bushwhackers.
Seven children were born to Sallie and Captain Todd; Effie Deans, married to Dr. Joseph Wiley Covand, Eula (Miss Billy); Bessie, married first Albert Hill and then Walter Gentry, Donald Bain, married Mary Teat; Hortense Beauharnais, married William Mastin Transou, James Wagg, died just before his sixth birthday, and Virginia Dare (Miss Jennie).
Family came first with Sallie, but the church and education were paramount interest and both Sallie and Captain Todd were active participants.When she passed away on March 31, 1892, her pastor, Rev. T.E. Weaver, said of her "She had practical good sense, that strict regard to justice and that spirit of benevolence and meekness which qualified her for usefulness in the church and among friends.She was The affection faithful wife, the kind and indulgent mother and generous neighbor."
Renowned for his courage and ability during the war and as an officer to rid the mountains of bushwhackers soon after, Captain Todd had the respect of all as a lawyer of the keenest intellect and integrity.With the development of a community as the result of large lumbering operations, it was named Todd in his honor.
Captain Todd was also known far and wide for his wit and humor.In the courts, in the state legislature and wherever he might be, he was always the courteous gentleman with a good story to tell.
A devoted husband and father, his law office was in his front yard beside his residence which is across the street from the Ashe County court house.The office still stands and the residence is the summer home of his granddaughter, Elizabeth Transou Moye.It was here that Captain Tood died January 28, 1909.
More About Joseph Warren TODD and Sarah Isabella WAUGH:
Marriage: 03 Sep 1867, Ashe Co, NC.3679
Children of Joseph Warren TODD and Sarah Isabella WAUGH are: