John Blair Smith Todd Biography

	This biography extracted from "Biographical Directory of the 
	American Congress 1774-1961", published by the U. S. Government 
	Printing Office. Pages 1719-1720.

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TODD, John Blair Smith, a Delegate from the Territory of Dakota; born 
in Lexington, Ky., April 4, 1814; moved with his parents to Illinois in 
1827; attended private schools; was graduated from the United States 
Military Academy, West Point, N. Y., in 1837; commissioned second 
lieutenant in the Sixth Infantry July 1, 1837, first lieutenant 
December 10, 1837, and captain November 8, 1843; served in the Florida 
War 1837-1842 and in the war with Mexico; resigned from the Army 
September 16, 1856; became an Indian trader and settled in Fort 
Randall, Dak.; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1861 and 
commenced the practice of law in Yankton, Dak.; during the Civil War 
was appointed brigadier general of Volunteers in the Union Army 
September 19, 1861, which appointment expired July 17, 1862; when the 
Territory of Dakota was formed was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-
seventh Congress and served from December 9, 1861, to March 3, 1863; 
successfully contested the election of William Jayne to the Thirty-
eighth Congress and served from June 17, 1864, to March 3, 1865; 
unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1864 to the Thirty-ninth 
Congress; engaged in mercantile pursuits and the practice of his 
profession; served as speaker of the Territorial house of 
representatives in 1866 and 1867; unsuccessful candidate for election 
in 1868 to the Forty-first Congress; retired from public life; died in 
Yankton County, Dak. (now South Dakota), January 5, 1872 interment in 
Yankton Cemetery.