John Todd (abolitionist) facts for kids

John Todd (born November 10, 1818 – died January 31, 1894) was an important American minister. He helped start Tabor College in Tabor, Iowa. John Todd was also a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. He played a big part in the Underground Railroad.

Early Life and Education

John Todd was born on November 10, 1818. His birthplace was West Hanover, Pennsylvania. He was the fifth child in his family. His parents were Capt. James Todd and Sally Ainsworth Todd.

His family had Scotch Irish roots. They were also Presbyterians. John Todd grew up going to a Presbyterian church. He later attended Oberlin College in Ohio. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1841. He also finished his studies at its seminary in 1844.

Moving West and Founding Tabor

In the 1850s, John Todd moved west. He wanted to help create a new school. This school would be like Oberlin College. It was built on the frontier in Iowa.

Todd was one of the first people to settle Tabor, Iowa. This town is in southwestern Iowa. He also helped start the Congregational Church there. He served as its pastor for over 30 years.

John Todd's life also inspired a character. He is the basis for an abolitionist preacher. This character appears in the novel Gilead. The book was written by Marilynne Robinson.

Helping the Underground Railroad

John Todd was a brave abolitionist. He worked to end slavery. His home in Tabor was a safe place. It was a station on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

Todd's house had a hidden room. Escaped slaves could hide there. They stayed safe until their next ride arrived. His home also stored important supplies. These were for the radical abolitionist John Brown. The supplies included weapons and ammunition.

John Brown's Actions

John Todd and the people of Tabor supported John Brown. But this changed in 1857. Brown and his men went into Missouri. They freed about a dozen enslaved people. They also killed one slave-owner.

Brown was given a safe place in Tabor. However, the townspeople did not agree with his actions. Brown left Tabor soon after. The weapons and supplies from Todd's basement were shipped east. These included 200 Sharps rifles.

Two years later, these weapons were used. They were part of John Brown's raid. This raid was on the federal arsenal. It happened at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. This area is now West Virginia. John Todd did not know about this plan. He was not involved in what he called "the Harper's Ferry insurrection."

Other Contributions and Legacy

John Todd was also a leader. He supported the temperance movement. This movement worked to reduce or stop alcohol use. He was also a board member of Tabor College. He served on the board from 1866 until his death in 1894.

His home in Tabor is called Todd House. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabor Historical Society now runs it as a museum. It is open for people to visit.