Lemuel Todd facts for kids

Lemuel Todd (born July 29, 1817 – died May 12, 1891) was an important American politician and soldier. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is a big part of the U.S. government that makes laws. He was a member from Pennsylvania twice. Todd also fought as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Growing Up and Learning

Lemuel Todd was born in a town called Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He went to Dickinson College in Carlisle and finished his studies in 1839. After college, he decided to become a lawyer. He studied law with a man named General Samuel Alexander. In 1841, he became a lawyer in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania and started his own law practice in Carlisle.

Serving in the Civil War

When the Civil War began, Lemuel Todd helped gather a group of volunteers from Cumberland County. This group was called the Carlisle Guards. They joined the Union Army as Company I of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment. Todd became the Captain of Company I. He was later promoted to Major, making him third in command of the regiment.

Todd fought in several important battles. These included the Battle of Gaines' Mill, the Second Battle of Bull Run, and the Battle of South Mountain. At the Battle of Gaines's Mill, he briefly took command of his regiment. This happened when Colonel Richard Biddle Roberts was given a different command.

In 1862, Todd became very ill and had to leave the regiment. Even after leaving, he continued to help the Union Army. He organized new soldiers who were drafted in eastern Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia. The Governor of Pennsylvania, Andrew Gregg Curtin, made him the Inspector General of state troops. This meant he was in charge of state militia and guard units. He played a key role during the Confederate army invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863, led by General Robert E. Lee.

After the war ended, Todd went back to working as a lawyer in Carlisle.

A Career in Politics

In 1854, Lemuel Todd was elected to the 34th United States Congress. He represented Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district as a member of the Opposition Party. During his time in Congress, he worked on committees dealing with Native American affairs and public buildings. He tried to get re-elected in 1856 but was not successful.

Later, in 1872, Todd was elected again to the U.S. House of Representatives. This time, he was a Republican member of the 43rd United States Congress. He represented Pennsylvania's at-large congressional district. He served on committees for elections and spending in the Post Office Department. He did not run for re-election in 1874. After his time in Congress, he continued his law practice. Lemuel Todd passed away in Carlisle in 1891.

Family Life

In 1849, Lemuel Todd married Sarah Anna Watson. She was from Adams County. Together, they had several children.

Lemuel Todd is buried at Ashland Cemetery in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.