Robert Todd (pioneer) facts for kids

Robert Todd (born April 1754, died March 1814) was an important American pioneer, politician, and soldier from the 1700s. He was a high-ranking officer in the Kentucky militia. He fought in major conflicts like the American Revolutionary War and the Northwest Indian War. Robert Todd, along with his brothers John and Levi, helped build up Kentucky. This was before Kentucky officially became a state in the United States in 1792.

Early Life and Moving to Kentucky

Robert Todd was born in April 1754 in the Province of Pennsylvania. He was the second son of David Todd and Hannah Owen. As a child, he lived with relatives in Virginia. He went to school there, taught by his uncle, Parson John Todd.

Robert Todd studied law, learning from General Andrew Lewis. In the spring of 1776, he moved to Kentucky. He was one of the people who helped start the city of Lexington, Kentucky. Soon, he became very involved in local government and public life in the Fayette County area.

Military Service and Frontier Defense

Robert Todd served in the militia in Kentucky during the American Revolutionary War. On December 29, 1776, he was badly hurt while defending McClelland's Station. This was against a Native American leader named Pluggy.

As a captain, he worked under George Rogers Clark. He was part of the Illinois campaign from 1778 to 1779. He continued to help protect the Kentucky frontier. He joined expeditions with General Charles Scott. After his brother John died in the Battle of Blue Licks in 1782, Robert Todd took his place. He was elected as a trustee of Lexington on December 12, 1782. The council also asked him to survey, or map out, the town.

Fighting in the Northwest Indian War

In the Northwest Indian War (1786–1795), Robert Todd was part of a group of mounted volunteers. These were soldiers on horseback from Lexington and Fayette County. This group included important figures like General James Wilkinson and Thomas Lewis.

In 1787, Todd received information from local Shawnee people. He then led a surprise attack against a Cherokee raiding party at Paint Creek. His group killed three warriors and captured seven others. However, these prisoners escaped the next day. In June 1792, he was made a brigadier general. He fought in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, leading the 3rd Kentucky Mounted Volunteers. He wrote a personal diary about his experiences during this campaign.

Political Career and Public Service

Robert Todd was a representative for Kentucky County in the Virginia legislature. He also attended meetings to help write a state constitution for Kentucky. He was chosen as one of the commissioners. Their job was to divide land in Clark's Grant among soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kaskaskia and Vincennes. Later, he was one of the first trustees of Clarksville, Virginia.

In 1792, Kentucky became a state in the United States. Todd then represented Fayette County in the first Kentucky Senate. He also served as a circuit judge for many years. He was again chosen as one of three commissioners. Their task was to pick the location for the new state capital. The vote was tied between Frankfort and Lexington. Robert Todd chose Frankfort, even though Lexington was his hometown. He owned about 1,000 acres (4 square kilometers) of land near Frankfort. He did not want his vote to be based on his own personal gain.

Later Life and Family

Robert Todd passed away in March 1814. He died at the home of his son, Dr. John Todd, in Lexington. He had six children. His youngest son, Thomas J. Todd, was a member of the Indiana General Assembly. He represented Marion County in the Senate from 1843 to 1846. His daughter Eliza was married to General William O. Butler.