ROBERT TODD
ROBERT TODD, retired woolen manufacturer, has been one of the prominent citizens of South Bethlehem, Armstrong county, for many years, and during his native business life operated the leading industry at that place. Mr. Todd is a native of Scotland, born May 16, 1834, at Alva, son of Robert and Helen (Carmichael) Todd. His early life was spent in his native land, where he received the thorough training characteristic of that time and place. He served his apprenticeship as a carder and spinner in the mills of his native city, mastering every detail connected with the manufacture of woolens. He showed especial ability for the business, and worked himself up steadily until he secured the appointment of superintendent of one of the largest woolen mills at Alloa, Scotland, filling that position for a number of years. In 1867, he came to the United States, locating first at Duke Center, McKean Co., thence moving to Greenville, Clarion Co., Pa. In 1879, in company with his brother James Todd, he purchased the woolen mills at that place, removed the building and machinery to South Bethlehem, Armstrong county, and after installing new machinery commenced to operate the mills, in 1880. They did business under the name of Todd Brothers until the death of James Todd, when the firm became Robert Todd & co., continuing as such until the mills were shut down, in 1893. They manufactured blankets, skirts, yarns, flannels, etc., making a specialty of the �Rose of Sharon� blankets, widely known for their extra quality. The entire output of the mills was purchased by the Joseph Horne Company, of Pittsburgh. During their existence the mills were an important factor in the well-being of the town, giving employment to a number of people and contributing considerably to its industrial prosperity. Mt. Todd's thorough familiarity with the business, and his executive qualities, made his establishment highly successful, and he won high standing among the most influential citizens of the county. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican.On Oct. 13, 1870, Mr. Todd married Helen Jack Philip, daughter of William and Helen (Jack) Philip, of Greenville, Pa., both of whom were Scotland natives. They had three children: Robert James, Helen J. (deceased) and William P.
Robert James Todd, son of Robert and Helen Jack (Philip) Todd, was born Jan. 26, 1872, in Greenville, Clarion Co., Pa., and received his education at New Bethlehem. There he also learned the trade of tailor, and in 1894 embarked in business for himself as a merchant tailor in New Bethlehem, Pa., having the only establishment there. He carries an extensive stock of up-to-date goods, and has done a very successful business, drawing his trade from a wide territory in his section of Armstrong county.
On Oct. 20, 1897, Mr. Todd was married to Carrie Elizabeth Shakely, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Shoup) Shakely, of Emlenton, Pa., and a descendant of one of the oldest families of western Pennsylvania. Mr. Todd is a Presbyterian in religious connection. In politics he supports the Republican party.
Source: Pages 625-626, Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed September 2001 by Lynn Beatty for the Armstrong County Beers Project
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