Todd

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-19243

Other Events:

• Business: Todd's Milling Co., Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Todd's Milling Co.
• Elected Office: Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Galt
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188456635
• Interesting: Mill, business, life story, politics
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105050
• Occupation: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; wagon maker
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Historic Building: 1858, 211 Water St. N., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; stone house
• Business: Abt 1860, Steam Bending Hub and Spoke Factory, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wheel manufacturing
• Occupation: 1861, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carriage Maker
• Residence: 1861, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Corn Merchant
• Residence: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Commision Merchant
• Occupation: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mill Owner
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Business: 1897, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Thomas Todd & Son Commission Merchants & Maltsters
• Business: 1897, Victoria Wheel Works, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Victoria Wheel Works

Notes:

Todd, Thomas, shipper, and general commission merchant, formerly a member of the Town Council. Mr. Todd is a native of Scotland. Born, 1831. Has been a resident of the county since 1849.

Illustrated Atlas of the County of Waterloo, H. Parsel & Co., Toronto - 1881

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Thomas Todd was born in Thurlstone, Ettrick, Scotland on 14 Oct 1831 and emigrated to Canada with his family when he was three. On the voyage from Scotland, cholera broke out aboard ship and Mr Todd's mother died. The family landed in Montreal and moved inland to settle at Aberfoyle, Ontario.

Mr Todd remained on the farm until he was fifteen when he moved to Galt to apprentice with wagon maker James Kay. Upon completion of his apprenticeship he worked as a foreman in William Robinson's wagon and carriage works. After a short time on the job, Mr Todd entered into a partnership with Mr Robinson which lasted for three years until Mr Robinson retired. Mr Todd then established a new partnership with Walter Brydon and Alex Walker in a carriage making and blacksmith shop. In 1860, after about two years in this partnership, Mr Todd sold his interests to join with John Davidson in setting up the Steam Bending Hub and Spoke Factory, later the Victoria Wheel Works.


Cambridge Hall of Fame

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Todd's Milling Co., comprising the firm of Thomas Todd & Son and John Scott, off Hawthorn Street - Among the most prominent manufacturing industries in Galt must be mentioned the Todd Milling Co., which is one of the largest concerns in this line in this section of the county. They have recently purchased the old Stockwell Mills, which had been lying idle for several years; and to meet the more modern requirements of the present day, they entirely overhauled the building, and took out all the old machinery and runs of stone, and entirely refitted it, giving the contract for the work to the celebrated flour mill builders, Messrs. Goldie & McCulloch, of this town, the interior arrangements being made after plans by the foreman, Mr. J.E. Wilson, which are complete in every particular. The building occupied is a substantially-built structure of stone, five stories in height, with basement, engine and boiler house; also a large store house for grain, fitted up with nine large hopper bins, thus being enabled to keep each grade separate. There is an automatic weigher for weighing the grain before passing into the rolls. In the basement of the mill is located the main line of shafting, with pulleys, two sets of large wheat brush machines, one Galt improved separator, one Galt improved cockle machine, one Galt improved smutter; also elevators for handling screenings and wheat. On the first floor are four runs of stones, twenty-four pairs of Galt improved rolls, three Galt improved flour packers and three weight scales. On the second floor are one improved centrifugal bolt, two middlings dusters and five purifiers; also bins for middlings and flour. The third floor contains four purifiers, four centrifugal bolts, one Galt improved middlings duster and bins. On the fourth floor are four Wilson's patent dust collectors and three four-reel bolts. On the fifth floor are two two-reel bolt chests, one single-reel chest, and the elevator tops, with dust protectors on each. The mill was fitted up under the direction of the foreman, Mr. Wilson who has several patents on the machines for the prevention of fire by friction, etc. The capacity of the mill is 350 barrels per day. The head miller is Mr. Anthony Marshall, who was lately in charge of a leading flour mill in Blenheim, Ont., and is a gentleman well qualified for the position in every respect, having had an extended experience of many years. The proprietors, Thomas Todd & Son and John Scott, are gentlemen of unquestioned business ability, push and enterprise, and are highly and justly esteemed in the community. Messrs. Todd & Son will continue to carry on their general produce and commission business, in the exportation of flour, grain and provisions, as heretofore.

Industries of Canada Historical and Commercial Sketches Hamilton and Environs 1886

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The Todd Milling Company

This plant is located on Bruce Street, and is one of the largest of the kind in the Dominion. The mill was erected in 1878 by a Glasgow firm, and purchased in 1886 by the present company, which is composed of Messrs. Thos. Todd, John Scott and Martin N. Todd. Connected with the mill is an extensive cooper shop, directly opposite the mill. The barrels are sent across by an automatic contrivance as soon as completed. The whole establishment gives employment to a large number of hands. The mill is a substantial six storey structure, built of stone, and has a capacity of 400 barrels per day. It is fitted up with the most improved machinery, and their brands of flour are eagerly sought after, as is shown by the fact that a ready market is found for their large output, not only throughout the Dominion, but in competition with the world in the market of Great Britain. The gentlemen of the firm are also interested in the social side of the town's welfare, and are greeted on every hand as men of the highest commercial standing. Mr. Thos. Todd is president of the Street Railway and Mr. John Scott is one of the largest and most extensive cattle exporters in Canada.

Jubilee Souvenir of Galt 1897

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THOMAS TODD

1831-1899 Member of the Cambridge Hall of Fame (1998)

Married: 1. Sibella Nichol (died 1861) 2. Margaret Carter

Thomas Todd was born in Thurlstone, Ettrick, Scotland on October 14, 1831 and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was three. On the voyage from Scotland, cholera broke out aboard ship and Mr. Todd's mother died. The family landed in Montreal and moved inland to settle at Aberfoyle, Ontario. Mr. Todd remained on the farm until he was fifteen when he moved to Galt to apprentice with wagon maker James Kay. Upon completion of his apprenticeship he worked as a foreman in William Robinson's wagon and carriage works. After a short time on the job, Mr. Todd entered into a partnership with Mr. Robinson which lasted for three years until Mr. Robinson retired. Mr. Todd then established a new partnership with Walter Brydon and Alex Walker in a carriage making and blacksmith shop. In 1860, after about two years in this partnership, Mr. Todd sold his interests to join with John Davidson in setting up the Steam Bending Hub and Spoke Factory, later the Victoria Wheel Works. In 1886, along with John Scott and his son, Martin N. Todd, Mr. Todd purchased a six storey stone flour mill, located on Bruce St. in Galt. The mill had been built in 1878 by a Glasgow firm and was now operated as the Todd Milling Co. The company did a large commission and export business in grain and hay in addition to operating two malt houses, one in Galt and the other in Port Hope. The Galt malt house was the former Peck's Malt House on Kerr St. that Mr. Todd and his son purchased from the Peck estate in 1888. Mr. Todd also owned and operated the Preston Hops Yards. In 1890, Mr. Todd was the driving force behind the promotion of the Galt, Preston and Hespeler Street Railway and served as the company's president almost from the day of its inception until his death. In addition to his numerous business responsibilities, Mr. Todd was the chairman of the management committee of Central Presbyterian Church and is credited with being a leading force in the building of the new Central Church along the banks of the Grand River. He was the Waterloo county representative on the Board of Directors of the Credit Valley Railway which later became part of the Canadian Pacific Railway system. He was president of the Galt Board of Trade, was a member of the Toronto Board of Trade and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Galt Collegiate Institute. Mr. Todd was an honorary director of the Economical Insurance Co. of Berlin, now Kitchener, as well as one of the charter members and president of the Imperial Hotel Company of Galt. Mr. Todd died on January 11, 1899 and is buried in Mount View Cemetery. It is said that Todd St. is named in honour of Mr. Todd and his equally well known son, Martin Nichol Todd.

Sources:
1. Hugh Cant Historical Reminiscences of Galt and Other Writings Galt 1915.
2. "Hall of Fame Citation", City of Cambridge Archives, Inducted February 1998.
3. "Historical Sketch of the County of Waterloo" Historical Atlas of Waterloo and Wellington Counties H. Parsell & Co. Walker & Miles Toronto 1881 - 1887 Reprint Edition Ross Cunningham, Port Elgin 1972.
4. Obituary Galt Reporter Thursday January 12, 1899.
5. J.N. MacKendrick "Local history in the street names of Galt" Waterloo Historical Society Journal Vol. 7, 1919.
6. Thomas Peck, "Galt Sixty Years Ago", Waterloo Historical Society Journal Vol. 13, 1925.
7. Cornelius Wilson Jubilee Souvenir of Galt, 1897, C. Wilson, Galt, 1897.

Cambridge Mosaic, Jim Quantrell, 1998, City of Cambridge [used with kind permission of Jim Quantrell]

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THOMAS TODD. He was one of the first men I became acquainted with in Galt, and he was a true and trusted friend as long as he lived. I could not help loving him for all his excellent qualities, and his great kindness, and unchanging fidelity. He was always the same, a man to be relied upon. He was a man of affairs, and as I say in " Memories of the Past," whatever he undertook he carried through, and that, too, in a thoroughly unselfish manner. " He could walk steadily where others feared to tread. A business expert, and though he carried many a weighty responsibility, his cheery voice, his pleasant smile, his kind, encouraging word, were an inspiration of the best kind, and that especially to his minister. He was liberal and loving by nature, and every way a noble soul." After more than ten years since these words were penned they still stand as a fair estimate of his character. Only I feel that here some additional particulars ought to be added by way of illustration or amplification of what is here set down. We were associated not only in church work, but in the Trusteeship of the Galt Collegiate Institute, and I saw him in his daily engagements as one of our leading business men, and also in the privacies of his home life, so that I saw him all round, and knew him intimately. I therefore feel free to record my impressions of him. Business men by business men are seen only on one side of their character, the observant minister usually has opportunity of seeing them on many sides, because he has to do with them in more ways than one. He was exceedingly generous in his nature. I know that in my own experience. And one of his employees, whom I met years after he had left his service, spoke of his kindness to the poor in the most laudatory terms, finishing with: " No one knows how much good he does in a quiet way. I tell you, Mr. Todd is a genuinely good man." This individual had been his confidential clerk. I always think with comfort and delight of Mr. Todd in his relation to me and my work. He was, in his department of service, a true yokefellow, doing all in his power to further the cause that was dear to his heart the cause of Christ. He was a born leader of men and whatever he took in hand he accomplished. He carried things through to a successful issue. The chief joy of his life was in the church, its services, and its success. He was always in his place on the Lord's Day if at home and well. And he was liberal in support of all the schemes which the church was carrying on. It was to him a real delight to have a hand in furthering some good object. In his public career he was found foremost in great enterprises, inspiring others with confidence and hope, and carrying them forward into works of value to the entire community. Everything of value to the people found in Mr. Todd an earnest advocate and a zealous supporter. He was a thoroughly unselfish man, and when, in the providence of God, he was called home, many mourned his loss who acknowledged him their best earthly friend. Not only did his family suffer a great loss, but the church he loved and labored for, and he community whose interests he sought to advance, both mourned and missed him much.

Ebenezer: A History of the Central Presbyterian Church, Galt, Ontario, with brief sketches of some of its members who have passed on the the other side, The Rev. James A. R. Dickson

Historic Building:
Stone house built in 1868 by Henry Harrington.

Business:
In 1860 joined with John Davidson in setting up the Steam Bending Hub and Spoke Factory, later named the Victoria Wheel Works.

Business:
The hub and spoke manufacturing business first started by Thomas Todd and John Davidson in 1861 and later operated by Young and Smith. Mr. Scott purchased the business in 1873 and operated it for many years as R. Scott and Son Ltd., later the Victoria Wheel Works. The buildings were damaged by fire in 1882 but were rebuilt and enlarged. Mr. Scott continued to manage the business until 1906 when he sold it to his son-in-law George A. Dobbie. The business was located at the foot of Main St. for many years before moving to new facilities on Middleton St. in 1913.

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215071179
• Name: Margaret Todd
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105061
• Residence: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

MRS. THOMAS TODD. Mrs. Todd was a kindred spirit to Mr. Todd. If she had one predominant characteristic it was this, that she was bent on doing good. Kindness was her distinguishing quality. That in her was always seeking expression. And she gave it expression constantly in secret unobtrusive ways. With her own hands she ministered to the poor and needy. And those in straitened circumstances deserving people found in her a warm friend. But few knew the extent of her beneficence. She hated the pharisaic spirit of sounding a trumpet before one in the work of charity. With her it was pure Christian charity. She did it for its own sake. But this in her sprang from religious principle, that was its source. She loved the pure gospel of the grace of God, and would tolerate nothing else. And as years rolled by she clung to it with firmer and firmer grasp. Nothing but the gospel would satisfy her soul. She must hear of Christ and His work, otherwise she was unsatisfied. Christ s name was to her full of music, and life came into her soul through it. A sermon that did not have something of Christ in it was utterly worthless to her.

Her heart went out after the salvation of souls What hungering and thirsting she had in reference to this! Often when I have called on her our conversation would be of nothing else. One could not but feel the intensity of her spirit in regard to this, and be mightily stirred by it. There was in her no worldly spirit, dwelling upon the frivolities of life and the empty vanities of time. Another light shone in her sky, that was brighter than the light of the noonday sun, and that dimmed all else. Many listening to her talk might think her narrow and out of harmony with her mundane relations, but she was simply coming down upon them from a higher sphere to lift them up. To lift anything higher we must be above it. And one can elevate the world, not by conformity to it, but by being better than it is, and higher than it holds itself. You cannot reform a drunkard by drinking with him, or a worldling by being of the same mind. No, you 18 must be sober and spiritually minded to do both.

Mrs. Todd had strong faith in prayer. When Mr. Todd crossed the Atlantic, as he did often on business, she never failed to accompany him with her prayers Once he had to cross in mid winter, and she was much opposed to his tempting the stormy sea at such time. She entreated him not to go, but he persisted in going. When he would not on any account give up his intention, her greatest conceivable threat of evil was put in these words: " Now, I'll not pray for you, Todd; remember that, I'll not pray for you."

She went out to the North-West to visit Dr. and Mrs. Lowe, and while there was called home. Some years before she had been seriously ill, indeed hopelessly ill, but she recovered, and lived on, with all the experiences of that time as a preparation for the Lord's coming, whenever that might be. She was found waiting and ready to go in to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Ebenezer: A History of the Central Presbyterian Church, Galt, Ontario, with brief sketches of some of its members who have passed on the the other side, The Rev. James A. R. Dickson

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-60255

Robert married Janet Wishart 4 Oct 1818, Coldingham, Berwickshire, Scotland. Janet was born 1795, of, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 8 Jun 1854; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Janet Carter
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-60256