TODD, John Blair Smith, soldier, born in Lexington, Kentucky, 4 April, 1814; died in Yankton, Dakota, 5 January, 1872. He went with his parents to Illinois in 1827, and from that state to the United States military academy, where he was graduated in 1837 and assigned to the 6th infantry. He was made 1st lieutenant on 25 December, served with his regiment in the Florida war from 1837 till 1840, was on recruiting service during part of 1841, and in active service in the Florida war during the remainder of that year and part of 1842. He was made captain in 1843, and was on frontier duty in Indian territory and Arkansas until 1846. He served in the war with Mexico in 1847, taking part in the siege of Vera Cruz and the battles of Cerro Gordo and Amazoque. He was on garrison and frontier duty till 1855, when he was engaged in the action of Blue Water against the Sioux Indians. He resigned on 16 September, 1856, and was an Indian trader at Fort Randall, Dakota, from that date till 1861, when he took his seat as a delegate to congress, having been chosen as a Democrat. He served in the civil war as brigadier-general of volunteers from 19 September, 1861, till 17 July, 1862, and was in command of the North Missouri district from 15 October to 1 December, 1861. He was again a delegate in congress in 1863-'5, was elected speaker of the house of representatives of Dakota in 1867, and was governor of the territory in 1869-'71.