Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1901-06-29

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community he had served so we'll.
James Todd, who was for many years a
leading merchant in Louisville and up to
his death reputed the richest man in the
city, was born in Newry, County Down,
February 25, 1921. He came to this
country when seventeen years old, hav-
ing little but a good education and a
spirit of enterprise. He came direct to
Louisville and was connected with
several mercantile firms. By 1848 he
had accumulated enough to start in bust
ness for himself. He prospered first in
the coffee and sugar trades, then in the
manufacture of jeans and woolens and
then rope, bagging and cotton trade. In
1880 he retired from active business and
devoted himself to the care of his large
estate, until his death few years ago.
His son, j. Ross Todd, is now building
the fine ten-story steel frame edihce at
the corner of Fourth and Market.
John d. Taggart, another man who
did much for Louisville's business, was
born in County Antrim in 1922. His
father, who was linen manufacturer,
came to this country with his family in
1885, settled in Spencer county and went
to farming. Mr.. Taggart had his first
business experience when at eighteen he
came to Louisville and worked for six
months in the pork packing establish
ment of A. S. White & Co. He found
this profitable and for FIVE years the firm
employed him for the same length of
time each winter. Then for some years
he was employed for four months in the
packing season, after which he became
manager for the firm which succeeded
his original employers In 1884 he be-
came a partner and in 1875 the firm be
came Hughes, Taggart & Co. Mr.. Tag
CART was noted for the accuracy with
which he could judge the weight of
hogs. During his business career he had
gained a high reputation for good man.
agement and sound financial judgment,
and when in 1881 the Fidelity Trust and
Safety Vault Company was organized he
was elected its first President and re-
tanned that Office till his death several
years sgo. The business of the institu-
ton had grown to such an extent by 1891
as to require his entire time and he re-
tired from the pork business. Mr.. Tag
CART was kindly, charitable man, retir-
ing in disposition, but much liked by his
associates.
Capt. William Martin Collins, Presi-
dent and founder of the Greenbrier Dis
tilling Company, was for years before his
death an important factor in the great
distilling interests of Louisville He was
born in County Kerry in 1845. When
he was four years old his parents came to
this country and settled first near Louis
vile, and then near Dardstown. He got
a good education in the Bardstown
schools and after short experience in
store and then in distillery enlisted in
the Union army and served during the
war and was severely wounded at Mis-
sionary Ridge and was made commits
stoned officer. He resigned in June.
1865, and soon after joined O'Neill's
Fenian expedition against Canada and
commanded a company in the fight at
Ridgeway, near Fort Erie. In 1867 he
was appointed Second Lieutenant in the
regular army and served till 1859. when
he resigned. Returning to Louisville he
filed successfully positions in the postal
and revenue services till 1875. when he
resigned to become a member of the
wholesale whisky firm of Alvin Wood.
In 1888 he established the firm of w. M.
Collins & Co. and in 1891 the Greenbrier
Distilling Company. He was a member
of the Advisory Board of the Wine
and Spirit Association, Past Commander
of Aug Which Post, G. A. R., and Presi-
dent Of the Garfield Club. He was sue
cessfu. in business and one of the most
genial and companiouable Of men. He
died much regretted in March, 1895.