The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-08
John X. s. Todd
''Wolcotts Famous Justice'' Now 95 Years of Age - Member of Family Prominent in Towns History for More Than a Century - Maintains
 Lively Interest in Current Events.

General Industry. There was great rivalry between the districts over these wagons and MT. Todd remem- bers well on one occasion the prize was awarded to the Woodtick dis trict, when the South district felt their display was much better. In latter years when the fair was held on land near what is now known as the Munson road, great annoyance was had from hoodlums who visited the fair and made 1t a practice to create disturbance. MT. Todd who was at that time Justice of the Peace, decided to put a stop to this nuisance. He went to the fair pre- pared with necessary warrant blanks. Orders were given that all offenders be arrested and confined in small unused building on the grounds. Here MT. Todd held court and imposed fines. He was compli- mented by the State Police for his efficient work that day. Many were the public offices filled by MT. Todd during his long active life. His first office was that of constable which he held at the age of 23. He later acted in the capacities of town clerk. selectman assessor and trial Justice or Justice of the Peace. Upon urging, MT. Todd modestly admitted that during his tenure of office as Justice who never had a decision reversed by a higher court and was known in Waterbury as daXNn1Nnff'c foNfNN,,g Ittetiaa v n always interested in legal affairs and as long as his eyesight permitted, enjoyed reading and studying law books. The old South School at the corner of the Meriden road and FairvieW avenue was the scene of MT. Todds early education. School terms were shorter then than now, as the older boys were required to work at home doing farm work. The winter term began in November and the spring or summer term in April. At the close of his grammar school days MT. Todd, for short time, att tended high school in Waterbury. This was quite an attainment at that time. With his mind ever on higher education he persuaded his father to permit him to attend the New Haven Business college. This was not a business college as we know them today but more to be compared with present schools of business administration. Here he had classmate, Coroner Eli Mix. of New Haven. While attending this school MT. Food made his home with cousin, Julius Preston of Fair Haven. MT. Preston was then engaged in the shipping industry and the young Todd must have add ed to his book learning, many in- teresting facts and stories of the sea. To furthur add to his interest of New Haven was the fact that his ancestor Christopher Todd, son of William Todd of Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, had come to New Haven in 1887 as a member of Davenport's New Haven Colony and had settled with the original colony. Christopher Todd was a Miller and operated the first mill to be erected at Lake Whitney. A factory is still being operated on the site of this old mill The stay in New Haven and the pursuit of an education which MT. Todd longed for was all too brief. It was the wish of his father that he return to Wolcott and take part in the business con- nected with the saw mill and lumber industry. This he did for many years.
 Mail Distributed
 MT. Todd remembers well con- ditions prevailing in Wolcott in his boyhood. He remembers when mail was brought to the Post Masters home at the center and distributed once a week, on Sunday. Ee re- members that the last man punished ded into six school districts and tie men worked out their poll or mili- tary tax by working on the roads in their district. He remembers the general store kept by Rastus War ner at Wolcott center and he re- members that he last man punished at the whipping post was whipped for stealing sheep. And" he added. T believe his grandson si still liv- ing in Wolcott," His domestic memories are of his grandmother spinning the wool which had been carded at the carding mill at the Great Falls, of helping his mother make candles which was their only illumination. He still has the candle mold which she used and which un- like the usual mold is made of wood and contains forms for making three dozen candles, As a boy he also re- members there was no iine salt, that coarse salt was pounded with a wooden mortar and pestle until it was fine enough for cooking and table use, He recalls that the cows grew to know the sound of this pounding and would come 10 the pasture fence and moo for their share Of the salt
 When asked q he thought that people were happier when he was young than they are now, be re- piled that he believes that hap- pineSs Is e state 0f mind. Of peF- Fonal feelings and not of time or conditions.
 \ Gentleman
 He keepS well informed Of anG enJo,h sall modern improvements.