John J. Todd, M.D.
John J. Todd, M.D. and Jacob Y. Cantwell, M.D. are the names of two physicians who forty years ago were in the very prime of life and of their profession. Dr. Todd came to Mansfield from the eastern portion of the old county, that part now of Ashland County. Dr. Cantwell resided from childhood in Mansfield. His father was one of the pioneers, and his father's family was well known. These two young men, Todd and Cantwell, were comrades in their young manhood, close companions and friends, and began their medical studies at the same time, Todd as the student of Dr. Allen G. Miller, while Cantwell's preceptor was Dr. John M. Chandler. Both attended the Cleveland Medical College and graduated. Each became a partner in the practice of his respective preceptor. Miller and Todd associated together and Chandler and Cantwell forming a firm. Todd was slightly taller than Cantwell, but less in breadth of chest. Todd was of more delicate health than his friend, but each was active, energetic, ambitious and rapidly rose in the profession, and being men of sturdy character, won for themselves both standing and position in the medical world. Dr. Todd on a night of storm and sleet was called miles away to relieve a stricken dying man, and being accurate in his diagnosis of the disease and successful in the administration of remedial agents, the patient recovered, and returning to his home in the morning through the beetling storm, was himself stricken down, and though he lived for a year thereafter, his days were numbered and he wasted away. Neither the care of his loving wife or the breath of summer found in the south, whither they journeyed for relief, brought any abatement of the disease, and so, when a young man comparatively, he was called home, dying on January 30, 1856, in his 36th. year. Had he been permitted to live out the average expectancy of life, I doubt not that he would have taken a very high, and deservedly so, place in his chosen profession. His friend, Dr. Cantwell, greatly grieved over his loss, for the companionship of their early years continued without a break or severance of a single social tie. Dr. Cantwell pushed on, sometimes with a partner, sometimes alone, and prospered as man and physician. Thirty-four years ago, when the tocsin of war was sounded, he entered the service, first in the 4th. Ohio as assistant surgeon, and later in the 82nd. Ohio as its surgeon. His brave, courageous brother, James Cantwell, was first an officer in the 4th. and then as the Colonel commanded the 82nd. from its organization to his death on the battlefield, and Dr. Cantwell gained a reputation as a surgeon in the army, no less honorable than that of his gallant brother as an able, skillful soldier. The Doctor remained in the service till the close of the war, then settled at Decatur, Alabama, where he became interested in the city, its growth and material advancement, visiting yearly the old home city of Mansfield and maintaining property interests here as well as at Decatur. Later in life, he married, but his wife preceded him to the far-off country. Dr. Cantwell was very much of a man and his skill as a physician and surgeon were recognized, not only in Ohio, but in the army and in the state of his adoption, Alabama. His zeal, patriotism and devotion to the Union were equally pronounced and his service to the Republic and our common humanity was recognized and appreciated wherever his name and fame were made known. The soldiery of the Union army, the men of the 4th. Ohio and the 82nd. Ohio, loved him and measured correctly the value of his services.
From The Richland Shield & Banner, April 13, 1895