TODD, Champ Clark: Died 1946

TODD, MCMANIS, WILKIN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/25/2016 at 00:29:35

THE RECORD-REPUBLICAN
**Handwritten: 31 Oct. 1946

CHAMP CLARK TODD BURNED TO DEATH

Champ Clark Todd was burned to death when his farm home three miles east of Mt. Sterling was destroyed by fire during the night of Tuesday, October 22.

His death was not discovered until Wednesday afternoon when a neighbor, Bruce Cavitt, and Charles Carter, who is employed by Mr. Cavitt, noticed at noon that the Todd house was not visible. They made an investigation and found Todd's body in the smoking ruins.

Coroner Harold Catcott was called and removed the body to the Burnett funeral home in Keosauqua. The arms and legs had been burned off. The coroner decided no inquest was necessary.

Todd, who had a habit of smoking in bed, had previously lost two dwellings by fire. The house which was burned last week had only one room.

A funeral service was held Thursday afternoon at the Blackledge cemetery at Mt. Sterling, Rev. Warren officiating.

He is survived by a half brother, S.W. Todd of near Mt. Sterling. Champ made his home in Keosauqua several years with his aunt, Mrs. Jennie McManis Wilkin, and attended Keosauqua school. He was also a student at Parsons college.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 11, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA