By Amanda Hagan
Title: Russell Irvine Todd Papers, 1924-1988
Primary Creator: Todd, Russell Irvine (1901-1988)
Extent: 2.27 Cubic Feet
Date Acquired: 09/28/1977
Subjects: Dentists--Kentucky., Madison County (Ky.)--History.
Languages: English
The Russell Irvine Todd Papers document the professional activities of a local dentist on a state and national level. Dr. Todd was very active in the American Dental Association and the Kentucky State Dental Association and this collection reflects those activities.
Dr. Todd was also interested in history and travel and this collection reflects those activities as well with numerous slides of his trips and his speeches and writings about Madison County, Kentucky history.
Russell Irvine Todd was born in Crooksville, KY in 1901. He graduated from Berea College in 1923 and received his DDS degree from the University of Louisville in 1924. He began his practice of general dentistry in Richmond in 1924; he lived in Richmond the rest of his life. Dr. Todd was an author in The Journal of the American Dental Association and The Journal of the Kentucky Dental Association. He held important positions in both Kentucky and national dental associations and delivered many speeches to professional dental organizations.
Dr. Todd also achieved acclaim as a fine amateur historian. He published articles on the history of Madison County and the central Kentucky region. His most noteworthy publication is This is Boone Country, a fascinating description of prominent events in Madison County's history.
Dr. Todd served as president of the Alumni Association and a trustee at Berea College and vice president of the Eastern Kentucky University Foundation. He also served on EKU's Board of Regents from 1959 through 1970.
Russell Irvine Todd was born in Crooksville, Kentucky, on April 28, 1901, the son of Luther and Arabella Barnett Todd. He and his wife, Maurine Todd, resided on Burnam Court in Richmond, Kentucky, and are the parents of two daughters.
Dr. Todd did his undergraduate work at Berea College and graduated in 1923. He received the D.D.S. degree from the University of Louisville in 1924. He has also received honorary degrees from Berea and Eastern Kentucky University. He began his practice of general dentistry at Richmond in 1924 and has resided there since. His research at Berea contributed to the development of aluminum filtration disks, that greatly reduce harmful scattered x-rays to patients and operators. He also appears on many Who's Who lists throughout the United States. Dr. Todd is a lecturer and author of various professional journals such as the Journal of the American Dental Association and the Journal of the Kentucky Dental Association. He has held important positions in both Kentucky and national dental associations and has delivered many speeches to professional dental organizations.
Aside from his professional activities, Dr. Todd has achieved acclaim as a fine amateur historian and an outstanding citizen. He has published articles on Madison County and the Central Kentucky region. His most noteworthy publication is This Is Boone Country, a fascinating description of prominent events in Madison County's history. Dr Todd is a charter member of the Madison County Historical Society and a driving force in preserving the region's history. Along with these achievements, Dr. Todd has served as president of the Alumni Association and a trustee at Berea College; vice president of the Eastern Kentucky University Foundation and a member of the board of regents at the University; director of Madison County National Bank and director, president, and chairman of First Federal Savings and Loan; and president of the Richmond Rotary Club. He also possessed the prestige of a Kentucky Colonel and captain of the United States National Guard. Dr. Todd was an active member of the First Christian Church. He served as a deacon, elder, and chairman of the church board. Dr. Todd is a well-rounded individual and his accomplishments are unlimited.
Russell Irvine Todd died on Wednesday, June 29, 1988, and is buried in the Richmond Cemetery.
Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Access Restrictions: None.
Acquisition Source: Todd, Russell Irvine
