He was an officer in the Pennsylvania Reserves infantry division of the Union Army in the U.S. Civil War and served in multiple battles.
He continued to support the Union Army by organizing the influx of drafted men in the eastern half of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.
He had responsibility for militia and State Guard units especially during the confederate army invasion of Pennsylvania led by General Robert E. Lee in 1863.
In 1854, Todd was elected as an Oppositionist member of the 34th United States Congress representing the Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district.
In 1872, Todd was elected as a Republican member to the 43rd United States Congress representing Pennsylvania's at-large congressional district.