Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
Sheriffs of Milam County, TX
Researched and written by
Greg Kouba
Robert Lewis Sherill “Bob” Todd
#26 - Sheriff Robert Lewis Sherill “Bob” Todd was born on September 18, 1851, in Polk
County, Georgia.
He married Ella Delphine Evans on June 6, 1872 in Milam County.
He was elected on November 3, 1896; re-elected November 8, 1898, November 6, 1900 and
served until November 4, 1902. Sheriff Todd was elected a second time on November 8,
1904 and served until November 6, 1906.
On June 20, 1905, Sheriff Todd shot and killed former Sheriff Giles C. Avriett on the
first floor of the Milam County Courthouse. He turned himself in to Constable Bowles
claiming self defense. Reportedly, Sheriff Todd had the whole community behind him over
this incident.
Sheriff Todd was tried by a jury which found him not guilty. A bullet hole remains today
in the door facing of the County Courtroom and was preserved for historic purposes
during the 2001 courthouse renovation project.
A plaque was also placed near the hole citing the events of that day.
Robert Todd also served as County Treasurer from 1914 to 1924.
He died in Cameron on May 12, 1945 and is buried at Walker’s Creek Cemetery.
Robert Lewis Sherill “Bob” Todd
.
