Maud Melissa Wood

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1880, Saling Twp, Audrain Co, Missouri
• Census: 1900, Cedar Twp (District 47), Cowley Co, Kansas
• Census: 1910, Grant Twp (District 51), Cowley Co, Kansas
• Census: 1920, Grant Twp, Cowley Co, Kansas
• Census: 1930, Arkansas (District 3), Cowley Co, Kansas

Notes:

Maude was my paternal aunt. I met her when I was a child. We visited her at her home near Winfield, Kansas. She was a large tall lady. Quite kind, with a ready smile. I liked her.

When Maude's children, Bernice and Burl (twins) were born they were so tiny Maude and Stella Foltz, Walter's sister, put them in shoe boxes. Maude asked Stella to take Burl because Maude had her hands full with Noel and Burl. Burl lived with Stella and her husband until they died.

Died:
Aunt Maude died from a cerebral hemorrhage and arteriosclerosis.

Maud married Walter Leonard Foltz on 6 Apr 1905 in Winfield, Cowley Co, Kansas. Walter was born on 1 Apr 1881 in Shelby Co, Illinois; died in Jan 1972 in Arkansas City, Cowley Co, Kansas; was buried in Maple City Cem, Cowley Co, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Noel J. Foltz was born on 7 Jan 1906 in Kansas; died on 14 Nov 1967.
2. Bernice E. Foltz was born about 1908 in Kansas; died after 1908.
3. Beryl Foltz was born about 1910 in Kansas; died after 1910.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1850, Port Royal District (District 1), Henry Co, Kentucky
• Birth: 29 Jan 1850, Henry Co, Kentucky
• Census: 1860, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Census: 1870, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1870, Farmer
• Emigration: 1875, Moved West to Madison, Missouri
• Census: 1880, Saling Twp, Audrain Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1880, Farmer
• Residence: 1883, Rock Creek, near Burden, Cowley Co, Kansas
• Residence: 1884, Hooser, Cowley Co, Kansas
• Census: 1900, Cedar Twp (District 47), Cowley Co, Kansas
• Occupation: 1900, Farmer
• Census: 1910, Cedar Twp, Cowley Co, Kansas
• Occupation: 1916, Retired from farming
• Residence: 1916, John and Mary moved to Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
• Census: 1920, Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
• Death: 14 Feb 1923, Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
• Cause of Death (Facts Pg): 14 Feb 1923, Senility

Notes:

John is my paternal grandfather. I never saw either of my paternal grandparents since they had passed away before I was born.

His birthplace in Kentucky was about six miles south of the Ohio River, some 45 miles southwest of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, George Edward Wood, my great-grandfather, was a farmer. His mother, Nancy Jane Batts Wood, my great-grandmother.

The remaining children, James Hershel, Crissy Malson, Lucy Alice, Laura Lee and George Washington, had not been born as of the 1850 census.

In 1856 at age 6 John, with his parents, moved from Henry County, Kentucky to Madison, Monroe County, Missouri. At 25 years of age John was still living on the farm at Madison.

John and Mary farmed in Saling Township, Audrain County, Missouri. A few years later, about 1883, they moved to Rock Creek, near Burden, Cowley County, Kansas, the nearest railroad depot. They arrived on the K. C. L & S. K. Railroad. It had been opened to Burden (or then known as Burdenville) on February 1, 1880.

In 1883 the population of Burden, Kansas was 400. It had seven general stores, a drug store, a hardware store, two hotels, a jewelry store, three agricultural implement stores, two land and loan offices, a lumber yard, three furniture stores, a livery stable, a meat market, restaurant, millinery, a billiard room and two blacksmiths. The town had two doctors, one of whom was J. M. Wright, and a lawyer named S. S. Moore. Everything a modern town needed.

The first wedding in Burden was of James Hershel Wood, John's brother, to a Miss Hattie Smith. John's other brothers, Thomas and James lived nearby.

John and Mary started looking around for a farm. In the fall of 1884 John and Mary bought a 160 acre farm five miles South of Hoosier, east of Arkansas City, Cowley County, in an area known as Irish Flats. They bought it from Clara A. and C. H. Carlton. It had an assessed value of $1,200. John paid $1,100 on September 30, 1884. The land was located in Section 36, Township 345, Range 7E. An old receipt, No. 2389, from the Cowley County Treasurer's Officer, dated February 27, 1879 stated: Received of Thomas Callagan the sum of 12 dollars and 18 cents. Full taxes for the year 1878 on the following property--signed by F. R. Bryan, County Treasurer.

John and Mary set about digging the sod and stacking it and the rocks to make the walls for their "dugout" house. Poles from trees, thick enough to support the weight of the sod and the packed dirt of the roof were cut and dragged to the site. Rocks were hauled from nearby outcroppings reinforced the side wall parts of the 14 by 16 foot room that had been dug into the side of the hill. The dugout had a dirt floor and a No. 8 wood burning stove. They built the home on the windswept eastern hill of the acreage, about a quarter mile north of the southeastern corner.

They needed, of course, a water well. Neighbors helped haul the poles and do the lifting. They put up a low half-dug-out barn for the livestoc

Until fences were built they staked out the small number of livestock they had. The farm was five miles North of the Osage Indian Nation line, seven miles east of the present Maple City, and near Otto and Hooser, Kansas. It was slightly more than 23 miles east of Arkansas City, the largest town in the area.
John farmed winter wheat and oats, but mostly corn on the upper flat areas of his 160 acres. The land furnished the sod, stones, boards and poles for the dugout John built to shelter his family during the winter of 1884-1885. It was some time before the wood frame house could be built. The cost of lumber was beyond reach of the homesteaders. Other needs such as plows, seed, harnesses and nails were more important.

John farmed winter wheat and oats, but mostly corn on the upper flat areas of his 160 acres. The land furnished the sod, stones, boards and poles for the dugout John built to shelter his family during the winter of 1884-1885. It was some time before the wood frame house could be built. The cost of lumber was beyond reach of the homesteaders. Other needs such as plows, seed, harnesses and nails were more important.

The Kansas winters were bitterly cold as the winds blew. Snow drifted as high as a man and lasted for days. Ice storms isolated families from help and medical aid. Men and animals froze, if not prepared. Ice covering the water ponds had to be chopped to allow access to the water by the farm animals. The John Wood family spent most of their time in the small dugout until warm weather arrived.

December 31, 1885 a cold Northerner began blowing in Cowley County, bringing freezing rain and temperatures. By nightfall the temperature fell below zero. In some places it fell to 25 degrees below zero at night.

John's few cows and horses were locked inside to keep them from freezing. The cold stayed for weeks. One family--a man, his wife and six children--traveling south were found frozen to death on the prairie. Another homesteader and his team of horses were found frozen within 100 feet of his dugout. The horses, after having arrived home, appeared to have stood patiently waiting to be unharnessed. It had been impossible for the man to see more than a few feet due to the blinding snow and winds. His family, in the dugout, was unaware of the man's plight for two days.

The storm paralyzed Kansas. John, Mary and their children, Maude, Guy and Elmer stuck it out. John chipped ice and heated it on the wood stove to obtain water for the livestock. Whole corn and fodder from the previous season ran out during the last of the month. Some of the corn was saved to avoid starvation of the family. In the end John lost only one of his three cows. Many people in Kansas lost everything.

Summers were hot. The cook stove was taken out of the dugout to cook. Rattlesnakes were common. Mosquitoes swarmed. Grasshoppers attacked the crops. Vegetables and fruits were canned by Mary.

John and Mary were educated and could read and write. They were frugal. They sold eggs and butter. The price of butter in 1903 was only 5 cents a pound; eggs 5 cents a dozen.

John and Mary had six children. Maude Melissa Wood, their only daughter, was born May 22, 1878 in Madison, Missouri. A son, Guy Manyard Wood, their eldest son, was born January 25, 1881. A second son, Elmer John Wood, was born September 6, 1884. Their third son, my father, was George Dixon Wood, born in May 4, 1888. John was 38 years old and Mary was 30 years old when dad was born.

Oil was discovered in a shallow 36 foot hole drilled at Chelsea, east of the Verdigris River, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory in 1889 (now Oklahoma). The Indians, moved from all over the southeastern United States, were placed on the land by the federal government and promised by treaty that the land would belong to the Indians for "as long as the grass grows and the wind blows." The United States Government's promise was as illusory as it has been so many times in our history. Cattlemen wanted the land given to the Indians for grazing their herds. And, of course the finding of oil, and the greed it espoused ended the Indian's use to the land. On September 16, 1893 the Cherokee Strip was opened to the land rush of white men. John Wood watched the Cherokee Strip run near the Chilocco Indian School.

Thomas Wood, John's brother, participated in the 1891 Oklahoma Run for Land. He "ran" for less than a mile. He filed an affidavit on October 19, 1891 at the U.S. Land Office at Oklahoma City, O. T. He received his land Patent in November 1896.

Otis Calvin Wood was their fourth child, born April Fool's Day, April 1, 1897. His sister, Maude, was 19 years old, and his oldest brother was 17.

Their fifth and final child was Neal Edward Wood, born August 6, 1902.

All the children were born while they lived on the family farm at Irish Flats.

Things did improve. Mary got her second stove, one that had two ovens. Mary was well known throughout the county for her vinegar cobblers and Jenny Lind cakes.

Guy and Elmer walked two miles in the early freezing morning winter rain to the nearest neighbor to get a bucket of hot coals when they accidentally let their fires burn out.

The Wood boys ran the land cultivator with a team of horses, milked the cows, and gathered the eggs, slopped the hogs. When not working their favorite pastime was hunting with their dogs. They played marbles, called "mumbly-peg."

Maude helped her mother, Mary, boil clothes in a large cast iron pot. The same pot was used to render lard when the hogs were killed. The chitlins (pig skin) left from the lard rendering was used to make lye soap.

In the 1900 Census John was listed as 50 years of age, Mary 42. Out of eight children five still lived. Maude was still at home and single at age 22; Guy was 19 and listed himself as a school teacher although he noted he had been unemployed for eight months; Elmer, George and Otis were also listed, Neal was not yet born.

Money was scarce. A bank statement showed how seldom a checking account was used. "Page 740, Cedar Vale, Kansas, Dec. 1, 1900. John Wood, In account with Dosbaughs Bank (a private bank). One $10 check written and paid on Nov. 1, left a balance of $38.33. On Nov. 19, $15 was deposited leaving a balance $43.33." A two cent documentary stamp, Series 1899, was affixed. The check was cancelled by hand, dated and initialed in ink by a J. W., Nov. 9, 1900, issued in Cedar Vale, Kans., Nov. 10, 1900, by Dosbaughs" Bank. It said, "Pay to the Order of Guy M. Wood, $10," and was signed by John Wood.

In 1916, at age 66, John and Mary retired from farming. Their son, Otis, had been attending college in Edmond, Oklahoma, living with his brothers, George and Guy. When George and Guy moved away from Edmond that left Otis alone. They turned the Kansas farm over to their daughter, Maude, and her husband, Walter Foltz. John and Mary moved to a rented house in Edmond, Oklahoma, just outside Oklahoma City. In December of 1916 John and Mary bought a small frame house at 116 East Second Street, Edmond, Oklahoma. The house had a front porch and small back porch. Second Street became better known as the famous Route 66.

Otis, their son, died of pneumonia on March 24, 1918 while in the United States Army at Fort Worth, Texas. Otis was buried at Grace Lawn Cemetery, Edmond, Oklahoma.

January 16, 1920 the US Federal Census was taken on for Edmond City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. John Wood, was head of the family, owned their home, male , white, age 69, married. He was able to read and write. Born in Kentucky. His mother was born in Kentucky and spoke English. He had no occupation (retired).

Marie M. Wood, wife, female, white, age 61, married, able to read and write, born in Pennsylvania, her father and mother having been born in England.

Neal E. Wood , son , male, white, age 17, single,, attended school, able to read and write, born in Kansas, father's place of birth was Kentucky, mother's was Pennsylvania. He had no occupation.

Mary died on March 13, 1921, leaving John to live alone. She was buried in the family plot near her son, Otis, at the Grace Lawn Cemetery, Edmond, Oklahoma.

John died two years later at home in Edmond, Oklahoma on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1923. He was 73 years old. He lies buried adjacent to Mary and his son Otis at Grace Lawn Cemetery, Edmond, Oklahoma.

John's obituary appeared in the Edmond Sun newspaper on Thursday, February 22, 1923:

John Woods was born in Kentucky, January 29, 1850. He died at his home on East Second street, February 14, 1923.

His family moved to Monroe county, Mo., when he was six years old. At the age of 27 he was married to Mary Maria Dixon. To this union six children were born.

The wife of the deceased died March 13, 1921. One son, Otis C. Wood, died in army camp, March 24, 1918. The rest of his children are living and all were present at the funeral except Elmer J. Wood of Seattle, Wash.

Funeral services were conducted from the family residence February 16, Rev. Ishley officiating for Rev. McGehee, who as absent from the city.

John married Mary Maria Dixon on 31 Jan 1876 in Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri. Mary was born on 28 Mar 1858 in Granville, Mifflin Co, Pennsylvania; died on 13 Mar 1921 in Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma; was buried in Grace Lawn Cem, Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 29 Mar 1858, Granville, Mifflin Co, Pennsylvania
• Census: 1860, Rostraver Twp, Westmoreland Co, Pennsylvania
• Census: 1870, Bentleyville Post Office, East Pike Run Twp, Washington Co, Pennsylvania
• Residence: 1875, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Census: 1880, Saling Twp, Audrain Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1880, Housekeeper
• Census: 1900, Cedar Twp (District 47), Cowley Co, Kansas
• Census: 1910, Cedar Twp, Cowley Co, Kansas
• Census: 1920, Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
• Death: 13 Mar 1921, Edmond, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma

Notes:

Mary is my paternal grandmother.

Mary Dixon was born at Granville along the Juniata River in Pennsylvani

In 1875 Mary's parents moved to Madison, Missouri. At age 17 Mary met her future husband, John Wood, at a haberdashers on the corner of Main and First Street, Madison. John was shopping for a new pair of overalls. Mary was shopping for a yard of cloth. Mary noticed John because he had torn the entire seat of his pants when he was thrown from his horse. His arm was still bleeding though the accident had occurred more than 30 minutes before. Mary asked the store clerk for some water and towels. She ordered John to sit down. She cleaned his wound and applied a compress. John, apparently, was smitten by Mary. They attended the usual pie-suppers at the local school, the baptisms at the church, and shared fried chicken luncheons at the church. John occasionally borrowed his father's buggy for country rides with Mary. And, there were long walks together. Typical country life.

In the June 3, 1880 census E. D. 7, sheet 8, line 7, Mary was listed as age 21, born in Pennsylvania with her parents from England. Mary's daughter, Maude, was two years old, having been born in Missouri.

Mary and John Wood had a total of 9 children. Three of the children died at birth.

Notes:

January 29 or 31, 1876 John, age 27, married Mary Maria Dixon, age 19, at Paris (or Madison), Monroe County, Missouri. James H. Wood (probably was John Hershel, John's brother) was a witness to the marriage performed by the Reverend W. L. T. Evans. John and Mary kept a family bible. The Marriage Certificate was filed March 14, 1877 by George C. Brown, Recorder.

January 29 or 31, 1876 John, age 27, married Mary Maria Dixon, age 19, at Paris (or Madison), Monroe County, Missouri. James H. Wood (probably was John Hershel, John's brother) was a witness to the marriage performed by the Reverend W. L. T. Evans. John and Mary kept a family bible. The Marriage Certificate was filed March 14, 1877 by George C. Brown, Recorder.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1840, Port Royal District, Carroll (Henry) Co, Kentucky
• Census: 1850, Port Royal District, Carroll (Henry) Co, Kentucky
• Occupation: 1850, Farmer
• Census: 1860, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1860, Farmer
• Census: 1870, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1870, Farmer
• Census: 1880, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1880, Farmer

Notes:

Conflicts in determining George's place of birth. In the 1850 census he gave it as Kentucky. But in the 1870 census he says its Virginia.

In the 1840 census George, Nancy, and their two-year old son, Thomas William Wood, were living in the Port Royal district of Carroll (formerly Gallatin) County, Kentucky. George was head of the family. George was between age 30 and 40 and was farming. Nancy was between age 15 and 20.

The 1850 census was taken August 21, 1850 in the Port Royal District of Henry County, Kentucky. George was 45 years old, a farmer with real estate valued at $568. The census states he was born in Kentucky. Nancy was 28 years old, born in Kentucky. Their oldest son, Thomas William, was age 10, born in Kentucky. A daughter, Sara Ann, age 8, was born in Kentucky. Daughter Mary Frances, age 7, born in Kentucky. Daughter Nancy Jane, age 5, born in Kentucky. Daughter Malinda Butler, age 3 born in Kentucky. And son John Wood, age 1, born in Kentucky. John is my paternal grandfather. The remaining children, James, Crissy, Lucy, Laura Lee and George Washington have yet to be born.

In 1856, just before the start of the civil war, George and Nancy left Kentucky moving to western Monroe County, Missouri. George corresponded with his cousin, Monterville S. Clark, the son of George's sister, Margaret "Peggy" Wood Clark.

1860 Federal Census: The census was taken on June 14, 1860, Marion Township, Madison, Monroe County, Missouri. George was now age 50. He was a farmer. The value of his real estate was $1,400 and personal estate at $373. The census reports he was born in Virginia. Nancy was recorded as age 38, born in Kentucky. The census listed the names, ages and birthplaces of the children in the home:
Thomas William Wood as age 20 born Kentucky;
Mary Wood as age 16 born in Kentucky;
Nancy Wood as age 14 born in Kentucky;
Malinda Wood as age 12 born in Kentucky;
John Wood as age 10 born in Kentucky;
James Wood as age 7 born in Kentucky;
Crissie Wood as age 3 born in Kentucky; and
Lucy Wood as age 2 born in Missouri.

On January 14, 1863 Elisha Baker, and his wife Nancy, sold George 200 acres of land near Madison, Monroe County, Missouri, for $1,200. The deed was recorded May 25, 1863 by Henry Davis, Recorder.

May 25, 1863 County of Monroe:
Be it remembered that Elisha Baker and Nancy his wife who are personally known to the undersigned Justice of the Peace within said County to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing deed as parties thereto this day appeared before me and acknowledged that they executed and delivered the same as their voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the said Nancy Baker being by me made acquainted and examined apart from her husband and that she executed and relinquished her dower in the real estate therein mentioned freely and without compulsion or undue influence of her said husband.

Given under my hand this fourteenth day of January, One thousand Eight hundred and Sixty three (1863). Henry Harris Justice of the Peace. Filed for Record May 25, 1863 and duly recorded. Henry Davis, Recorder.

The property was located in section nine. The northern part of the city of Madison is located in the south ½ of section 11, a mile and a half due east of George's land.

1870 census: Mary G. is really Mary Frances. Butler M. is actually Malinda Butler. Crisy M. is Crissy Malson. Lousa is really Lucy or perhaps her actual name is Laura and was simply called Lucy. Notice that Nancy cannot write.

In 1883 George was buried in the old Cottingham/Meals graveyard located about 4 miles southeast of Madison, Monroe County, Missouri. It is right off a gravel road and still cared for privately by the families of descendants buried within. His grandson, Kevin Hewgley, reported he has visited the graveyard and that the Wood gravestones are in good shape. George's gravestone inscription reads:

George E. Wood Apr. 9, 1810 - Mar. 13, 1883

The IGI Family Group Record in the LDS' Family History Library records George's date of death as being in 1870 at Madison, Monroe County, Missouri. That 1870 date conflicts with the March 13, 1883 date on his gravestone.

also info on this family in Jack Wood's site:
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/w/o/o/Jack-Wood/GENE6-0004.html

George married Nancy Jane Batts on 6 Mar 1837 in Gallatin Co, Kentucky. Nancy was born on 6 Mar 1823 in Mill Creek (Turner's Station), Henry Co, Kentucky; died on 25 May 1905 in Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri; was buried in 1904 in CottinghamMeals Cem, 4 miles southeast of Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1850, Henry Co (District 1), Kentucky
• Census: 1860, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Census: 1870, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1870, Housekeeper
• Census: 1880, Marion Twp, Madison, Monroe Co, Missouri
• Occupation: 1880, Housekeeper

Notes:

Nancy was born one year after the marriage of her parents, in a log cabin in Henry County, Kentucky on her parent's first wedding anniversary.

I've always admired Nancy. She married a 27 year old man, 13 years older than she when she was barely a teen-ager. Now days George would have been prosecuted for child molestation. But she and George made it through thick and thin until they both died. They wound up moving to Missouri, living through the Civil War and raising 12 kids, one of whom becomes my grandfather. They had guts.

The 1870 census of Marion Township, Madison, Monroe County, Missouri indicates Nancy could not write.

1900 Census Madison and Halliday, in Marion Township, Monroe County, Missouri. Nancy is named head of the household, born in March 1823 in Kentucky of Kentucky parents. She was then age 77. Living with her was her son, Thomas William Wood, born in July 1838, in Kentucky. He was age 62, a farmer. (Source: 1917 Madison, Missouri Telephone Directory).

Obituary: DEATH OF "GRANDMA WOOD"
While the good people of Madison were sleeping last Wednesday night there was one awake and at work -- Death. Just after the night had turned he called at the home of Nancy J. Woods and claimed her as a victim.

Nancy J. Woods was born in Henry County, Kentucky March 6th, 1823, died May 25th 1905, aged 82 years, 2 months and 19 days. She was married to George E. Woods March 9th 1837. To this union 11 children were born, nine of whom remain to mourn her loss. In 1856 she came to Missouri and since that time has made her home in and around Madison.

The LDS Family History Library's IGI Family Group Record shows Nancy's date of death as May 25, 1905. Yet I have also found it to be May 25, 1904.

"Grandma Woods" as she was called by all who knew her, was loved and respected by everyone from the smallest to the greatest. She had often remarked to the writer, "She was ready for when the Lord called for her (*** 2 words missing). She early in life found her Saviour and united with the Christian Church of which she was a member at the time of her death. Services were conducted at the home Friday afternoon by Eld. J. born Corwin assisted by Rev. R. A. Jones.

Five generations were present at this service; 34 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, after which the body was conveyed to the Cottingham graveyard and laid to rest to await the great day when the dead shall arise. To the children who mourn the loss of a mother and grandmother we would say look to Jesus who is able to keep you in this time. "Yes there's a home for weary souls, A rest for pilgrims found; A home where God the father dwells, Where peace and joy abound." R. A. J.

Notes:

She was 14 years old the day she married George. George was 27 years old. Neal Freeman wrote that George first met Nancy when he was an overseer on a Kentucky plantation. Nancy was visiting nearby. Nancy's mother had died in 1830 and her father, Thomas Burchett Batts, Jr., remarried Polly Sanders on December 3, 1831 in Henry County, Kentucky.

The IGI Family Group Record at the LDS Family History Library reflects that George and Nancy married March 6, 1837 in Gallatin, Monroe, Kentucky. I suspect that the entry of Monroe is in error and that Gallatin County is correct.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Fauquier Co, Virginia
• Census: 1810, Gallatin Co, Kentucky
• Emigration: 1816, Kentucky
• Residence: 1816, Carrollton, Henry (then Gallatin) Co, Kentucky

Notes:

William married November 8, 1805 in Fauquier County, Virginia. He married Nancy Corley who was born September 12, 1786 in Virginia. She died in 1860 in Henry County, Kentucky.

Nancy was the daughter of Aquilla and Mary (Maddox) Corley. William and Nancy lived on the Hedgeman River near Pipes Church, Fauquier County, Virginia.

William and his wife, Nancy, lived on the Hedgeman River near Pipes Church, Fauquier County, Virginia. Fauquier County was formed May 1, 1759 from Prince William County, Virginia. Warrenton (22,186) is the County Seat. It received its name from Francis Fauquier, Governor of Virginia at the time.

On September 5, 1796 William, and his father, Dickerson, witnessed the Will of John Smoot in Fauquier County, Virginia. As we will see the favor was returned when Leonard and Enoch Smoot witness Dickerson's Will in 1803.

Fauquier County, Virginia 1800 Tax List, District of Elias Edmonds Junior, Virginia Genealogist Volume 19 (pages177-182) and Volume 20 (pages 250-257) enumerated as 1-1 (1 free male over age 16 and 1 horse).

William, Nancy and their family, moved to Carrollton, Henry County, Kentucky in the spring of 1816, after buying 50 acres of land from Henry Davidage on August 8, 1815.

They traveled by flatboat down the Ohio River. William brought his oldest brother Dickerson's female slave, “Poll,” whom he registered with the county officials in Henry County, as required by law.

Registration required he certify he was not engaged in the business of slavery.

William died within three years of moving to Kentucky. He may have died of the same illness that killed his slaves several years later. They may have been tubercular--a common problem of the time. Malaria was also a problem--a reason many did not settle in the Carrollton, Kentucky area.

In September 1819 William's estate was being settled. His estate was unusual in that it did not include real estate. Of the total estate appraisement over half the value was in slaves. There was $641 in household goods. The three slaves were valued at $750. The slaves were Lizza, Mariah and Jerry.

The slave named Poll may have been the fourth of four slaves. Poll was originally given to William's brother, Dickerson Wood, in 1803 when their father, the elder Dickerson Wood, died (Source: Fauquier Will Book 3, page 441.) Poll may have died at the same time as William.

William may have earned his living "from outside of" his farm. The two compasses he owned infers he did land survey work while the slaves maintained the farm.

The William Wood Administrators Estate Settlement is recorded in the Henry County, Kentucky Will Book at pages 63-64.

Allowance made to the administrators February 1821 $ ¢
Cash paid Willis Hughs for Smiths work 1 87 ½
Clothing for the children for the year 1821
9 yards of calico at 3/2 per yard 4 50
5 yards of cotton casimore for George Wood at 3/2 per yard 2 50
2 handkerchief at 7/6 each 2 50
1 pair of shoes at 3/9 0 62 ½
To one bonnet for daughter $8 00
4 pair stockings 6/2 each 4 00
To ¾ yards of wool & muslin at 9/2 1 12 ½
14 yards of cotton cloth at 3/2 7 00
10 do " do 3/2 5 00
7 pair shoes at 3/2 3 50
To 3 yards linen 3/2 1 50
To 1 pair cotton stockings 1 00
To 6 pair yarn stockings 3/2 each 3 00
3 yards of linsey at 3/9 1 87 ½
Allowance made for Boarding of five children 125 00
180 75
To $3 paid Speer pr. Order orch Voris for schooling 3 00
Smiths Receipt $17.27 cents 17 27
7/6 paid Suddath crying sale 1 25
Paid Hughs 11/3 for Smiths work 1 87 ½
Shar receipt for taxes 2 65
Fee bills 1 37
Money paid John N. Middleton for schooling $15 00
Two dollars seventy eight cents for taxes 2 78
Fee Bill Rowland Thomas 1 92
$227 81 ½
Amount Brought Over $227 81 ½
Allowance made for Children for the year 1820
Cash paid William Henderson 2 25
To Cash paid Wilson $1. Cash paid Middleton 6/2

The Henry County December Court 1821 ordered that Daniel Sandford, Moses Olds, John Campbell and Robert Thomas be appointed Commissioners or any three being first duly sworn to settle the administration of William Wood dec. and reprt. to the next Court a copy. Att. John T. Payne Henry County Court.

This day Moses Olds John Campbell and Robert Thomas appeared before me David Adams one of the Commonwealth Justices of the peace for said County and were sworn to act agreeable to be within order given under my hand this 6th day of May 1822. The commissioners appointed to settle the accounts of the Administrator of William Wood deceased made report which being examined by the Court is ordered to be recorded which is done accordingly. David Adams JPHC Henry County Court.

Notes of Donald Clark, of Lexington, Kentucky, indicate the date of marriage of William Wood and Nancy Corley might be November 8, 1805 instead of 1806. Also that Nancy's burial place may be at the "old Turner burying ground" at Turner's Station, Kentucky with her mother, Mary Ann Maddox.

When William Wood died, leaving Nancy as his widow, the children were quite young. Nancy did not remarry. It is likely her stepfather, Joshua Turner, was a big help raising the children between 1819 and 1825. William's daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Wood would have been about 7 or 8 years of age when William died and probably had a stronger awareness of her Turner, Maddox and Corley connections than of her own Wood family.

In preparation for the final settlement of William Wood's estate, the Henry County, Kentucky Court appointed Nancy Corley Wood guardian for her five children in 1821. She was also asked to post "Common Security as Guardian to the orphans of Will Wood."

In February, 1822, the three court-appointed administrators of the estate reported an estate worth $144.21. Also they reported the expenses for 1820 and 1821. Expenses involved clothing, schooling, taxes and an "allowance made for the boarding of five children at $125 per year, at $25 each child." (Obviously child care was cheaper in 1820 than 2007). It should be noted that the tutoring of the children was a unique benefit, as Nancy did not read or write and this particular era seems to have frequently overlooked the value of formal education. It is interesting that Kentucky became one of the first states to recognize the need for equal rights for women due to its having so many surviving spouses that needed equal legal rights and privileges.

Between 1820 and 1830 Nancy paid taxes on 50 acres of land that had been surveyed by Peter Shepherd. Shepherd had entered many surveys in the Mill Creek area (near Turner's Station, Kentucky). No actual deed or lease has been located for William or Nancy Wood. It seems plausible that the William Wood who purchased 50 acres from Henry Davidage of Gallatin County, Kentucky that was witnessed on 8 August 1815 and delivered on 8 September 1817 was the husband of Nancy and it was this land that was taxed to her. (Source: Gallatin County Deed Book C, page 211).

The 1823 valuation of her tax was $445. It jumped to $1,580 in 1825 and was back down to $275 in 1830. It is not exactly clear where she lived but it is presumed to have been near the Henry/Carroll County line east of Turner's Station and along the East Fork of Mill Creek.

I had the good fortune of going to Turner's Station and driving along Mill Creek in July, 1999. The area has a lot of lush green foliage. Well kept homes and lawns lined the highway which followed the banks of Mill Creek.

Indications are that Nancy and her family became associated with the Sulphur Fork Baptist Church in 1828. This church was originally started in 1801. By 1809 the records had been destroyed by fire, twice. The surviving records would be interesting. It would seem that when the Turners, Maddox’s and Woods, along with others from Virginia, came in the 1816-1820 period they added considerably to the vitality of this church. Joseph Turner was a stalwart member by 1825 and the Nancy Wood family clearly involved by 1828. Daughter Margaret was "received by experience" (whatever that means) on January 1, 1828 and it was in this same year that Eliza Jane and Nancy also appear on the membership rolls.

The location of the Sulphur Fork Church near present day Campbellsburg, Kentucky on Route 55 would not have been particularly convenient to the Woods living near the west fork of Mill Creek. One suspects there was a certain social significance attached to attending what was probably the most influential group at that time.

However, daughter Eliza Jane was married to Walker Bledsoe in December of 1830 by a rival Christian Society minister, Samuel Turner. In August 1831 Margaret, Eliza's sister, was married to Elias Clark by the same minister. This would suggest that going over hill n' dale to Sulphur Fork was not what it first seemed to be and that changes had been made by this time. The Little Cane Run Baptist Church near Port Royal, Kentucky would have been a lot more convenient.

There are no tax records for 1830-1832 and it is guessed that by 1833 the only child left at home was George Edward Wood (my Great Grandfather) who was now acting as head of the household. Nancy briefly appeared on the tax rolls of Gallatin County, Kentucky in 1835 with property valued at $35 which would probably be a horse or cattle and not land.

In 1836 Nancy appeared with her son-in-law, Elias Clark, when they were given $50 by the Gallatin County Court for "the keeping of the children."

She was apparently living with Elias and Margaret Clark and helping to rear the "orphaned children of Josiah Clark" who were part of the household at the time.

On March 6, 1837 George Edward Wood married Nancy Jane Batts (My Great Grandmother) in Gallatin County, Kentucky. He also appeared in the newly formed Trimble County records as being part of the boundary line that James Brown was to be the surveyor for that part of the Mill Creek Road from Peter Hartman's to the county line. This would suggest that he lived near Tom-Tom, Kentucky.

In 1841 George Edward Wood was listed in the Carroll County Tax List with 67 acres valued at $400 and two horses at $50. In 1842 he appeared with no land and 2 horses valued at $50. It wasn't until 1857 that George purchased his own land in Henry County. It was 117 acres at a cost of $1,082.75 ($413 hand paid).

It is presumed that Nancy Corley Wood lived with George in the 1850's but this can't be established. The last official record of Nancy is the 1850 pension application of her mother, Mary Ann Maddox. Nancy was 64 years old and her mother 91. It is suspected that Nancy lived well into the 1860's, but again it can't be proven. Her daughter, Margaret Wood Clark, met an untimely demise on May 7, 1859.

Margaret Wood Clark was 47 when she died of phlistic (asthmatic consumption). It is believed she is buried with Elias Clark on the original property near Vance and along the Davidson Road.

Since Margaret had received some tutoring as a child it is presumed she may have helped her son, Monterville Clark, learn the rudiments of reading and writing since there is no record of his having attended anything like a public school. Her ties to the Turner family would have also been a positive influence. There are undoubtedly many other contributions that came by way of Margaret Wood and her earlier family that are now lost with time, but hopefully this brief account helps shed some light. (Source: Notes of Donald Clark)

In her 1825 Guardian Report Nancy Wood noted that the four slaves "descended to her children" had died and that "Sally (Sarah) had married Joseph Berry." In the 1826 court report the expenses were again for schooling, store goods, and coarse clothing. (Wood's Heirs Guardian Report, Will Book 3 page 304)

Nancy Wood made the following report to the court:

She states that four of the Negroes descended to her children have died since her last report-
She has hired the Negro man named Jerry for $70.00
She charges $40 for clothing and
A doctor’s bill for attending her Negroes has not been made out.
She has nothing further to report.
October 5th 1825 Nancy Wood Item 5th 4 coffins @ $2 apiece
Wood Heirs Guardian Report (Henry County 1826 Will Book 3, page 450)
Hire of one Negro man $10 the third taken out --$40.00
To Schooling 5.00
To Store goods for four children 30.00
To course (coarse) clothing 20.00 55.00 Nancy Wood Guardian for Margaret, George, Ann died, and Eliza Jane Wood.

Test her Pryor Nancy x Wood Mark Henry County Guardian for Margett George Ann D, Eliza Jane Wood infant heirs of _____ Wood dec. made her report which being examined by the Court is approved and ordered to be recorded. Att. Row. Thomas

In 1827 Nancy bought a side saddle from the estate and her brother, Aquilla Corley Jr., for $5.75. Her daughter Ann Dickerson Wood married Samuel Edrington in 1829.

The 1830 Henry County census showed the family unit as 1 male 20-30 (That would be George Edward) 1 female 10-15 (Eliza) 1 female 20-30 (Margaret) 1 female 40-50 (Nancy)

Nancy Corley Wood stated to the Henry County Court that "as guardian of my children I certify I have hired the old Negro for $47 and with the same money I have schooled clothed and boarded the children" 8 August 1830 (Will Book 4 page 422)

William and Nancy had the following children:

1. SARAH B.1806 VA. D.1870 KY. M.1825 JOSEPH BERRY B.1796 D.11/6/1857 KY. SON OF THOMAS & MARY BERRY

2. GEORGE EDWARD B.4/9/1806 VA. D.3/13/1883 MO. M.3/6/1837 KY. NANCY JANE BATTS DAU. OF THOMAS BURCHETT BATTS JR. THEY HAD 9 CHILDREN

3. MARGARET B.8/10/1812 VA. D.5/7/1859 KY. M.8/10/1831 KY. ELIAS CLARK B.1809 VA. D.8/1865 KY. SON OF JOSIAH & JANE (ADAMS) CLARK

4. ANN DICING B.1807 B.1807 VA. D.1904 M.4/29/1829 KY. SAMUEL EDRINGTON B.1804 KY. D.1860 KY. SON OF JOHN & LOVEDAY (JADSON) EDRINGTON

5. ELIZA JANE B.8/12/1814 VA. D.1836 M.2ND 12/4/1830 KY. WALKER BAYLOR BLEDSOE B.9/12/1802 KY. D.1860 MO.

Residence:
Lived on the Hedgeman River near Pipes Church, Fauquier County, Virginia

Emigration:
William, seems to have stayed in Virginia until joining with others leaving for Kentucky in about 1816. It is not known if any other Wood came to Kentucky.

Residence:
Moved to Carrollton, Henry (then Gallatin) County, Kentucky

William married Nancy Corley on 8 Nov 1805 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. Nancy (daughter of Aquilla Corley, Sr. and Mary Ann Maddox) was born on 12 Sep 1786 in Culpeper Co, Virginia; died in 1869 in Henry Co, Kentucky; was buried in Old Turner Cem, Turner's Station, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Emigration: 1816, Carrollton, Kentucky
• Property: Between 1820 and 1830, Henry Co, Kentucky
• Other-Begin: 1821, Henry Co, Kentucky; appointed guardian
• Other-Begin: Between 1823 and 1825, Gallatin Co, Kentucky
• Possessions: 1827, Kentucky
• Census: 1830, Henry Co, Kentucky
• Residence: 1860, Henry Co, Kentucky

Notes:

Emigration:
Moved from Virginia to Carrollton, Kentucky by flatboat

Property:
"Between 1820-1830 Nancy Corley Wood, widow of William Wood II, paid taxes on 50 acres of land that had been surveyed by Peter Shepherd. Shepherd had entered many surveys in the Mill Creek area. No actual deed or lease has ever been located for William Wood II or Nancy Corley Wood [1786-aft.1859]. The land, however, is almost surely the 50 acres sold by Henry Davidage to William Wood II [1771/1773-1819], the husband of Nancy Corley Wood [1786-aft.1859], witnessed on August 8, 1815 and delivered more than two years later on September 8, 1817.


Other-Begin:
1821 The Henry County Court, Kentucky appointed Nancy Corley Wood [1786-aft.1859] guardian of her five children [Sarah, Ann, George, Margaret, and Eliza] in 1821. She was asked to post "Common Security as Guardian to the orphans of Will Wood.""


Other-Begin:
Nancy Corley Wood [1786-aft.1859]?s Gallatin County, Kentucky 1823 tax was up to $445.

1825 October 5: The Gallatin County, Kentucky property tax on Nancy Corley Wood increased again to $1,580 in 1825. " The Guardian Report, in Will Book 3, at page 304, stated: Nancy Wood guardian to her infant children Sally who has intermarried with Joseph Berry, (Margaret) Peggy Paton, George Edward, Ann D(ickerson), Eliza Jane makes the following report to the Court. 1st she states that four of the Negroes discended (sic) to her children have died since her last report - 2nd she has hired the Negro man named Jerry for $70.00. 3rd item she charges Forty $40 for clothing and 4th the doctors bill for attending her Negroes has not been made out. She has nothing further to report. Oct. 5th 1825
Jancy (x) Wood
Item 5th 4 coffins @ $2 apiece"

The Gallatin County, Kentucky property taxes of Nancy Corley Wood [1786-aft.1859] dropped to $275 in 1830. I'm not certain where Nancy lived at this time but it is presumed she lived near the Henry/Carroll County, Kentucky line east of Turner?s Station and along the East Fork of Mill Creek.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mysouthernfamily/myff/d0062/g0000007.html#I59902


Possessions:
In 1827 Nancy Corley Wood bought a side saddle from the Estate of her brother, Aquilla Corley Jr., [1788-1827] for $5.75.


Census:
The 1830 Census for Henry County, Kentucky showed the Nancy Corley Wood [1786-aft.1859] family unit as:
1 male 20-30 (George Edward)
1 female 10-15 (Eliza Jane)
1 female 20-30 (Margaret "Peggy")
1 female 40-50 (Nancy Corley Wood)

Notes:

Joshua Turner, Sr., stepfather, and Mary Corley Turner, mother, gave their consent for Nancy, who was of full age, to marry. Witnesses were Joshua Turner, Jr., and Aquilla Corley.

Joshua Turner, Sr., stepfather, and Mary Corley Turner, mother, gave their consent for Nancy, who was of full age, to marry. Witnesses were Joshua Turner, Jr., and Aquilla Corley.

Married:
"Marriage Bond dated 8 Nov 1805 for Nancy Corley in Fauquier County, Virginia, + William Wood II, witnessed by her brother, Aquilla Corley, Joshua Turner, step-father, and Mary Ann Maddox Corley Turner, mother, gave their consent for Nancy, who was of age, to marry. Witnesses were Joshua Turner, Jr., and her brother, Aquilla Corley."