Thomas William Wood

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1850, Henry Co (District 1), Kentucky
• Census: 1880, Cedar Twp, Cowley Co, Kansas
• Cause of Death (Facts Pg): 1904, Suicide

Notes:

A portion of an obituary of Thomas William Wood [1838-1904] from an unknown newspaper account stated Thomas:

"...was ready to respond to anyone for assistance, and the morning of the day that he took his own life, he came up to town inquiring for the church collector, in order to make his gift for the next years work. At the time of his death he was 66 years old, having been born in Kentucky in 1838. Rev. Jones preached the funeral of Mr. Woods and his sister, Mrs. Morris, at the Cottingham graveyard, Wednesday afternoon, and in the presence of a large concourse of friends they were laid to rest in graves side by side. Mrs. Woods, the aged mother, is prostrated from the awful shock and the deepest sympathy of all is out to her in the loss of two children in the same day, one of which was her stay and comfort."

Older members of the family maintain that Thomas was murdered, perhaps by his brother in law James Burton. Those family members contend Thomas was happy, making plans for future years, visiting with relatives that evening, and then suddenly, when James Burton is the only one in the room, he is dead.

Thomas is buried beside his parents George Edward and Nancy Jane Wood at Cottingham/Meals Cemetery, Madison, Monroe County, Missouri. His gravestone reads:

Thomas W. Wood July 9, 1838 -- Nov. 7, 1904

Kevin Hewgley stated that he had spoken to one of the great aunts on August 16, 1998 and was told that "they still say he was murdered." He said the aunt did not expressly say so, but bantered around the possibility that maybe he was murdered by his brother-in-law James Burton. They say that Thomas was happy, making plans for years to come and visiting with relatives that evening. Then, suddenly, when Jim Burton is the only one in the room, he is dead.

Thomas married Susan E. Geter on 26 May 1874 in Saline Co, Missouri. Susan was born in 1846 in Kentucky; died about 1915 in Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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."

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 23 Jul 1803, Fauquier Co, Virginia

Notes:

Donald A. Clark of Lexington, Kentucky, a genealogist, thinks that William Wood and Elias Wood were among the early arrivals to Fauquier County, Virginia. Clark suspects that William, Elias, Dickerson and James Wood were brothers.
Clark also stated "The first tangible record of Dickerson Wood is on November 1, 1771 when he took a standard lease for 100 acres from Lord Fairfax, the Baron of Cameron in Scotland. It called for Dickerson to build 'or cause to bed and sufficient dwelling house' and plant 150 'good apple trees at fifty feet distance in regular order.' He was to pay 20 shillings sterling rent on Christmas Day of each year. The eldest child, Mary was named as successor to the lease."

Copy of Lease in my Families/Wood folder named Lease(1) Lease (2)
also Lease (3), Lease(4), Lease(5), not transcribed here)
The indenture from Thomas Lord Fairfax to Dickerson Wood is found recorded in Deed Book 5, at page 45, of the records of Fauquier County, Virginia. It reads:
This Indenture made this first day of Nov Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and Between the Right Honourable Thomas Lord Fairfax Baron of Cameron in that part of Great Britain called Scotland of the one part and Dickerson Woody of Fauquier and Colony of Virginia of the other part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Lord Fairfax for and in Consideration of the yearly (illegible) Covenants herein after expressed hath Demised and to farm Let and by these presents doth demise set and to farm Let unto the said Dickerson Wood one messuage tenement and parcel of Land situate lying and being in the said County of Fauquier being part of that tract or parcel of Lands Called and known by the name of the Manor of Leeds Bounded as followeth viz
BEGINNING at the corner of Smootes and Hoppin Lott between a Red Oak white Oak and two Chestnuts thence along the line of the said Smootes Lott (illegible) poles to a white oak and red oak then (illegible) poles to three (illegible) oaks then (illegible) to the said Hoppers Line then along the same (illegible) to the Beginning containing one hundred acres together with all orchards meadows pastures ways woods waters and water courses and all and singular the liberties profits easements and emoluments belonging or in anywise appertaining except as hereafter excepted unto the said Lott to have and to hold the said messuage and one hundred acres of land with all and singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging for and during the natural life of him the said Dickerson Wood and for and during the natural lives of Mary his wife and Mary Wood his daughter and every of them longer living yielding and paying therefore yearly and every year during the said term hereby granted unto the said Thomas Lord Fairfax his certain attorney his heirs executor administrator and assigning the yearly rent or sum of twenty shillings (unintellible) at and upon the nativity of our blessed Lord and Saviour (illegible) the twenty fifth day of December and if it shall happen that the said yearly rent or sum of twenty shillings sterling should be behind and unpaid either in the whole or in part by the space of twenty days next after the said twenty fifth day of December which the same ought to be paid as aforesaid being lawfully demanded and no sufficient distress can or maybe found on the premises or hereby the same may be levied that then and from thence forth it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Thomas Lord Fairfax his certain Attorney his heirs executors administrators and assigns into the before demised premises with the appurtenances or into any part there of in the same of the whole to reenter and the same to have again.
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Lord Fairfax was born in a castle in Scotland in 1693 to wealth and responsibility. As a boy of noble birth he learned fencing, dancing and how to speak French. When Thomas, Sixth Lord of Fairfax, was twenty-two years old, he inheritact of land in Virginia. His property stretched between the Potomac and Rappahanock Rivers. It was over 5,000,000 acres. It was called the Northern Neck.
Lord Fairfax heard the Governor of Virginia was giving land grants to settlers. Lord Fairfax believed the Governor was giving away land that Fairfax thought was his. Lord Fairfax complained to the king. The King of England ordered Lord Fairfax to survey and settle his boundaries. Lord Fairfax returned to Northern Neck. He hired several land surveyors, one of whom was the young George Washington.
Lord Fairfax was important to Virginia history because with his land and support he helped the community grow. He helped bring money and people to the area by allowing them to farm his land successfully. Fairfax developed a lasting loyalty to his land in Virginia. He never returned to Scotland. Fairfax County is named in his honor.

On September 24, 1759, Lord Fairfax rented Fauquier County land to Dickerson Wood. Dickerson would have been 19 years old.

On November 1, 1771 Dickerson leased 100 acres in the Manor of Leeds, Fauquier County, Virginia from Lord Fairfax. The lease called for Dickerson to build "or cause to be built a good and sufficient dwelling house" and plant 150 "good apple trees at fifty feet distance in regular order." Dickerson Wood was to pay 20 shillings sterling on Christmas Day of each year. His eldest child, Mary was named as successor to the lease. The following entry can be found at page 382 of Fauquier Families, 1759-1799.

On March 22, 1772 Dickerson, along with Samuel Harris and Henry Jones, was appointed to conduct an inventory of the estate of John Nicols. They appraised the estate as being worth L115.6.6. The inventory was returned to the court on April 27, 1772. ("Abstracts of Fauquier County, Virginia--Wills, Inventories and Accounts--1759-1800" by John Gott, page 46, (1972).)

Dickerson seems to have lived almost exactly where Crest Hill, Virginia is today. He was probably a little southeast of where a little church and graveyard are today. This location is approximately 2 miles West of where Pipers Church and the mill were once located. This is near present day Orlean and Flint Hill, the area where the Notley Maddox family lived.

One of the neighbors of Dickerson was Richard Corley (father of Acquilla Corley) who was drawn to the Manor of Leeds apparently by the same inducement. Corley lived one and one-half miles above Dickerson at the junction of the Hedgeman River and Buck Run Creek.

May 5, 1772 Deed Book 5, page 45, Fauquier County, Virginia has the following entry:
"...1 Nov. 17__ Btwn Lord Fairfax, one part, and DICKERSON WOOD, County of Fauquier, other part. Land in Fauquier Co. lying in Manor of Leeds...beginning at corner of Smoot's and Hoppins...during natural life of Dickerson Wood, Mary, his wife, and Mary Wood, daughter, and every of them living longest...yearly rent 20 sh: sterling. Wit: John Chilron, (Chilton?), John Pepper, Thomas Keith. Recorded: 5th May 1772." (Source: Wood-Woods Exchange, January 1958, Vol. 8.)

Notice the similarity between the recorded rental agreements of 1759 and 1772. Both refer to land located in Manor of Leeds. Each of the rental agreements-- one in 1759 and two in 1771-- were with Lord Fairfax. The rental agreements of 1759 and November 1, 17__ were for a life estate. The rental agreement of November 1, 1771 states no definitive term. The rent, however, decreased from 40 shillings sterling per year in 1759 to 20 shillings sterling in 1771. Also, the rental agreement that was recorded on May 5, 1772 was almost certainly executed on November 1, 1771, the same day as the agreement of November 1, 1771 recorded in Deed Book 3, pages 41-45.) What familial connection, if any, exists between Elias Wood and Dickerson Wood? (Source: Wood-Woods Exchange, January 1958, Vol. 8.)

Dickerson and Mary apparently lived where present day Crest Hill, Virginia is located on state highway route 647. They were probably a little southeast of where a little church and graveyard are today, according to Donald Clark. The location is approximately two miles west of where Piper's Church and a mill were once located. This is near present day Orlean. State Route 647 goes across the Rappahannock River to Flint Hill and the area where the Notley Maddox family lived.

A William Wood was on the King George County, Virginia 1773 rent roll. (Dickerson's father or some other William Wood?)

Dickerson Wood was taxed from 1777, 1778, 1781, 1782, 1783, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1789, 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, and 1799. The 77M indicates the commissioner for year 1777 was either Thomas Marshall or John Moffet. The 78Tr indicates the commissioner for 1778 was Francis Triplett. The 81HC-99B indicates that from 1781 through1798 the commissioners were Edward Humston and Henry, Clarkson. 99B means that in 1799 the commissioner was Thornton Buckner. Sr means Senior. D 5-45-1771 means the lease is in Deed Book 5, page 45 and was written in 1771. M 8-343, 1787 refers to either Minute Book or Order Book 8, page 343, originally written in 1787. D 14-351, 1799 Deed Book 14, page 351, originally written in 1799. (Source: "Fauquier Families 1759-1799" by John P. Alcock, Iberian Publishing Company, Athens, Georgia, pages vii-xii, 382).

1777: Dickerson Wood I was listed on the rent roll as a Tenant of the Manor of Leeds in Fauquier County, Virginia. A James Wood was listed on the Fauquier County, Virginia rent roll in 1777.

1778
It is possible that Dickerson Wood I was part of the Colonial Militia and in some way contributed to American Independence. But no known records support this possibility. In 1778 Dickerson appeared on Triplett's tithable list with a slave named Luck. His neighbors were Joseph Smith, John Smoot, William and John Day. The Crims (Crimm?) were also neighbors and later showed up in Henry/Carroll County, Kentucky with the Smoots.

1782 witnessed the will of John Maddox (Culpeper County, Virginia in 1782)

A 1786 Court Minute Book shows Dickerson Wood (whether I or II is not indicated) was granted a civil judgment against Elizabeth Snelling (widow of Benjamin Snelling who died 1774). It was possibly a default judgment. At the same time Dickerson was appointed surveyor of a road in place of Joseph Barbee was listed separately.

1787
The 1787 tax list of Edward Humston shows Dickerson Wood I with 2 blacks, 6 horses and 7 cattle. Dickerson II was listed separately.

1787 witnessed the will of Mary Maddox in 1787.

1792
On June 25, 1792 Dickerson approved the probate estate inventory of James Withers, father of Hannah Withers. James Withers had earlier witnessed the will of John Maddox (Culpeper County, Virginia in 1782) and Mary Maddox in 1787. John Maddox and Mary Maddox were the parents of Notley Maddox, grandfather of Nancy Corley, the daughter-in-law of Dickerson Wood in 1805.

On September 5, 1796 Dickerson and his son, William, 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.

June 25, 1798 an inventory of the L83.19.6 estate of John Smoot was returned to the court by Matthew Neal, Dickerson Wood and William Wood. ("Abstracts of Fauquier County, Virginia--Wills, Inventories and Accounts--1759-1800" by John Gott, page 284, (1972).)

Will undated, proved 25 Jul 1803 by Leonard Smoot, Lewis Jones, and Enoch Smoot.
Wife: mentioned but not named.
"fore" sons - Dickerson (oldest), William, Elizah, and James Wood. "All my children, both sons and daughters."
Wit: Leonard Smoot, Lewis Jones
Recorded "On motion of Mary Wood, Book 1, p 441.
Securities): William Grimsley, John Edwards & William Wood
Estate of Dickerson Wood appraisd by John Gaunt, Francis Payne and William Grimsley.
Amt. L649: 19: 0, returned 26th Sept 1803 (p 461)

Leonard Smoot, one of the witnesses to the Will of Dickerson Wood, was the father of Polly Smoot. Polly married Dickerson Wood's son, James.
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The elder Dickerson Wood's will was dated January 23, 1803, about six months before he died. Notice that Dickerson had five negro slaves. Also, he names his wife, Mary, and sons; Dickerson, William, Elijah and James. He then provides that upon the death of his wife, Mary, all his lands should be equally divided among all his children, both sons and daughters. Curiously he names no daughter in the will. Notice also that the will is witnessed by Leonard and Enoch Smoot. The Smoot name crops up again later. The will is typed as written below: (Source: Certified copy from the Circuit Court Clerk, Will Book #2, page 441, Fauquier County, Virginia).

Dickerson died January 23, 1803 in Fauquier County, Virginia. His will was dated January 23, 1803. (Apparently it was a deathbed will. Source: Certified copy from the Circuit Court Clerk, Will Book #3, page 441, Fauquier County, Virginia). Here is a copy of Dickerson's handwritten will obtained from the Court Clerk of Fauquier County, Virginia. Just below the handwritten will is the same will typed by Dennis M. Smoot.

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WILL (copy of handwritten will in "Families/Wood" folder "Dickerson Wood's Will")
In the name of God. Amen. I Dickerson Wood of Fauquier County and desires this to be my last will and testament.
First. I give and bequeath to Mary, my dearly beloved wife all and everything I possess during her life excepting one Negroe girl by the name of Poll and she to go to my oldest son Dickerson Wood, and he is to pay the annual rent for the lone yuse of said gairl and allso there is fore negro boys by the name of Jarry, Pomfry, Peter and Jeffery, is to be equally divided with my fore sons Dickerson Wood, William Wood, Elijah Wood, and James Wood as singlar from the rest of my other property and if one or all of these negro boys should die to be made good of my other property and at the death of Mary my wife all my lands movely estate to be equily divided amng all my children both sons and daughters. /s/Dickerson Wood L. S.
Witnesses present:
Leonard Smoot (ma?head)
Lewis Jones
Enoch T. Smoot
January 23, 1803


1803 July 25: The Fauquier County, Virginia Court admitted the Will of Dickerson Wood I [1740-1803] to probate and granted his widow, Mary Wood, Letters of Administration to administer the Will.

The Court record stated:
"This Will was proved by the oaths of Leonard Smoot, Lewis Jones and Enoch T. Smoot.

Leonard Smoot, one of the witnesses to the Will, was the father of Mary Browning "Polly" Smoot. "Polly" married Dickerson's son, James.

The estate of Dickerson was appraised by John Gaunt, Francis Payne and William Grimsley in the amount of L649: 19: 0 (apparently they used monetary amounts in pounds and pence). The appraisal was returned to the court on the 26th of September 1803. (Will Book 3)

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A William Wood and Elias Wood were early arrivals to Fauquier County, VA. They were possibly brothers. One view holds that Dickerson Wood was a brother to William and Elias Wood and that all three are the sons of William Wood of Stafford County, Virginia as was a James Wood. The fact that Dickerson Wood's Will identified his sons William, Elijah and James suggests a connection of Dickerson Wood to William Wood and Elijah Wood of Stafford County, Virginia. Also, a 1774 Fauquier Deed transaction refers to land in "Br?? Run" (probably referring to "Buck Run Creek") together with references to "Dickerson Pretentions."

Dickerson Wood may be connected to Edward Dickenson, Sr., a planter of Falmouth, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, Virginia. There was a William Wood and Elijah Wood of Stafford County (known in 1776 as Prince William County), Virginia who could have married into the Dickenson family-line and be the father of Dickerson Wood (which has sometimes been spelled as Dickinson) Wood.

Dickerson* married Mary* (..) Wood about 1760 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. Mary* was born about 1745; died after 1815 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Aquilla married Mary Ann Maddox on 14 Jan 1775 in Culpeper Co, Virginia. Mary (daughter of Notley Maddox) was born on 4 Jan 1759 in Maryland; died on 25 Jan 1856 in Turner Station, Henry Co, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]