Catherine Goodner

Catherine Goodner, was apparently the youngest child of the parent immigrant Goodner family.  Estimating her birth from the known births of some of her children–she was younger than her brother, Conrad–it would appear that she was born somewhere between the years 1760 and 1765, either in Germany or in America; it is now known which.  Nothing is known of her youth except that she grew to womanhood on the farms of her parents, first in Orange County, and later possibly in Guilford County, North Carolina, the latter farm being in the vicinity of Gibsonville, where they probably attended the old Friedens Church, used jointly by the Lutheran and German Reformed denominations.

In a year not definitely determined, but possibly about 1783, she married a William Jackson in Guilford County, a member of a Scotch–Irish family that early settled in that part of Orange County which in 1770 was set off into Guilford.

The Jackson family was found to have been in Orange County as early as 1755, for the names of several were found on the List of Taxables for that year.  These early Jacksons were Benjamin, John, Thomas and Isaac.  The parentage of William Jackson is not known.  All available records in Orange and Guilford Counties have been searched, as well as those in the Archives of History in Raleigh.  No wills or administrations could be located for the period prior to 1800.  The only information found which might refer to Catherine's husband was a record of a deed to two lots in the village of Hillsborough wherein William Jackson, Jr, conveys, to my honored father, James Jackson,” two lots in the town of Hillsborough, consisting of two acres, for 300 Pounds. The date of the deed was October 14^th, 1786 (Book 2, Page 449).  Witnesses to the deed were John Collins and Jacob Jackson.

The Jacksons were without doubt a part of the exodus of Scotch–Irish and Germans who migrated from Pennsylvania to Orange County in the middle of the 18^th century. land became scarce in Pennsylvania, and what was purchasable was high in price.  The Alleghenies presented a formidable barrier to travel westward, and even if the difficulties of travel could have been surmounted there remained the incessant danger of Indian warfare.  Thus the logical expansion route was southward, through Virginia to North Carolina.  Some of the migrating families settled in Virginia, but many thousands moved on to the Carolinas, a vast number of them settled in the counties of Orange, Rowan, & Anson.  These counties were about 1770 to 1780 broken up and the counties of Guilford, Caswell, Chatham, Randolph, and Surry were formed. In 1767, Orange County included parts of the present counties of Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, Wake and all of Person, Caswell, Durham, Chatham and Alamance.  In that year, before the division of the county, it was estimated that Orange County had a population of 13, 000 whites and 700 Negroes.

In the year 1779, a William Jackson is shown on the Tax list as having taxable property in the amount of $1869.80, and a James Jackson having taxable property in the amount of $2590.30. In 1783, William Jackson is shown as a resident of Caswell District and owning 100 acres of land; also a William Jackson as owning 187 acres in the same district. In 1788, William Jackson, in the District of Hillsborough, is shown as owning 187 acres of land east of the Appalachians, probably the same 187 acres previously mentioned.  For the year 1783, Isaac Jackson is shown as owning 200 acres, and James Jackson 900 acres, both of whom resided in the Hillsborough district.  William Jackson is shown as owning 200 acres in Orange, and a William Jackson, Sr, shown as owning lands as well as two lots in the village of Hillsborough.  It should be noted here that the use of the terms “senior" and "junior" in those days did not necessarily mean father and son.  They more frequently meant the elder and the younger.

In the 1800 census returns of Guilford County, North Carolina, there are two William Jackson families listed; one appears as "Senior,” and one merely the name.  It is the latter one in which we are interested, since it seems to fit the family of William and Catherine fairly well.  The residence of both of these Williams was in the Salisbury District, which is the same district in which the Goodners lived.  It is most likely therefore that the family shown as being that of “William Jackson" is that of William and Catherine Goodner Jackson.  The return was made as follows:

In the case of Lucius, Abner, and Ansel, we have no documentary evidence that they were sons of William and Catherine.  Abner lived a very close neighbor to Elizabeth Jackson Goodner (Mrs. Francis Acuff Goodner).  The 1830 census of Pope County, Illinois, reveal that three, and possibly four, of the above lived close together.  But this will be gone into in detail later, when the subject of all of the children is undertaken.

Shortly after 1800, William Catherine left North Carolina.  They may have gone to Sullivan County, Tennessee, where Conrad Goodner was living.  Records there show that on August 15^th, 1801, a William Jackson purchased from Jacob Job a tract of land consisting of 75 acres at Kindrick's Creek (Book 3. Page 384).  I was unable to find any sale of this tract by William Jackson up to the year 1825, when I stopped searching, since by that date William and Catherine were residents of Illinois.  In 1823. in Sullivan County, a John Jackson bought from William Goddard 97¾ acres of land which lay on Reedy Creek, which may have lain adjacent to Conrad's old property, for it too was on the Reedy Creek.  This Goddard transaction is interesting in that a daughter of Catherine Scherrer Jordan, a sister to Conrad Goodner's wife, Elizabeth, married a Joseph Goddard, all of whom being at one time residents of Sullivan County.

Other Jacksons in Sullivan County, Tennessee, in the early days of its formation, were a Peter Jackson, who on October 25^th, 1786, purchased from Samuel Job an 87 acre tract on Kindrick's Creek, and who later received a grant from the State of North Carolina for 75 acres lying on the same creek.  Thomas Jackson in 1810, and John Jackson in 1822, were residents and property owners an dates given.  Since Sullivan County was largely settled by people from North Carolina, it is logical to assume that the Jacksons emigrated there, preceding and following the Jordons, Schenoers, Goodners, Goddards, etc.

It is unknown in what year William and Catherine Jackson reached Illinois, but we do know that they were living in Pope County in 1813 or 1814, for in one of those years and in that county, in an area later made into Hardin County, their daughter, Mary, married Alfred Wood.  Maty stated this at age 60 when she made application for bounty land on the services of Alfred Wood in the War of 1812.  William and Catherine may have accompanied Conrad and Elizabeth Goodner from Sullivan County, Tennessee, to Smith County, Tennessee, thence to Johnson County, Illinois, for the ties of the two families must have been very close for two sons of Conrad to have claimed in marriage two daughters of William and Catherine.

There are some in the family who believe that they resided in or near Paducah, Kentucky, for a while.  If their place of residence was on the Illinois side of the Ohio River, then they would have been living close to Conrad and Elizabeth Goodner, for they were for a short time, a year or two perhaps, living within a short distance of old Fort Massac, as that was their post office.

The early records of Pope, Hardin and Gallatin Counties were destroyed by fire, eliminating the possibilities of tracing the family lines through those sources.  The first census of Illinois was taken in 1820, and the Pope County, Illinois, census fails to show any William Jackson, although it does show three known sons of his, George, John, and Andrew.  It is known that William died in middle life, for in an old newspaper article written by Adam Clark Johnson and published in the Mt. Vernon, (Illinois) Star, in Jefferson County, in a series by him on the early settlers of the territory, from the year 1858 to 1865, there appears the item under the heading of William Wood:

"Besides the children already mentioned, he left two sons, Alfred and Anderson. Alfred married a Jackson.  His mother–in–law, Mrs. Jane Jackson (Mary's mother), after her first husband's death" married the then somewhat noted Dr. Chipps."

These newspaper articles were saved by Amos Thompson Lacey and preserved by his family, who recently turned them over to the Mt. Vernon Public Library.  Whether the name "Jane" which is used by Mr. Johnson in referring to Maty's mother is in error, or whether it is one that she used as a nickname, we do not know, but: there is no question as to the person to whom he refers in the article.  We lack information on Dr. Chipps. We do not know who be was or where he lived, but presumably it was in Jefferson County or close by.  This is the last mention we have of Catherine, and we do not know when she died or where she was buried.  Neither do we have the date of death or place of burial of William Jackson.

There is a widespread tradition among the descendants of William and Catherine Goodner Jackson that William was related to President Andrew Jackson and that the children were cousins of his.  This has intrigued the writer considerably, as well as it has a good many others of the family, for we are all interested in possible relationship with a man who was so outstanding in this country's history, both as a general and as a President.  I have spent much time endeavoring to ascertain where the possible relationship existed.  In similar situations where cousinly relationship was claimed by our forebears, I have learned that in claiming to be cousins they often did not mean first cousins, and that in some cases the relationship existed through marriage only.  In this case, however, the relationship was claimed as being "blood cousins."

Biographers of President Andrew Jackson's life dwell very little on his genealogy, simply because so very little was known about his forebears and very little could be learned.  After President Jackson became famous, many people claimed relationship to him.  It must be remembered that Andrew's father died before be was born and that his mother died while he was quite young, so any knowledge that Andrew might have obtained through his mother must have been very little.  It is not surprising therefore that when he became President interest in his family was generated.  In Buell's History of Andrew Jackson, Vol. 1, page 32–33. there appears the following:

"Andrew Jackson, while President, is quoted as having said:

‘Yes. as far as I know, I have not a single blood relative bearing the name of Jackson, either here or there.’  This was in reply to a statement made by a Virginia lady who had done considerable research on the Jackson heritage, that the family seemed to be extinct in Carrickfergus (in Ireland) in Belfast, the locale of the family."

The family may have been extinct in Carrickfergus, but not elsewhere, for there appears to have been many of his Jackson family in this country of whom Andrew himself was not aware, which is understandable under the circumstances of his orphanage at so early a time in his life.  It appears to be a human trait that we do not become interested in our ancestors until we are grown and have families of our own, and even then not until late in life when we have the time to ponder such things.

Andrew Jackson had two brothers, Hugh and Robert, both of whom died young unmarried.  In the Life of Andrew Jackson by Marquis James (1938), it states that Andrew Jackson, emigrant to America, and father of the President, came from Lame, County Antrim, Ireland, in April or May of 1765.  He is reported to have first settled along Conowingo Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, along which many other Scotch–Irish families had settled.  He moved to the Waxhaw Settlements in South Carolina almost immediately.  Two years later be received injuries caused by great strain in lifting a log that resulted in his death.  He was the son of a comfortably well off linen weaver and merchant in Canickfergus, North Ireland.  It states that be had a brother, Hugh, who had been a soldier in His Majesty's Regiment of Foot, who had been with Braddock in Virginia, Wolfe at Quebec, and with Amhearst at the surrender of Montreal.  He fought Cherokees in the Waxhaws, and hunted with the docile Catawbas.  He returned home and married, and tried to get his wife to move to the new country, but she refused.  He became a weaver and merchant, evidently following the trade of his father.  He died when young Andrew was 15 years of age, leaving him a legacy of three or four hundred pounds Sterling, which was quite a substantial sum in those days.  No mention was made of any issue this Hugh Jackson might have had.

The article also stated that Andrew, Sr, had another brother Samuel, who was a sea captain, and that he finally settled in Philadelphia.  No record of his descendants have been found, but he must have had issue.

From the 1895 Volume of the Scotch–Irish in America, the official publication of the Scotch–Irish Society, page 320, we find there a statement that the grandfather of President Andrew was a Joseph Jackson, that he was born about the year 1690, and that he lived in County Antrim, Ireland, and that he became a physician and lived in Newton, Limavady, County of Derry, Ireland, that he was married three times, and that Andrew, Sr, and Hugh were born of his first wife.  The account of the occupation of President Andrew's father here is at variance with that given by Buell.  The article is as follows:

"Elijah McCaughey of Sioux City, Iowa, whose name was presented to the Scotch–Irish Convention at Des Moines for membership by William H. Gordon of Sioux City, is a regular descendant of Scotch–Irish ancestry, and is by historic and lineal descent a second cousin to General Andrew Jackson (Old Hickory).  A sketch of family history connecting the Jackson and McCaughey family, giving the origin and relationship of the two, shows that about the year 1690 Joseph Jackson was born in County Antrim, Ireland, grew to manhood, became a prominent physician in Newton, Limavady, County Derry, Ireland.  He was married three times.  His third wife was Lady Mary Carr, sister of Lord James Carr.  The fruit of this marriage was one daughter, Margaret.  She was born in 1746.  At mature years she married, on November 28^th, 1769, one William McCaughey of Newton, Limavady, County Derry, Ireland.  Her mother was of the nobility.

This William McCaughey was the grandfather of the aforesaid Elijah E. McCaughey.  He and his family emigrated to America in 1773, and located in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  As stated above, Dr. Joseph Jackson married three times.  By his first wife he had one child named Andrew, who at mature years became one of what was called the "United Men.”  They were Republicans and were hostile to the Government in certain measures, and had to flee their native country at a moment's warning.  He came with his wife and two sons, Hugh and Robert, to South Carolina, and located over the North Carolina line in the 'Waxhaw' Settlement.  This was in the year 1765, and he died not many years afterwards, leaving his wife and family in limited circumstances.  Prior to his death, to wit, on March 15^th, 1767, another son was born in North Carolina, who was called Andrew, and he in 1828, or rather 1829, became President of the United States.  He is known as 'Old Hickory.’  History tells us that there was at this time no regular way of travel to Washington.  General Jackson left his home, the Hermitage, in Tennessee the latter part of January, 1829, and traveled in a four horse coach with twelve mounted men as escorts.  The line of travel was through eastern Kentucky by way of Cincinnati, thence through Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland over the National Pike, stopping in Ohio and resting with the father and mother of the said E. S. McCaughey.

Then and there the full family history and relationship was fully and familiarly called to mind by the parties then present."

In some respects the article above is at variance with other authorities in at least two instances. In Appletons' Encyclopedia of American Biography (1888) it states that President Andrew's father died before he was born, and gives the name of his grandfather as Hugh.  The author of this article may have confused the name of Andrew's uncle with that of his grandfather.

In the Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Records, Vol. 17, page 260, it gives the lineage record of Mrs. J. S. (Rachel D.) Suggs, born in Clarksville, Ohio; DAR No. 16710.  It states that she is a direct descendant of David Jackson, an Uncle of President Andrew Jackson, and the article reads as follows:

"David Jackson, (1730–1811), Uncle of President. Andrew Jackson.  Born Derry County, Ireland.  Died Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, lost hand at the Battle of Trenton.

1      William Dysart.  Married Lucinda Henderson.

2      Thomas Henderson.  Married Jane Jackson.

3      Robert Jackson.  Married Elizabeth McCorkle.

4      David Jackson.

In the St. Louis Public Library, there is a pamphlet entitled A Memorial of Julius C. Jackson and His Wife, by Harriet Jackson, compiled by Clayton Keith in 1910.  This pamphlet states that an Elisha Jackson emigrated to America before the Revolutionary War and settled in North Carolina.  He had a son, Christopher, who was a first cousin to General Andrew Jackson, so the article states, who was born January 8^th, 1768, and who died July 22^nd, 1831.  Christopher married a Catherine Rhodes, April 27^th, 1790, in Ohio County, Kentucky, near Hartford, or what is now Hartford.  Catherine was born July 19^th, 1768, and died October 30^th, 1857.  They had twelve children, as follows:

1         Elizabeth Jackson.  Married John Mason of Kentucky.

2       Julius C. Jackson.

3       Mary Jackson.  Married Thomas Render.

4       Ann Jackson.  Married Elias Jackson (No relation).

5         Hanna Jackson.  Married William White (Marian County, Missouri.).

6         Christopher Jackson.

7         Gabriel Jackson.

8         Cynthia Jackson.  Married William Thomas.

9         Catherine Jackson.

10         Providence Jackson.  Married Norman H. Eidson.

11         Rebecca Jackson.  Married Jesse Moman in Kentucky.

12         Rachel Jackson.  Married John Chilton in 1830.

In the Genealogy of the Lacey Family, and also in that of the Goodner Genealogy, we have reference to a Major Cornelius Gooding, an Englishman, who emigrated to America after the Revolution, who settled first in Virginia, removing shortly to Kentucky, where he married Margaret (Peggy) Scott, whose mother was Sarah Jackson, reputed to have been a relative of President Andrew Jackson.

Then from the Compendium of American Genealogy, Vol. VI, Page 376, we have the following:

"Major James Chambers, from Scotland to South Carolina, was a Revolutionary War soldier. later killed by Indians, and buried at Lows Ford, near Spartansburg, South Carolina.  He had married Elizabeth Jackson, a first cousin to President Andrew Jackson.  A descendant of this union is Mrs. Roscoe Hill McClure, born in Sevier County, Tennessee, August 16^th, 1902.  Residence: Lee Heights, Bristol, Virginia, née Anna Rule Atchley. "

From all of these instances, and more must exist, it is evident, that if they be true, "Old Hickory" had many kinfolk by the name of Jackson in this country of whom he was not aware.  And of these, it would appear that the most logical connection of the Jacksons who settled in Orange County, North Carolina, with any of the above would be with the David Jackson (1730–1811) who settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  It was from this section of Pennsylvania that the many Scotch–lrish came in their exodus to Orange County and to other sections in North Carolina.  It is altogether possible that Benjamin, Isaac, Thomas and John, who settled in Orange as early as 1755, were sons of this David.  Perhaps further investigation may shed some light on this.

It might be well to mention here that President Andrew Jackson's mother was Elizabeth Hutchinson (died 1782).  She had five sisters, all of whom lived in the vicinity of the Waxhaw Settlement in South Carolina.  They were:

1    Jennet Hutchinson.  Married James Crawford in America.

2    Grace Hutchinson.  Married James Crow in America.

3    Mary Hutchinson.  Married John Lessley in America.

4    Sarah Hutchinson.  Married Samuel Lessley.

5    Margaret Hutchinson (the eldest).  Married George McKerney in Ireland.

We do not have complete record of all the children of William and Catherine Goodner Jackson.  We are positive of six, and these are Andrew, Mary, Nancy, George, John, and Elizabeth.  Others who may have been their issue, but which so far remain unproven, are Lucius, Abner, Ansel, and possibly David.  In the charts following, only the proven issue is being shown, but it is well to remember that there were other children, and these are probably shown in the census returns shown at the end of the volume.  It has not been possible to obtain the necessary information to ascertain the relationship of the other Jacksons shown to William and Catherine.  For additional information on the Jacksons turn to the census records and to the Appendix.

4b    Catherine Goodner (about 1760 – [date unknown]).  Married William Jackson (about 1755 –  [date unknown]).

1c    Andrew Jackson, (about 1790 – 1800).  Married Elizabeth [name unknown] (born 1795).

1d    Son, born about 1815.

2d    Daughter, born about 1816.

3d    Son, born about 1817.

4d    Daughter, born about 1818.

5d    Son, born about 1819.

6d    Son, born about 1820.  Daniel?

7d    Andrew Jackson, Jr, born about 1825.

8d    Marion Jackson, born about 1829.

9d    Elizabeth Jackson, born about 1831.

10d   Stephan Jackson, born about 1832.

11d   Nancy Jackson, born about 1837.

2c    Mary Jackson (1795 – 1879).  Married Alfred Wood (died 1829).

1d      William Wood (1815 – 1882).

2d      Leonard W. Wood (1816 – 1889).

3d      James Wood (1817 – 1889).

4d      Jane Wood.([date unknown] – [date unknown]).

5d      Elizabeth Wood (1822 – 1880).

6d      Nancy Wood (1825 – 1915).

7d      Richard Wood.

3c    Nancy Jackson (1798 – 1845).  Married Reverend Benjamin Goodner.

1d    Sally Ann Goodner (1817 – 1849).

2d    William Jackson Goodner (1818 – 1893).

3d    Elijah Goodner (1820 – 1886).

4d    Triplet.  Still born.

5d    Triplet.  Still born.

6d    Triplet.  Still born.

7d    Luverba Goodner (1823 – [date unknown]).

8d    Caroline Goodner (1825 – 1887).

9d    John Adams CIark Goodner (1827 – 1876).

10d    Benjamin Franklin Goodner (1829 – 1852).

11d    Joseph Benson Goodner (1831 – 1917).

12d    George Washington Goodner (1833 – 1922).

13d    Nancy Hester Goodner (1835 – 1846).

14d    David Andrew Goodner (1838 – 1841).

15d    Salinda Goodner (1841 – 1886).

4c    George Jackson (about 1790/1800).  Married [name unknown].

1d    Daughter, born about 1815/6.

2d    Daughter, born about 1815 – 20.

3d    Daughter, born about 1815 – 20.

4d    Son, born about 1815/20.

5d    Son, born about 1820/5.

6d    Son, born about 1820/5.

7d    Daughter, born about 1825/30.

8d    Daughter, born about 1825/30.

9d    Daughter, born about 1825/30.

5c    John Jackson, born about 1799 – 1800.  Married [name unknown].

1d    Son, born about 1810/20.

2d    Son, born about 1810/20.

3d    Daughter, born about 1810/20.

6c    Elizabeth Jackson (1802/03 – 1863).  Married Francis Acuff Goodner (1799 – 1853).

1d    Paulina Goodner (1822 – 1864 about).

2d    Emily Goodner (1825 – 1876).

3d    Ranson Goodner (about 1826–died small).

4d    James Jackson Goodner (1827 – 1889).

5d    Harriett Sophronia Goodner (1838).

6d    George W. Goodner (1841 – 1916).

4b    Catherine Goodner, born about 1760/5, in Orange County, North Carolina, or in Germany; died Illinois, date unknown.  Place of interment unknown.  Married 1^st William Jackson, about 1783, Guilford County, North Carolina.  William died in about middle age, after which she married Dr. Chipps, by whom she had no issue.  The following issue is not the total of her brood, but they are all on whom we have definite knowledge.

1c    Andrew Jackson, born about 1790–1800, Guilford County, North Carolina; died in Pope or Hardin County, Illinois, between 1840 and 1850.  Farmer.  Married Elizabeth [name unknown] (born Tennessee, about 1795)  Resided in that part of Pope County afterwards cut off and formed into Hardin County.

1d    Son, born about 1815.  Think this was Tyra Jackson.

2d    Daughter, born about 1816.

3d    Son, born about 1817.

4d    Daughter, born 1818.

5d    Son, born 1819.

6d    Son, born 1820.  Think this was Daniel Jackson, who went to California Gold Fields with cousins Benjamin Franklin Goodner and Joseph Benson Goodner.  No further data obtainable.

7d    Andrew Jackson, Jr, born about 1825, Illinois.

8d    Marion Jackson, born about 1829, Illinois. Went to California Gold Fields with cousins, Benjamin Franklin Goodner and Joseph Benson Goodner, and with his brother, Daniel Jackson, in 1852. From there it is reported that he moved to Australia. We have no further data on him.

9d    Elizabeth Jackson, born about 1831, Illinois.

10d    Stephan Jackson, born about 1832, Illinois.

11d    Nancy Jackson, born about 1837, Illinois.

2c    Mary Jackson, born 1795, Guilford County, North Carolina; died 1–1–1879, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Little is known of her youth, except that when quite small she accompanied her parents in their migration from North Carolina to Tennessee, which was shortly after 1802 or 1803.  She lacked schooling as she was unable to sign her name.  Was called "Granny Jackson" in later years by members of the family.  Her death occurred in the home of her son, William, eldest of the children.  Married Alfred Wood, September, 1814, in Gallatin County, then Illinois Territory, this according to her Statement made at age 60, in her application for bounty lands, made possible by the services of Alfred in the War of 1812.  However, in her application for a pension, made on the 23^rd of June, 1871, at age 74, she states that she was married in November, 1813 or 1814, in what was then Hardin County.  Facsimiles of these papers are being reproduced.  There are variations in some of the facts given in her applications, but it would appear to be that more credence should be given to the Illinois one, made when she was 60 years of age, and thus in great possession of her memory.  At the time she made application for a pension she was living with her daughter, Elizabeth Troutt, wife of Jacob, who resided eight miles west of Mt. Vernon.  fu her later years, she was portly.  Her grandson, William Thomas Wood, told his daughter that Mary–Granny Jackson was about 5 feet tall and about as broad as she was tall.

Mary and Alfred apparently remained in Gallatin County for a few years after their marriage.  Their first child, William, was born there in 1814 or 1815, and he is credited with being the first white child born in the county.  Leonard W. was their second child, born March 25^th, 1816, and apparently in Gallatin County.  The balance of their children were born in Jefferson County, and all born before 1829, the year of Alfred's death.  Mary gives the date of death as March 7^th, 1829, in her Illinois application and 1828 in her second application for pension, but again greater credence should be given to statements made in the earlier application.

Alfred met a somewhat tragic death.  He and his son, William, had gone to the woods about two miles from their home, in what is now Shiloh Township, to cut a bee tree.  This was at a point near the present Mayberry Bridge. fu falling, the tree struck a sapling which diverted it's path, and it struck and killed Alfred instantly.  William returned home and he and his mother went to Shiloh neighborhood for help to bring back the body.  He was buried in the Old Union burying grounds, which was probably the only existing place of burial at the time. fu order to reach the burial site, they had to carry the remains across a creek over a "foot log."  This is the tradition in the family, but in the "Recollections of Jefferson County and Its' People" by Adam Clark Johnson, previously mentioned, it has this to say about the circumstance, "Alfred Wood met a melancholy fate.  He and Uncle Lewis Johnson were out in the woods in 1828, making sugar; not far from camp they found a bee tree, and on falling it a limb hung, broke off, and fell upon Woods, killing him instantly.  He was brought to Union for burial, although the creek was so high, there being no bridge, that Jesse A. Dees, and some other stout men had to construct a raft for the little procession to cross on."

Alfred Wood was born about the year 1785, a son of William, popularly known as "Roaring Billy Wood, and the widow Hawkins, and was undoubtedly born in Georgia, from whence they came.  They settled for a time near Shawneetown on the Ohio River in Gallatin County.  Alfred served in the War of 1812.  Mary Stated that he was a Lieutenant in the Company of Captain Trousdale of Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Phillip Tramel, and that he mustered into service on or about the 5^th day of September, 1812, at Saline Licks in Gallatin County, in the then Territory of Illinois, that he continued in service for 28 days, when he resigned.   He then re–enlisted as a Private in a Company commanded by Captain McHenry, Rangers under the command of Colonel Whitesides, on or about October 3^rd, 1812, continuing in this service for 60 days. He joined the Rangers at Ft. Edwards. She further Stated that he was honorably discharged, but she did not know the date. The above Statements were made by Mary in her application for bounty land on July 2^nd, 1855, at which time she was 60 years of age. There was some delay in processing her application, pending proof of his service, which later was substantiated by a Certificate from the Treasury Department, date(! January 7^th, 1858, which is being reproduced. This certificate shows service in Captain Willis Gargraves Company of Illinois Militia from the 5^th of September until the 10^th of November, 1812.  Appended to the file was a paper indicating that Mary was granted 160 acres of land, December, 11^th, 1866, Grant No. 105603.

Application of Mary Jackson for Bounty Lands on Service War of 1812 of her husband, Alfred Wood

On June 23^rd, 1871, Mary filed application for a pension.  In this application, she stated that Alfred was discharged at Equality, Gallatin County, Illinois, on or about November or December, 1812.  This application was covered by Application File No. WC 1847.  Some facts as given in this application differ from those Mary made in her application for bounty land.  No statement accompanied these papers to indicate the amount of the pension received, but according to information given by a descendant it amounted to $12.00 per month.  For additional information on the Wood family, see the Appendix.

According to one of her descendants, Mary, after the death of her husband, had a child out of wedlock, whom they called Leonard, and that the father was Judge Jesse A. Dees, who was a married man at the time.  Information is lacking as to what happened to the boy.

Mary died January 1^st, 1879, and was interred in the Reynolds Cemetery, east of Woodlawn, Illinois.  Her grave is marked by a Stone which bears the inscription, "Mary Alfred Wood."  To Mary Jackson and Alfred Wood were born seven children.

1d    William Wood, born about 1815, in Gallatin County, Illinois; died 1882, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Farmer.  Resided near Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Elizabeth Bedford, 11–17–1841, Jefferson County, Illinois, by Noah Johnston, J. P.

1e    James Wood, born about 1845, Jefferson County, Illinois; died 4–10–1878. Interred in West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois.  Married Laura Anna Lacey, 9–19–1870, in Woodlawn, Illinois (born 9–12–1851, St. Clair County, Illinois; died 3–14–1933, St. Louis, Missouri. Dan. of Thomas Benton Lacey* and Eliza McCully Lacey.  Thomas was son of Joshua and Malinda Gooding Lacey.)  James was interred in Woodlawn, Illinois.

1f     Jennie Elizabeth Wood, born 12–21–1872; died February, 1942.  Married 1^st Edward Melcher, 6–29–1907, St. Louis, Missouri.  He died 2–17–1916, St. Louis, Missouri.  No record of issue.  Married 2^nd Gay Robinson of Woodlawn, Illinois, 7–9–1927.  No further record.

2f     Joseph Eugene Wood, born 8–7–1875, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Residence: Woodlawn, Illinois.  Section Worker.  Married Nancy Jane Scarborough, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, daughter of James Farmer of Ina, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Nancy is deceased; interred in Woodlawn, Illinois.  No issue.

(After death of James Wood, Laura Anna, married 2^nd Lewis Troutt, 12–27–1880, issue being two children, Ida Pearl Troutt, who married Lawrence A. Thompson, and Malinda Troutt, who married William Ferguson.  Both are now widows and residing at 4926 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.)

2e    Lewis Wood, born 11–14–1847, Woodlawn, Illinois; died 9–28–1930. Interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Tyler, Texas.  Farmer.  Moved from Illinois and settled in Kemp, Texas.  Married Permelia E. Laney (born 4–25–1852; died 3–18–1936, daughter of Robert Laney of Woodlawn, Illinois. Permelia interred in Tyler).

1f     William Harvey Wood, born 8–19–1880, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Master barber, now retired.  Residence: 115 West Gold Street, Tyler, Texas. Baptist.  Married Annie May Smith, 12–22–1909, Jacksonville, Texas (born 11–25–1887, daughter of Frank Smith of Kilgore, Texas.)

1g    Nelva Jacc Wood, born 1–18–1912, Kennedy, Texas.  Married G. Spence Adams, 720–1937, Tyler, Texas.  Resided for a time in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Now residing at 302 Mill Street, Alton, Illinois.  Mr. Adams was born 3–25–1911, son of Roy E. of Centralia, Illinois.  He is an Electrical Engineer with Arthur G. McKee.  Methodist.  Was a Civil Employee in Navy.  Nelva married 1^st Lloyd Leigh McCorkle, 8–14–1930 at Texarkana, Arkansas.

1h    Lloyd Leigh McCorkle, Jr, born 5–14–1932, Tyler, Texas.  Officially adopted by Nelva's 2nd husband, Gordon Spence Adams.  Married Erna Lorraine Meiners, 7–1–1950 (born 11–15–1932, daughter of Joe and Erna Meiners.)  Residence: 1145 Bernice Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas.

1i    Patricia Anne Adams, born 12–20–1951.

2i    Don Paul Adams, born 2–9–1955.

2g    Bill Duward Wood, born 1–7–1916, Kennedy, Texas. State Senator.  Residence: 925 W. 9^th Street, Tyler, Texas.  Office:  Petroleum Bldg, S. Broadway, Tyler, Texas.  Graduate of University of Texas in Law. Attorney, Clemency Div, Secretary of State, State of Texas.  Was Assistant County Attorney of Smith County, Texas. 3½ years.  Representative to Texas State Legislature for two terms, and State Representative for 6 years. Presently, State Senator.  Baptist.  Democrat.  Married Evalyn May Gainen, 5–13–1951, Temple, Texas (born 9–13–1919, daughter of Irwin Gainen of Midlothian, Ellis County, Texas.)  Her 2^nd marriage, having a daughter, Linda, born 2–12–1945, who is now using the name Wood.

1h    Don Charles Wood, born 12–1–1952.

2h    Billie May Wood, born 2–22–1955.

3g    Captain Donald B. M. Wood, born 9–2–1918, Tyler, Texas.  Fighter Pilot.  Lost in action July 8, 1943, being shot down in action off the coast of Sicily, while escorting bombers in the battle of Sicily, Battle of Tunisia.  Also had served with the British 8^th Army, and was pilot of a Warhawk.  When Tunis and Bizerte fell he had 28 hours and 55 minutes of Combat hours and 20 sorties to his credit.  Was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.  Graduate of Tyler High School; attended University of Texas in 1939 and 1940.  Was employed by the Magnolia Oil County, as a geological clerk, prior to enlisting in the Army Air Force in April.  1941.  Meanwhile he had received a reserve commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery, as a member of CMTC at Camp Bullis.  Trained at Ryan School, San Diego, Moffett Field and Mather Field, California.  Awarded his wings 12–12–1941.  Overseas in late February by air, and went into combat shortly after arrival in Middle East.  He was a leader of A Flight of his Squadron.  Promoted to Captain May 26.  Was not married.

3e    Harriett Wood, born 11–29–1849; died 4–27–1918, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Married Daniel Laney, Woodlawn, Illinois.

1f      Andrew Jackson Laney, born 8–29–1868, Jefferson County, Illinois; died 12–29–1951.  Interred in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Woodlawn, Illinois.  Railroader.  Baptist.  Resided Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Emma Etta Flanagan (born 1–3–1874; died 10–4–1902, daughter of Hugh Flanagan of Woodlawn, Illinois.

1g    Ruth Laney, born 4–2–1894. Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Charlie Ragan, 12–21–1911.  Mt. Vernon. Illinois.  Railroader.  Baptist.  Residence: Woodlawn, Illinois (Ragan, born 17–1887, son of John Warren Ragan of Cobden, Illinois.)

1h    Charles Ragan, born 9–15–1912.  Residence: 517 N. 30^th Street, East St. Louis, Illinois.

2h    Doloras Ragan, born 1–10–1916; died 10–27–1938.

3h    Dorothy Ragan, born 12–29–1918.  Married Mr. Williams.  Residence: Woodlawn, Illinois.

4h    Charlotte Ragan, born 1–15–1920.  Married Mr. Pigg.  Residence: Box 888, Sidney. Montana.

2g    Beatrice Laney, born about 1896.  Married Mr. Busby.  Residence: Sailor and Soldiers Home Quincy, Illinois.

3g    Nona Laney, born about 1898.  Single.  Residence: Woodlawn, Illinois.

4g    Lou Etta Laney.  Married Mr. Gaebe.  Residence: Woodlawn. Illinois.

2f     Charles Laney, born 1–20–1875. Barber. Married Elizabeth Zarn (born 6–29–1875, daughter of Fred Zarn of Chandlerville.  Illinois.  Residence: 1326 S. Main Street, Jacksonville. Illinois.

1g    Lawrence Laney, born 10–18–1904.  Residence: 5551 N. Mason Avenue.. Chicago, Illinois.

2g    Mildred Laney, born 11–10–1908. Jacksonville, Illinois.  Married James Thomas Hayes, 3–17–1934, Springfield, Illinois (born Murrayville, Illinois, son of George M. Hayes)  Truck Driver.  Members of First Baptist Church.  Residence: 1326 S. Main Street, Jacksonville, Illinois.

1h    Lawrence Leland Hayes, born 6–7–1940 (Mr. Hayes had a son, Robert Thomas Hayes, born 5–22–1929 by a former marriage.)

4e    Malissa Wood, born 5–24–1854. Jefferson County, Illinois; died 5–3–1950.  Interred in Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Dr. James H. Watson, 7–31–1870. at Woodlawn. Illinois (born 7–30–1846; died August, 1930.  Son of John H. Watson, a native of Henrico County, Virginia, and Elizabeth Rankin, formerly of Tennessee.  Interred in Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, Woodlawn. Illinois.)

1f      Thomas Bertrand Watson; died 10–2–1898.  No issue.

2f      Fem Watson.  Single.  Residence: 208 N 10^th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  One of the prime promoters of the Wood Family Reunion held annually in Mt. Vernon. Illinois.

3f      Neva Elizabeth Watson.  Single.  Resides with Fern at 208 N 10^th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

5e    William Wood, Jr, born 10–2–1861.  Jefferson County, Illinois; died 10–19–1947.  Interred in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Mary Jane Ballard, Woodlawn, Illinois (born 9–25–1862; died 8–21–1920, daughter of Mary Adline Ballard of Difficult, Tennessee. Interred in Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, Woodlawn, Illinois.)

1f     Morton Wood, born 9–29–1882, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Banker.  Member of Methodist Episcopal Church.  Married Alta Belle Norris, 11–7–1907 (born March, 1894, daughter of E. J. and Emma Norris of Waltonville, Illinois.  Residence: Woodlawn, Illinois.)

1g    Mary Edith Wood, born 8–29–1920, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Mr. Jaco.

2f     Carter H. Wood.  Deceased.

3f     Clyde Wood.  Deceased.

4f     Elizabeth Wood.  Deceased.

6e    Emory Wood, born Jefferson County, Illinois.  Deceased.  Married.  Name of wife now known.  Resided in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

1f     Emma Gail Wood.  Married Mr. Gaskins.  Residence: 509 S. 18^th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  No data.

7e    Tina Wood, born Jefferson County, Illinois.  Deceased.  Married Mr. Parmelee.

1f     Ray Parmelee.  Residence: PO Box, Helena. Arkansas.  No further data.

Leonard William Wood (1816 - 1889) and his wife Permelia Green (1828 - 1886)

2d    Leonard William Wood, born 3–25–1816, Gallatin County, Illinois; died 12–24–1889, in Kaufman County, Texas. Farmer.  Married 1^st Harriet McKinney, 3–25–1841. Jefferson County, Illinois, ceremony performed by John Trott. J.P.  Harriet died without issue.  Married 2^nd Permelia Green, 9–25–1856, Jefferson County, Illinois, ceremony performed by John H. Watson. J.P.  Permelia Green was traditionally a relative of General Nathaniel Green of Revolutionary War fame.  Leonard purchased 80 acres of land from Edmund D. Dufur, 6–20–1845. on which be apparently made his home.  He lived on his farm place for about 16 years.  About the year 1867. he sold his farm to John Oliver Lacey and moved to Kansas, where his stay was brief, and then moved on to Texas, settling near Alvarado in Johnson County, where he remained far a short time.  He then moved to Chatfield, Nacarro County, and then to Henderson and Kaufman Counties, making the latter one his permanent resting place.  Of interest is a copy of a letter he wrote in 1851 while still a resident of Illinois. to his cousin, William J. Goodner, also of Illinois.

February 22^nd, 1851.

I now take the opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that we are all well at present, hoping that these lines may find you all enjoying the same Blessings.  I have nerve to write to you.  We have had a grate cry about the Road Railroad but I think that question is about settled.  It will go I suppose in about nine miles of me.  William I want you to come over to my sugar Camp some of these days and get a bite of sugar and tell me what you make ahawling.  I want you to write me what a man Can mak one day with another By Hawling with a Good soan of Horses.  Now I have a good farm, but I Can’t make money out of it and you know I am a great hand to talk about making money.  Be Sure to write and let me know what I can mak with that kind ova team and let me know what I haft to pay for House rents an acre wood. I thought I would rent: my farm and Come on there an hawl flower this summer provided you think I could make two or three Hundred dollars Clear of all Expense.

You must look over Bad Spelling and writing.  So no more at present.

Your affectionate Cosin,

Leonard W. Wood

His daughter. Mrs. Mary Ann Pratt, wrote me that their home in Kansas was constructed with hewn walnut logs.  When they left Missouri and headed for Texas, they traveled with a train of wagons consisting of thirteen families headed by Calvin June Peak.  In passing through "old Indian territory,” they placed their wagons in a circle, tied the horses to the wagons, and slept within the enclosure, to better protect themselves against the Indians.  The train of wagons forded the Red River near Durant, Oklahoma, and the Trinity River at the foot of what is now Commerce Street in Dallas, which was then small and of little importance.  While Leonard was still in Jefferson County, Illinois, he was appointed guardian of an Alfred Wood, over 14 years of age, and Robert Wood, under 14 years of age.  It is not known just who these boys were, and how long the guardianship lasted.  To the union of Leonard W. & Permelia Green Wood there were born six children.

1e    William Thomas Wood, born 10–14–1857, Centralia. Illinois; died 2–5–1941, Tolosa, Texas.  Farmer & stock raiser.  In middle life moved to Kemp, Texas.  Interred in Cemetery in Kemp.  Member of Christian Church.  Married Emma King 4–29–1880, near Tolosa, Texas, a granddaughter of John Baker, preemptar of a league of land embracing the whole of "Baker's Prairie.” Emma also interred in Kemp, Texas.

1f     Mary Permelia Wood, born 2–16–1881.  Married H. Bryant Todd, 5–9–1906.  Resided on Route Three. Kemp, Texas.

1g    Howard Odell Todd.  Married Sophia [name unknown].  Residence: 2600 Avenue H, Ft. Worth, Texas.

1h    Mary Todd.  Residence: Route Three, Kemp, Texas.

2h    Howard Barry Todd, born 1943; died February, 1958, muscular dystrophy.

2f     Maude Ellen Wood, born 11–3–1883.  Single.  Residence: Kemp, Texas. Box 225.

3f     Gary Francis Wood, born 11–30–1885.  Married Guss Canada, 12–27–1910.  Residence: Kemp, Texas, Box 225.

1g    Ema Will Canada.  Married Alma Grasham.  Residence: Kemp, Texas.  No issue.

4f     John Rodney Wood, born 3–13–1888.  Married Martha ("Mattie") Williamson, daughter of Amos Williamson.  Divorced.  Residence: Kemp, Texas, Box 225.

1g    Leonard Reed Wood.  Married Helen [name unknown].  Residence: 801 Colony Boulevard, Meloirie, Florida.

1h    Carla Wood.

2h    Jerolyn Wood.

2g    Catherine Wood.  Married Tom Morrison.  Residence: Kemp, Texas.

1h    Chris Morrison.

2h    Tom Morrison, Jr.

3g    Amos ("Jack") William Wood.  M/Sgt.  Married Faustine [name unknown].  Residence: Kemp, Texas.

1h    Margaret Ann Wood.

4g    Patty Margaret Wood.  Married Charles Wright.  No issue.

5g    Johnnie Royal Wood.  Single.  Residence: Kemp, Texas.

5f     Jessie Lillian Wood, born 7–9–1891.  Married H. Gady Wilson.  Residence: 824 W. Cedar Street, Durant, Oklahoma.

1g    Erma Lee Wilson, Married E. E. Gaines.  Residence: Denison, Texas.

1h    Robert Gaines.

2h    John ("Jack") Gaines.  Twin of James.

3h    James Gaines.  Twin of John.

2g    H. Gady Wilson, Jr.  Married Lillie Bell.  Residence: 809 N. 8th Street, Durant, Oklahoma.  No issue.

3g    Woodrow Wilson.  Married Mary [name unknown].

1h    Mary Wilson.

2h    H. G. ("Hank") Wilson, Jr.

2e    John G. Wood, born 7–22–1859; died 1–27–1884.  Never married.

3e    Jesse A. Wood, born 6–24–1862; died 5–29–1909. Interred in Ranger, Texas.  Married Addie Todd, 1897, born 4–9–1871.  Deceased.)

1f     Meredith Bryant Wood, born November, 1896; died 2–12–1919, while in service in World War I.  Remains shipped to Kemp, Texas, several years later and reinterred.  Not married.

2f     Clifford Dewey Wood, born 6–22–1898; died Sept. 1954.  Married Ida Lee.  No issue.

3f     Lena Harvey Wood, born 7–26–1900, Galveston, Texas.  Married 1^st Herman J. Turner, 5–1–1923, Ennis, Texas (born 4–1–1900, son of Wesley and Mary Turner.)  Railroader.

1g    Jackie Wood Turner, born 8–5–1929.

Married 2^nd Lawrence ("Lany") A. Meador.  Formerly resided at 1091 Hawthorne, Redding, California.  Present Address: C/O MKG, Box 1, Andimeshk, Iran, Persia.

4f     Lloyd Wood, born 10–5–1902, in Kemp, Kaufman County, Texas. Electrician.  Baptist.  Navy from 1920 to 1925.  Married Katie Seado, 5–12–1932, daughter of Doss Seado.  Divorced.  Residence: 2830 Lindstone Street, Houston 3, Texas.

1g    Katherine Lee Wood, born 10–10–1933, San Diego, California.  Married William Van Riper.  Residence: 1607 Green Street, Edna, Texas.

1h      Kent Lloyd Van Riper, born 6–15–1956.

2h      Katie Lee Van Riper, born 8–17–1958.

5f      Emma Anna Wood, born 3–27–1909; died 9–12–1941.  Married Larry Shields.  Residence: Ennis, Texas.  No issue.

4e    Charles E. Wood, born 6–21–1864; died 1–31–1884.  Single.

5e    James F. Wood, born 11–18–1866; died 7–3–1876.  Born in Illinois.

Mary Ann Pratt, wife of Jofe Pratt, and daughter of William Leonard Wood, at the age of 90 years and 5 months.

6e    Mary Ann Wood, born 1–29–1869, Illinois.  Married Jofe Pratt, about 1886. Mr. Pratt deceased, but Mary resides with daughter, Mrs. Edith Pratt Price, Route One, Santa Anna, Texas.

1f     Willie A. Pratt, (daughter), born [date unknown]; died 6–22–1944.  Married Bill West.  He resides Route 2, Box 161, Coleman, Texas.

1g    Mary West, born 12–8–1918, at Talpa, Texas.  Married E. J. Hall, 3–29–1948, San Antonio, Texas (born 10–25–1903, son of J. O. Hall of Kennedy, Texas).  Residence: Route One, Box 274, Hitchcock, Texas.

1h    Marilyn Hall, born 9–22–1948, Galveston, Texas.

2h    William Joseph Hall, born 5–13–1950, Galveston, Texas.

2g    Maurise West, born 4–29–1921, Talpa, Texas.  Married William Harvey Moore, 8–1–1941, at Coleman, Texas (born 3–9–1919, son of T. W. Moore of Route Two, Comanche, Texas)  Residence: 2643 East 11^th Street, Odessa, Texas.

1h    Jerry Wayne Moore, born 10–27–1947.  William Harvey Moore is associated with Porter Earnest Motor Company.  Served in Air Corp, 4–1–1941 to 11–13–1945.  Members of Immanuel Baptist church.

2f     Effie J. Pratt, born 1–7–1888.  Married William Grimes, 10–27–1912 (born 5–1–1888; died 5–2–1941).  Residence: Effie Pratt Grimes, Talpa, Texas.

1g    James Pratt Grimes, born 7–17–1922.  Married Rowena Sims (born 5–20–1920).  Residence:  Box 664, Orange, Texas.

1h    Linda Jeanne Grimes, born 8–14–1946.

2h    Janet Ellen Grimes, born 5–19–1950.

2g    Donald Allan Grimes, born 11–18–1925, Valera, Texas.  Married Nola Nichter (born 12–30–1924).  Residence: 7622 Moss Rose, Houston 12, Texas.

1h    Kenneth Wayne Grimes, born 5–31–1952, Houston, Texas.

3g    Dale Eugene Grimes, born 9–13–1913, Talpa, Texas.  Married Elizabeth Kincaid, 6–20–1937, Crowell, Texas.  Residence: 3613 44^th Street, Lubbock, Texas.

1h    Elizabeth Jean Grimes, born 1–6–1943, Jacksonville, Texas.

2h    Robert Dale Grimes, born 1–22–1945, Edinburg, Texas.

3h    Margaret Zell Grimes, born 9–15–1951, Del Rio, Texas.

4g    Billie Joe Grimes, born 7–22–1920, Novice, Texas.  Married Billy Joe Rudd. 10–17–1942 (born 10–24–1916, Dallas, Texas, son of John Mallary and Vallye Chapman Rudd).  Residence: 7734 Brumbly, Houston 12, Texas.

1h    Carol Elizabeth Rudd, born 8–10–1944, Newcastle, Wyoming.

2h    Jane Ellen Rudd, born 10–30–1946. Houston. Texas.

3h    John Mark Rudd, born 3–31–1953. Houston, Texas.

3f     John Bell Pratt, born 2–9–1886.  Married Annie Lee Tate (born 10–13–1892).  Residence: 4212 Bowie Street, San Angelo, Texas.

1g    John Bell Pratt, Jr, born 12–18–1916.  Married  Roberta Faster.  No issue.

2g    Nara Laverne Pratt, born 4–3–1920.  Married Ammon Fulenwider.

1h    Ronnie Fulenwider, born 9–26–1950.

3g    Charles Mack Pratt, born 1–7–1923.  Single.  At Home.

4g    Thomas Jean Pratt, born 1–17–1925.  Single.  At Home.

5g    Dorothea Nell Pratt, born 7–22–1927.  Married Richard Blanchard.

1h    Timothy Blanchard, born 1–30–1954.

6g    Patsy Jean Pratt, born 1–20–1932.  At Home.

7g    Brenda Joy Pratt, born 4–13–1941.

8g    Norma Yvonne Pratt, born [date unknown].  Married Billy W. Varner.  Residence: 4212 Bowie Street, San Angelo, Texas.

1h    Terry Jean Varner.

2h    Donna Kaye Varner.

3h    Leslie J. Varner.

4f     Edith Pratt, born 8–25–1896, Texas. Married A. O. Price (born 2–9–1890, Savannah, Tennessee, Son of William Franklin Price.)  Was in the plumbing business in Overton, Texas, for some time, but sold out in 1958 and moved to Santa Anna, Texas, and engaged in farming and stock raising.  Methodist.  Residence: Route One, Santa Anna, Texas.

1g    Haskell Don Price, born 6–28–1917, Coleman, Texas.  Served in Navy from 10–25–1942 to 11–7–1945, with 19 months in Pacific Theatre.  Salesman for American Supply Company.  Methodist. Married Edna Earle Lawrence, 11–10–1941.  Daughter of F. R. Lawrence of Arp, Texas.  Residence: 100 Price Street, Overton, Texas.

1h    Haskell Dan Price, born 8–25–1944.

2h    James Arthur Price, born 3–13–1946.

3h    Eva Jane Price. born 1–24–1953.

4h    Jina ("Kim") Price, born 6–29–1956.

3d    James Wood, born 3–30–1817, Saline County, Illinois; died 1889, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Farmer.  Resided in Jefferson County, Illinois.  Married Margaret Dial (Dyer), ("Peggy Ann"), 3–21–1844, Jefferson County, Illinois.  She died prior to James.

1e    Frances Marion.  No further data.

2e    John Wood.  No data.

3e    Franklin Pierce Wood, born 9–15–1853, Woodlawn, Illinois; died 2–20–1920.  Interred in Old Shiloh Cemetery. Resided in Woodlawn, Illinois. Married Ida Alice Mayfield 6–3–1877 (born 3–13–1859; died 10–10–1920.  Interred in Old Shiloh Cemetery.  Daughter of Isaac Mayfield of Woodlawn, Illinois.)

1f      Gertie Wood, born 10–17–1883, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Married Walter Windfield Heaney, 9–9–1904, Mt. Vernon, Illinois (born 4–15–1886, son of James Edward Heaney of Mendan, Illinois.)  Employee of the waterworks at Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  Residence: 316 S. 22^nd Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  Methodists.

1g    Glenn Franklin Heaney, born 7–1–1905. Married.  Residence: 1214 Chicago Street, Peoria, Illinois.

1h    Glenna Kay Heaney.  Married Mr. Patterson.

2g    Howard Kenneth Heaney, born 12–20–1916.  Residence: 421 S 23^rd Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Married.

1h    James Robert Heaney.

2h    Richard Howard Heaney.

2f     John Benton Wood, born 3–12–1886, Jefferson County, Illinois.  Retired.  Married Edna Peal Pircey, 2–14–1909 (born 4–11–1893, daughter of John Pircey).  Residence: Route Five, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

3f     Lydia Wood, born 12–27–1885, Woodlawn, Illinois.  Married Joseph Jethro Smith, 1–17–1917, Mt. Vernon, Illinois (born 1893 at Fair Play, Ma, son of Oliver P. Smith, who was born in Indiana)  Retired Railroader.  Protestant.  Residence: 1807 Hillview, Centralia, Washington.

Last Will And Testament of James Wood of Jefferson County, Illinois.

In the name of God, Amen.

I, James Wood of Casmer Township, Jefferson County, Illinois, being of sound mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, in the following manner, that is to say:

First, I direct that all my personal property and the following real estate, viz. The East half of the North West quarter of the North West quarter of Section Thirty one Town. Two, Range Two East of the 3^rd P. M. Jefferson County, Illinois, and the South half of the North West quarter of the South East Quarter of Section Thirty Five Town. Two, Range One East of the 3rd Principal Meridian in Jefferson County, Illinois, shall be sold six months after my death or as soon after the expiration of Six Months as practicable, and out of the proceeds of such sale all my just debts shall be paid and the sum of One Hundred and fifty dollars set aside to pm–chase a monument for my grave. My debts and the Hundred and Fifty dollars to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of my personal estate if there be sufficient. If there be anything left from the sale of my personal estate after the payment of my just debts and the hundred and fifty dollars, I direct that it shall be divided into Seven equal parts a 00 one part given to my Son, Francis M, one part to my son, John, one part to my son, Pierce, one part to the heirs of My daughter, Alice, deceased, one part to my son, Rhodam, one part to my Son, Isaac N, and one part to my daughter, Annie.

I further direct that the proceeds of the Sale of the real estate above described shall be divided into Six equal parts, One part to be given to each of my sons, Francis M, John, Pierce, Rhodam, Isaac N, and one part to the heirs of my daughter, Alice.

2^nd  I give and bequeath to Louis Lacey and Bessie Lacey, children of my daughter, Alice deceased, the South West Quarter of the North West Quarter of Section Thirty One Town. Two, East of the Third Principal Meridian in Jefferson County, Illinois.

3^rd  I hereby appoint John Ho Watkins of Casmer Township, Jefferson County, Illinois, Trustee, and direct that all monies derived from the proceeds of the sale of real and personal estate as hereinbefore provided shall be paid into his hands that shall be the share of Louis and Bessie Lacey, the aforesaid heirs of my daughter, Alice, that is to say, their share shall be paid into his hands and he shall have full control of the real estate herein bequeathed to the said Louis and Bessie Lacey, collect the rents and loan all monies coming into his hands as Trustee hereunder on Good security, until such time as that Bessie Lacey shall arrive at the age of twenty–one years, when he shall equally divide all of value in his hands as such Trustee, between the said Louis and Bessie Lacey, Provided that if either of them shall die, the survivor shall receive the whole, and if both shall die before Bessie shall reach the age of twenty–one years, then in that event the land shall be sold and the proceeds of such sale, together with all other monies in the hands of the Trustee hereunder shall be equally divided amongst my remaining heirs, Provided further that said Trustee shall payout no money for the use and benefit of such children until he shall payout the full sum as directed.

4^th  I desire that the Executors hereinafter appointed shall carry out any agreement I shall have made with any of my heirs to furnish them Horses or tools with which to make a crop, Provided that if at any time they shall find that such horses or tools are not receiving proper care or attention then the Executors shall take possession thereof.

5^th  The balance of my real estate I have disposed of by deeds, which said deeds I have placed in the hands of my nephew, William C. Wood, whom I direct to place in the hands of the proper owners immediately after my death, the deeds that belong to them severally.

Lastly, I hereby nominate and appoint John Ho Watkins and James Ho Payne to be Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of March in the year of our lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty–Nine.

His

James X Wood

mark

The foregoing and above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said James Wood to be his last Will and testament in presence of us, who at his request and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, he the said James Wood acknowledged to us and declared this to be his last Will and testament.

Signed:      James H. Watson, of Woodlawn

James Troutt, of Woodlawn, Illinois.

(Above Will and document filed June 6^th, 1889, Will Book A, pages 272, 273, and 274. Allen C. Tanner, County Clerk, by W. Satterfield, Deputy.)

(The town of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, as was most of the whole of Jefferson County, was formed by settlers from Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.)

1g    Geraldine Smith, born 2–16–1921, lpava, Illinois.  Married Edmond H. Stultz.  Residence:  1518 W First Street, Aberdeen. Washington.

1h      Luana Kay Stultz, born 5–31–1943.

2h      Linda Sue Stultz, born 5–5–1948.

4f     Jesse M. Wood, born 1–1–1892, Woodlawn, Illinois.  School Teacher. Methodist.  Served in World War I, 5^th Div, 61^st Infantry.  Married Lillie Mae Crowder, 1–31–1925 (born 9–13–1904, daughter of Reverend James Crowder of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.)  Residence: 825 S 20^th Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  This was probably around 1870.  They then bought land in Burnet County, Texas, and moved there.

1g    Jack L. Wood, born 1–22–1926, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Foreman. Methodist.  Married Alberta J Rodville (born 5–3–1929. daughter of Stanley and Mary Rodville of Buckner, Illinois.)  Residence: 1625 Chestnut Street, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

1h    Sherry Lynn Wood, born 9–19–1948.

2h    Janet Lee Wood, born 1–26–1959.

2g    Norma Jean Wood.  Married Mr. McKenney.  Residence: 1433 Mark Dr, Freeport, Illinois.

3g    James Pierce Wood.  Residence: 184 Harrison, Napa, California.

4g    Robert Ray Wood. Serving with Armed Forces.  Presently stationed at Ft. Leonaro Wood, Missouri.

5g    James Wood.  Deceased.

6g    Unnamed son.  Died at birth.

7g    Cleaveland Wood.  Deceased.

8g    Ollie Wood.  Deceased.  Married Mr. McMeen.

1h    Loren A. McMeen.  Residence: 600 S. 22^nd Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

4e    Rhodam Wood.  No data.

5e    Isaac N. Wood.  No data.

6e    William Wood.  Not mentioned in father's will.  Must have died young.

7e    Alice Wood, born 1–5–1882, Mt. Vernon.  Married John Oliver Lacey, 1–10–1874.  Jefferson County records give date of marriage 2–2–1874, with ceremony performed by James R. Driver, J. P.  The later date may be that of registration)  Mr. Lacey was a carpenter, born 5–91850, Woodlawn, Illinois, son of Thomas Benton Lacey* and Eliza McCully.  Died 2–7–1927.

1f     Lewis Cunningham Lacey, born 12–1–1874; died 5–10–1928.  No data.

2f     Bessie Lacey, born 2–8–1878; died 7–20–1954, St. Louis, Missouri.  Interred in Valhalla Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.  Married William A. Todd. 8–8–1901 (born 12–13–1879, St. Clair County, Illinois; died 7–10–1952, St. Louis, Missouri.  Interred there.)  Resided for