Wood Family History & Genealogy
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Wood Last Name History & Origin
History
The evolution of Wood starts with it's early ancestors. Even in the earliest days of a name there were changes in that name simply because last names were infrequently written down at that stage in history.
As these families emigrated between countries and languages, the Wood name may have changed with them. Wood family members have emigrated to different countries all throughout history. It was common for a family name to change as it entered a new country or language.
Name Origin
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Early Woods
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Wood Family Members
Wood Biographies & Family Trees
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Sample of 21 Woods bios
Wood Death Records & Life Expectancy
According to our database of 111,574 people with the last name Wood that have a birth and death date listed:
Life Expectancy
70.3
years
Oldest Woods
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Are there any descendants of Richard Hammond Wood's 1883-1917 (son of Jane Wood) family? Please contact me as I have photos and letters which I feel may be of interest to you. [contact link]
Father WOOD’s Family
John WOOD of Standon, his great,great grandfather
“Probably a yeoman famer living in the 17th century.”( J.R. Wood)
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William WOOD of Hatton, his great grandfather (1726-1786)
“John (William?) Wood of Hatton in the County of Shropshire, England, had issue.” (Massey)
“Married Judith Asprey who died in 1808. Both are named on their son’s vault at Seale and also in a biographical note in the preface of their youngest son’s, the Reverend William Wood’s book (Death Bed Scenes) of which I have a copy.
Of the children of William Wood of Hatton I have details of the following:
-William Wood of Fulham, Coulston and Canterbury,
-John Wood of Seale,
-Elizabeth Wood, third daughter of William and Judith who married Ann Hudson of Pankridge
There must have been other children, at least tow daughters and probably sons who died possibly as infants.”…( J.R. Wood)
“I have portraits of William & Judith Wood- Father Edmund’s gt. Grandparents. .” (J.R. Wood)
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John WOOD of Seale (or the younger), his grandfather (1776-1847)
“John the younger of Hatton, Captain of the King’s Regiment of Mounted Shropshire Yeomanry, bought Seale Manor Farm near Farnham, in the Country of Surrey, 300 acres and built mansion about 1798, buried in the family vault at Seale. Old family Bible with record probably in the possession of Mrs. Charles Wood of Blackheath near London of Edward Wood ( son of Lewis Wood) of Baring Bros, London.” (Massey)
“John Wood of seale the younger married Mary Dickenson and had issue.” (Massey)
“ Inscription on stone over vault at Seale: Sacred to the memory of Mary the wife of John Wood of Seale Lodge, in the county of Surrey, who died July 6,1832 aged 57 years, also the memory of Ellen daughter of the above who died May 1, 1821 aged 17 years, also Elizabeth the sister of the above John Wood, third daughter of the late William and Judith Wood of hatton in the Country of Surrey who died the 27th September 1811 aged 77 years. The vault was finally closed after receiving the mortal remains of the aforesaid John Wood of Seale Lodge who died 29th September 1847 aged 81 years.” ( J.R. Wood)
“ his wife Mary (nee Dickenson) 1775-1832’ ( J.R. Wood )
“I have portraits…of John Wood of Seale, his grandfather& also a silhouette of Mary (Dickenson) the latter’s wife.” ( J.R. Wood)
John Wood of Seale’s brothers and sisters- Fr. Wood’s great Uncles and aunts
-John WOOD
“banker, head partner in the bank of Messrs. Childs. Co., Temple Bar, London, married Mrs. Hodgson but died without issue. James Wood of Childs Bank left all his property without reserve to his wife, by her will (now in charge of Joseph Bryan, Esq., Counsellor at Law in Richmond, Virginia) she devised the whole property, with exception of the Mill Farm and Mill, to Alfred, the son of Richard Wood of Red Lion Square, with reversion to her natural heirs should die with out issue; he must now be deep in the sixties and at the time of my brother Arthur’s visit to Washington was still unmarried. The property, real estate as far as I can make out, is worth about 1500 pounds a year, say $7500. About 100,000 pounds was squandered in an attempt to colonise some island off the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. According to the opinion of Virginia and Canadian Lawyers, the property will fall to me as closest heir, Failing my life, the whole will go to my son William Dickenson the head of the elder branch of the family, Colonel Wood of Littleton )1850) succeeded by Sir Evelyn Wood being the head of the younger branch.” (Massey)
“ From a tablet in the parish church at Pankridge, Staffordshire: Sacred to the memory of John Hodson Esq. of this place born June 21st 1760 died March 15th 1836 (or 1833) also of Anne Hodson wife of the above born March 13th 1765 died November 16th 1845 also of Anne daughter of the above and widow of James Wood Esq. of Temple Bar London died March 8th 1874 aged 82 years .” ( J.R. Wood)
“Our father’s favorite uncle ( James) married Anne Hodson of Haling Grove, Pankridge, Who died March 1874 many years after her husband, note by Anna Wood written in 1924. She was the daughter of the Rev. James Wood.” ( J.R. Wood)
“He was Senior Partner in Child’s Bank, Fleet Street London” ( J.R. Wood)
-Rev. William WOOD
“ rector of Fulham, near London and Prebend of Canterbury, William Wood, rector of Fulham, eldest son Gyne Wood bought land ( 1830 or thereabouts) where the present city of Toronto now stands, abandoned it after a few years, returned to England, was ordained and became rector of Christ’s Church, if his heirs would look after this it would be worth a million or two. - Granville the 2nd son entered the Navy and became commander of the Hound, Navy list in the 40s. Astly Cooper Key was at the same time in command of the Bulldog. - Almeric or Theodore went into the diplomatic service and died at Constantinople as attache to the British Embassy.” ( Massy)
“ The William Wood Mentioned as John Wood of Seale’s brother was Vicar of Fulham, Canon of Canterbury, Prebendary of St. Paul’s and Vicar of Coulsdon, Surrey. He was Father Edmund’s great uncle ( one of his sons entered the church) . W. Wood wrote a 4-volume book “Death Scenes & Pastoral Conversations, published by John Murray, Albermarle St. London. 1830. Published under a nom de plume “John Warton D.D.” Third Edition published by Calkin & Budd, Pall Mall, 1841. The Preface states the author of Death Bed Scenes is announced to have been Rev. William Wood whose father was William Wood, a respectable yeoman residing at Hatton, Skiffnall, Salop (Shrop.?) and married to Judith Asprey. William his third son was born in 1760”. I have paintings of his parents”. ( J.R. Wood)
“ Father Edmund’s great uncle William Wood was probably a great influence in his life - he was vicar of Fulham, Canon of Canterbury, Prebendary of St. Paul’s and vicar of Coulsdon, Surrey. At least one of his sons took holy orders and was vicar Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London, now demolished.” ( J.R. Wood)
- Eliza WOOD
“ spinster, buried at Seale.” ( Massey)
“ Elizabeth Wood third daughter of William and Judith Wood who died 27th September 1811 aged 77 years and is buried at Seale” ( J.R. Wood)
- Ann WOOD
“ spinster, buried at Stockwell near London.” ( Massey)
- Richard WOOD
“ Jamaica Merchant, Mincing Lane and Red Lion Square, London.” ( Massey)
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- William WOOD his father ( July 8, 1800 - August 27, 1859)
“ Married Anne Aston Key, Banker “ Child’s Bank” no 2 Fleet St. L’don, also of Seale Lodge Surrey.” ( French)
“ had at least three brothers, Richard, John and James, who had sons. Charles ( who married Green wo---). Edward who had a sister Ellen living in the “70s” in Groves Terrace, Kensington Way (Barings Pows??). - Had at least three sisters, unmarried, Anne, Lucy and Mary Anne living with Mary Hellingdon, Uxbridge.” ( French)
“ William. Parnter in Childs Bank and afterwards of Montreal, Canada, died and was buried there about 1856. William Wood of Childs Bank was struck by the forefoot of a wounded moose at his farm, near Lake Temiscouata, Quebec. The Indians found him and the moose as if dead lying together, they took him to their camp where he partially revived but for six weeks he couldn’t give any account of himself, the pain from the blow never left him and he took opium for relief, an overdose proved fatal at Montreal in 1856.” ( Massey)
“ William Wood left Child’s Bank and migrated to Canada, tried farming. He Married Anne Aston Key, He had two daughters (Mary Anne born 1832, married Thomas Cross and Ellen Marion, married Hon. John Hamilton) and four sons ( Edmund, Arthur, John Key and William). ( J.R. Wood)
William Wood’s brothers and sisters - Fr. Wood’s paternal uncles and aunts
- James Dickinson WOOD
“ born 1799 - 1800, died an infant” ( J.R. Wood)
- Elizabeth Ann WOOD (December 23, 1801- August 25, 1870)
“ spinster” ( Massey)
- Lewis WOOD ( May 1803 - December 5, 1873)
“farmer, married Miss Eliza Cook and had issue, Henry went to New Zealand, Lewis, Ellen, Edward, godson of W.R. Wood and late of Messrs. Baring Bros. of London. ( Massey)
“ married Ellen Cooke” ( J.R. Wood)
- James WOOD ( November 24, 1804 - August 10, 1881)
“ rector of Warnham near Horsham, had issue.” (Massey)
He had a son John Wood born 1881... Was my gather & not a member of the church, tho’ he hoped that I would follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, but I didn’t feel able to.” ( J.R. Wood)
“ married Marianne Sargeaunt” ( J.R. Wood)
“ Anna Wood written in 1924. She was the daughter of the Rev. James Wood.”
( J.R. Wood)
- John WOOD ( February 18, 1806 - died 1837)
“ Honourable, East India Company Service, married Miss Dana of the Boston family, died in India, leaving two sons, Charles and James, all now dead.” ( Massey)
- Charles WOOD ( April 1, 1807 - July?)
“ Bombay Native Light Infantry” ( J.R. Wood)
- Ellen WOOD ( May 13, 1808 - May 16, 1825)
- Lucy WOOD ( July 3, 1810 - May 13, 1859 or 1889)
- Marianne WOOD ( October 19, 1812 - June 6, 1892)
“ spinster” ( Massey)
- Richard WOOD ( December 26, 1813 - May 26, 1875)
“ late of Messrs. Willis, Percival & Co., bankers, Lombard St., London.
( Massey)
“ Bachelor ( Uncle Dick)” ( J.R. Wood)
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Anne Aston KEY, his mother
Her father Thomas Key. “ Dr. Key, Medical Man, had issue.” ( French)
“ Thomas Key, M.P. of Hemel Hempstead, Norfolk and Lombard Street, London, had issue. ( Massey)
“ wife of William Wood. ( French)
“ Anne Aston married William eldest son of John Wood the younger”
(Massey)
Anne Aston Key’s brothers and sisters - Fr. Wood’s maternal uncles and aunts.
- Aston KEY
“noted surgeon Guy’s Hospital - after his death, family lived in Hemel Hempstead, had sons, Admiral Cooper Key, Benjamin Key ( Commander Royal Navy, lived at Portsmouth in retirement, a noted ------ Plymouth Brother. Among sisters was Mina Key.” ( French)
“ Charles Aston M.R.C.S. of Guys Hospital, surgeon to Prince Albert, died of cholera 1849.” ( Massey)
“ Charles Aston Key married daughter of Sir Astley Cooper M.R.C.S. ( Baronet Admiral R.N. nany list from 1840), had issue Henry D.D. Rev. of Hemel Hempstead or near; Aston, died in India; Bransley, Post Captain R.N., and others.” ( Massey)
- Thomas Hewitt KEY
“ ( Cantab), Professor of Comparative Grammar, University College, Gower Street, And Headmaster, University College School. Lived at 21 Westbourne Square, Had sons: Thomas (barrister), Gilbert ( Pst Capt. R.N.) , Richard ( lived in India). Daughters: Sarah ( Minnie, unmarried).” ( French)
“ One of the original professors at the University of Virginia, Charlotteville, after professor of Latin and Mathematics at the University of London. (Massey)
“ Married ---- Froward, had issue. Sarah born in Virginia, spinster. Mary Barry named after our cousin Sir Charles Barry, Architect of the new House of Parliament, London. Gilbert Froward, Post Captain R.N., Navy list 1850. Emma, married ----- Wornum. Thomas, barrister, married sister of Holman Hunt the artist” ( Massey)
“ Thomas Hewitt Key came with our old friend George Long and Mr. Venables as professor to the new university of Virginia at the invitation of Jefferson; he and Mr. Long returned to England.” ( Massey)
- Mary KEY
“ ( unmarried), commonly called “auntie”, living with the three maiden Wood at Hellindon.” ( French)
“ Mary Lindop, spinster” ( Massey)
- Emma KEY
“ ( wife of Prof. William----)” ( French)
- ----- KEY
“ ( Wife of Savery, Mother of Frank and Harold, Blue Coat boys) (French)
- Harriet KEY
“ wife of Fred Goddey, several descendants, among them K. Evele-- living near Stroud---. ( French)
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Father Wood and his brothers and sister
1. James WOOD
“ died in infancy” ( French).
2. William WOOD
“ went out to California in 1849, came to Montreal in 1865, married Annie Radiger, went to Hursqvanna County, Virginia died there, having at least one son.”
( French)
“ William, son of William, married to Anne Sophia, daughter of Nicholas Badiger and Margaret his wife, sister of John and William Bleaky of Montreal, by the Rev. Edmund Wood at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Montreal, had issue: Anne Bleaky Wood ( died young), John Key ( died young), William Dickenson, Julia Bryan, Charles Badiger.) (William Dickenson is Uncle Willie, Julia Bryan is Aunt Julie, Charles Badiger is your grandfather) ( Massey)
“ William , gold miner of California from 1849 to1865 - afterwards of Virginia.” (Massey)
Photograph in Miss Nellie Wood’s possession shows him with two sons (William D. and Charles. William D. being Uncle Willie and Charles being your grandfather) and his brother Arthur. There was also a daughter, Mrs. Julia Wood Massey. ( Harper)
“ The Masseys are Methodists.” (Slaterry)
3. Arthur WOOD
“ Studied Law came to Montreal, entered Office of Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Co., died in Montreal General Hospital Surgical Ward, results of fall entering his lodging house, on a very stormy night, became ( while in the ---) a Roman Catholic, Buried in Cote des Neiges Cemetery Montreal, unmarried.” (French)
4. The Rev. Edmund WOOD, Our father founder.
“ born on 27 February 1830 in Lombard Street, London, within sound of Bow Bells, third son of William Wood of Seale Lodge, Surrey, And Anne Aston Key. He came from a family of teachers who also gave many sons to the sacred ministry- on his father’s side, six and on his mother’s side two ( one of whom, B.L. Key, was to be Bishop of St. John’s, South Africa, and to do remarkable work among the Africans). Edmund Wood was baptized in the Church of St. Edmund the Martyer, which may account for his Christian name. He was educated at Turrell’s School, Brighton, and at the University College School, Gower Street, London, Where is uncle, T. Hewitt Key, was headmaster. He spent one term at St. John’s College, Oxford, but owing to family reverses he went to University College, Durham, where he was connected with the Cathedral Choir. He graduated as B.A. in 1854 and as a M.A. in 1857. He was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Lee), acting for the Bishop of Durham (Dr. Maltby), in 1855, and was immediately appointed to his first curacy at Houghton-le-Spring, Durham, where he worked amoung the pitmen in the coal districts. The Hon. And Rev. John Gray was his first rector. His parents, one brother, and two sisters had migrated to Canada in 1849, living first at Grand Falls, New Brunswick, then Temiscouata, Quebec, and finally at Montreal. After his father died in Montreal in 1857.…” (Parish Jubilee Book)
5. Mary Anne WOOD
“ engaged to William Deutz (?) French (who died during the engagement in Saint John, New Brunswick), afterwards married to Thos. Cross in Civil Service, Ottawa. After his death , returned to England and died. One son Kenaston, St. John’s College Oxford, Married Margery Gisborne of Ottawa, returned to England and died there.” ( French)
“ Kenaston Cross should be Kyaston Cross and George Edward Kynaston Cross’s wife was Margaret Maud ( Kynaston Cross) nee Gisborne - her father was involved in the laying of the first transatlantic cable. I stayed with her for many years until her death in 1955.” (J.R. Wood)
“ Mary Anne, married Thomas Cross, Head of Department of Canals and Railroads, Ottawa, Canada. Mary Anne married Tom Cross brother of Sir Richard Astoon Cross, this is the younger branch of the family of Lord Cross who was Secretary of State for India under Gladstone. All the Cross family are cotton men of Manchester. After the death of Tom Cross, Mary Anne Spent two years in England with old Lady Cross, their grandson little George ( son of little George in the Photo) died there and Mary Anne returned to Montreal where she still remains.” (Massey)
“ Thomas Cross, a civil servant in Ottawa, Head of Canals and Railroads. A son ( or grandson?) Kenaston died in WW1. At least one grandson George. (Harper)
“ I spent most of my school holidays from 1923-1931 at the Hampshire Home of Mrs. M.A.Cross ( Father Edmund’s sister); she was then a very old woman but intensely proud of her brother and when one of my younger brothers was christened Edmund she was delighted that the name Edmund would continue in the Wood family. Mrs. Cross ( we knew her as Grannie Cross) had only one child, a son, who died in 1894 and her only grandchild was killed in World War 1 in 1916 in his early thirties. With no direct descendants, she took a great interest in my father’s family - particularly in their education and ultimately bequeathed her furniture and other possessions to my brother Edmund and to our brothers and sisters. He excellent taste is reflected in the many beautiful items which we inherited. She was proud too of Father Edmund’s compassion and care of the sick and needy and his love of music. She also left a legacy to her grandson (TEK Cross)’s school to found a scholarship in his memory.
“ Mrs. Cross had come to England from Canada in the eighten-nineties in the hope that the milder climate might save her only son’s life (he was suffering from TB), After his death in 1894 she devoted herself to providing for her grandson who was educated at Clifton College and the Military Academy at Woolwich. He was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and was killed at Mons in 1916. That event over - shadowed the rest of her life and she died in 1931 at the age of 99. She is buried at Church Crookham. I remember her telling me of her family’s early days in Canada and their home catching fire in mid-winter, when they fled from the blaze with little else then the clothes they stood in.” (J.R. Wood)
6. John Key WOOD
“ died in California” (French)
“ youngest son of William Wood and Anne Aston Key, midshipman in Royal Navy sloop HMS “Tweed”, afterwards Packet Mail S.S. Co. San Francisco, purser on S.S. Golden Gate, when burnt off coast of Mexico, died on shore service in the Office in 1868 or 1869. Remains removed to Montreal and buried in Mt. Royal Cemetery, Section C. Being the second husband of Mary Frances Harrigan, widow of Arthur French. Had issue: John Key - died in infancy. William Key ( married Emmeline Branchaud, had issue, two daughters Marie and Nellie, died in Montreal, buried in same grave as his Uncle Arthur Wood). Annie, sister of Sacred Heart, died. Ellen ( Nellie), sister of Sacred Heart, “Dora”. Johanna Key, posthumous, died in infancy.” ( French)
“ John Key, midshipman on H.M.S. Tweed - Lord Francis Russel, commander, afterwards of Pacific Mail, S.S. at San Francisco. John Key Wood married the widow of Arthur French of the Pacific Mail S.S. who was lost in the S. S. Northerner on the Oregon Coast. By her he had a son John who died young, two daughters who have taken the black veil in New York, also a son William Key now in the service of the Canadian Pacific R.R. living with his wife at 71 St. Famille St. Montreal.” (Massey)
“ Sailor, first in the Royal Navy then in the Merchant Marine, married Mary Frances Harrigan, widow of Arthur French, and mother of the Rev. Arthur French, our second rector. Two of their children died in infancy, Johanna Theodora Key Wood and John Key Wood Jr. (both buried in Mount Royal Cemetery). Two daughters became R.C. nuns in the Congregation of the Sacred Heart; Anned Aston Key Wood who is buried at Sault au Recollet and Helen ( Nellie) Wood who died in England. A son William Key Wood married Emmeline Branchaud and had two daughter, Marie Key Wood and Nellie Key Wood ( lived in Montreal, died there in 1997 at age 100). This branch of the family is Roman Catholic: John Key Wood and his infant sond John Jr. are buried by dispensation in the family plot in Mount Royal Cemetery. The others are buried across the fence in the other ( Catholic) family plot in Cote des Neiges Cemetery.” ( Harper)
7. Ellen Marion Wood
“ Second wife of Hon. John Hamilton, died in Montreal, having had several children, only one surviving - Key - widow of Caledon Gilder, now residing in England.” ( French)
“ Ellen Marian, married the Hon. John Hamilton of Hawkesbury, Canada, M.P. Life member of Legislative Council, the richest man in Canada and Heap Big Indian generally, too big altogether for my democratic principles, we could not get on together at all.” (Massey)
Second wife of lumber baron, railroad tycoon, banker, senator John Hamiton, a (political) friend of Sir John A. Macdonald, Carnada’s first prime minister. Hand several children. ( Harper)
“ Her grand-daughters Key and Marjorie Eliot visited Mrs. Cross in England before the war: they were unmarried. Their brother, Bill eliot, was a staff officer in the British Army; he was taken a P.O.W. in Singapore during the war; retired to Vancouver ( where he died on the golf course soon afterwards) leaving a widow Gertrude Eliot and four children who may be in Canada today…. He was a very kindly man and supplemented the income of his Aunt’s ( Mrs. Gilder) retainers who had fallen on hard times though ill- health.” (J.R. Wood)
“Mrs. M.A.K. Gilder who died without issue” (J.R.Wood)
“ Marion Aston Key Hamilton who married Caledon Frank Gilder who had been her father’s secretary whom I also met when he visited her aunt ( Mrs. Cross) at Church Crookham.” (J.R. Wood)
“ They ( the Gilders) lived in some style and it was one of the pleasures of my younger life to visit their homes in Berkshire. They moved three times at least before he died in the 1930’s. There were no children of this marriage.” (J.R. Wood)
John WOOD of Standon, his great,great grandfather
“Probably a yeoman famer living in the 17th century.”( J.R. Wood)
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William WOOD of Hatton, his great grandfather (1726-1786)
“John (William?) Wood of Hatton in the County of Shropshire, England, had issue.” (Massey)
“Married Judith Asprey who died in 1808. Both are named on their son’s vault at Seale and also in a biographical note in the preface of their youngest son’s, the Reverend William Wood’s book (Death Bed Scenes) of which I have a copy.
Of the children of William Wood of Hatton I have details of the following:
-William Wood of Fulham, Coulston and Canterbury,
-John Wood of Seale,
-Elizabeth Wood, third daughter of William and Judith who married Ann Hudson of Pankridge
There must have been other children, at least tow daughters and probably sons who died possibly as infants.”…( J.R. Wood)
“I have portraits of William & Judith Wood- Father Edmund’s gt. Grandparents. .” (J.R. Wood)
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John WOOD of Seale (or the younger), his grandfather (1776-1847)
“John the younger of Hatton, Captain of the King’s Regiment of Mounted Shropshire Yeomanry, bought Seale Manor Farm near Farnham, in the Country of Surrey, 300 acres and built mansion about 1798, buried in the family vault at Seale. Old family Bible with record probably in the possession of Mrs. Charles Wood of Blackheath near London of Edward Wood ( son of Lewis Wood) of Baring Bros, London.” (Massey)
“John Wood of seale the younger married Mary Dickenson and had issue.” (Massey)
“ Inscription on stone over vault at Seale: Sacred to the memory of Mary the wife of John Wood of Seale Lodge, in the county of Surrey, who died July 6,1832 aged 57 years, also the memory of Ellen daughter of the above who died May 1, 1821 aged 17 years, also Elizabeth the sister of the above John Wood, third daughter of the late William and Judith Wood of hatton in the Country of Surrey who died the 27th September 1811 aged 77 years. The vault was finally closed after receiving the mortal remains of the aforesaid John Wood of Seale Lodge who died 29th September 1847 aged 81 years.” ( J.R. Wood)
“ his wife Mary (nee Dickenson) 1775-1832’ ( J.R. Wood )
“I have portraits…of John Wood of Seale, his grandfather& also a silhouette of Mary (Dickenson) the latter’s wife.” ( J.R. Wood)
John Wood of Seale’s brothers and sisters- Fr. Wood’s great Uncles and aunts
-John WOOD
“banker, head partner in the bank of Messrs. Childs. Co., Temple Bar, London, married Mrs. Hodgson but died without issue. James Wood of Childs Bank left all his property without reserve to his wife, by her will (now in charge of Joseph Bryan, Esq., Counsellor at Law in Richmond, Virginia) she devised the whole property, with exception of the Mill Farm and Mill, to Alfred, the son of Richard Wood of Red Lion Square, with reversion to her natural heirs should die with out issue; he must now be deep in the sixties and at the time of my brother Arthur’s visit to Washington was still unmarried. The property, real estate as far as I can make out, is worth about 1500 pounds a year, say $7500. About 100,000 pounds was squandered in an attempt to colonise some island off the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. According to the opinion of Virginia and Canadian Lawyers, the property will fall to me as closest heir, Failing my life, the whole will go to my son William Dickenson the head of the elder branch of the family, Colonel Wood of Littleton )1850) succeeded by Sir Evelyn Wood being the head of the younger branch.” (Massey)
“ From a tablet in the parish church at Pankridge, Staffordshire: Sacred to the memory of John Hodson Esq. of this place born June 21st 1760 died March 15th 1836 (or 1833) also of Anne Hodson wife of the above born March 13th 1765 died November 16th 1845 also of Anne daughter of the above and widow of James Wood Esq. of Temple Bar London died March 8th 1874 aged 82 years .” ( J.R. Wood)
“Our father’s favorite uncle ( James) married Anne Hodson of Haling Grove, Pankridge, Who died March 1874 many years after her husband, note by Anna Wood written in 1924. She was the daughter of the Rev. James Wood.” ( J.R. Wood)
“He was Senior Partner in Child’s Bank, Fleet Street London” ( J.R. Wood)
-Rev. William WOOD
“ rector of Fulham, near London and Prebend of Canterbury, William Wood, rector of Fulham, eldest son Gyne Wood bought land ( 1830 or thereabouts) where the present city of Toronto now stands, abandoned it after a few years, returned to England, was ordained and became rector of Christ’s Church, if his heirs would look after this it would be worth a million or two. - Granville the 2nd son entered the Navy and became commander of the Hound, Navy list in the 40s. Astly Cooper Key was at the same time in command of the Bulldog. - Almeric or Theodore went into the diplomatic service and died at Constantinople as attache to the British Embassy.” ( Massy)
“ The William Wood Mentioned as John Wood of Seale’s brother was Vicar of Fulham, Canon of Canterbury, Prebendary of St. Paul’s and Vicar of Coulsdon, Surrey. He was Father Edmund’s great uncle ( one of his sons entered the church) . W. Wood wrote a 4-volume book “Death Scenes & Pastoral Conversations, published by John Murray, Albermarle St. London. 1830. Published under a nom de plume “John Warton D.D.” Third Edition published by Calkin & Budd, Pall Mall, 1841. The Preface states the author of Death Bed Scenes is announced to have been Rev. William Wood whose father was William Wood, a respectable yeoman residing at Hatton, Skiffnall, Salop (Shrop.?) and married to Judith Asprey. William his third son was born in 1760”. I have paintings of his parents”. ( J.R. Wood)
“ Father Edmund’s great uncle William Wood was probably a great influence in his life - he was vicar of Fulham, Canon of Canterbury, Prebendary of St. Paul’s and vicar of Coulsdon, Surrey. At least one of his sons took holy orders and was vicar Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London, now demolished.” ( J.R. Wood)
- Eliza WOOD
“ spinster, buried at Seale.” ( Massey)
“ Elizabeth Wood third daughter of William and Judith Wood who died 27th September 1811 aged 77 years and is buried at Seale” ( J.R. Wood)
- Ann WOOD
“ spinster, buried at Stockwell near London.” ( Massey)
- Richard WOOD
“ Jamaica Merchant, Mincing Lane and Red Lion Square, London.” ( Massey)
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- William WOOD his father ( July 8, 1800 - August 27, 1859)
“ Married Anne Aston Key, Banker “ Child’s Bank” no 2 Fleet St. L’don, also of Seale Lodge Surrey.” ( French)
“ had at least three brothers, Richard, John and James, who had sons. Charles ( who married Green wo---). Edward who had a sister Ellen living in the “70s” in Groves Terrace, Kensington Way (Barings Pows??). - Had at least three sisters, unmarried, Anne, Lucy and Mary Anne living with Mary Hellingdon, Uxbridge.” ( French)
“ William. Parnter in Childs Bank and afterwards of Montreal, Canada, died and was buried there about 1856. William Wood of Childs Bank was struck by the forefoot of a wounded moose at his farm, near Lake Temiscouata, Quebec. The Indians found him and the moose as if dead lying together, they took him to their camp where he partially revived but for six weeks he couldn’t give any account of himself, the pain from the blow never left him and he took opium for relief, an overdose proved fatal at Montreal in 1856.” ( Massey)
“ William Wood left Child’s Bank and migrated to Canada, tried farming. He Married Anne Aston Key, He had two daughters (Mary Anne born 1832, married Thomas Cross and Ellen Marion, married Hon. John Hamilton) and four sons ( Edmund, Arthur, John Key and William). ( J.R. Wood)
William Wood’s brothers and sisters - Fr. Wood’s paternal uncles and aunts
- James Dickinson WOOD
“ born 1799 - 1800, died an infant” ( J.R. Wood)
- Elizabeth Ann WOOD (December 23, 1801- August 25, 1870)
“ spinster” ( Massey)
- Lewis WOOD ( May 1803 - December 5, 1873)
“farmer, married Miss Eliza Cook and had issue, Henry went to New Zealand, Lewis, Ellen, Edward, godson of W.R. Wood and late of Messrs. Baring Bros. of London. ( Massey)
“ married Ellen Cooke” ( J.R. Wood)
- James WOOD ( November 24, 1804 - August 10, 1881)
“ rector of Warnham near Horsham, had issue.” (Massey)
He had a son John Wood born 1881... Was my gather & not a member of the church, tho’ he hoped that I would follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, but I didn’t feel able to.” ( J.R. Wood)
“ married Marianne Sargeaunt” ( J.R. Wood)
“ Anna Wood written in 1924. She was the daughter of the Rev. James Wood.”
( J.R. Wood)
- John WOOD ( February 18, 1806 - died 1837)
“ Honourable, East India Company Service, married Miss Dana of the Boston family, died in India, leaving two sons, Charles and James, all now dead.” ( Massey)
- Charles WOOD ( April 1, 1807 - July?)
“ Bombay Native Light Infantry” ( J.R. Wood)
- Ellen WOOD ( May 13, 1808 - May 16, 1825)
- Lucy WOOD ( July 3, 1810 - May 13, 1859 or 1889)
- Marianne WOOD ( October 19, 1812 - June 6, 1892)
“ spinster” ( Massey)
- Richard WOOD ( December 26, 1813 - May 26, 1875)
“ late of Messrs. Willis, Percival & Co., bankers, Lombard St., London.
( Massey)
“ Bachelor ( Uncle Dick)” ( J.R. Wood)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anne Aston KEY, his mother
Her father Thomas Key. “ Dr. Key, Medical Man, had issue.” ( French)
“ Thomas Key, M.P. of Hemel Hempstead, Norfolk and Lombard Street, London, had issue. ( Massey)
“ wife of William Wood. ( French)
“ Anne Aston married William eldest son of John Wood the younger”
(Massey)
Anne Aston Key’s brothers and sisters - Fr. Wood’s maternal uncles and aunts.
- Aston KEY
“noted surgeon Guy’s Hospital - after his death, family lived in Hemel Hempstead, had sons, Admiral Cooper Key, Benjamin Key ( Commander Royal Navy, lived at Portsmouth in retirement, a noted ------ Plymouth Brother. Among sisters was Mina Key.” ( French)
“ Charles Aston M.R.C.S. of Guys Hospital, surgeon to Prince Albert, died of cholera 1849.” ( Massey)
“ Charles Aston Key married daughter of Sir Astley Cooper M.R.C.S. ( Baronet Admiral R.N. nany list from 1840), had issue Henry D.D. Rev. of Hemel Hempstead or near; Aston, died in India; Bransley, Post Captain R.N., and others.” ( Massey)
- Thomas Hewitt KEY
“ ( Cantab), Professor of Comparative Grammar, University College, Gower Street, And Headmaster, University College School. Lived at 21 Westbourne Square, Had sons: Thomas (barrister), Gilbert ( Pst Capt. R.N.) , Richard ( lived in India). Daughters: Sarah ( Minnie, unmarried).” ( French)
“ One of the original professors at the University of Virginia, Charlotteville, after professor of Latin and Mathematics at the University of London. (Massey)
“ Married ---- Froward, had issue. Sarah born in Virginia, spinster. Mary Barry named after our cousin Sir Charles Barry, Architect of the new House of Parliament, London. Gilbert Froward, Post Captain R.N., Navy list 1850. Emma, married ----- Wornum. Thomas, barrister, married sister of Holman Hunt the artist” ( Massey)
“ Thomas Hewitt Key came with our old friend George Long and Mr. Venables as professor to the new university of Virginia at the invitation of Jefferson; he and Mr. Long returned to England.” ( Massey)
- Mary KEY
“ ( unmarried), commonly called “auntie”, living with the three maiden Wood at Hellindon.” ( French)
“ Mary Lindop, spinster” ( Massey)
- Emma KEY
“ ( wife of Prof. William----)” ( French)
- ----- KEY
“ ( Wife of Savery, Mother of Frank and Harold, Blue Coat boys) (French)
- Harriet KEY
“ wife of Fred Goddey, several descendants, among them K. Evele-- living near Stroud---. ( French)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Father Wood and his brothers and sister
1. James WOOD
“ died in infancy” ( French).
2. William WOOD
“ went out to California in 1849, came to Montreal in 1865, married Annie Radiger, went to Hursqvanna County, Virginia died there, having at least one son.”
( French)
“ William, son of William, married to Anne Sophia, daughter of Nicholas Badiger and Margaret his wife, sister of John and William Bleaky of Montreal, by the Rev. Edmund Wood at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Montreal, had issue: Anne Bleaky Wood ( died young), John Key ( died young), William Dickenson, Julia Bryan, Charles Badiger.) (William Dickenson is Uncle Willie, Julia Bryan is Aunt Julie, Charles Badiger is your grandfather) ( Massey)
“ William , gold miner of California from 1849 to1865 - afterwards of Virginia.” (Massey)
Photograph in Miss Nellie Wood’s possession shows him with two sons (William D. and Charles. William D. being Uncle Willie and Charles being your grandfather) and his brother Arthur. There was also a daughter, Mrs. Julia Wood Massey. ( Harper)
“ The Masseys are Methodists.” (Slaterry)
3. Arthur WOOD
“ Studied Law came to Montreal, entered Office of Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Co., died in Montreal General Hospital Surgical Ward, results of fall entering his lodging house, on a very stormy night, became ( while in the ---) a Roman Catholic, Buried in Cote des Neiges Cemetery Montreal, unmarried.” (French)
4. The Rev. Edmund WOOD, Our father founder.
“ born on 27 February 1830 in Lombard Street, London, within sound of Bow Bells, third son of William Wood of Seale Lodge, Surrey, And Anne Aston Key. He came from a family of teachers who also gave many sons to the sacred ministry- on his father’s side, six and on his mother’s side two ( one of whom, B.L. Key, was to be Bishop of St. John’s, South Africa, and to do remarkable work among the Africans). Edmund Wood was baptized in the Church of St. Edmund the Martyer, which may account for his Christian name. He was educated at Turrell’s School, Brighton, and at the University College School, Gower Street, London, Where is uncle, T. Hewitt Key, was headmaster. He spent one term at St. John’s College, Oxford, but owing to family reverses he went to University College, Durham, where he was connected with the Cathedral Choir. He graduated as B.A. in 1854 and as a M.A. in 1857. He was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Lee), acting for the Bishop of Durham (Dr. Maltby), in 1855, and was immediately appointed to his first curacy at Houghton-le-Spring, Durham, where he worked amoung the pitmen in the coal districts. The Hon. And Rev. John Gray was his first rector. His parents, one brother, and two sisters had migrated to Canada in 1849, living first at Grand Falls, New Brunswick, then Temiscouata, Quebec, and finally at Montreal. After his father died in Montreal in 1857.…” (Parish Jubilee Book)
5. Mary Anne WOOD
“ engaged to William Deutz (?) French (who died during the engagement in Saint John, New Brunswick), afterwards married to Thos. Cross in Civil Service, Ottawa. After his death , returned to England and died. One son Kenaston, St. John’s College Oxford, Married Margery Gisborne of Ottawa, returned to England and died there.” ( French)
“ Kenaston Cross should be Kyaston Cross and George Edward Kynaston Cross’s wife was Margaret Maud ( Kynaston Cross) nee Gisborne - her father was involved in the laying of the first transatlantic cable. I stayed with her for many years until her death in 1955.” (J.R. Wood)
“ Mary Anne, married Thomas Cross, Head of Department of Canals and Railroads, Ottawa, Canada. Mary Anne married Tom Cross brother of Sir Richard Astoon Cross, this is the younger branch of the family of Lord Cross who was Secretary of State for India under Gladstone. All the Cross family are cotton men of Manchester. After the death of Tom Cross, Mary Anne Spent two years in England with old Lady Cross, their grandson little George ( son of little George in the Photo) died there and Mary Anne returned to Montreal where she still remains.” (Massey)
“ Thomas Cross, a civil servant in Ottawa, Head of Canals and Railroads. A son ( or grandson?) Kenaston died in WW1. At least one grandson George. (Harper)
“ I spent most of my school holidays from 1923-1931 at the Hampshire Home of Mrs. M.A.Cross ( Father Edmund’s sister); she was then a very old woman but intensely proud of her brother and when one of my younger brothers was christened Edmund she was delighted that the name Edmund would continue in the Wood family. Mrs. Cross ( we knew her as Grannie Cross) had only one child, a son, who died in 1894 and her only grandchild was killed in World War 1 in 1916 in his early thirties. With no direct descendants, she took a great interest in my father’s family - particularly in their education and ultimately bequeathed her furniture and other possessions to my brother Edmund and to our brothers and sisters. He excellent taste is reflected in the many beautiful items which we inherited. She was proud too of Father Edmund’s compassion and care of the sick and needy and his love of music. She also left a legacy to her grandson (TEK Cross)’s school to found a scholarship in his memory.
“ Mrs. Cross had come to England from Canada in the eighten-nineties in the hope that the milder climate might save her only son’s life (he was suffering from TB), After his death in 1894 she devoted herself to providing for her grandson who was educated at Clifton College and the Military Academy at Woolwich. He was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and was killed at Mons in 1916. That event over - shadowed the rest of her life and she died in 1931 at the age of 99. She is buried at Church Crookham. I remember her telling me of her family’s early days in Canada and their home catching fire in mid-winter, when they fled from the blaze with little else then the clothes they stood in.” (J.R. Wood)
6. John Key WOOD
“ died in California” (French)
“ youngest son of William Wood and Anne Aston Key, midshipman in Royal Navy sloop HMS “Tweed”, afterwards Packet Mail S.S. Co. San Francisco, purser on S.S. Golden Gate, when burnt off coast of Mexico, died on shore service in the Office in 1868 or 1869. Remains removed to Montreal and buried in Mt. Royal Cemetery, Section C. Being the second husband of Mary Frances Harrigan, widow of Arthur French. Had issue: John Key - died in infancy. William Key ( married Emmeline Branchaud, had issue, two daughters Marie and Nellie, died in Montreal, buried in same grave as his Uncle Arthur Wood). Annie, sister of Sacred Heart, died. Ellen ( Nellie), sister of Sacred Heart, “Dora”. Johanna Key, posthumous, died in infancy.” ( French)
“ John Key, midshipman on H.M.S. Tweed - Lord Francis Russel, commander, afterwards of Pacific Mail, S.S. at San Francisco. John Key Wood married the widow of Arthur French of the Pacific Mail S.S. who was lost in the S. S. Northerner on the Oregon Coast. By her he had a son John who died young, two daughters who have taken the black veil in New York, also a son William Key now in the service of the Canadian Pacific R.R. living with his wife at 71 St. Famille St. Montreal.” (Massey)
“ Sailor, first in the Royal Navy then in the Merchant Marine, married Mary Frances Harrigan, widow of Arthur French, and mother of the Rev. Arthur French, our second rector. Two of their children died in infancy, Johanna Theodora Key Wood and John Key Wood Jr. (both buried in Mount Royal Cemetery). Two daughters became R.C. nuns in the Congregation of the Sacred Heart; Anned Aston Key Wood who is buried at Sault au Recollet and Helen ( Nellie) Wood who died in England. A son William Key Wood married Emmeline Branchaud and had two daughter, Marie Key Wood and Nellie Key Wood ( lived in Montreal, died there in 1997 at age 100). This branch of the family is Roman Catholic: John Key Wood and his infant sond John Jr. are buried by dispensation in the family plot in Mount Royal Cemetery. The others are buried across the fence in the other ( Catholic) family plot in Cote des Neiges Cemetery.” ( Harper)
7. Ellen Marion Wood
“ Second wife of Hon. John Hamilton, died in Montreal, having had several children, only one surviving - Key - widow of Caledon Gilder, now residing in England.” ( French)
“ Ellen Marian, married the Hon. John Hamilton of Hawkesbury, Canada, M.P. Life member of Legislative Council, the richest man in Canada and Heap Big Indian generally, too big altogether for my democratic principles, we could not get on together at all.” (Massey)
Second wife of lumber baron, railroad tycoon, banker, senator John Hamiton, a (political) friend of Sir John A. Macdonald, Carnada’s first prime minister. Hand several children. ( Harper)
“ Her grand-daughters Key and Marjorie Eliot visited Mrs. Cross in England before the war: they were unmarried. Their brother, Bill eliot, was a staff officer in the British Army; he was taken a P.O.W. in Singapore during the war; retired to Vancouver ( where he died on the golf course soon afterwards) leaving a widow Gertrude Eliot and four children who may be in Canada today…. He was a very kindly man and supplemented the income of his Aunt’s ( Mrs. Gilder) retainers who had fallen on hard times though ill- health.” (J.R. Wood)
“Mrs. M.A.K. Gilder who died without issue” (J.R.Wood)
“ Marion Aston Key Hamilton who married Caledon Frank Gilder who had been her father’s secretary whom I also met when he visited her aunt ( Mrs. Cross) at Church Crookham.” (J.R. Wood)
“ They ( the Gilders) lived in some style and it was one of the pleasures of my younger life to visit their homes in Berkshire. They moved three times at least before he died in the 1930’s. There were no children of this marriage.” (J.R. Wood)
My long Wood Surname History can be found at:
[external link]
[external link]
You came from the Anglo-Saxons who came from the Goths. You have the blood of the English Read on at:
[external link]
[external link]
COPY OF RICHARD WOOD JOURNAL
Richard William Wood's Journal Oakland Aug.10th 1935
As my predecessor, Mr. Bagley started in the good example of asking the
members of the Golden Wedding Club. to write some of reminiscences of
their life, I feel I should keep up the good work which I will do by
giving some of the high spots of my own life. My life has not been one
of very important events, except the Great Event which occurred Feb.15,
1874. But I remember my father had some interesting experiences which I would like to put on record.
(Sig.)
Richard William Wood
My father and his father, uncle and other relatives sailed from
Worcester, England about 1820 to Cape Town, to colonize South Africa
They were sent by the Queen. My father was an infant when he arrived in
Africa He lived in the wilds of Africa until he was about 20, where from
Africa he went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he met my mother, an
Irish woman. I was born in Rio de Janeiro. My mother was aboard the ship sailing Out of the harbor of Rio de Janeiro, bound for Europe. My father hired a tug and overtook the vessel and brought her back to Rio where they were married. I was about four years old, when we left Rio.
When my father was about 17, he had the contract of transporting
supplies from the Coast into the interior of Africa The British were then in war with the Natives. My father's acquaintance with the African Chiefs, gave him an understanding with them that others did not have.
The mode of transportation was by oxcarts, drawn by 2 oxen. Each train
of carts had an old Tom ox, which is about the same as the bell mare on
our ranges. At night the oxen would follow the old Tom ox who was the
leader. One morning Tom ox was missing. My father started out to look
for Mr. Tom ox, with small riding whip in his hand He came to a clump of
bushes and saw what he thought was the tail of the Tom ox, with whip in hand he jumped into the bushes and hollered
Tom. Imagine his surprise when an immense lion jumped up and roared My father stood his ground and looked the lion in his eyes, the lion walked
off and did not attempt to do anything previous to this. The Natives had
cau-tioned my father not to go through this pass as a man eating lion
had got away with several men, but my father did not heed the warning.
My grandmother visited the King of the Zulu. One day when night came to
the Palace (a reed hut) was lighted by girls holding lighted reeds in
their hands. The next morning the Natives killed an ox. My grandmother
tore a piece of cloth from her underskirt, took one of the horns of the
ox, filled it with tallow putting the piece of ski through the tallow in
the horn, thus making a wick. This was the first artificial light made
in that part of the country One day. in a running fight with some of the
rebelling natives, my father and his father and uncle ran for their
lives, to the edge of the river, hoping to escape. My grandfather and
grand uncle on each side of my father were shot and killed, my father
jumped into the river keeping under the water as long as he could He
being a good swimmer is what saved his life, although the arrows were
raining fast and thick. My father used to say he has seen elephants
walking from sun up, to sun down without a break, single file.
From Rio de Janeiro, we went to England to live. The first school I
ever attended was in Clonmel, Tipperary Co. Ireland A girls school, about 200 girls, no boys, I was only about 5. An incident occurred there, the
oldest I can remember of any incident Miss Carroll was the owner of the
school and I always slept with her. In those days bath tubs were not
very plentiful. Miss Carroll’s 2 maids would bring her up hot water
every morning for her bath and her bath tub was a sort of sit down bath,
so one morning I peeped out from under the bed clothes to see what was
going on and Miss Carroll spoke loudly Richard cover up your eyes. It
seems I will never forget that.
The next school I attended was in Boothe, a suburb of Liverpool. I
remember an incident oc-curred there which I do not seem to forget, I
was about 7. A boy named Hairy Wright and I went out in the country,
walking. When we came to a creek I saw something shining in the water, I
called Harry's attention to it and it proved to be a beautiful stone
attached to a watch fob and on the end of the fob was a beautiful watch.
My father kept a hotel in LiverpooL Several hundred people would eat
there every day for dinner. The day after finding the watch, at dinner
time my father was telling of finding the watch when a gentleman
listening said he lost a watch in the same country. He was riding
horseback and when jump-ing across the Creek the watch fell Out of his
pocket. He said he would like to see the watch, so I went to Harry
Wright and had him bring over the watch for the man to see. The watch
proved to be the one he had lost. He gave Harry and 15 sovereigns (equal
to about $25), which Harry and I divided. We went from Liverpool to
Antwerp, Belgium. While there I saw women coming in from the country
with their farm products for sale. They were hitched up to the carts
with a dog on one side of them. The Queen Victoria of England was
visiting Antwerp while I was there. I saw her going aboard her yacht.
>From Antwerp we went to New York, we sailed on the ship Mary Glover.
It took 30 days to go to New York. Nothing exciting Occurred on this trip
except catching sharks. The Captain had a bull dog and there were
frequent fights between the shark and the dog. The shark did his
fighting entirely with his tail. The Prince of Wales was visiting New
York shortly after we arrived. The local troops were called out to do
honors to the Prince, but the colonel, Col. Corcoran, refused to call
out his regiment which were composed entirely of Irishmen. He was court
marshaled and sent to prison. When the war broke Out he was restored to the Army and served in the Civil War. Prince of Wales afterward became
King of England, King Edward VII, succeeding his mother, Queen Victoria.
The election of 1860 was quite exciting, the Republicans had their parade at night The marchers wore black oil skin coats and caps and carried lanterns. I saw Abraham Lincoln make a speech from the steps of the Astor House. When my wife and I visited New York, 1 had her stand on the steps where Lincoln made his speech. P. T. Barnum had his museum on Broadway opposite the old City Hall Park. My father took me with him one day to the museum The chief attraction was the exhibition of several
South Africans, comprising the Zulu Hottentot, Fingo and other tribes.
My father could converse with all of these Natives in their own language
and he was as interesting as the natives. Barnum came upstairs and
introduced himself to my father. This was a forerunner of a long and
pleasant acquaintance with Barnum for both of us. Of course you have all
heard of Barnum, "The greatest showman on earth." These natives had to
be returned to Africa and Barnum made a contract with my father to
return them to Africa and return with wild animals.
My father was fitting out a schooner for this purpose when one day news
was received that Fort Sumpter was fired upon. This was the staring of
the Civil War and the ending of the trip to Africa as contemplated When
the Civil War broke Out my father enlisted He wanted me to stay in New
York and go to school but I insisted on going with hi I was only about
12, too young to enlist I was with my father for about 2 years during
the war, I was too young to carry a gun but I did good service attending
the wounded on the battlefield and giving them water out of canteens. I
remember seeing Abraham Lincoln during the war, I owned a small, blind
mule and was standing along side of it w
Richard William Wood's Journal Oakland Aug.10th 1935
As my predecessor, Mr. Bagley started in the good example of asking the
members of the Golden Wedding Club. to write some of reminiscences of
their life, I feel I should keep up the good work which I will do by
giving some of the high spots of my own life. My life has not been one
of very important events, except the Great Event which occurred Feb.15,
1874. But I remember my father had some interesting experiences which I would like to put on record.
(Sig.)
Richard William Wood
My father and his father, uncle and other relatives sailed from
Worcester, England about 1820 to Cape Town, to colonize South Africa
They were sent by the Queen. My father was an infant when he arrived in
Africa He lived in the wilds of Africa until he was about 20, where from
Africa he went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he met my mother, an
Irish woman. I was born in Rio de Janeiro. My mother was aboard the ship sailing Out of the harbor of Rio de Janeiro, bound for Europe. My father hired a tug and overtook the vessel and brought her back to Rio where they were married. I was about four years old, when we left Rio.
When my father was about 17, he had the contract of transporting
supplies from the Coast into the interior of Africa The British were then in war with the Natives. My father's acquaintance with the African Chiefs, gave him an understanding with them that others did not have.
The mode of transportation was by oxcarts, drawn by 2 oxen. Each train
of carts had an old Tom ox, which is about the same as the bell mare on
our ranges. At night the oxen would follow the old Tom ox who was the
leader. One morning Tom ox was missing. My father started out to look
for Mr. Tom ox, with small riding whip in his hand He came to a clump of
bushes and saw what he thought was the tail of the Tom ox, with whip in hand he jumped into the bushes and hollered
Tom. Imagine his surprise when an immense lion jumped up and roared My father stood his ground and looked the lion in his eyes, the lion walked
off and did not attempt to do anything previous to this. The Natives had
cau-tioned my father not to go through this pass as a man eating lion
had got away with several men, but my father did not heed the warning.
My grandmother visited the King of the Zulu. One day when night came to
the Palace (a reed hut) was lighted by girls holding lighted reeds in
their hands. The next morning the Natives killed an ox. My grandmother
tore a piece of cloth from her underskirt, took one of the horns of the
ox, filled it with tallow putting the piece of ski through the tallow in
the horn, thus making a wick. This was the first artificial light made
in that part of the country One day. in a running fight with some of the
rebelling natives, my father and his father and uncle ran for their
lives, to the edge of the river, hoping to escape. My grandfather and
grand uncle on each side of my father were shot and killed, my father
jumped into the river keeping under the water as long as he could He
being a good swimmer is what saved his life, although the arrows were
raining fast and thick. My father used to say he has seen elephants
walking from sun up, to sun down without a break, single file.
From Rio de Janeiro, we went to England to live. The first school I
ever attended was in Clonmel, Tipperary Co. Ireland A girls school, about 200 girls, no boys, I was only about 5. An incident occurred there, the
oldest I can remember of any incident Miss Carroll was the owner of the
school and I always slept with her. In those days bath tubs were not
very plentiful. Miss Carroll’s 2 maids would bring her up hot water
every morning for her bath and her bath tub was a sort of sit down bath,
so one morning I peeped out from under the bed clothes to see what was
going on and Miss Carroll spoke loudly Richard cover up your eyes. It
seems I will never forget that.
The next school I attended was in Boothe, a suburb of Liverpool. I
remember an incident oc-curred there which I do not seem to forget, I
was about 7. A boy named Hairy Wright and I went out in the country,
walking. When we came to a creek I saw something shining in the water, I
called Harry's attention to it and it proved to be a beautiful stone
attached to a watch fob and on the end of the fob was a beautiful watch.
My father kept a hotel in LiverpooL Several hundred people would eat
there every day for dinner. The day after finding the watch, at dinner
time my father was telling of finding the watch when a gentleman
listening said he lost a watch in the same country. He was riding
horseback and when jump-ing across the Creek the watch fell Out of his
pocket. He said he would like to see the watch, so I went to Harry
Wright and had him bring over the watch for the man to see. The watch
proved to be the one he had lost. He gave Harry and 15 sovereigns (equal
to about $25), which Harry and I divided. We went from Liverpool to
Antwerp, Belgium. While there I saw women coming in from the country
with their farm products for sale. They were hitched up to the carts
with a dog on one side of them. The Queen Victoria of England was
visiting Antwerp while I was there. I saw her going aboard her yacht.
>From Antwerp we went to New York, we sailed on the ship Mary Glover.
It took 30 days to go to New York. Nothing exciting Occurred on this trip
except catching sharks. The Captain had a bull dog and there were
frequent fights between the shark and the dog. The shark did his
fighting entirely with his tail. The Prince of Wales was visiting New
York shortly after we arrived. The local troops were called out to do
honors to the Prince, but the colonel, Col. Corcoran, refused to call
out his regiment which were composed entirely of Irishmen. He was court
marshaled and sent to prison. When the war broke Out he was restored to the Army and served in the Civil War. Prince of Wales afterward became
King of England, King Edward VII, succeeding his mother, Queen Victoria.
The election of 1860 was quite exciting, the Republicans had their parade at night The marchers wore black oil skin coats and caps and carried lanterns. I saw Abraham Lincoln make a speech from the steps of the Astor House. When my wife and I visited New York, 1 had her stand on the steps where Lincoln made his speech. P. T. Barnum had his museum on Broadway opposite the old City Hall Park. My father took me with him one day to the museum The chief attraction was the exhibition of several
South Africans, comprising the Zulu Hottentot, Fingo and other tribes.
My father could converse with all of these Natives in their own language
and he was as interesting as the natives. Barnum came upstairs and
introduced himself to my father. This was a forerunner of a long and
pleasant acquaintance with Barnum for both of us. Of course you have all
heard of Barnum, "The greatest showman on earth." These natives had to
be returned to Africa and Barnum made a contract with my father to
return them to Africa and return with wild animals.
My father was fitting out a schooner for this purpose when one day news
was received that Fort Sumpter was fired upon. This was the staring of
the Civil War and the ending of the trip to Africa as contemplated When
the Civil War broke Out my father enlisted He wanted me to stay in New
York and go to school but I insisted on going with hi I was only about
12, too young to enlist I was with my father for about 2 years during
the war, I was too young to carry a gun but I did good service attending
the wounded on the battlefield and giving them water out of canteens. I
remember seeing Abraham Lincoln during the war, I owned a small, blind
mule and was standing along side of it w
Wood biographies.
WOOD, RICHARD Trader's assistant, carpenter, wagon driver. He , prohably came to Natal with Collis in October 1831for he was employed as a carpenter and assistant by Collis at Port Natal until Collis's death there In September 1835.
R. Wood signed the letter requesting that Gardiner found a mission at the Bay, 14 March 1835. He attended the meeting held at Port Natal on 23 June 1835, to plan the town of Durban and build a church; and he signed the petition of the same date to Sir B. D'Urban, asking that Natal be made a British colony. R. Wood's wife and children, including his young son William (q.v.), arrived at the Bay in Circe in September or October 1835; they lived with him there in December 1835.
As one member of the town committee of Durban, R. Wood granted Champion's request for land on the Umlazi River, on 12 March 1836, and on 14 April he began helping Champion with the construction of Umlazi Mission. R. Wood served on the commando led by Cane against the Swazis at Dingane's order, June to August 1836. See Cane. With one of their interpreters, R. Wood brought the American missionaries' wagons, goods and supplies to GinanI from Umlazi, by 24 September 1836. He was in Natal during October and November 1836.
In May 1837 R. Wood was made a superintendent for the building of a
fort at Port Natal. See A. Biggar. He served in both forces collected by
the settlers to fight the Zulus after the Retief Massacre. March and April
1838. While on the second commando. R. Wood was killed at the Battle of the Tugela, 15 April 1838. (AN. 1,296, 37~8. 38~5. Fy, 236, 25~6. GdZ,
77, 399-402. CinD, 8.60, 68.137. AMZ, 96. SinDi. 127. Th, II, 34~5.)
WOOD, WILLIAM. the elder Hunter, trader. settler. He was brother to Richard Wood and uncle to the younger William Wood. He was at Port Natal in June 1835, served on both the settlers' commandos against the Zulus, March and April 1838, and was killed at the Battle of the Tugela, 15 April 1838. (AN.J. 384. Th, II. 345,356. MCD, 226.)
WOOD. WILLIAM, the younger Interpreter, trader. hunter. Mrs Richard Wood and her children, Including William, who was about 12 years old, came to Port Natal in Circe in September or October 1835, to join her husband. William was put to school at Champion's mission on the Umlazi River in March 1836, but with his father's consent he left in June to become a trader. He began learning to speak the Zulu language during his first months in Natal.
W. Wood first visited Mgungundlovu with the Hottentot Jan Brouwer about August 1836; he went at Dingane's request, for the Zulu monarch wanted to see a white child. W. Wood stayed some time and perfected his spoken Zulu. He made a hunting and trading trip with Russell in 1836 or 1837.
In late 1837 W. Wood was serving as Dingane's interpreter at Mgungundlovu, where he became Owen's interpreter in December 1837, during Hulley's absence, and he remained in that capacity until Hulley returned on 9 February 1838. W. Wood witnessed the Retlef Massacre, which he had predicted. He returned to Port Natal with Owen and Hulley, February-March 1838.
W. Wood, his mother and her other children took refuge in Comet at the Bay of Natal to escape the Zulus, 17 to 24 April 1838. The family left Port Natal on 11 May 1838, probably in Comet, and reached Port Elizabeth on 22 June. Mrs R. Wood and her children proceeded to Grahamstown.
(AN, I 37~87. CmD, 141. Ow, 84,95. MCD, 171-2. NaV, 199, 209.)
WOOD, RICHARD Trader's assistant, carpenter, wagon driver. He , prohably came to Natal with Collis in October 1831for he was employed as a carpenter and assistant by Collis at Port Natal until Collis's death there In September 1835.
R. Wood signed the letter requesting that Gardiner found a mission at the Bay, 14 March 1835. He attended the meeting held at Port Natal on 23 June 1835, to plan the town of Durban and build a church; and he signed the petition of the same date to Sir B. D'Urban, asking that Natal be made a British colony. R. Wood's wife and children, including his young son William (q.v.), arrived at the Bay in Circe in September or October 1835; they lived with him there in December 1835.
As one member of the town committee of Durban, R. Wood granted Champion's request for land on the Umlazi River, on 12 March 1836, and on 14 April he began helping Champion with the construction of Umlazi Mission. R. Wood served on the commando led by Cane against the Swazis at Dingane's order, June to August 1836. See Cane. With one of their interpreters, R. Wood brought the American missionaries' wagons, goods and supplies to GinanI from Umlazi, by 24 September 1836. He was in Natal during October and November 1836.
In May 1837 R. Wood was made a superintendent for the building of a
fort at Port Natal. See A. Biggar. He served in both forces collected by
the settlers to fight the Zulus after the Retief Massacre. March and April
1838. While on the second commando. R. Wood was killed at the Battle of the Tugela, 15 April 1838. (AN. 1,296, 37~8. 38~5. Fy, 236, 25~6. GdZ,
77, 399-402. CinD, 8.60, 68.137. AMZ, 96. SinDi. 127. Th, II, 34~5.)
WOOD, WILLIAM. the elder Hunter, trader. settler. He was brother to Richard Wood and uncle to the younger William Wood. He was at Port Natal in June 1835, served on both the settlers' commandos against the Zulus, March and April 1838, and was killed at the Battle of the Tugela, 15 April 1838. (AN.J. 384. Th, II. 345,356. MCD, 226.)
WOOD. WILLIAM, the younger Interpreter, trader. hunter. Mrs Richard Wood and her children, Including William, who was about 12 years old, came to Port Natal in Circe in September or October 1835, to join her husband. William was put to school at Champion's mission on the Umlazi River in March 1836, but with his father's consent he left in June to become a trader. He began learning to speak the Zulu language during his first months in Natal.
W. Wood first visited Mgungundlovu with the Hottentot Jan Brouwer about August 1836; he went at Dingane's request, for the Zulu monarch wanted to see a white child. W. Wood stayed some time and perfected his spoken Zulu. He made a hunting and trading trip with Russell in 1836 or 1837.
In late 1837 W. Wood was serving as Dingane's interpreter at Mgungundlovu, where he became Owen's interpreter in December 1837, during Hulley's absence, and he remained in that capacity until Hulley returned on 9 February 1838. W. Wood witnessed the Retlef Massacre, which he had predicted. He returned to Port Natal with Owen and Hulley, February-March 1838.
W. Wood, his mother and her other children took refuge in Comet at the Bay of Natal to escape the Zulus, 17 to 24 April 1838. The family left Port Natal on 11 May 1838, probably in Comet, and reached Port Elizabeth on 22 June. Mrs R. Wood and her children proceeded to Grahamstown.
(AN, I 37~87. CmD, 141. Ow, 84,95. MCD, 171-2. NaV, 199, 209.)
FORDWORD:
The William Wood Book
After many years of researching various family stories and being inspired by the book, "A Long Journey" about the Wood family, written by my cousin, Martha Hisey, I have tried to gather all I have found, into one collection that I hope will be past on from generation to generation, that those that follow me will have some idea of those who have gone before. This is a part of that research and will become a section of my collection.
Robert Dean Wood, b.7/5/23 - d.
1742, Orchard Way
Pleasanton, California
The following was taken from a FACSIMILE REPRINT:
of the :
ANNALS OF NATAL,
1495 TO 1845, By John Bird, Volume !
C. STRUIK / CAPE TOWN / 1965
(The following pages are numbered as they pertain to the writings.)
ANNALS OF NATAL.
STATEMENTS RESPECTING DINGAAN,
KING OF THE ZULUS,
With some particulars relating to the massacres of
Messrs. Retief and Biggar.
By William Wood, Interpreter to Dingaan, Cape Town:
Published by Collard & Co., 24, Heerengracht. 1840.
In the year 1830, my mother and I embarked on board the cutter "Circe," Captain Blinkenstock, bound to Port Natal, to join my father, Richard Wood, who was in the "employment of Mr. Collis, at that port. The captain, my mother, and myself having landed, we proceeded towards a Zulu kraal, where we were treated kindly. We then set off for Mr. Collis's, and got there without any accident.
I had been living there about six months, during which time Endeavoured to pick up as much of the Zulu language as possible.
We travelled as far as the Togela * River, where we were met by Mabeyantee, Dingaan's principal messenger, who acquainted us that it was the king's order that the English at Natal should arm themselves and come to him at Megoomloof †, as he wished to send them against an enemy who had robbed him, and who had placed himself in such a situation that the king's troops were of no avail in capturing him, as spears could not be thrown by hand to reach him, and firearms alone could be effectual.
Thomas Halstead, an Englishman, being at the place at the time, volunteered to carry Dingaan's
message to the people at Port Natal, and immediately set off for this purpose.
When the residents at Port Natal were acquainted with Dingaan's orders, they made preparations for fulfilling them; and when they had mustered as many as they could bring together, their strength consisted of about thirty English residents, amongst whom were John Cane (who commanded the party), Thomas Halstead, Richard Wood (my father), Richard King, Robert Russell, Thomas Carden, Richard Lovedale, and William Kew; also about forty Zulus, all of whom were armed with guns. John Broer and I waited for them at the Tugela River, and when they arrived we joined company and travelled until we came to the Umhloti River, where we halted, and the rest proceeded on their journey to Ngungunhlovu.
We remained at the river until the king sent for us. As it may not be uninteresting to my readers to hear how this affair terminated, I shall, previously to closing this narrative, give a true account of it.
* Tugela † Umgungunhlovu.
Page`1
We had been about a fortnight at the Umhloti River when a messenger arrived from Dingaan, who told us that the king wished to see us. We immediately set off, and after travelling for some days, arrived safely at Ngungunhlovu. Having arrived at a small hill which rises at the back of Dingaan's kraal, they fired a salute; upon which the king was greatly alarmed, and sent a messenger to ask them what they meant by firing. They said it was customary for all kings and great men to receive such tokens of respect from those who carried arms. This answer dissipated the king's fears, and he sent them an invitation to come into his kraal and refresh themselves, which they did. Next day they started in search of the enemy, reinforced by a large body of Dingaan's troops, commanded by Inhlels. Having travelled some days, they arrived in the vicinity of the Umpongola Mountains, where a party of Sapusa's people were posted, and lest these should discover that Inhlela had Europeans with him, they covered the English with their shields while ascending the mountain. Sapusa's people had taken up a very good position on the top of a hill, immediately over, and commanding the entrance to, a natural cavern, in which they had placed the cattle they had captured from Dingaan. By rolling down large stones, they had for some days prevented the approach of a party of Dingaan's troops who had before attempted to recapture the cattle.
The nearest approach which could be made to them with safety was by ascending a small hill opposite. This the party did, and found themselves separated from Sapusa's people by a deep gulch at the bottom of which ran the Umpongola River. As they were within speaking distance, John Cane, who commanded the Europeans, spoke to them, and told them to deliver up the cattle which they had taken from the king, or he would fire upon them; adding that it was useless for them to resist, for that Dingaan him-self had taken the trouble to come so far to get his cattle, and was determined to have them.
On hearing this, Sapusa's people made no reply, but turned their backs to them in token of contempt. John Cane's party then fired a volley over their heads, and he again begged of them to agree to his demand, and told them that if they delivered up the cattle, he would allow them and their wives and children, who were still with them, to depart unharmed. They still returned no answer, and he then fired at them and shot three or four. Cane repeated his demand, but they treated him in the same manner, upon which his party again fired and shot some more of them. A Zulu woman was then Been to approach the brink of the precipice, leading a boy of about twelve or thirteen years of age by the hand, and having an infant fastened at her back. Looking towards the Europeans, she cried out, "I will not be killed by thunder, but will kill myself," saying which she pushed the boy over the precipice, and jumped in herself after him.
Page 2
The firing still continued, until the party cried out for mercy, and promised to give up the cattle, which John Cane sent a number' of men round to receive. He then distributed a few head amongst them, and commenced his journey to Ngungunhlovu Dingaan's kraal The form of Dingaan's kraal was a circle. It was strongly fenced with bushes, and had two entrances. The principal one faced the king's huts, which were placed at the furthest extremity of the kraal, behind which were his wives' huts. These extended beyond the circle which formed the kraal, but were also strongly fenced in. On the right hand of the principal entrance were placed the huts of Inhlela (Dingaan's captain) and his warriors, and on the left those of Dambuza (another of his captains) with his men. The kraal contained four cattle kraals, which were also strongly fenced, and four huts erected on pole, which contained the arms of the troops. At a short distance from the entrance was the trunk of a large tree, which was in a state of decay, and which no person was allowed to touch, being the tree under which Dingaan's father died, and which he valued very highly. Near th
The William Wood Book
After many years of researching various family stories and being inspired by the book, "A Long Journey" about the Wood family, written by my cousin, Martha Hisey, I have tried to gather all I have found, into one collection that I hope will be past on from generation to generation, that those that follow me will have some idea of those who have gone before. This is a part of that research and will become a section of my collection.
Robert Dean Wood, b.7/5/23 - d.
1742, Orchard Way
Pleasanton, California
The following was taken from a FACSIMILE REPRINT:
of the :
ANNALS OF NATAL,
1495 TO 1845, By John Bird, Volume !
C. STRUIK / CAPE TOWN / 1965
(The following pages are numbered as they pertain to the writings.)
ANNALS OF NATAL.
STATEMENTS RESPECTING DINGAAN,
KING OF THE ZULUS,
With some particulars relating to the massacres of
Messrs. Retief and Biggar.
By William Wood, Interpreter to Dingaan, Cape Town:
Published by Collard & Co., 24, Heerengracht. 1840.
In the year 1830, my mother and I embarked on board the cutter "Circe," Captain Blinkenstock, bound to Port Natal, to join my father, Richard Wood, who was in the "employment of Mr. Collis, at that port. The captain, my mother, and myself having landed, we proceeded towards a Zulu kraal, where we were treated kindly. We then set off for Mr. Collis's, and got there without any accident.
I had been living there about six months, during which time Endeavoured to pick up as much of the Zulu language as possible.
We travelled as far as the Togela * River, where we were met by Mabeyantee, Dingaan's principal messenger, who acquainted us that it was the king's order that the English at Natal should arm themselves and come to him at Megoomloof †, as he wished to send them against an enemy who had robbed him, and who had placed himself in such a situation that the king's troops were of no avail in capturing him, as spears could not be thrown by hand to reach him, and firearms alone could be effectual.
Thomas Halstead, an Englishman, being at the place at the time, volunteered to carry Dingaan's
message to the people at Port Natal, and immediately set off for this purpose.
When the residents at Port Natal were acquainted with Dingaan's orders, they made preparations for fulfilling them; and when they had mustered as many as they could bring together, their strength consisted of about thirty English residents, amongst whom were John Cane (who commanded the party), Thomas Halstead, Richard Wood (my father), Richard King, Robert Russell, Thomas Carden, Richard Lovedale, and William Kew; also about forty Zulus, all of whom were armed with guns. John Broer and I waited for them at the Tugela River, and when they arrived we joined company and travelled until we came to the Umhloti River, where we halted, and the rest proceeded on their journey to Ngungunhlovu.
We remained at the river until the king sent for us. As it may not be uninteresting to my readers to hear how this affair terminated, I shall, previously to closing this narrative, give a true account of it.
* Tugela † Umgungunhlovu.
Page`1
We had been about a fortnight at the Umhloti River when a messenger arrived from Dingaan, who told us that the king wished to see us. We immediately set off, and after travelling for some days, arrived safely at Ngungunhlovu. Having arrived at a small hill which rises at the back of Dingaan's kraal, they fired a salute; upon which the king was greatly alarmed, and sent a messenger to ask them what they meant by firing. They said it was customary for all kings and great men to receive such tokens of respect from those who carried arms. This answer dissipated the king's fears, and he sent them an invitation to come into his kraal and refresh themselves, which they did. Next day they started in search of the enemy, reinforced by a large body of Dingaan's troops, commanded by Inhlels. Having travelled some days, they arrived in the vicinity of the Umpongola Mountains, where a party of Sapusa's people were posted, and lest these should discover that Inhlela had Europeans with him, they covered the English with their shields while ascending the mountain. Sapusa's people had taken up a very good position on the top of a hill, immediately over, and commanding the entrance to, a natural cavern, in which they had placed the cattle they had captured from Dingaan. By rolling down large stones, they had for some days prevented the approach of a party of Dingaan's troops who had before attempted to recapture the cattle.
The nearest approach which could be made to them with safety was by ascending a small hill opposite. This the party did, and found themselves separated from Sapusa's people by a deep gulch at the bottom of which ran the Umpongola River. As they were within speaking distance, John Cane, who commanded the Europeans, spoke to them, and told them to deliver up the cattle which they had taken from the king, or he would fire upon them; adding that it was useless for them to resist, for that Dingaan him-self had taken the trouble to come so far to get his cattle, and was determined to have them.
On hearing this, Sapusa's people made no reply, but turned their backs to them in token of contempt. John Cane's party then fired a volley over their heads, and he again begged of them to agree to his demand, and told them that if they delivered up the cattle, he would allow them and their wives and children, who were still with them, to depart unharmed. They still returned no answer, and he then fired at them and shot three or four. Cane repeated his demand, but they treated him in the same manner, upon which his party again fired and shot some more of them. A Zulu woman was then Been to approach the brink of the precipice, leading a boy of about twelve or thirteen years of age by the hand, and having an infant fastened at her back. Looking towards the Europeans, she cried out, "I will not be killed by thunder, but will kill myself," saying which she pushed the boy over the precipice, and jumped in herself after him.
Page 2
The firing still continued, until the party cried out for mercy, and promised to give up the cattle, which John Cane sent a number' of men round to receive. He then distributed a few head amongst them, and commenced his journey to Ngungunhlovu Dingaan's kraal The form of Dingaan's kraal was a circle. It was strongly fenced with bushes, and had two entrances. The principal one faced the king's huts, which were placed at the furthest extremity of the kraal, behind which were his wives' huts. These extended beyond the circle which formed the kraal, but were also strongly fenced in. On the right hand of the principal entrance were placed the huts of Inhlela (Dingaan's captain) and his warriors, and on the left those of Dambuza (another of his captains) with his men. The kraal contained four cattle kraals, which were also strongly fenced, and four huts erected on pole, which contained the arms of the troops. At a short distance from the entrance was the trunk of a large tree, which was in a state of decay, and which no person was allowed to touch, being the tree under which Dingaan's father died, and which he valued very highly. Near th
Abraham Wood
Abraham Wood was, perhaps, the person of his day most responsible for opening the western wilderness to exploration and settlement. As soon as the Eastern Indians were defeated, he began to lead and sponsor numerous expeditions into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and beyond. Sometimes acting under the authority of Governor Berkely and often at his own expense, Wood's desire to know what lay beyond the next mountain, was insatiable. The beautiful land and vast herds of game he found, convinced him of the value of further exploration and the establishment of trading arrangements with the Indians.
Wood was ideally suited for the role he would play. He had come to America as a boy by working out his passage. Within 20 years he had accumulated considerable property. He moved to his estate on the edge of the frontier, at the falls of the Appomattox River, near Charles City. In 1645, he was placed in charge of the garrison of Fort Henry, that was built there (at present day Petersburg). A year later, the fort and 600 acres of land in the area of the falls were deeded to him in return for the protection the fort would provide the surrounding area.
Operating from this outpost, Wood gradually extended his trade and explorations. He lent his name to Wood's Gap and Wood's River (now the New River). He rapidly grew to prominence in Virginia affairs and politics.
* For more about Gen. Wood and many other little-know heroes of our country, check out the "Pathfinders, Pioneers, and Patriots" CD on Ancient Faces.
Abraham Wood was, perhaps, the person of his day most responsible for opening the western wilderness to exploration and settlement. As soon as the Eastern Indians were defeated, he began to lead and sponsor numerous expeditions into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and beyond. Sometimes acting under the authority of Governor Berkely and often at his own expense, Wood's desire to know what lay beyond the next mountain, was insatiable. The beautiful land and vast herds of game he found, convinced him of the value of further exploration and the establishment of trading arrangements with the Indians.
Wood was ideally suited for the role he would play. He had come to America as a boy by working out his passage. Within 20 years he had accumulated considerable property. He moved to his estate on the edge of the frontier, at the falls of the Appomattox River, near Charles City. In 1645, he was placed in charge of the garrison of Fort Henry, that was built there (at present day Petersburg). A year later, the fort and 600 acres of land in the area of the falls were deeded to him in return for the protection the fort would provide the surrounding area.
Operating from this outpost, Wood gradually extended his trade and explorations. He lent his name to Wood's Gap and Wood's River (now the New River). He rapidly grew to prominence in Virginia affairs and politics.
* For more about Gen. Wood and many other little-know heroes of our country, check out the "Pathfinders, Pioneers, and Patriots" CD on Ancient Faces.
WOOD, John Ensign Maryland Militia, U. S. Marker Mt. Carmel, Illinois Daily Republican Register, July 5, 1929 Tribute was paid yesterday to John Wood, Revolutionary war hero, when a monument at his grave in the old Wood Cemetery was unveiled at services held under the auspices of the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. The services drew a large attendance. Among those attending were many descendants of this pioneer who founded the Wood settlement in Friendsville precinct and established Fort Wood in the early days of the county for protection of the settlers against Indians. The program proper began at 10 o'clock with a bugle call and salute to the flag, followed by the D.A.R. ritual. The unveiling of the monument was in charge of the boy scouts. Hon. Lewis Jackman of Vincennes gave an interesting review of early history of the territory and especially of John Wood, the pioneer and soldier, and the Wood family. Hon. William A. McCauley of Olney, always an interesting and forceful speaker, was present for a patriotic address, and he gave an excellent one. The program ended with salute and taps. Legion members and U.S.W.V. members participated. The cemetery where the ceremony was held is about a half mile off the main highway on the Paul Newkirk farm on the Friendsville road north of Mount Carmel. The site of the burying ground is in a grove adjacent to a little creek bottoms, and on one side of the cemetery is depression where once the highway ran, its route still plainly visible. The body of Mr. Wood rests near the northeast corner of the burial plot. Many of the old ones are marked by sandstone markers. Chairs had been arranged for the crowd and the ceremony was held within the shady old cemetery. History recounts that John Wood was an ensign in the Maryland militia. Following the Revolutionary war, he went to Warren County, Kentucky, from where he migrated to what later became Wabash County, Illinois, in the spring of 1809 and there established the Wood settlement and Wood fort. The site of the old fort, between the highway and the Newkirk home was marked yesterday with a flag. This site was perhaps a quarter of a mile from the cemetery. It is also recorded in history that John Wood brought from Kentucky the first apple trees to be planted in Wabash County, thus establishing the famous Wood apple which for generations was a well known fruit in this territory. Mr. Wood was born in 1754 and died in 1834. Story submitted in 2000.**************************************************************
Harry Dan Nash Wood lived with his wealthy family in Essex,England.He was born about 1860.The family had servants of course and Harry fell for the cook's assistant Alice Mabbett.They got married and Harry was disinherited.Harry and Alice were my great grandparents,they had six children and lived happily together til death.I would like to find out their parents names.Lesley
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