Elijah Wood Letter, 1886 - Patrick Co. VA

Letter of Elijah Wood (1833-1911) to his cousins in Sullivan County, Indiana:


							Elijah, Va., Dec. 4, 1886
Dear Cousins:-

    I avail myself for the purpose of answering your very kind letter which
I received in due time. In the first place I will ask pardon for my long
silence. I was very sorry to hear that Uncle Henry and Aunt were dead. I
was very glad to hear from you and the rest of my unknown relatives. I am
sorry to inform you that of the death of Uncle John Wood. He departed this
life a few weeks ago. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Polly Wood, Aunt Anna Cockram
are yet a living-their address is Traggles (Tuggles) Gap, Patrick County,
Va. Uncle David Cockram has been dead 8 or 10 years ago. Uncle Alex, Peter
& German Wood are living- address Flat Top, West Va., Mercer County. I
received a letter from Uncle Alex a few months ago- he is living with his
second wife-they are both diabled to work-they are living with their children.

    I have one brohter, Alex, living-address Elijah, Patrick County., Va.
Two brothers dead. Two sisters living-Elizabeth Craig-she is a widow-her
address is Stanley, Henry Co., Va., and June Pendleton-address Elijah, Va.
I also have a step mother and eight half sisters-all living in this county.

    I served three years in the rebel war- I then crost the lines and
inquired for my Ind. realtives-as I did not know what county they was in. I
failed to hear from them. I went, then, to the State of Ohio and went to
work and remained there until the war was over- then I returned to my
native home, where I am now situated on the East side of the Blue Ridge on
Smiths River. Land is worth $5.00 to $50.00 per acre. This is a healthy
country-water good-and plent production of lands; grain, grass, tobacco and
vegetables of nearly all kinds. We claim this to be the best fruit country
known. Price of stock low down at this time-horses from $50.00 to $100.00;
milch cows $15.00 to $20.00 Young cattle and sheep very dull at this time.
Hogs very scarce on account of the cholera.

    Cousin Henry, grandfather Wood has been dead thirty years, I can't tell
how long your grandfather Bryant has been dead-I do not know whether any of
your grandpa Bryant's children are living, except Joe-he is living 20 miles
from here. Since I received your letter I wrote to him-I failed to get an
answer-his address  Jacksonville, Floyd Co., Va.

    We have a long connection of the Wood generation-my family consists of
wife and three children; one son, Henry Edward, Sallie L.J., Nannie
V.E.-you will find two cards for your girls from my oldest daughter.

    I would be pleased to get letters from all your children, also all of
my relatives there. Please let me hear from you soon.

    This leaves us well as common-hope this may reach and find you all
enjoying the same like blessings.

    My wife and children join me in love to you and family. Excuse bad
writing.

                           I remain your sincere cousin,

                           Elijah Wood



(Submitter note:  Elijah, Virginia was probably what is now known as the 
Lone Ivy section, west of Rt. 8 at the foot of Lovers Leap Mountain. Jacksonville 
is now Floyd, Virginia.)

Submitted by Truman Adkins <tadkins@kimbanet.com>

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