Mecklenburg Co. NC - History of the Hoods descending from Tunas and Reuben Hood Sr
Submitted by Cyrus J. Wilson, III cjw3rd126@yahoo.com
THE HOOD SKETCH BOOK
HISTORY OF THE HOODS DESCENDING FROM TUNAS AND REUBEN HOOD, SR., IN EAST
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
(Published July, 1926, by S. J. Hood, Pastor of Blacksburg (S.C.) A.R.P.
Church, and Lineal Descendant of Tunas Hood).
Tunas, Sr., is the earliest Hood I can find on record. Twice I've
read over his will written April 12, 1797, and preserved in the files of
the Mecklenburg County Court House. In it he names "four sons, John,
Tunas, Solomon and Reuben"; and also "my beloved wife, Jane and four
daughters, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Mary". The will of Tunas, Jr., also on
file there, provides that property in the form of pounds and shillings,
Negro slaves, land, etc., be given to his four sons, Robt., John, Tunas,
Jeremiah; and that "two stills" go to Elizabeth, Eleanor and Lydia.
Elizabeth married Robt. Maxwell about 1800, and was the mother of Harvey
Maxwell and grandmother of the Maxwell sisters Georgia, Eugenia, and
Annie, now living on Fifth Street, Charlotte, N.C. Elizabeth was born
1778. Because of parental objection she ran off on horseback with Robt.
to get married. Eleanor married a Reid, and became the mother of Solomon
Reid, one of the early settlers of the town of Matthews. Tunas is used
in three generations as a given-name.
Reuben, Sr., born about 1750, was the youngest son of the eldest
Tunas. He married an Irwin (sister to Mary Irwin who married Robt. Bain
in 1797, thus connecting the Bain-Irwin-Hood ancestry) and reared nine
children as follows: John (moved his family from Providence church 1816
to Jefferson County, Indiana, to live. He had married Sarah Matthews and
their son , Wm. Matthews, was ten years old when they moved North. This
son married Sarah Bain who went North to the same community, when Robt.
Bain and Mary Irwin Bain led a second delegation to the North after their
eighth child had been born in Mecklenburg. Wm. Hood, grandson of this
John, came South to Charlotte, with this family to live during 1920 and
1921. His son, Hugh, was engaged in civil engineering while in
Charlotte. Reuben's next son was Robt. Next Elizabeth, who married a
Bain, next Sarah (married Jackie Lemmonds who was murdered and thrown
into gold pit near Condor Stinson's place in 1856), and finally Reuben,
Jr., and James, whose descendants chiefly I want to tell about in this sketch.
Sam Bain remained South when his parents moved North, and through
marriage with Jane Hood became father of Jno. W. Bain who later, about
the time of the Civil War, went North because of his views on Slavery,
and became a noted preacher in the United Presbyterian church. One day
in the fall of 1903 I showed my father a newspaper notice of Dr. John
Bain's visiting in sections of the Carolinas. Father expressed interest
and surprise, and sent a letter to the given address asking him to come
to see us. He came to see us venerable and commanding in appearance,
and a bit Northern in manner and speech. We enjoyed his visit. His
meeting with father after 40 years separation was romantic and affecting.
I heard him preach at Philadelphia and Thyatira but don't recall a thing
he said except that he stopped suddenly in the midst of his sermon, and
said "A windmill ought not run by water but I must have a drink." He was
an author and scholar. He donated various books to W. L. Hood and other
relatives. He brought his family to Charlotte to live for awhile,
returning to Altoona, Pa., where he died. We have again lost trace of
his family entirely.
The Irwins are legion. The first Census of North Carolina, compiled
in 1790, gives perhaps more Irwins than Hoods, and spells the name three
different ways. Hood can't well be spelled but one way, although some
historians say it was spelled "Hude" originally in Ireland and Scotland.
Rev. J. P. Irwin, a one-arm veteran of the Civil War, is perhaps the
oldest living Hood relative of that name. He is the son of Davis Irwin,
spent most of his life preaching in the West and is now retired at Due
West, S. D. Rufus W. Irwin is still living in Mecklenburg and has a
large family of children and grandchildren, some of them widely
scattered. Ivan Irwin lives at the old Irwin place in east Mecklenburg
where several generations have lived, right by the headwaters of
McAlpine's Creek. He has built a commodious, modern home for his family.
The old house of his fathers stands near by. In his barn he is now using
several old home-made doors that were saved when the old original Sardis
church building was dismantled many, many years ago.
I have sent and received a good many letters in recent months about
ancestry. Have gotten a number of inquiries from those who saw my name
in The Christian Union Herald, for which I am Southern correspondent. In
this way blood relatives have been located in different states of the
North, who sprung from the Caravan of settlers migrating from Mecklenburg
1821. The ancestors of these seem to have been blended with the Boyds
and Montgomery's, of Scotch and Irish descent, with some military history
and distinction in both church and state. The early forbears were strong
Episcopalians in faith, but from 1700 on, the line of ancestry is strong
Presbyterian of both "the old school" and "Seceder" persuasion. One
record says John Boyd cut his daughter, Sarah, out of his will when she
married one of the Mecklenburg Irwins, and ardent Presbyterian. Among
the relatives lost to us for two generations, or more, is Mrs. Laura
Castles Kreger, Albia, Iowa, granddaughter of the Margaret Bain who was
born in Mecklenburg county 1818, and died in Indiana, 1910. Reared in
the A. R. P. church, she has been many years now active in the Methodist
church. Her husband is an ice cream dealer and baker in Albia. Mrs.
Ethel Duff, now living at Clarinda, Iowa, is a great granddaughter of
Margaret Bain. Her father, A. A. Berry, established an extensive poultry
business there at Clarinda, Iowa, 30-odd years ago, which her mother is
still conducting on her beautiful estate at Clarinda. Laura Hood, now
holding a responsible Government position in Washington, is a
granddaughter of Wm. M. Hood who moved with his parents from Providence
church North to Southern Indiana about 1806. These all have been of
invaluable help to me in tracing the line of ancestry.
Remote ancestry is very difficult to find with any certainty. Some
claim the Bain-Irwin line can be traced back to Lord Robt. Bruce and Mary
Queen of Scotts. Mason Hood, of The Charlotte Observer staff, who has
stayed single and kept learning all his life (he is credited with
originating the recent Charlie Ross investigation) says the Hoods have
never done anything worth telling. Well, it's time we're doing
something. We don't claim greatness or kinship even with the great of
the earth, although some of our line may have swapped knives with the
Poet Tom Hood in London. I see he was so poor, like most poets, that his
family got a pension of one hundred pounds when he died, 1845. Poetry
and Poverty still show up here and there in the family line:
EPITAPHS
(Written by W. L. Hood)
When flowery epitaphs we read,
So often they our minds mislead
And we can't understand
Why sculptors praise in glowing hue
When to be fair, the one we knew
Was quite a different man.
When I am gone pray do not sing
About my life or anything
Kind friends might say I've done;
Life is too short and too much left
To sing my praise or be bereft
That I have died and gone.
If one kind word you'd speak for me,
Or have one thought of charity
About my life, kind friend,
Just let me have it while I'm here,
For should you sing around my bier
I couldn't hear you then.
Kind epitaphs we like to read,
But sometimes, while we live, we need
To hear kind words of cheer.
So any flowers you would give
Will cheer my life more while I live
Than heaped upon by bier.
Now for the heirs of Reuben and James Hood. First, let's trace the
line of James Hood, my grandfather.
JAMES HOOD (1803-1882)
He was a good man. "Stood by his convictions and was generally right"
is the comment of one who knew him. A righteous man, he kept the fires
of devotion to God burning on the family altar morning and evening, and
"rain or shine he went eight miles to Sardis church Sabbath after
Sabbath." He was born October 8, 1803, married Elizabeth Peoples 1835,
leg mashed in accident 1852 and amputated 20 days later, walked on wooden
leg for years and died March 6, 1882. He married Elizabeth Peoples
August 27, 1835. She died July 11, 1882, 5 months after her husband's
death, left following children:
Children: Isabella, born November 2, 1836, died April 12, 1915.
Married Jefferson Hunter and reared five children who are all walking
worthy of her Godly example and all now living but Laura who died 1903.
Carrie Hickman says Aunt Isabella's oft-repeated petition in prayer was
"Deny us what thou wilt deny us not thy grace." Full of faith unfeigned
and genuine humility her influence was sweet, her life a benediction to
all who knew her. The Bible was her guide. She loved its promises and
lived its precepts. Among her last words on death-bed at Huntersville
she said after repeating the twenty-third Psalm "I'm not afraid, for I
know He's walking with me."
Abner, born December 15, 1838, married Laura Hunter February 28, 1860,
fell in battle June 27, 1862, when his son Abner was an infant 17 days
old. Abner, Jr., has in his possession a number of letters written by
his father just prior to the Civil War while he was at Erskine Seminary
preparing to preach the Gospel. Part of these have recently been donated
to the Erskine Museum at Due West, S. C. His writings reveal the piety
and faith of his daily life, his great love for his parents and respect
for his teachers.
John R. Hood, born October 14 1841, married Mary A. Hunter December
26, 1865, and reared eight children, seven of whom are still living.
Enlisting in the army he fought four years in Civil War, and was wounded
at Plymouth, N. C., by a bullet passing through his thigh. He inherited
the piety of his parents and their love and reverence for the church. It
was chiefly through his efforts and donations that Thyatira church was
built in 1885-86. John K. Alexander, still living near Newells, was
father's war comrade and "best man" at his wedding. He says that father
lived his religion every day for four years in the army. I have the
daily memorandum that father wrote in camp during the war. It's old and
faded but still legible. In it he tells of hearing Chaplain McLaughlin
preach, longs to see home and old Sardis again, and relates many
interesting camp experiences, which give an insight into his life and
character. After the war he returned to claim his bride and settle on
the farm his father gave him. He established a Christian home; and, like
Abraham, "builded an altar there unto the Lord." He was liberal and
loyal to the church and spent much on the education of his children.
Living and dying a righteous man, he left his heirs not so much of this
world's goods, but a spiritual heritage of which they are unashamed. He
loved the Bible and had great faith in God's over-ruling Providence.
Once when a daughter was leaving home under trying circumstances he
whispered in her ear "All things work together for good to them that love
God." After six weeks illness he passed away peacefully on the early
morning of March 3, 1909. Among his last words were these: "There
remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." Also, "Let me die the
death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."
Watt born August 3, 1848, married Laura Neel October 15, 1868. She
died 1889, leaving seven children. He formed a second marriage with
Lizzie Biggars November 21, 1893, and reared five other children. Uncle
Watt was a good man and a useful man in the church and in the affairs of
the county and state. He served for several years in the Legislature at
Raleigh, and nearly all his life he served as Magistrate, Tax Collector
and legal advisor to a host of his friends, when lawyers were scarce and
money not so plentiful. He was a splendid school teacher. Firm but kind
in discipline, he knew how to use the rod, as the Chairman of the Board
of County Commissioners can testify, and had a look on his face in the
school room, which was very meaningful. He kept a long hickory in the
corner by him and it spoke volumes in its silence. I dreaded it. One
look at it was enough for me. Uncle Watt died a peaceful death at
Matthews and entered into rest on February 9, 1918.
First through Cida born July 18, 1863, married Lafayette Mullen and
reared five children: Boyd and Frances Fleming. They have no children.
Lee married Allene Porter 1921 and have one child, Peggy. Emily married
Eugene Parker 1922, and they live at Sylva N. C. Sadie some how has
resisted Cupid's darts so far, and is serving the United States
Government as Postmistress at Huntersville. Laura Jane married Mitchell
Ingram, Supt. of Ramseur, N. C., high school. Their first child arrived
May 9, 1926, Alice May, with good Hunter-Hood blood in her veins. The
Mullen girls were educated at the Woman's College of Due West, S. C. The
two brothers, Boyd and Lee, are both registered druggists and succeeding
well in the drug business in Asheville and Raleigh, respectively.
Through Laura, born November, 1866, married Chas. Alexander, and died
1903 leaving one child, Eunice, who married John Less Choat, of
Pineville.
Through Janie, born September 14, 1868, married J. Sam Choat and
reared the following children: Isabelle, born September 21, 1900; Chas.
Lee, October 16, 1902; Emma, born December 23, 1904; Janie James, born
November 15, 1907; J. Sam, born February 4, 1909. Isabelle was educated
at Due West Woman's College and is teaching in the Matthews high school.
Emma graduated at Due West last June and will teach at Hickory Grove
next term. "Jim" has finished the Junior class.
Emma, born September 10, 1870, unmarried, took care of her mother till
the latter's death, for many year associated with her brother-in-law in
the drug business and post-office, and still assisting her niece, in the
postoffice. Emma has an heirloom in the form of pitcher with which her
grandmother began housekeeping. She prizes it highly but has already
promised to hand it down to Laura Jane, who loves to collect family
treasures.
One son of James Hood was named Harrison, who lived three miles south
of Pineville, N. C., and for whom Harrison M. E. Church was named.
Harrison's sons were Robert, Richard, Thomas O., and Jack. One daughter
married a McKinney, one an O'Brien. Robert died in the War, leaving two
children, Kell and Nannie. Jack's children were Harvey, Green and
Bradford. He was killed in a saw mill accident. Harvey died at Matthews
in 1923, leaving one child, Del, who married Dr. Will Orr and they are
now in Texas. Green was killed in the Square in Charlotte, 1908. He had
three children: Marjorie, Berta, and J. Sidney, the last named being at
present a surgeon in Gastonia. Bradford still lives at Science Hill, Ky.
Jack Hook also had three girls, Sue, Lizzie and another who married a
Collins and whose children now live in Iowa.
Thomas O. Hood's oldest son was Hamilton. His children are Bab,
Clayton Eugene, Walter, Mattie, Mack, Carrie. Bob and Eugene are in
insurance business in Rock Hill, and Walter has one son there, Dexter.
Will Hood at Waxhaw is the next son. His children are Thelma and Mary
Rose. Doc died 1915, and his twin brother, J. T., married Lizette
Bernheim who is still living with her daughter, Florence (Mrs. J. W.
Kirby) in Gastonia. Two sons, Delmann and Ernest, are brokers in
Portland, Oregon. Ernest has two boys. Florence's children are John
Jr., Betty and James. Thomas O. had one daughter, Emma. She married a
Dees and lives near Pineville, with her daughter, Loma. One son, Jesse
Dees, is employed by Standard Oil Company in Gastonia. Josephine married
a Culp, and Kit, another daughter, married a Blankenship, near Pineville.
DESCENDANTS OF ABNER HOOD, SR. (1838-1860)
ISABELLA'S DESCENDANTS:
First through Annie, born March, 1861, married E. B.Williams 1879, and
reared following: Mary, born 1880, married Luke Bost 1904, and died
July 5, 1924, leaving six children, Alphonse Ruby, A. J., Odell, Pauline,
Lila. Brice, born September 23, 1883, married Carmen Price February 11,
1914. One seven year old daughter, Jean, is the result of this union.
Luther, born December 15, 1885, third child of Annie and Brazil Williams,
is a good boy and always has been. Years ago he lost the sight of one
eye which was hit by a flying cotton boll while he was knocking stalks in
the field. He is reasonably fond of the ladies and fully intends to
marry some day, but he believes in going slow and looking before he
leaps. Brice is a preacher of no mean ability. He graduated at Erskine
1910, preached about eight years in Ybor City, Florida, was called to the
Math chair of his Alma Mater which he served two years, going thence to
Anderson and after two years was called to Atlanta where he now serves
acceptably one of the largest congregations in Synod. The mother of
these three children left them early in life but not until she had
stamped upon them each one precious faith and fervent piety that
characterized her daily life.
LIFE'S PASSING
Twill not be long till I shall sail
The unknown, untried seas,
When there shall flow an even tide
And blow a gentle breeze.
Twill not be long, perhaps a day;
A month, a year, a score;
Twill not be long till I shall hear
The summons from the other shore.
Perhaps the call will come at morn,
Or noon, or ev'ning late.
I cannot tell; I have no choice,
I tread the nearer shore and wait.
No earthly friend will go with me;
I carry hence not store.
It is a voyage strange I make
Unto the unknown shore.
And wilt Thou, O! Eternal Christ,
Thou Pilot of men's souls,
Guide me into the harbor past
The deep seas and the shoals.
-Vera Williams
Through Abner ,Jr. Mason, born February 25, 1883, from his own or
somebody's choice still single, educated at Erskine, chose the field of
Journalism and was making good with Charlotte News until recently
transferred to The Charlotte Observer. An insatiable reader all his
life, he has laid up a store of general knowledge which makes him both
studious and versatile. Oscar, born July 2, 1884, still unmarried as we
go to press, don't know how soon this book must be revised. Leonard,
born December 17, 1888, educated at Erskine, a teacher once, now in the
Insurance business in Charlotte. Married? Not yet! Bonner, born July
17, 1891, married Leah Sample 1920, and has one fine boy born February
28, 1923, and named James Boyd. Little James Boyd has at present, four
living grandparents, and one great grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Anne
Alexander, of Sardis. Ebbie, born August 6, 1893, in real estate
business, Charlotte, N. C. Livy, born September 30, 1895, received
education at Erskine College and Seminary graduating in 1917, and entered
the ministry of the A. R. P. church with fine prospects for usefulness.
Although still a youth in appearance and reality, he was honored last
year with the Moderatorship of the First Presbytery of the Associate
Reformed Presbyterian Synod. This beloved young minister is spending his
remaining single days at Troutmans N. C., where he is the acceptable
pastor of the A. R. P. church. Lucile, born May 27, 1905, the youngest
and only daughter, graduated with honor from the Woman's College of Due
West, June, 1926, a daughter of which any parent may be proud. She will
teach at Derita, N. C. next term.
JOHN HOOD'S CHILDREN
Martha Elizabeth, born February 22, 1867, married Ike Beard (or Baird)
of Huntersville, on September 25, 1895, lived there for several years and
moved near Matthews where they have since resided. Their children: Eva
Lee, December 30, 1896; Palmer Dale, May 11, 1898; Fred Leland, February
2, 1900; Paul Reid, September 24, 1901; Carrie Belle, June 16, 1903;
Calvin Brice, August 12, 1905; Lena Rivers, September 24, 1908; Bertha
Hood, May 27, 1912. These children have good school advantages, both
high school and college, which they seem to appreciate. Eva Lee took
training at Linwood, and chose the teaching profession. Dale and Fred
were educated at Erskine college and have had several years' successful
experience teaching. Dale will teach next term in Concord high school.
Fred always carries a happy heart and a smiling face, which radiates good
cheer. He has several ideas in his head at present, including the
possibility of matrimony. Paul is with Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company;
Carrie is with Funderburk Department Store at Matthews, along with her
father; Calvin is a Davidson student; and the tow youngest, Lena and
Bert, are still at home, giving vent to their musical talent and trying
to keep their parents from growing old.
James Boyce Hood was born August 28, 1868, took high school under Dr.
W. W. Orr at Huntersville. Prof. Brown who taught at Huntersville says
Boyce was a good boy and left a clean record behind him. He graduated at
Erskine college, 1894, chose the ministry and began first preaching at
Bartow, Florida, and Prosperity, S. C. served also pastorates at
Fayetteville, Tenn., Newberry, S. C., Back Creek, near Charlotte, and
Pisgah which he now serves. Married Eva Hickman 1898 and the following
are their children: J. B., born March 9, 1899, lives in Charlotte and has
responsible position with the Ford Company. He married Grace Cashion and
they have the only grandchild in this family (Robt. Boyce, born
--------25, 1925) Wm. Boyd, born February 14, 1900 prepared for ministry
at Erskine and White's Bible School, New York. After serving as
assistant pastor of the Tabernacle in Charlotte he went to Africa, as
missionary to The Sudan Mission at Nigeria. He is five hundred miles
inland among the most savage tribes and rarely ever sees a white face.
He is delighted with the work. He expects to return to America on first
furlough in May, 1927. Ralph Erskine, born March 23, 1901, also graduate
of Erskine, single yet and wedded to the teaching profession, engaged in
the Science Department of Augusta, Georgia, high schools.
Cy Lee, January 24, 1903, educated at Erskine, where he loved the
girls and was fond of athletics. He loves teaching but aspires to be an
editor some day. He taught last year at Louisville, Ga., but will be
located in Mooresville, N. C., during the next term. He married Gladys
Kennedy of Mooresville. Paul Lackey, October 30, 1904, studied at the
University of North Carolina, sold real estate awhile and is now
connected with the faculty of the Jackson Training School, near Concord,
N. C. Thomas Spurgeon, February 1, 1906, won honors both in oratory and
athletics in the Gastonia high school during last two years. He hiked
away to the North and at present has a vacation job in Philadelphia.
Richard Lewis Dandridge, February 19, 1907, is also in the high school
with his face set toward a college career. His parents burdened him with
three long names in babyhood, but these are only a matter of history now,
as he never hears anything but "Dan." Martha Hunter, July 31, 1909 holds
a warm place in her parents' hearts as the youngest child and only
daughter. In size she "takes after" her mother and her great,
grandmother Hood. She loves books as well as out-of-door sports, fishing
and swimming, being an expert in deep water. These "products of the
manse" are all being given good advantages, thanks to the parents'
careful planning and economy, which the children will doubtless
appreciate more and more through the coming years.
William Lorenza was born January 22, 1870, married Zelda Brown, of
Huntersville, December, 1893, and settled a portion of his father's
estate near Matthews and farmed successfully for something like twenty
years. About 1910 he moved his family to the village of Matthews where
he served as Liveryman, Merchant, Magistrate, and Mayor. He gradually
quit farming as he became identified with public affairs. Several years
ago the County officials asked him and Zelda to become managers of the
County Home and Farm. They have brought about a number of good reforms
in the management of the Home for the poor and infirm, and with the help
of Luther Williams they make the five hundred acre farm yield a good
income; and with Miss Sallie Neel, as nurse, they are caring well for the
county's poor and "helping them down to grave in peace."
W. L. and Zelda Hood are the parents of two children: Lola Rena, born
September 5, 1895, and Mary Belle, December 10, 1897. These daughters
received their primary education mostly at Matthews high school, and
later both graduated at the Woman's College of Due West, S. C.
Both went to Columbia University in New York for a post-graduate course.
Lola taught at Marshville, at Mint Hill, and Huntersville with good
success till Watson Morris persuaded her to be his bride. On June 1,
1922, they were married at the bride's home as the author of this Sketch
Book spoke the words that made them one for life. In plain view of the
land of their forbears on both sides of the family, they live in their
comfortable little home in Eastern Mecklenburg, making a good living by
dairying and poultry raising.
Mary Belle, the younger daughter, taught at Owings, S. C., and there
formed a friendship with Professor S. C. Gambrel. This ripened into love
and love resulted in matrimony Christmas, 1922, when they were married at
home, Rev. J. B. Hood performing the ceremony. Their little son, William
Hood Gambrel, has claimed a place in the family circle since January 19,
1924. This little man bears his grandfather's name coupled with the
family name as a given name, and we sincerely hope this will not be a
handicap to him in coming years. Nature has endowed Mary Belle with a
sweet voice which she uses to brighten her home and make the world
happier. Mr. Gambrel, her husband, is superintendent of the high school
at Owings, and a successful school man. He is also musical, being a
splendid cornetist.
THOMAS MOFFATT BROWN
September 13, 1886 July 3, 1926
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life
Elizabeth Caroline, born December 11, 1871, married Rev. Lewis Hickman
February 27, 1901. Five children were born to this union as follows:
Martha Hunter, June 18, 1903; Carrie Velma, November 6, 1905; Mary
Louise, March 2, 1908; Lewis Chalmers, March 31, 1913; William Boyd, June
29, 1915. For a number of years she and Mr. Hickman lived in the North
in the bounds of the United Presbyterian church, while the latter served
as pastor in that denomination. They were located for awhile at New
Castle, Pa., and later at Cincinnati, Ohio. They also lived at Guernsey,
Iowa. Mr. Hickman was an earnest preacher and evangelist. He was
laboring at Havana, Ark., when his health failed and for years he was not
able to do regular preaching. After a great deal of suffering he entered
his reward October 7, 1919, and was buried at Sardis church. Carrie was
always devout and pious by nature, and from childhood a conscientious
student of the Bible. For several years she served as Matron at
Hillcrest Mission near Asheville, and at present she is living at Due
West, S. C., where she is Matron of one of the Girls Dormitories on the
college campus. Two of her daughters, Martha Hunter and Carrie Velma,
have graduated, and the others all have the advantage of the schools and
colleges located in Due West. Martha Hunter has been teaching and will
go to White's Bible School for post-graduate work this winter.
Rachel Redempta, born October 16, 1873, married Marshall Reeves
December 11, 1911, at W. L. Hood's residence, Matthews, and left at once
for their home at Albemarle, N. C. Rachel received college training at
Due West, and has taught more or less all her life. I went to school to
her, as I did also to Carrie and Boyce. Besides the various schools
Rachel taught in Mecklenburg county, she taught in Dublin, Ga.,
Fayetteville, Tenn., and quite a number of terms in Stanly County, N. C.
Her husband, D. M. Reeves, was a hard worker and successful farmer. He
was living on the farm six miles east of Albemarle when suddenly he
became ill with appendicitis in January, 1923. He was rushed to
Statesville to the hospital for an operation. Peritonitis set in and he
died January 22, 1923. There are two children: Evelyn Inez, born June 5,
1913, and Mary Louise, born November 29, 1914. These girls attend East
Albemarle high school where their mother teaches in another department.
They are doing well in their studies. They are fond of music and are now
enjoying a new piano which their mother has purchased for them. They are
very enthusiastic about the Hood Re-union in August.
Isaac Grier, born October 28, 1875, is the sixth son of John and Mary
A. Hood. He combines a scripture name and a name that has for
generations been conspicuous in the ministry of the Associated Reformed
Presbyterian church. Grier has always loved the home and farm, and has
never journeyed very far from the land of his birth. Years ago he was
given a deed for a tract of land adjoining Thyatira church, but continued
to live at the old home taking care of mother and managing the farm until
mother's death last August; and, on till a few weeks ago when he and his
wife were made homeless by fire which destroyed the house which has stood
for one hundred and thirty years. They are "camping" in the church till
he can find time to build a home on his own farm. Grier believes in the
adage "Better Late than Never." He was not at all hasty in making a
venture on the Sea of Matrimony, but he did make the venture and it was
successful. He found a good and faithful companion for life in the
person of Miss Bessie Bass. They were happily united in marriage at the
home of the bride's mother, April, 1925, Rev. J. B. Hood, and Dr. R. G.
Miller taking part in the ceremony.
On August 25, 1877, twins were born, Thomas Palmer and John Bryson.
These lived about two years and died in infancy of Cholera Infantum.
Samuel Jefferson, born July 24, 1881, married Mary Whitesides, of
Gastonia, October 29, 1912. We have the following children: Edward W.,
born at Iva, S. C., September 1, 1913; Robt. Hunter, born at Gastonia
hospital December 21, 1920; Ruth McElwee, born at the Unity Manse
September 30, 1922; William Boyce, born at Blacksburg, S. C., January 19,
1926. I'll not attempt an autobiography, or sketch of my own career. If
the humble record of my life is preserved "among the simple annals of the
poor" some one else may write it for future generations to read; but not
I. Once I recall distinctly my father explained to a friend that he
named his boys for several great men supposing, of course, none of them
would ever become great themselves. From present indications it looks
like his prophecy will eventually come true.
Bertha Myrtle, born September 5, 1886, and died after two years
illness January 26, 1912, at the age of 26. She was full of life and
fond of music. She won the music medal at Linwood College. Seized by a
strange malady which baffled the State's best physicians, she suffered
two years without a word of murmur or complaint. To me Bertha's life was
beautiful and her death remains a mystery. The memories of childhood
days we spent together are a part of life's richest heritage. As memory
goes back across the years I see the smile of her face and hear again the
melody of her song. The world is better by her living and heaven is
richer by her going away. She talked calmly of Death and was ready to go
when the Messenger came.
"How sweet were the tones of her vanishing breath
As she passed through the valley of the shadow of death;
To God her Redeemer, her Strength and her Stay,
Her glorified spirit passed sweetly away."
WATT HOOD'S CHILDREN
Henry Baxter, April 25, 1871, married Lula Funderburg April 26, 1898,
and reared two boys: Yates, born July 30, 1900, and Herman, born August
18, 1906. After a course at Erskine Yates taught school, worked in the
Clerical department of the Ford plant and is now a traveling salesman.
Herman lives with his widowed mother at Matthews and conducts the farm
near by.
Ella Jane, July 23, 1873, married Joe Beard January 6, 1896. Ella's
memory goes away back in the past. She recalls how as a child she often
ran to Aunt Margaret to escape the switch, which no doubt she deserved;
also remembers well the day her grandfather suffered a partial stroke
while drawing water and held to the well post till help came. Ella's
children: Dixie, March 12, 1898; J. W. (Bub) December 23, 1900; James,
June 24, 1902; Lois, May 28, 1904; Cary, April 17, 1906; Adrian, June 23,
1908; J. Lee, June 30, 1911; Billy, January 28, 1914; Boyd, December 8,
1917. Two of above children are married. Dixie married Johnny Wilson
April 14, 1920, and has two fine little tots coming on, C. J., Jr., and
Dorothy, five and three years old respectively. Lois married Moffatt
Quinn April 24, 1925, and Jean Isabelle came to live with them a year
later. Bub graduated at Erskine and made good both as teacher and ball
coach last year at Anderson, S. C. His fame as a left-handed pitcher has
earned for him the title "Lefty Beard." He is gaining national
distinction this season playing for the Reading, Pa., team at a handsome
salary. James is a student of Erskine College, spending vacations on the
farm. Billy expects to be a preacher, and Boyd plans to be a doctor.
Lester Boyd, May 16, 1876, married Etta Alexander, December 24, 1902,
and the following are their heirs: Marjorie, April 13, 1905; L. B., July
25, 1907; Frances, September 7, 1911. Marjorie received her A.B. degree
last June from Greensboro College. The other children are doing well in
school. For eleven years this family lived at Winston-Salem, where Boyd
was in the furniture and brokerage business till his health failed.
Returning to his home county he died after much suffering, May 25, 1914.
His widow lives in Charlotte, where she has been nine years connected
with the Ivey Department Store. At present she is serving as Hostess in
that building.
Richard Neal, born February 7, 1879, married Rhada Stearnes June 30,
1917. The best day Neal ever saw was the day he married. Rhada was
reared at Matthews, educated at the Due West Woman's College and now she
presides with grace and loveliness over their beautiful home on East
Seventh street, Charlotte. Two little Hoods are growing up in this home,
Dick has seen three years pass by, and Dorothy five. Neal was the victim
of a gasoline explosion in Matthews July 12, 1912, in which he lost his
left leg, and like his grandfather he walks on an artificial limb. He
now serves as Chairman of the County Commissioners, in one of the most
constructive epochs of the county's history. During his administration a
modern T. B. Sanatorium has been built, and the magnificent new Court
House is being built.
Alice Olelia, was born June 18, 1882, married Lester Willis December
24, 1908. There were two daughters born to them: Laura Neal, 15 years
old, and Hannah 13 years of age. These are fine sweet Christian girls,
reflecting the careful training received at the family fireside. The
older one expects to be a medical missionary some day. Their mother had
a cheerful disposition, although she suffered most of her life from
asthma. On April 7, 1918, she answered the summons of death, at their
home in Charlotte, and was buried at Ebenezer Church.
Mary Isabella (Belle) was born April 3, 1885 married Will Beard in
1908, who died a few years later, leaving no children. Belle has always
been strong in physique and happy in temperament, finding much to make
one joyful along life's pathway. Moving from Huntersville to Charlotte
after her husband's death, she later formed a second marriage
relationship with Gill Christenberry, and they are now living on the
Plaza in Charlotte. There are no children. Belle has been connected for
several years with the Clerical force of Belk Bros.' Department Store of
Charlotte.
Robert Ernest, born August 1, 1887, married Kathleen Hicks in
Charlotte on Christmas day, 1912, and the following little Olive Plants
are found around the family table: Connie Neal, November 29, 1913; R. E.
Jr., July 7, 1915; George Francis (a little Yankee, born in Detroit)
September 22, 1919; James Miler, October 13, 1924. Ernest drifted off to
Detroit and lived there with his family seven years but got home-sick
last year and came back. He is now living at Matthews, and engaged with
the Ford Plant in Charlotte.
The offspring of J. Watt Hood's second marriage are:
Willie Elvaree, January 24, 1895; Willie is still single as these
lines are being written (16th day of July) and not seemingly dependent on
any of Adam's posterity for a living; for by hard work and application to
duty she has prepared herself for a responsible business position which
she holds with the Independence Trust Company on the Square. She has
proven how a country girl may go from home to the heart of the city with
nothing but a high sense of womanly honor and a willingness to work, and
make a success.
Lela Jane, August 3, 1896, married Baxter Benton, of Monroe, December
24, 1924. They live in Monroe, N. C., where her husband is engaged in
the automobile business. For several years before her marriage Lela held
a good position as stenographer with one of the business firms of
Charlotte.
James Edgar, born October 17, 1898, married Sadie Barrett at Matthews,
June 23, 1924. "A faint heart never wins a fair lady." Edgar believes
that saying is true. Bashful as he is he managed to get Sadie to say "I
will," and now they have a happy home with her parents in Matthews. For
nine years Edgar has been employed in the Maintenance and Way Department
of the Southern railroad office in Charlotte.
Sarah, September 5, 1903, educated at State Normal College, and is now
in the teaching profession. She has taught three years now in Richmond
County, at Mt. Gilead.
Guthrie, August 17, 1905, the youngest of the children, was happily
married to Paris Lemmonds August 28, 1925, and they are making their home
at Matthews. She received her college training at Due West, S. C.
NISBETS AND McDOWS
Let's see now just how the Nisbet-McDow lineage can be traced back to
the Hood line. SARAH B. HOOD, older sister of James and Reuben, married
Calvin Nisbet, and the Nisbet-McDow line springs from this union.
Their first son, John D., born 1817, married 1845, died July 1, 1889,
was the father of the following children: Sara, 1847May 15, 1905; Geo.
Calvin, 18501864; Mary J., born 1853, married 1882, died October 6,
1907; W. H., born 1855, married 1883, died June 1, 1921; P. R., born
1858, married 1890, yet living in Arkansas; Jeff D., born 1861, married
Jennie Beckham, of Pleasant Hill, S. C., March 5, 1902. They live now on
the farm near Lancaster and have two children: Shirley and Cleo, who are
good students with a high ambition to complete their education. Shirley
is farming and taking a business course at spare times. Cleo studied one
year at the Due West Woman's College and taught last year at Jacksonham,
near her home.
Sarah Hood's next child was Jane I., born 1819, married McDow 1849,
died January 26, 1902. Her children are: George, born January 22, 1855,
married Isabelle Craig February 3, 1891. Wife died August 12, 1917.
Their children are: Craig, born January 11, 1892, married Kathleen
Bennett, Lynchburg, Va., June 6, 1923, and have one little son, Russell
Edward, two years old. Rolin B., born October 15, 1893, unmarried and in
business in Lancaster. Lee, born July 10, 1896, married Helen Williamson
June 8, 1922, and residing at Lancaster, where Lee is engaged in the
banking business. Bertha, August 6, 1898, married Douglass Glenn January
19, 1926. John Curry, born November 23, 1900. Atwood, born May 30,
1903. Belk, born July 1, 1905. The younger boys are on the farm with
their father four miles North of Lancaster. Thomas Craig McDow, the
oldest son is an undertaker in Lynchburg, Va. These are all worthy sons
of worthy parents, who instilled in their minds from infancy the
principles of the Christian faith and religion.
Jane I. McDow's next child was Curry (A. C.) He was born October 23,
1857, in Lancaster county, married Eliza Neely March 6, 1888, in Union
County, N. C. The date of her birth is July 8, 1858. They have one
child, Evelyn A. McDow, born June 19, 1890. Evelyn received her
education in the primary schools of Lancaster county and later at Linwood
College, near Gastonia, N. C. For many years she has been a faithful
worker and leader in the church activities and the civic and educational
affairs of the community. For several years she served acceptably as the
president of the Unity Betterment Association. Evelyn's health has not
been so good during the past year. She has taken treatment in Charlotte
and Baltimore and at the last report her health was somewhat improved.
Sarah Hood's next child was William F. Nisbet, married Jemima Hunter
February 3, 1866 and died of pneumonia April 20, 1872. Their living
children are: Mattie, born July 30, 1870; W. Frank Nisbet, born September
8, 1872. Frank has made a success of farming and cattle raising on their
beautiful estate, Magnolia Farm, three miles North of the city of
Lancaster. He and his sister Mattie are living there alone since their
mother's death some eight years ago. Frank never saw his father, having
been born five months after the latter's death.
DESCENDANTS OF REUBEN HOOD, JR.
I find it impossible to get information and facts as fully as I would
like to with reference especially to the descendants of my grandfather's
brother, Reuben Hood, Jr. They are not only more remotely related but it
seems more widely scattered. Some of them I know well, and others who
have removed to distant states I scarcely know at all. I much regret now
that I have not more time for research and travel among the relatives for
additional data that would make the genealogy more complete. But as
protracted meetings are coming on and our Reunion drawing near I must do
the best I can with the time at my command.
Reuben Hood Jr., must have been a decade, or more, older than my
grandfather, who was born 1803. Reuben died 1845. His birth must have
been about 1790. He had eight children: Calvin, Andrew, Tunas, Mary,
Abner, George, Bob, and Aleck. Let's sketch Calvin's descendants first.
He was born 1816, married first to Mary Johnson 1844, and to Louise Anne
Newell July 22, 1851. His children: John M., Mollie, Lillie, and Sarah.
John M. Hood, son of Calvin Hood, married Margaret Spears on February
15, 1883, and lived on the farm east of Newells until he died December 4,
1907. Their children are: Will, Addie, Emma, Mattie, May and Charles.
The first four named above are single and living with their mother on the
farm at home place near Newells. Mattie is a teacher by profession and
is spending this summer mostly at Boone taking a summer course for
teachers. One brother, Charles, died about fifteen years ago. May
married Merton Caldwell November 28, 1906, and died of pneumonia February
18, 1913, leaving a daughter, Ada, four years old. Ada says she
remembers very little about her mother, being only four when the latter
died. Bereft of a mother she was left in the hands of a good grandmother
who gave her a mother's love and care. And now she and her father
together are returning this loving care to the aged grandmother as she
faces the "evening time of life." An Aunt says of Ada: "She's a good
girl, but badly spoiled." I know the first statement is true.
Mary J. (Mollie) married Calvin Hodges March 9, 1874. They have four
children: Mamie, Banner, Eugene and Ed. Mamie married Lester Wolfe and
they have two children, Jean and Joseph. Banner married Mr. Grubbs. They
have no children. Both these families lives in Charlotte. E. W. (Gene)
married Eunice Cochran and their children are: Mary Louise (stenographer
for J. B. Spillman, Charlotte); Margaret, (Queen's College student);
Dorothy, Eugene and Frank at home with parents. Rev. Ed Hodges married
Mrs. Douglass at Uniontown, Ala., and he is now pastor of the First
Presbyterian church of Anniston, Ala.
Elizabeth (Lillie) married C. C. A. Hodges December 18, 1895, and she
died January 12, 1897, when her only child, W. C. (Jack) was eleven days
old. Jack now lives with his Aunt Sallie at Newells and is employed by
the Southern Railway.
Sarah (Sallie) is single and resides at Newells, nine miles North of
Charlotte. Her mother, Louise Anne Hood, died July 30, 1922.
ANDREW HOOD'S DESCENDANTS
Amzi (Bud) born December 14, 1861, died May 21, 1909. He first
married Ida Biggars, who died in 1900, leaving no children. By a second
marriage with Ella Biggars there are two children: Wm. Alexis, born March
23, 1905; and Grace, born October 29, 1907. Grace was educated at
Winthrop College and has been teaching several years. Alexis is a
student of the State College at Raleigh. Their home is at Matthews.
Willie C., the next son, has always been rather poor in health but
rich in faith and piety. A spell of typhoid at 18 left him physically
weakened. After teaching several schools and merchandising some, he
planted trees on his farm for a home site, but decided later not to
build. Going to Charlotte he went into the wholesale book business for a
number of years. Without guile and full of humble faith, he often longed
to enter the ministry but his health would not permit. A member of the
Baptist church he is a man of deep piety and sincere faith. At present
is connected with the Mitchell Furniture Co., in Charlotte.
Perrie, married Jno. Rice, January 23, 1901, and moved to Moore
County, N. C. and reared these children: Robt. Theron, October 14, 1902;
Katy Lee, September 7, 1904; John Heath, August 29, 1906; Earl McIver,
October 20 1908; this family is living at Cameron, N. C., and say they
expect to attend the Reunion in August.
Lizzie, married John Robinson, of Mint Hill, December 24, 1894, and
they have four children. Dowd the oldest son, is now manager of the
Standard Oil Company's office in Norfolk, Va. He married Gertrude Henry
and their only child is Allene, now five years old. Blanche married Fred
De Reynolds in Charlotte. They have two small children who answer to the
names, Mildred and Ruby. Link, the baby boy is now a young salesman with
Belk Bros., in Charlotte, and Ethel is with her parents at home, near
Philadelphia church.
R. N. (Bobbie) discovered America October 16, 1876, and married Cora
May Russell, of Providence, November 8, 1899. They are the parents of
four children: Mary Belle married Wm. Lipe, and now two bright-faced tots
bear the parents names, Wm. Jr., and Mary. They live in Charlotte.
Perry Caldwell married Lucille Flowers August 6, 1925. They now live on
the farm near Robinson Church, Mecklenburg County, N. C. The other
children are at home with their parents: Reuben Edkard, born August 27,
1905; Lloyd Neal, born September 16, 1907; Bert Black July 2, 1911.
Alice married George Fesperman March 19, 1879. Their home is located
on the highway two miles east of Matthews, where they have lived and
raised the following children: Johnny, March 29, 1885, grew up on the
farm, attended school at Cochran Academy and later went in business in
Charlotte. Clyde, October 22, 1887, married Fay Stearns of Statesville
in 1921. He worked for Smith-Wadsworth Company in Charlotte, for a time
and then went on the road as a traveling salesman. They have a bouncing
boy seven months old which they call C. C., Jr. Myrtle, July 26, 1890,
married Morris Ritch, who was reared in the Robinson section of
Mecklenburg county, and they have lived mostly in Charlotte. They have a
manly little boy eight years old, which bears his father's given name,
Morris, Jr. Before her marriage some ten years ago, Myrtle attended
Linwood College, where she graduated in 1912, was popular as a student,
and made many friends by her winning manners and congenial nature. In
1911-12 she taught school in Anderson County, S. C., where the writer of
these lines was serving his first charge as pastor, and later also, at
Robinson and Sardis in Mecklenburg county. Bland, September 25, 1895, is
a good, lovable little fellow, notwithstanding the fact that he is "the
baby boy" in the Fesperman home. After normal boy's experience on the
farm and in the high school he drifted to town and began to make a
livelihood. Making Charlotte headquarters, he travels now in Eastern
North Carolina for the Standard Oil Company and seems to be making good.
Zelda, born January 30, 1893, married Grady Lipe November 25, 1917.
They live at Norfolk, Va., where Grady is in the office of the Ford
Company.
DESCENDANTS OF TUNAS HOOD, III
Another son of Reuben , Jr., was Tunas who must have been the third
one in the family line to bear that name. He was reared on the farm in
east Mecklenburg, and enlisted in the Cause of the South in the War.
During the war he contracted erysipelas and died at Raleigh.
His son, William Harris Hood, was born June 22, 1862. He lives on the
Mint Hill road about a mile east of the old home place, which he still
owns. A good farmer, he has always made a living "by the sweat of his
brow." He married Jane Wilson and has six heirs: Lester married Clara
Wilson; Maggie married Earle Stinson, of Union County; Johnston married
Odessa Craig, and she died leaving two children, Catherine 7, and Juanita
9. Johnston married again Grace Robinson and lives near Mint Hill.
Hester married Reese Moser and they have two small children, both girls.
Chester (Check) and Arthur remain single and at home on the farm.
The only daughter of Reuben Hood, Jr., was Aunt Mary Hood, who never
married, lived and died at the old home place. Another brother, Abner,
moved to Florida. I fail to get any definite facts about his
descendants. One brother, Aleck, moved to Texas and his son, Julius,
came back for a visit last year after long absence. Wm. Scott Hood, son
of Aleck, was noted for his bravery in the Civil War. He was killed one
day while going on a dangerous errand for General Matt. Ranson. He was
Gen. Ranson's courier. Another brother, Bob, who was very peculiar in
his ways, remained single, and died about 30 years ago. Another named
Columbus, is said to have died in the Salt Works for the Government
during the Civil War. George dropped dead pulling fodder in the field
one day nearly a half century ago. The present Abner Hood, of Sardis,
told me he got only two switchings as a boy (possibly needed many more)
and he recalls distinctly one of these was administered by his mother the
day George Hood was buried at Sardis.
WELL, HERE ENDS MY STORY: I'VE TOLD ALL I KNOW THAT'S WORTH TELLING
ABOUTH THE HOODS.S. J. H.
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