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, 1847—May 15, 1905; Geo. Calvin, 1850—1864; 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. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Cyrus J. Wilson, III cjw3rd126@yahoo.com ====================================================================