William Jackson Woods Story
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William Jackson Woods
was born Oct 30, 1859, in Stokes County, NC. His birthplace was in the Snow Creek Township somewhere near Sandy Ridge. He was the first son of William F Woods and Elizabeth Slate. His brother was Emmitt Lee Woods and his sister was Elizabeth (Liza) Jane Woods
William Jackson was called “Will”. Will married Martha Ann Nelson on Dec 28, 1884. They raised six (6) sons, William Oliver, Elmer Virgil, Gabriel Lee, Ruel Clinton, James Emerson and Russell Hunter. Five of the sons were born in Stokes County and the youngest, Russell was born in Rockingham County. This means that the family must have moved to Rockingham County between 1901 and 1903. Evidence indicates that Will and Martha Ann may have moved back to the Sandy Ridge area, but their last years were spent near Madison in Rockingham County.
It seems that Will lead a colorful life. He was a farmer and he also worked as a freight hauler. There was also an incident in 1910 where Will was arrested for fighting in the streets of Danbury.
Will worked for a Mr. Jim Shelton for a while. Mr. Shelton employed Will to drive a freight wagon for runs between Sandy Ridge, NC and Danville, Va. I am not sure of the time frame or how long this arrangement lasted. My guess is that this occurred sometime between 1880 and 1910. Mr. Shelton owned a furniture factory in Sandy Ridge and Danville was the closest main line rail connection. From Danville, the furniture could be shipped to all parts of the country.
This trip was through hilly territory. I am not sure of condition of the roads. This was definitely before pavement. My calculations tell me that this was at least a two day trip with a loaded horse drawn wagon. Not an easy trek.
Martha Ann died near Madison in Rockingham County. I was told that Martha Ann was injured in an incident between an automobile and the wagon in which she was riding. She later died form her injuries. Will lived for about a year after Martha Ann died. He must have returned to Sandy Ridge because he died April 17, 1935, in Stokes County. William Jackson Woods is buried at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Sandy Ridge, Stokes County, North Carolina.
Hi! I have an ancestor who I’m having trouble finding anything on. His name was Richard Wood and he lived in Surry County, and later Stokes County, North Carolina. His wife’s name may have been Mary. They had a daughter Mary “Polly” Wood, who married into the Ring family. Based on his daughter’s birth info, Richard was probably born around 1725 in North Carolina or Virginia. He purchased land in Surry County in 1783, but was listed in 1790 census while residing in Stokes County. I haven’t been able to find a will yet or anything more on him after the 1790 census in Stokes. There was also a Robert Wood listed on the same 1790 census, living just 4 houses away. It’s unknown if they were related, and if so, how. Anyway, if you find a connection in your research, I’d love to connect. Thank you.
Sorry to take so long to answer you.
I have listing for a Richard Wood, Jr born 1750 Stokes County Died 1803 Stokes County. This Richard was married to Elizabeth Priddy. Keep in mind that Stokes County was split off from Surry County. They were both originally part of a much large county of Rowan.
My listing indicates that Richard had a daughter named Mary “Polly” Wood born 1790. This is the extent of my info on Polly.
I do not have a Robert Wood listed. I grew up in Stokes County. Patrick County and Stokes County had and still does have a bunch of Wood and Woods folks.
Thanks