WOODS, William M.

WOODS, MCCAUDLASS, BASSETT, THOMAS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/16/2014 at 13:43:22

Biography ~ William M. Woods

"Biographical and Historical Record of
Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa"
(Lewis Publishing Company (1887)), p. 601:

WILLIAM M. WOODS, an enterprising citizen of Grand River Township, living on section 13, is a native of Illinois, born in Knoxville, Knox County, June 17, 1845. His parents H. S. and JANE (MCCAUDLASS) WOODS, are both natives of the State of Pennsylvania. They reared a family of eight children, their names being as follows – MARY, WILLIAM M., JOHN, MARGARETTA, ELIZABETH, EMMA, THOMAS and ASENATH. WILLIAM M. WOODS received good educational advantages, attending the schools of Knoxville and Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois. in February, 1864, he enlisted in the war for the Union, in the Marine Corps, which was stationed at Mound City, Illinois, and he was appointed t carry the mails from Mound City to Cairo, under the command of Colonel KINGSLEY. He received his discharge in October, 1864, when he returned to his home in Knoxville. December 16, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss EMMA F. BASSETT, who was also a native of Knoxville, Illinois. Her parents, O. P. and CELESTIA (THOMAS) BASSETT, were natives of Pennsylvania, and reared a family of six children – EDWIN, FRANCES, EMMA F., and ELLA F. (twins), NEWELL and ORVILLE. Mr. and Mrs. WOODS are the parents of five children - MARY LILLIAN, NELLIE, WILLIE, HUGH and RALPH. A child named SYDNEY is deceased. Mr. WOODS remained in his native county until 1870, when he came to Decatur County, his father having entered 1,300 acres in this county, in 1854. On coming to this county Mr. WOODS located on a farm of 185 acres, located in Grand River Township, which is well improved and is one of the best farms in the township. His farm is principally meadow and pasture land, and he devotes most of his time to raising and feeding stock. He has a good residence and a commodious barn, and a fine orchard containing 130 trees of different varieties, besides small fruits. In his political views Mr. WOODS is a Republican. He has served six terms as township assessor, filling that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both Mr. and Mrs. WOODS are worthy members of the Presbyterian church, and respected members of society.

Transcribed by Sara LeFleur, Decatur County Historical Society Musuem, January of 2014