Mr. Woods of this sketch resided with his mother until 16 years of age. After leaving home he worked for farmers in the neighborhood until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account in Tennessee. There he resided until 1875, when hoping to better his financial condition by removing to the frontier, he emigrated to the Lone Star state, reaching Hood county in the month of December. He located on what was then known as Gunnell's farm and rented land. His cash capital consisted of $34, and in true pioneer style he began life in Texas. He purchased a yoke of oxen, but one was killed soon afterward. With the remaining one he plowed his land and the first year raised a cotton crop, which he sold for $129.50. He also raised enough corn for his own use, besides a small quantity for sale. He worked earnestly and long in those early days to get a start, and after renting land until 1880 he made purchase of 240 acres of timber land, having acquired the capital during his five years' residence in the state. The first year he and his family slept in a wagon and endured all the hardships incident to life on the frontier, but energy has at length triumphed over difficulties and success has come as the reward of untiring effort and good management until to-day Mr. Woods is the owner of 614 acres of land, of which 103 acres are in a fine state of cultivation. He follows general farming and in addition raises some stock of good grades.

His honorable, upright dealing has ever won him the confidence and regard of those whom he has met, and his friends are many.

Before coming to Texas Mr. Woods was married, on the 22^nd of November, 1872, to Miss Rebecca Taylor, a native of Tennessee and daughter of Joseph and Cynthia (Canada) Taylor. Her parents removed to Tennessee at the time Davy Crockett, the well known pioneer, became a resident of that state and resided near him until his removal to Texas. Mr. Woods and his wife became parents of three children:

The mother of these children died on the 16^th of February, 1881, at the age of 27 years. Mr. Woods was again married, May 15, 1883, his second union being with Sallie Bulliver, who was called to the home beyond January 29, 1893. On the 15^th of September, 1895, he married Miss Nettie Guen, a native of Hood county and a daughter of B.J. and Emma (Bunt) Guen. Her grandfather, Jeremiah Guen, was killed by the Indians. Mr. Woods has been called to offices of public trust, where he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He was appointed deputy sheriff May 30, 1885, by Sheriff B.W. Morris, and served two years. He was then elected bailiff and served two years. In politics he is independent.

1999 Hood County Texas Genealogical Society