Biography - ALFRED C. WOOD

Alfred C. Wood, proprietor of Wood Mound Farm, a fine estate of 177 acres, situated in section 30, Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, was born on this farm, March 4, 1849, and is a son of David B. and Mary A. (Clanton) Wood.

The ancestry of Mr. Wood can be traced as far back as his great-great-grandfather, Richard Wood, a man of great wealth in England, who was the father of seven sons, two of whom settled in America. One of these, Samuel Wood, born in Leicestershire, England, came to the Colonies in 1750, and later served under Washington in the Continental Army, and also as the great leader's private secretary. James Wood, son of Samuel, was born in South Carolina, went thence to Kentucky, and took part in the War of 1812, came to Illinois in 1832 and died in 1850. His seven children were: Sarah, John T., Samuel, Thomas, James, David B. and Naomi.

David B. Wood, father of our subject, was born May 11, 1814, in Cumberland (now Clinton) County, Kentucky, and in 1832 accompanied his parents to Illinois, where his life was spent and his death occurred January 9, 1898. He first entered 120 acres of land and at a later date added to this until he at one time owned 350 acres, and still possessed 235 acres at time of his death. He built the log cabin in which our subject was born. All his farm cultivation was done with ox teams and these also carried his produce to and brought back supplies from the nearest markets — St. Louis and Alton. Like other pioneers he engaged in hunting, the abundance of game for a long time being a constant encouragement to sportsmen. In his earlier years he was a member of the local rifle corps, under Simeon Jones, and held a commission prior to the Mexican War. Although deficient in book knowledge, he was a man of great natural intelligence and, although suffering from blindness himself, for some years was able to heal others afflicted in this way. This gift of nature, his son, our subject, has inherited and, through study, has perfected and is known as a successful oculist in his neighborhood. In politics David B. Wood was a stanch Democrat, a man of decided convictions and unswerving integrity. He served as highway commissioner and was a good official. For more than 40 years he was a member of the Baptist Church. He married Mary A. Clanton, who was born in North Carolina, and was a daughter of James and Mary Clanton. Three children were born to this union, viz.: Alfred C., of this sketch; Mrs. Emily J. Hilyard, of Woodburn, Macoupin County; and George W., of Bunker Hill township.

Alfred C. Wood has been engaged in farming for many years and has also been an extensive raiser of fine stock, particularly Poland-China hogs. His fine place is known as Wood Mound Farm, and is situated one and a half miles south of Woodburn, on the Alton road. He here raises the finest Mambrino colts in the county. He makes corn and hay his leading crops, but has devoted much of his land to fruit culture, having 1,200 peach. 50 pear and many other trees in bearing. For pleasant location, productiveness of soil or excellence of management, this farm can scarcely be equaled in the county.

Mr. Wood was married in 1872 to Fannie D. Littell, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of William and Rebecca Littell. They had these children: Mrs. Annie D. Phillips, of Woodburn, who has two children. Myrtle E. and Nellie; Samuel J., of Brookings, South Dakota; Mary M.; William B., of South Dakota; and Alfred Clarence, who died July 20, 1902. Mr. Wood married as his second wife Elizabeth Stockwell, who was born June 9, 1861, in Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, Illinois, and is a daughter of Thomas and Jane Stockwell, natives of Warwickshire, England. The three children of this union are: Cecil Vaughn, David Benjamin and Dean Warwick, all living at home.

Mr. Wood has been prominent in political circles, a Populist in political sentiment, and was honored by his party with a nomination for Congress. For many years he has been associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is an active member of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 258, of Bunker Hill.

Mr. Wood traveled as an oculist during 1869 and 1870 and has continued to practice. The fame of his father's cures reached over many States and Mr. Wood has met with equal success.

Extracted 2018 May 04 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 49-51.