“The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor.”
This is entry #16 in Amy Johnson Crow’s Challenge: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.
New generation — 3rd great-grandparents — 8 sets on my paternal line, one set is unknown. This will get me through another 14 weeks!
#16 Elijah WOOD abt. 1806-1885
I’ve never thought of Elijah WOOD as being a brick wall. While preparing his story I realized that I don’t have anything that shows [or proves] that my 3rd great-grandfather was the son of William WOOD (1777-1835) and Mary Ann McGRAW (1781-1845).
1825 – First Record Found for Elijah WOOD
Elijah WOOD and Rachel HONAKER were married by John CAMPBELL on 4 January 1825 in Nicholas County, (West) Virginia. The entry in the marriage register does not give the names of the bride and groom’s parents.1
The 1830s
Elijah and Rachel had 4 children by the time the 1830 census was taken: Allen Alexander (1825-aft.1900), Amanda Jane (1826-aft. 1885), Sarah Ann (1827-1887), and Mary Salinas (1829-bef. Aug 1901). A son and three daughters under the age of 5 years as seen in the 1830 census.
1830 U.S. Federal Census
Greenbrier County, (West) Virginia
Enumerated as of 1 June 1830
Sheet No. 209A&B
Elijha Wood
1 male under 5 yo (Allen Alexander)
1 male 20 & under 30 yo (Elijah)
3 females under 5 yo (Amanda Jane, Sarah Ann, Mary Salinas)
1 female 20 & under 30 yo (Rachel)
6 persons in household2
In June 1831 Elijah was seen on the first personal tax list for Fayette County along with uncles James and Bailey, cousin Eli, and father William WOOD.3
On 2 October 1835, Elijah and Amos WOOD were administrators at the sale of the personal property of William WOOD. At the sale, Elijah bought one foot adz, plank per hundred, one stone hammer, one shovel, and one mooly (sic, muley) bull.4
The 1840s
Elijah and his wife had 5 more children by the time the 1840 census was enumerated: Turze Lucresia “Turzey” (1832-bet. 1885-1888), James Simpson (1833-1887), Nancy E. (1835-1898), Elijah Stuart “Sty” (1836-1921), and Rebecca Ann (1840-1866).
1840 U.S. Federal Census
Fayette County, (West) Virginia
Enumerated as of 1 June 1840
Sheet No. 149A&B
Elijah Wood
2 males under 5 yo (James Simpson, Elijah Stuart)
1 male 10 & under 15 yo (Allen Alexander)
1 male 30 & under 40 yo (Elijah)
2 females under 5 yo (Nancy E., Rebecca Ann)
1 female 5 & under 10 yo (Turze Lucresia)
3 females 10 & under 15 yo (Sarah Ann, Amanda Jane, Mary Salinas)
1 female 30 & under 40 yo (Rachel)
11 persons in household
2 persons engaged in agriculture5
Shirley Donnelly wrote the column “Yesterday and Today” published in the Beckley Post-Herald (West Virginia). On 28 April 1975 his article “River Towns Full of History” included the following about land in the Lansing area that Elijah WOOD sold in 1841 [this needs to be researched; 11/26/1858 Elijah Wood to Eliza A. Townsend Bk E pg 282 Nr Chestnutburg – this deed may reference back to the 1841 land sale]:
“Lansing….is an old Fayette County settlement. It is located on the Chestnutburg road that runs out of Ansted and into the Edmond community. It is near where the high bridge is now under construction over New River Gorge. The land at Lansing was first owned by Elijah Wood of the Ansted area. Wood sold some of his land in the Lansing section to John Townsend in 1841.”
In 1844 Elijah WOOD was the crier for the sale of the estate of his uncle Richard SKAGGS6, widower of Susannah WOOD, and in 1846 for the estate of Joseph FOX.7
In 1845 Amos WOOD wrote his last will and testament and named his brothers Elijah and Allen as executors. The handwritten pages 107-110 in the Book of Wills, where Amos’ will would be found, are missing however this collection of records was also typed up at one time and added to the back of the will book.8
Elijah and his wife had their two youngest children in the 1840s: William Frederick (1842-1916) and Lewis L. (1845-bef. 1885). Their three oldest daughters married: Amanda Jane married Joshua J. PARRISH on 1 June 18439; Sarah Ann married William A. W. DEMPSEY abt. 1845; and Mary Salinas married George A. McGRAW on 1 June 1850, page 54, 7th entry.10
The 1850s
His oldest son Allen Alexander was working as a blacksmith in Greenbrier County in 1850 per the census.11 Elijah was a farmer with his wife Rachel and their seven younger children in Fayette County.
1850 U.S. Federal Census
Fayette County, (West) Virginia
The 14th District, Sheet 337A
Enumerated by me on the 26th day of July, 1850. T. B. Hamilton, Ass’t Marshal.
HH #94-94
Elijah Wood 43 M Farmer $700 Virginia
Rachel Wood 46 F Virginia cannot read & write
Turze Wood 18 F Virginia attended school
Simpson Wood 17 M Laborer Virginia attended school
Nancy Wood 15 F Virginia attended school
E. S. Wood 13 M Virginia attended school
Ann E. Wood 11 F Virginia attended school
Wm. Wood 8 M Virginia
Lewis Wood 5 M Virginia12
Elijah was seen purchasing one horse beast on 26 March 1853 at the estate sale of George R. JOHNSON13 and a small table, one hand saw, and three jugs on 13 August 1853 at the estate sale of William TERRY.14
During the 1850s six of Elijah’s children married: Allen Alexander married Margaret Ann HOOVER on 12 February 1851;15 Turze Lucresia “Turzey” married John H. NEAL in March 1855;16 Rebecca Ann married William W. RYAN on 25 December 1855;17 James Simpson married Ellen E. ALEXANDER on 1 June 1856;18 Nancy E. married Charles B. JOHNSON on 11 December 1856;19 and Elijah Stuart “Sty” married Margaret Virginia TOWNSEND before 1860.
During the 1850s Elijah WOOD wasn’t only a farmer. He was elected to the Office of the Constable in district No. 3 of Fayette County in 1852, 1854, and 1856 for two-year periods. He took legal oaths and entered into bonds as prescribed by law.20,21,22,23
The 1860s
The marriages of the children left Elijah and his wife with only their two youngest sons living at home and attending school in 1860.
1860 U.S. Federal Census
Fayette County, West Virginia
District No. 2, Page No. 11
Enumerated by me on the 11th day of June, 1860. P. Morton, Ass’t Marshal.
Fayetteville Post Office, Sheet No. 321
HH #76-69
Elijah Wood 53 M Farmer $2500 $500 Virginia
Rachel Wood 56 F Virginia
William Wood 18 M Farm Laborer Virginia attended school
Lewis L. Wood 15 M Farm Laborer Virginia attended school24
There were several deaths in the family in the 1860s. Elijah’s wife Rachel HONAKER died during the decade, his daughter Rebecca Ann died on 19 March 1866,25 and his sons-in-law, William A. W. DEMPSEY died about 1867 and George A. McGRAW about 1868.
Elijah’s son William Frederick married Martha Ann HESS on 4 February 1864.26 Elijah remarried Rachel Louisa McGRAW before the 1870 census, however, no marriage record has been found.
The 1870s
After the death of Elijah’s son-in-law William A. W. DEMPSEY, his widowed daughter Sarah Ann had to put her children in the care of her siblings and father. Elijah took in Eunice and John DEMPSEY.
1870 U.S. Federal Census
Fayette County, West Virginia
Mountain Cove Township, Page No. 99
Enumerated by me on the 14th day of July 1870. Wm. T. Lowry, Ass’t Marshal.
Fayetteville Post Office, Sheet No. 144A
HH #74-74
Wood, Elijah 63 M W Farmer $1300 $350 Virginia male US citizen over 21 yo
Wood, Rachael L. 45 F W Keeping House Virginia
Dempsey, Unis 14 F W At Home Virginia
Dempsey, John 12 M W Farm Laborer Virginia27
Two of Elijah’s daughters, both widowed, remarried in the 1870s. Mary Salinas married Michael Price ARBAUGH on 26 April 1871 28 and, following his death, she married Milton SIMS on 4 February 1876.29 His daughter Sarah Ann had planned to marry James R. REID (a marriage license was taken out on 27 November 1872 but not used)30 and seven weeks later married John M. FOX, a widower, on 14 January 1873.31
The 1880s
By 1880 Elijah’s granddaughter Eunice DEMPSEY who had been living in his household in 1870 had married.32 His grandsons John and Elijah DEMPSEY were living with him in 1880.33
1880 U.S. Federal Census
Fayette County, West Virginia
Mountain Cove, Page No. 21
Enumerated by me on the 10th day of June 1880. W. C. Miller, enumerator.
Enumeration District No. 30, Sheet No. 104A
HH #185-185
Wood, Elijah W M 73 Farmer WV WV WV
Wood, Rachel L. W F 54 wife married Keeping house WV WV VA Wife
Dempsey, Elijah W M 17 laborer single Farm laborer WV WV WV
Dempsey, Jno H. W M 22 laborer single Works in coal yard WV WV WV
McGraw, Polly W F 72 mother-in-law widowed Keeping house WV WV WV
Also in his household was his mother-in-law Polly McGRAW. Her presence in his household has been very helpful in proving that Elijah was married twice. The age difference in the 1870 and 1880 census for Rachel L. compared to the 1850 and 1860 for Elijah’s first wife Rachel suggested that Elijah was married twice – both ladies being named Rachel. Earlier census listings for Polly McGRAW show that she was the mother of Rachel Louisa McGRAW.34,35
1885 Last Will and Testament
Elijah WOOD left a last will and testament dated 14 March 1885. It was proven on 23 September 1885.36
Last Will and Testament of Elijah Wood Decd
I Elijah Wood in the name of God Amen do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament.
First: I direct that I shall be buried in a suitable manner in accordance
with my station in life.
Second: I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Rachel Louisa the home place
where I now live during her natural life, should she prefer that the place be
sold she is to receive one third of the proceeds of sale or so much thereof
as she may need for support. I also give to her one cow of her choice, one
hog of her choice, one bed and my kitchen furniture. I also give to her
interest on four hundred dollars of my personal estate or more if she should
need it during her life.
Third: I give and bequeath to my grandson John H. Dempsey my farm situate on
horse shoe Creek Consisting of two tracts containing Sixty acres more or less
and he is charged with the payment of one hundred Dollars to be paid to the
rest of my heirs but it is my wish and I direct that he shall not be
oppressed in the payment of said one hundred dollars. $100.00
Fourth: I give and bequeath to my grandson Elijah Lewis Dempsey one hundred
dollars to be paid out of my personal estate.
Fifth: I give and bequeath to my granddaughter Jerusha Rogers the sum of
fifty dollars to be paid out of my personal estate.
Sixth: I will and bequeath all the rest of my estate to my nine living
children Viz Allen A. Wood, Amanda J. Parrish, Sarah A. Fox, Mary Salina Sims,
Tersey Lucresia Neal, James S. Wood and Nancy E. Johnston, Elijah S. Wood, W. F.
Wood and I do make them the residuary legatees of my estate to them equally
portion and portion alike.
Seventh: I do appoint and constitute G. W. Imboden and James Simpson Wood my
son as the executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all
former wills by me made.
Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of March ad 1885
Elijah Wood seal
We the subscribing witnesses have this day witnessed the foregoing will
signed and declared by Elijah Wood as his Will and in his presence and signed
in the presence of each of us and we have signed in the presence of each
other this 14th day of March 1885.
Allen McGraw
George L. McClung
G. W. Imboden
In Vacation
In the office of the clerk of the county Court of Fayette County West
Virginia September 23, 1885.
This day the last Will and Testament of Elijah Wood late of this county
deceased was presented and offered for probate by James Simpson Wood one of
the Executors named in said will and after having upon oath the evidence of
Allen McGraw, George L. McClung and G. W. Imboden the three subscribing witnesses thereto as to the signature of said Elijah Wood deceased to said will and the genuineness of the same.
It is ordered that the said will be and the same is hereby admitted to
record.
And whereas the said G. W. Imboden the other executor named in said will
refused to qualify as such executor the said James Simpson Wood Executor
appointed and named as aforesaid Appeared and took the oath required by law
and together with J. A. Taylor and F. M. McClung his surety entered into and
acknowledged a bond in the penalty of six thousand dollars conditional
according to law And on motion of the said James Simpson Wood Executor as
aforesaid, Wm Deitz, Franklin Hess, and Wm Martin are hereby appointed
appraisers to appraise the personal estate of the said Elijah Wood deceased
and report to this office according to law.
Teste: E B Hawkins Clerk
Fayette County Court Clerks Office September 23rd 1885
The foregoing will was this day presented in my office proved by the oaths
of the subscribing witnesses thereto and admitted.
Elijah named his nine living children: Allen A. Wood, Amanda J. Parrish, Sarah A. Fox, Mary Salina Sims, Tersey Lucresia Neal, James S. Wood, Nancy E. Johnston, Elijah S. Wood, and W. F. Wood. His daughter Rebecca Ann was not named as she died in 1866. His son Lewis L. may have died between 1860 and 1885. No trace of him was found after the 1860 census. I believe it can be assumed that Lewis predeceased his father as he is not listed as one of the living children.
Elijah made bequeaths to John and Elijah Lewis DEMPSEY, sons of his daughter Sarah Ann, and to Jerusha ROGERS, daughter of his deceased daughter Rebecca Ann.
Elijah’s death record
Elijah WOOD, a white male farmer, died on 10 September 1885 in Fayette County, West Virginia. The cause of death was “hemorrhage.” His widow Rachel L. Wood, the informant, did not give the names of his parents.37
Getting back to his parentage
WOOD is a common surname in Old Virginia. I need to analyze the pre-1850 census listings for Greenbrier, Monroe, Nicholas, and Fayette counties for WOOD and WOODS.
The county lines were changing as new counties were being formed in Old Virginia. Woodville, now known as Ansted, once part of Greenbrier County, fell to Monroe County in 1799, to Nicholas County in 1818, and finally to Fayette County in 1831 as the counties were formed. The image quality of the census has gotten better over the last dozen or so years and I am finding some errors in the work I previously did on the census. I believe taking a new look, maybe even starting from scratch, might help. This project will be discussed in a later post.
I put out some feelers to see if other descendants of Elijah WOOD; of William WOOD, believed to be his father; or of Bailey WOOD Sr., believed to be Elijah’s grandfather may have some keys that will help unlock and push open the door in this brick wall!
Lyle LeMasters’ work has been used as a guide by many descendants of the WOOD families in the Fayette County, West Virginia, area. He did early census work and searched for land records, wills, etc. I am happy to say that he replied right away:
Hello, Cathy nice to talk to you again. There is no 100 percent proof without a will and all of the children or surviving grandchildren of a child being named. Elijah and 2 brothers being named in a relationship as you stated is proof but still does not establish their parents without one of them having a death record naming their parents. The same goes for Bailey Wood Sr. and some of his children selling land in a deed as their part of Bailey Wood Sr.’s estate. This is not 100 percent proof but they would have to be heirs or entitled to sell the land. No will for Bailey Wood Sr. was found to date to establish his children. Considering they were the only Wood family in that area while the others were using Woods helps but it is not 100 percent proof. The Bailey Wood Sr. land grants and the land sold also help prove a possible relationship of his heirs but not 100 percent.
And so the research to prove the parentage of Elijah WOOD continues.
This Post Was Updated on 9 April 2022: Missing source citations were added and some corrections were made to the text and format.
© 2014-2022, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.
- West Virginia Vital Research Records Project (database and images), West Virginia Division of Culture and History citing county records in county courthouses, West Virginia (A collaborative venture between the West Virginia State Archives and the Genealogical Society of Utah to place vital records online via the West Virginia Archives and History Web site accessible at https://archive.wvculture.org/vrr), West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 495643, image 130, West Virginia, Re-Index and Copy of Marriage Record No. 1–Nicholas County, line 6, 4 Jan 1925, Elijah Wood and Rachel Hannaker, married by Jno Campbell, citing Nicholas County. (http://images.wvculture.org/495643/00130.jpg : accessed 25 April 2013). ↩
- 1830 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8058/), citing Fifth Census of the United States, 1830 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C. NARA microfilm publication M19, 201 rolls, Roll 190, FHL Film 0029669, West Virginia, Greenbrier, page 209A&B, line 15, (Elijha) Elijah Wood (accessed 8 February 2022). ↩
- “Personal property tax lists, 1831-1850” (images), FamilySearch, Virginia Commissioner of the Revenue (Fayette County), microfilm of original records at the Virginia State Library in Richmond, Virginia, Film 2024536, DGS 7849112, image 22 of 589, 1831 page 20. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQK-19VN-9?i=21&cat=777450 : accessed 3 April 2022). ↩
- “West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971,” database with images, FamilySearch (digital images of originals housed at local county courthouse in West Virginia), Fayette > Will book, v. 001 1832-1866 > images 39-40 of 292 > page 55-57, sale bill of the personal property of William Wood (Elijah and Amos Wood were administrators). (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-C9SQ-97?cc=1909099&wc=M6DN-5NG%3A179689901%2C179689902 : accessed 3 April 2022). ↩
- 1840 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8057/), citing Sixth Census of the United States, 1840 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M704, 580 rolls, Roll 555, FHL Film 0029685, Virginia, Fayette, page 149 (stamped), line 4, Elijah Wood (accessed 8 February 2022). ↩
- West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971, Fayette > Will book, v. 001 1832-1866 > image 68 of 292; (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-C9S7-5W?cc=1909099&wc=M6DN-5NG%3A179689901%2C179689902 : accessed 3 April 2022) ↩
- Ibid., Fayette > Will book, v. 001 1832-1866 > image 72 of 292 (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-C9SW-WP?cc=1909099&wc=M6DN-5NG%3A179689901%2C179689902 : accessed 3 April 2022) ↩
- Ibid., Fayette > Will book, v. 001 1832-1866 > image 224 of 292 (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-C9SQ-5S?cc=1909099&wc=M6DN-5NG%3A179689901%2C179689902 : accessed 3 April 2022) ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, image 203, West Virginia, Fayette, page 28, entry 8, 1 June 1843, Joshua Parish Jr. and Amanda Wood, by W. Carnafix. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00203.jpg : accessed 8 February 2022). ↩
- Ibid., West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, image 217, West Virginia, Fayette County Register of Marriages, page 54, 7th entry, 1 Jun 1850, George A. McGraw and Mary S. Wood by Martin T. Bibb. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00217.jpg : accessed 3 April 2022). ↩
- 1850 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8054/), citing Seventh Census of the United States, 1850 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M432, 1009 rolls, Roll: 947, Virginia, Greenbrier, District 18, Sheet 235A (stamped), page 469, household 7-7, lines 7-22, Geo W Sydenstricker (accessed 3 April 2022). ↩
- Ibid., Roll: 943, Virginia, Fayette County, District 14, sheet 337A (stamped), household 94-94, lines 19-27, Elijah Wood (accessed 3 April 2022). ↩
- West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971, Fayette > Will book, v. 001 1832-1866 > image 258 of 292 (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-C9SQ-XL?cc=1909099&wc=M6DN-5NG%3A179689901%2C179689902 : accessed 3 April 2022) ↩
- Ibid., Fayette > Will book, v. 001 1832-1866 > image 262 of 292 (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-C9SQ-NY?cc=1909099&wc=M6DN-5NG%3A179689901%2C179689902 : accessed 3 April 2022) ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 595040, image 98, West Virginia, Register of Marriages in Greenbrier, page 14 (double-page spread), line 12, 10 Feb license, Alexander Wood and Margaret Ann Hoover, 12 Feb 1851 by James Remly. (http://images.wvculture.org/595040/00098.jpg : accessed 3 April 2022). ↩
- “Vital statistics, 1853-1860 of West Virginia,” (browse-only images), FamilySearch, citing microreproduction of original manuscripts at the Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia, Calhoun – Hampshire counties, Film 34485, DGS 7499353, Fayette County Register of Marriages 1855, image 135 of 554, no page number (double-page spread), line 12, March 1855, John Neal and Turze Wood. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89Z5-F8HB?i=134&cat=308753 : accessed 19 January 2022). ↩
- Ibid., Fayette County Register of Marriages 1855, image 135 of 554, no page number (double-page spread), line 38, 25 Dec 1855, William W. Ryan and Rebecca A. Wood. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89Z5-F8HB?i=134&cat=308753 : accessed 19 January 2022). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 521720, image 14, West Virginia, Kanawha County Register of Marriages, page 9 (double-page spread), line 53, 1 Jun 1856, James S. Wood and Ellen E. Alexander. (http://images.wvculture.org/521720/00014.jpg : accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- Vital statistics, 1853-1860 of West Virginia, Calhoun – Hampshire counties, Film 34485, DGS 7499353, Fayette County Register of Marriages 1855, image 137 of 554, no page number (double-page spread), line 29, 11 Dec 1856, Chas. Johnson and Nancy E. Wood. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Z5-FZXH?i=136 : accessed 6 December 2020). ↩
- Lyle LeMasters, email dated 21 April 2014, Re: Feedback received from your friend for “52 Ancestors: #16 Elijah WOOD abt. 1806-1885,” These were the bonds for Elijah being a Justice of the Peace in Fayette County: 10 June 1852 Elijah Wood to VA Comwth Bond Bk D pg 332, 15 June 1854 Elijah Wood to VA Comwth Bond Bk D pg 539, 12 June 1856 Elijah Wood to VA Comwth Bond Bk D pg 713. Note: I have not located the VA Comwth Bond Bk cited by Lyle. However, I found entries in the court minutes and order books to confirm the bonds were entered into. ↩
- “Court minutes and order books, 1837-1928,” browse-only images, FamilySearch, citing microfilm of original records at the Fayette County, West Virginia courthouse., Film 585503, DGS 8613698, Minute books, v. 3-4 1848-1861, image 107 of 393, page 489, June Court 1852, last entry, 10 June 1852 Elijah Wood took oaths and entered into a bond for his election to the Office of the Constable in district 3. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34C-1P9M?i=106&cat=100698 : accessed 4 April 2022). ↩
- Ibid., image 173 of 393, page 611, June Court 1852, 5th entry, 15 June 1854, Elijah Wood took oaths and entered into a bond for his election as constable in District 3. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34C-1G5M?i=172&cat=100698 : accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- Ibid., image 229 of 393, page 720, June Court 1856, 4th entry, 12 June 1856, Elijah Wood took oaths and entered into a bond for his election as constable in District 3. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34C-1GB9?i=228&cat=100698 : accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- 1860 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7667/), citing Eighth Census of the United States, 1860 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls, Roll M653_1344, FHL 805344, Virginia, Fayette County, District 2, page 11, sheet 321, household 76-69, lines 20-23, Elijah Wood(accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, FHL microfilm 584755, image 86, Fayette County Register of Death 1866, page 2-3 (double-page spread), line 29, 19 March 1866, Rebecca A. Ryan, Mountain Cove. (http://images.wvculture.org/584755/00086.jpg : accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- Rhoda Applegate, letter to Eli J. Harrah dated 2 February 1990, sent by Vernon Fox to Sherranlynn Kincaid Nichols (received 15 August 1998). William Frederick Wood mar. Martha Hess 4 Feb 1864, they were first cousins. ↩
- 1870 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/), citing Ninth Census of the United States, 1870 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication T132, 13 rolls, Roll: M593_1686; West Virginia, Fayette County, Mountain Cove, page 11, sheet 144A (stamped 144), household 74-74, lines 31-34, Elijah Wood (accessed 21 January 2022). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, image 225, Fayette County Register of Marriages, page 15 (double-page spread), line 21, 26 April 1871, Michael P. Arbaugh and Mary S. McGraw, married by I.C. Cavendish. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00255.jpg : accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- Ibid., West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, image 269, Fayette County Register of Marriages, page 28 (double-page spread), line 22, 4 Feb 1876, Milton Sims and Mary S. Arbaugh married by I.C. Cavendish. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00269.jpg : accessed 5 April 2022). ↩
- Ibid., West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, image 260, West Virginia, Fayette County Register of Marriages, page 20, entry 17, 27 Nov 1872, James R. Reid and Sarah Ann Wood (marked out) Dempsey, citing Fayette County, West Virginia. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00260.jpg : accessed 9 February 2022). ↩
- Ibid., West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, image 260, West Virginia, Fayette County Register of Marriages, page 20, entry 32, 14 Jan 1873, John M. Fox and Sarah A. Dempsey, citing Fayette County, West Virginia. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00260.jpg : accessed 9 February 2022). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 584764, Fayette, West Virginia, Register of Marriage 1873, image 261, page 21, line 9, John I. Skaggs and Eunice Dempsey, 11 May 1873, citing Fayette County, West Virginia. (http://images.wvculture.org/584764/00261.jpg : accessed 21 January 2022). ↩
- 1880 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/), citing Tenth Census of the United States, 1880 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls, Roll: 1402, West Virginia, Fayette County, Mountain Cove, enumeration district 30, sheet 104A, household 185-185, lines 16-20, Elijah Wood (accessed 9 February 2022). ↩
- 1850 U.S. Federal Census, Roll: M432_943, Image: 281+282. Virginia, Fayette, District 14, sheets 338A+B (stamped), household 107-107, Henry McGraw (accessed 7 September 2014). ↩
- 1860 U.S. Federal Census, Roll: M653_1344, FHL Film: 805344, Virginia, Fayette County, District 3, page 100, sheet 410 (handwritten), household 743-680, lines 17-22, Henry McGraw (accessed 7 September 2014). ↩
- West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971, Fayette County Will books, 1832-1969 > Fayette Will book, v. 03 1885-1901 > image 33+34 of 274 (pages 7+8) > 1885 Elijah Wood. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-18272-69978-57?cc=1909099&wc=10916503 : accessed 8 February 2022). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, FHL microfilm 584755, image 291, West Virginia, Fayette County Register of Death, page 342-343 (stamped) line 73, Elijah Wood, 10 Sep 1885, citing Fayette County, West Virginia. (http://images.wvculture.org/584755/00291.jpg : accessed 9 February 2022). ↩
Opening Doors in Brick Walls 
