My Genealogy Hound

William Underwood. Prominently identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of Polk County, Mo., stands the name of Mr. Underwood, who was born in Roane County, Tenn., October 29, 1840, and is the son of Enoch and Sally (Owens) Underwood. Enoch Underwood was born in Spartinburgh district, S. C, in 1802, and was the son of John and Jennie (Utley) Underwood. He moved at an early age with his parents to Roane County, Tenn., and there attained his majority. He was married in that county, and there remained engaged in farming until 1842, when he emigrated to Polk County, Mo., where he still continued agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the Christian Church, and died in Polk County, February 16, 1879. His wife, Mrs. Sally (Owens) Underwood, was born February 22, 1802, in Roane County, Tenn., and grew to womanhood there. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, four now living. Mrs. Underwood is still living, and is a member of the Christian Church. The paternal grandparents were natives of Tennessee, and died in Roane County of that State. They had ten children. The paternal grandfather, Edward Owens, was probably born in Virginia or Carolina. He married Elizabeth Sumpter in Virginia, and afterward moved to Tennessee, where they received their final summons. They were the parents of twelve children, only one now living. Elizabeth Sumpter’s father, William Sumpter, lived in Virginia, and there married Miss Margaret Hoskins. He was a brother of old Gen. Sumpter, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, under Gen. Washington. William Underwood, subject of this sketch, came with his parents to Polk County, Mo., in 1842, and grew to manhood in that county. He received his education in the common schools, but ill-health prevented him from advancing very far in his studies. He was married in March, 1866, to Miss Martha Fox, daughter of John and Jane (Wollard) Fox. Mrs. Fox was born in Polk County, Mo., May 28, 1846, and grew to womanhood in that county. She became the mother of fourteen children by her marriage, thirteen now living: Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Crane; Margaret A., Enoch S. (deceased), John F., James C, William M., Thomas W., Lizzie M., Esther Pearl, German N., Dolly, Robert M. and Gracie C. (twins), and Benjamin H. In 1862 Mr. Underwood entered the Union army and served three years. After the war he returned to Polk County, where, as mentioned above, he was married. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the following orders: A. F. & A. M., K. of P. and the
G. A. R. He and wife are members of the church.