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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Calhoun County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. B. Wood. Among the numerous young men of Calhoun County who have successfully fought the battle of life, and are now ranked among the leading citizens, may be mentioned Mr. J. B. Wood, treasurer of this county, who was born in Arkansas in 1851, the fifth in a family of twelve children born to William and Mary (Ware) Wood, natives of Mississippi, in which State the father followed farming until 1840, when he came to Arkansas, and settled near where Summerville is now built; here he entered a tract of land, and also bought some from a Mr. Nelson. He cleared about 400 acres and made a pleasant home, and lived here until his death in 1877. The mother died in 1878. The father and mother were members of the Baptist Church, and were zealous workers in the same. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving a fair education at the common country schools, and remained at home until he attained his majority, and then engaged in the sawmill business in Franklin Township. In 1875 he bought a farm of 120 acres in this township, to which he has since added, until now he owns 216 acres, seventy-five of which he has under an excellent state of cultivation, and has made many other improvements on the place. In 1885, in partnership with his brother, S. V. Wood, he started a general store at Summerville, under the firm name of S. V. Wood & Co.; here they do a large and constantly increasing business. In 1886 he built a new saw and grist mill at Hampton, well equipped with the latest improved machinery and furnishings. He has taken an active interest in politics, and affiliates with the Democratic party. In 1886 he was elected treasurer of this county, and in 1888 was re-elected without the slightest effort on his part. Mr. Wood was married in 1875 to Miss Susie B. Frost, a native of Calhoun County, and daughter of J. W. Frost, a pioneer in this county. The result of this union was six children, viz.: Lucy E., William W., Ralda, Leroy and Norma, and Vera (who died at the age of three years). The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both Mr. and Mrs. Wood are zealous workers in both church and Sunday-school, Mr. Wood being superintendent of the latter. Mr. Wood is one of the active citizens of this section, always striving to assist in all worthy enterprises.

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This family biography is one of 67 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Calhoun County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Calhoun County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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