Father: Joseph Bonham
Mother: Naomi Parke
Spouse: John Fitzinger (Jehu) Woods - b: 12/Apr/1777
- Augusta Co., VA
d: Oct/1857 - Pulaski Co., KY
m: 17/Sep/1801 - Wythe Co., VA
Child-1: Margaret Hannah
2: Robert
Harvey - b: 14/Apr/1806 - VA
d: 23/Aug/1880 - Grayson Co., VA - bur: Woods Cem.
m: Samantha Adeline Perkins - 2/Jun/1846 - Ashe Co., NC
3: Benjamin
- b: ~1808 - VA
4: Arminia
(Mina) - b: ~1809 - VA
d: ~1869 - Pulaski Co., KY - bur: Anderson Farm Cem.
m: Moses Greer - 8/Apr/1823
m: Thomas Adams - 16/Oct/1848 - Pulaski Co., KY
5: Caroline
Evaline - b: ~1811 - VA
m: Samuel Perkins - 31/Mar/1825 - Grayson Co., VA
6: Melvina
- b: ~1813 - VA - d: Pulaski Co., KY
m: William Manson Greer - Feb/1834
7: Joseph
Morgan - b: ~1815
m: Lucinda Perkins - 22/Aug/1833 - Grayson Co., VA
8: Silas
D. - b: 13/Sep/1818 - VA
d: 29/Nov/1856 - Pulaski Co., KY - bur: Anderson Farm Cem.
m: Emily A. Ferrel
9: Wesley
B. - b: ~1820 - VA
m: Elizabeth Price
10: Granville P.
- b: 8/Dec/1824 - Grayson Co., VA
d: 31/Aug/1908 - Harrisonville, Cass Co., MO - bur: Oakland
Cem.
m: Deniza Hubble - 24/Jul/1845 - Pulaski Co., KY
Biographical Details:
The birth date of Elizabeth (Betsy) Bonham has been given by different researchers as either August 8 or August 20, 1781. The reason for this discrepancy is not known, but it is likely due to poor legibility of some particular handwritten record. She was the daughter of Joseph and Naomi Parke Bonham and was almost certainly born in Loudoun County, Virginia, later coming as a child to southwestern Virginia. Elizabeth Bonham and John Fitzinger Woods were married in Wythe County on September 17, 1801, and subsequently settled in Grayson County, Virginia. He seems also to have been called "Jehu"; however, if true, it would be an anomolous usage since Jehu is a Biblical proper name in its own right and has rarely, if ever, been used as a diminuative for John. Concomitantly, Mr. Earl C. Woods of Columbia, South Carolina, a direct descendant of John and Betsy Woods, has definitely attributed nine children to them.1 Other researchers also include one additional child, Margaret Hannah, who was born about 1802 and, hence, would have been their oldest daughter. The implied chronology is certainly plausible. Moreover, four of the Woods children, including the putative Margaret Hannah, married into the extended Perkins family, which in the early nineteenth century was quite numerous in Grayson County and neighboring Ashe County, North Carolina. Of course, this by no means proves a relationship between Margaret Hannah Woods and John and Betsy Bonham Woods, but it is strongly suggestive of one. Within this context, it is known that Stephen Thomas and Margaret Hannah Perkins left Virginia and settled near some of his relatives in north central Illinois in the spring of 1835. Along with that of his brother-in-law, William Bonham, the name of John Woods appeared frequently in the civil records of Grayson County after the year 1800. Accordingly, John was assessed personal property tax on one tithable and one horse in 1805 and on two tithables and three horses in 1810. Within this context, it is not clear to whom the second tithable might correspond since John and Elizabeth Bonham Woods had no sons above sixteen years of age at that time. Subsequently, he was called to serve on grand juries in 1811 and 1813.2 John was, again, assessed tax one one tithable in the years 1813 and 1817 and also, respectively, on three and five horses. The household of John Woods was listed in the population schedule of the 1820 US Census for Grayson County and at that time included ten individuals, viz., an adult male and a adult female both between twenty-six and forty-five years of age, two older boys and a girl between ten and sixteen years, and three boys and two girls less than ten. Obviously, the adult couple can be safely identified as John F. and Elizabeth Bonham Woods themselves. Moreover, the remaining eight individuals correspond exactly with the known family of John and Betsy Woods, i.e., the children under ten should be identified as Evaline, Melvina, Joseph, Silas, and Wesley, and those above ten as Robert Harvey, Benjamin, and Arminia. Furthermore, if Margaret Hannah Woods was, indeed, John and Betsy's oldest daughter, her absence does not constitute an inconsistency because she almost certainly would not have been living with her parents in 1820 since civil records indicate that she married Stephen Thomas Perkins in 1818. Concomitantly, in 1821 John Woods gave testimony in court on behalf of his brother-in-law, Noah Greer. Likewise, he was assessed tax in 1824 on two tithables and six horses and in 1828 on three tithables and four horses. Within this context, it would seem clear that in 1824 the two tithables must have corresponded to John and his oldest son, Robert H., who would have been eighteen years old in that year and that by 1828 his second son, Benjamin, would have also been older than sixteen and, thus, would correspond to a third tithable.Source Notes and Citations:John Woods was issued a land grant for thirty acres in Grayson County on November 1, 1817, and a second grant for sixty acres on June 17, 1824.3 It is almost certain that these do not represent the entirety of his land holdings, but they do serve to specify the location of his farm as being on Big Fox Creek. In addition, the second grant mentions Isaiah Williams as a neighboring property owner. Moreover, it would seem that they must have had some kind of dispute since there is a court record of a lawsuit between them in 1826.4 (In addition, Isaiah Williams had been plaintiff against Noah Greer and Stephen Anderson in 1821.) In 1830, the household of John Woods was, again, included in the Grayson County population schedule. Accordingly, John can be identified as an adult male between fifty and sixty years of age and Elizabeth (Betsy) as an adult female between forty and fifty years. Moreover, it seems that John and Betsy's two oldest sons remained unmarried at the time of the census and, hence, can be identified with two young adult males between the ages of twenty and thirty. Furthermore, although there is some small discrepancy in indicated ages, it seems a reasonable presumption that the four youngest males corresponded to sons, Joseph, Silas, Wesley, and Granville. Concomitantly, since daughters, Arminia and Evaline, had already married, the adolescent female between fifteen and twenty years of age should be identified as Melvina. This leaves unidentified one female between twenty and thirty years of age. Even so, this is of little consequence and she probably corresponds to a relative or, perhaps, a domestic servant. Subsequently, in 1835 John Woods was assessed personal property tax in Grayson County on two tithables and four horses. In this and prior tax lists he had no assessment for slaves. John was also issued an additional land grant for sixty-five acres on November 30, 1838, which was linked to a number of grants made to members of the Perkins family at the same time and under the same Land Office Treasury Warrant number 14073; however, the nature of the relationship, if any, remains unclear. Nevertheless, this is consistent with there having been a close relationship between the Woods, Bonham, and Perkins families. According to family tradition, sometime after 1840 John F. and Elizabeth Bonham Woods left Grayson County and migrated to Pulaski County, Kentucky. Even so, several of their married children apparently remained behind in Virginia.5 (In contrast, their oldest daughter, Margaret Hannah, married Stephen Thomas Perkins, son of Timothy and Tabitha Anderson Perkins, and migrated to north central Illinois along with a number of other Bonham and Perkins relatives.) Their motivation for such a move remains unknown, but as was common with pioneers, they were probably trying to secure a better future, if not for themselves, then for their children and grandchildren. Within this context, the household of John F. Woods has not been identified in any 1840 census records. However, John and Elizabeth were listed in the population schedule of the 1850 US Census for Pulaski County. In addition, the families of their three youngest sons, Silas, Wesley, and Granville, and their youngest daughter, Melvina, appeared on adjoining lines of the same page. Of course, this implies that they were living in very close proximity. Furthermore, from the ages and birthplaces given for various grandchildren, one can infer that the extended Woods family must have left Virginia about 1845 or 1846, perhaps, in more than one group. Concomitantly, in January of 1852 the Kentucky General Assembly mandated collection of vital statistics by county tax assessors. Accordingly, in 1856 the death from typhoid fever of Silas D. Woods, age thirty-eight, was recorded in Pulaski County; however his birth place was noted as Franklin County, Virginia, which is almost certainly incorrect. (In addition, births of several grandchildren of John F. and Elizabeth Woods were also included in these records.) Similarly, it is believed that John F. Woods died in October of 1857; however, his death was apparently not recorded. Elizabeth Bonham Woods died on December 12, 1863, and was reportedly buried in the Anderson Farm Cemetery in Pulaski County.
1. "Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 - I saw your entry on John F. Woods who married Elizabeth Bonham - Pulaski Co., Ky. John Fitzinger Woods is my 2gr. grandfather, who married Elizabeth "Betsy" Bonham in Wythe Co., Va. 17 Sep 1801. They settled in Grayson Co., Va. and had the following children:
1. Robert Harvey Woods 1806-1880 (my grandfather)
2. Benjamin ca 1808
3. Arminia ca 1809-1869
4. Caroline Evaline ca 1811
5. Melvina ca 1813
6. Joseph Morgan ca 1815
7. Wesley B. ca 1820
8. Silas D. ca 1822-1856
9. Granville F. ca 1824- 1908
John F. Woods and family migrated from Grayson Co., Va. to Pulaski Co., Ky. in the 1830/40 era. Leaving behind Robert Harvey Woods."
(Earl C. Woods to Monty Lee, electronic communication.) (Monty Lee; database - montylee; worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com, 2002.)
back to bio.2. "At a Superior Court began and held for the County of Grayson on Monday the 14th day of October 1811.
The following persons were returned as Grand Jurors to wit, Minitree Jones, Peter Anderson, Stephen Perkins, William Bonham, John Woods, Shadrack Greer, Andrew Hunton, Randolph Collins, Daniel McPherson, Stephen Stone, Dudley Hail, Charles Rowark, Francis Hail, Abraham Noblett, Annuel Edwards, Hyram Wills, George Keith, John Collins, Enoch Cox, David Cox, Thomas Johnson, and Richard Lundy, who being sworn received a charge from the court, and returned to consider of their presentments and after some time returned into court and were adjourned untill tomorrow morning 10 o'clock.""At a Superior Court of law held for the county of Grayson on Monday the 17th day of May 1813. Present: Peter Johnston, Esqr., Judge.
The following persons were returned as grand jury to wit: Joshua Stoneman, William Hail, John Fielder, John Welsh, William McKnight, Lewis Hail, Richard Hail, John Woods, Jacob Sprecker, Stephn Bourn, Jr., Daniel Keith, Stephen Hail, Mahlon Collins, Nimrod Moore, Joshua Hanks, Elisha Bedwell, Dudley Hail, Stephen Stone, Dennis Fielder, Jonathan Thomas, Francis Hail and William Bonham, who being sworn received a charge from the court and retired to consider their presentments and after some time returned into court and made presentments in the following words, to wit: 'We the grand jury impanneled for the county of Grayson do present David Cornutt for a breach of the peace by beating and abusing a certain Jesse Vaughn, both labourers of Grayson County at the house of Stephen Hail, on the third day of April last by information of Richmond Hail and Stephen Hail two of our own body.
Also do present Capt. John Hash of this county for a breach of the peace by beating and abusing of a certain John Woods of this county, farmer on the third day of April last by information of William Bonham one of our own body and Nathaniel Farmer sent for by the grand jury.
A bill of indictment against Andrew Hash for an assault.
A bill of indictment against John Farmer for an assault.
And a bill of indictment against John K. Cunningham for an assault indorsed true bills, and having nothing further to present were discharged.'""At a court begun and held for Grayson County on Monday the 15th day of October 1821. ... Tuesday the 16th Court sat according to adjournment Present same judge as yesterday"
"Isaiah Williams, plantiff v Noah Greer and Stephen Anderson, Defts, Case
John Woods came into court and undertook for the defendant Noah Greer that he shall pay and satisify judgment of the court in case he is cast or render his body to prison in execution for the same or that he the said John Woods will pay it for him whereupon the said defendant, filed a general demurrer to the plantiffs declaration and plead not guilty and the cause is continued and it is ordered that capias be awarded against the defendant Stephen Anderson and that on the execution thereof the sheriff be directed to take bail in the sum of five hundred dollars." (Superior Court Order Bk., 1809-1832, Grayson Co., VA, pg. unk., Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - City and County Records #28). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.))
back to bio.3a. James P. Preston Esqr Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting: Know ye, That in Conformity with a survey made on the 19th day of May 1815, by virtue of a Land Office Treasury Warrant No 16444, issued the 14th day of May 1783; There is granted by the said Commonwealth unto John Woods, A certain Tract or parcel of Land, containing Thirty acres, situate in the County of Grayson on the waters of Big Fox Creek on the South end of Raiser's ridge and bounded as followeth towit: Beginning at a white oak by a branch; North twenty four poles to a white oak sapling; North five degrees West forty poles to a spanish oak on the side of a hill; North thirty five degrees East twenty two poles to a chestnut tree on the side of a ridge; North eighty degrees West twenty poles to a white oak and chestnut tree on the side of a hill; South fifty five degrees West seventy four poles to three white oaks on a ridge; and thence South fifty degrees East eighty six poles to the beginning.
To have and to hold the said Tract or parcel of Land with its appurtenances, to the said John Woods and his heirs forever.
In Witness Whereof the said James P. Preston Esqr Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia hath hereunto set his hand and caused the lesser seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond on the First day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, and of the Commonwealth the forty second. /s/ James P. Preston (Land Office Grants, Bk. 67, pgs. 28-9, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Land Office Grants and Patents #133).)b. James Pleasants Junr Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia: To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: Know Ye, That in conformity with a Survey made on the Twentieth day of November 1817, By virtue of Land Office Treasury warrant No 535 issued June 18th 1794, there is granted by the said Commonwealth, unto John Woods A certain Tract or Parcel of Land, containing Sixty acres, Situate in the County of Grayson on big Fox Creek and bounded as followeth to wit, Beginning at a spruce pine by a branch corner to said Woods one hundred and thirty nine acres Survey and in a line of Isaiah Williams' Survey; Thence with the Williams line N 16º W 100 poles to a chestnut Tree on the side of a hill Thence leaving Williams' line N 70º E 20 to a birch by a Gully S 54º E 24 poles to a spanish Oak on the side of a hill N 57º E 16 poles to a pine on the bank of big Fox Creek S 50º E 34 poles down the Creek and crossing the same to a pine and white Oak on the bank of said Creek N 60º E 62 poles to a Chestnut Oak on the side of a hill S 15º E 72 poles to a white Oak near the Creek corner to said Woods one hundred and fifty acres Survey S 68º W 47 poles to an ash and white pine on the bank of said Creek N 60º W 34 poles to a forked white Oak west 28 poles to a poplar N 2º E 62 to a stake and Thence S 50º W 40 poles to the Beginning;---To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of Land, with its appurtenances, to the said John Woods, and his heirs forever.
In witness whereof, the said James Pleasants Jun. Esq. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto set his Hand, and caused the lesser Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed, at Richmond, on the Seventeenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty-four and of the Commonwealth the Forty Eighth /s/ James Pleasants Jr (Land Office Grants, Bk. 73, pg. 211, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Land Office Grants and Patents #139).)c. DAVID CAMPBELL, ESQUIRE, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia: TO ALL TO WHOM these Presents shall come, GREETING: KNOW YE, That in conformity with a Survey, made on the 29th day of May 1838 by virtue of Land Office Treasury Warrant No 14073 there is granted by the said Commonwealth, unto John Woods A certain Tract or Parcel of Land, containing Sixty five acres situate in Grayson County on the waters of big Fox Creek and bounded as follows--Beginning at a red oak on a ridge, S 5 W 100 poles to two chestnut trees S 50 E 57 poles to a red oak, chestnut, chestnut oak & dogwood on the point of a ridge by rocks N 80 poles to a white oak & spruce pine by a branch N 45º E 52 poles to a chestnut cucumber & spanish oak on the side of a hill, N 75 W 50 poles to a white oak on a Knob N 20 W 36 poles to a chestnut oak on the side of a hill, S 63 W 106 poles to a white oak near a branch S 42 W 50 poles to a white oak on the side of a hill, S 50 E 36 poles to a white oak on the side of a hill, N 80 E 20 poles to a spanish oak N 40 E 105 poles to the Beginning, with its appurtenances. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Tract or Parcel of Land, with its appurtenances, to the said John Woods and his heirs forever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said DAVID CAMPBELL, ESQUIRE, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto set his Hand, and caused the Lesser Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed, at Richmond, on the 30th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty 8 and of the Commonwealth the 63rd /s/ David Campbell (Land Office Grants, Bk. 89, pg. 284, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Land Office Grants and Patents #155).)
back to bio.4. "March 1826 ... John Woods vs Isaiah Williams In case by consent this cause is refered to the final determination of Isaac Greer, Stephen Hail Jr, Jonathan Thomas and Isaiah Jones or an unfrier (sic - umpire) by them chosen whose award is to be made the Judgment of the court."
"June 1826 ... John Woods vs Josiah (Isaiah?) Williams in case. An award being returned in persuance of an Order of Referance. Judgment is granted the defendant against the plaintiff for costs in persuance thereof." (Order Bk., 1826-1832, Grayson Co., VA, pgs. 12 & 25, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - City and County Records #14). (Darlene Anderson (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.))
back to bio.5. Jeffrey C. Weaver and James J. Stamper, "Annotated 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Grayson County - Wilson District", Grayson County Hist. Soc., P. O. Box 529, Independence, VA, 24348, 2003.
"[This was family 915 in the 1860 Grayson Co., VA Census. George Sells was s/o William (b. ca. 1810) and Sally Sells (b. ca. 1822). He served in Co. D, 50th VA Infantry and was wounded at Chancellorsville. His siblings were William F., b. ca. 1837, Daniel J. b. ca. 1839 and John M. b. ca. 1845, and Sarah Ann b. ca. 1846.]"
414. Woods, Robert H. 64 Farmer 800 889 Samantha 38 William W. 9 Joseph A. 3 Charles 4½ Sells, George 25 Roberts, Celia 17
"[Samuel Perkins Md. Evaline Woods, d/o John Woods, 3/31/1825. Other children were Ambrose b. ca. 1830, Ruth b. ca. 1832, Hester Ann b. ca. 1834, Zadock b. ca. 1836, Marshall b. ca. 1838, Virginia b. ca. 1840, Elizabeth b. ca. 1842, Robert b. ca. 1844 and twins Eleaner and Orleans b. ca. 1850.]"
163. Perkins, Samuel 64 Farmer 1050 583 (Woods) Evaline 58 Jane 21 Ellen 20 Clodfelter, John 15
"[Stephen Perkins, was probably the s/o Samuel Perkins and Evaline Woods, Md. Martha Testerman, 11/20/1847, Ashe Co., NC. Stephen Perkins served in the Grayson Co. Militia, CSA.]" (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/va/1870wcdi.htm, 2003.)
166. Perkins, Stephen 43 Farmer 900 420 (Testerman), Martha 41 NC Wyley W. 18 Shadrick K. 16 Lucy E. 14 Caroline 12 Elbert 9 Samantha 4 Leander 2
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
6. 1820 US Census Population Schedule for Grayson County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 54, (microfilm roll - M33_131; img. 67).7. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Grayson County, Virginia, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 283, (microfilm roll - M19_190; img. 569).
8. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Pulaski County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 50B, (microfilm roll - M432_217; img. 227).
9. 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Pulaski County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 232, (microfilm roll - M653_393; img. 233).
10. Marriage Register, Bk. 1, Wythe Co., VA, pg. unk., Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: rolls - City and County Records #29 & #60).
11. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1805, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #139). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
12. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1810, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #139). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
13. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1813, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #139). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
14. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1817, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #139). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
15. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1824, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #139). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
16. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1828, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #140). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
17. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1835, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #140). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
18. Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, Pulaski County, Somerset, KY: 1852-1859, (Kentucky State Archives Film #994053: KY Birth, Marriage, and Death Records (1852-1910); Powell-Rowan Counties). (Valerie Davis (comp.), Pulaski County KYGenWeb Archives, 2000.)
19. Greenfield Cemetery, Bureau County, Illinois (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1019885&CScn=Greenfield&CScntry=4&CSst=16&CScnty=695&, continuously updated).
20. Oakland Cemetery, Cass County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1529211&CScn=Oakland&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1415&, continuously updated).
21. Trula Fay Parks Purkey, Genealogy of William Bonham, Pioneer Settler of Grayson County, Virginia, 731 Rockbridge Rd., Trout Dale, VA, 1984: pg. 28.