Ebenezer Wilford Woods

EARLY DAYS IN GREENBUSH

Ebenezer Wilford Woods

E. W. Woods was born in Sullivan, Madison county, New York, September 16, 1818. He was a son of Asa and Mary (WILFORD) Woods and a grandson of Samuel and Phebe (Holten) Woods. His maternal grandparents were John and Anna (Blackstone) Wilford, both natives of England. Mr. Woods came with his father from New York to what is now known as Avon, in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1836. He says when they arrived they found David Young and James Simmons digging a well for Ira Woods. Mr. Woods, the subject of this sketch, was married in Greenbush township, Warren county, Illinois, to Rhoda M. Butler, January 6, 1853. She was born in Gallia county, Ohio, January 6, 1830, and was a daughter of Col. John and Mary (Adney) Butler.

To Mr. and Mrs. Woods were born the following-named children:

Mary, born October 25, 1853; died October 4, 1854.
Ezra B., born November 27, 1854; married Carrie Lovejoy, who died March 4, 1897. His second marriage was to Kate Lester, October 14, 1899.
Willis R., born March 9, 1857; married Priscilla Van Velsor, December 25, 1885.
Amelia A., born March 13, 1859; married John E. Meitchel, April 4, 1877. She died March 8, 1892.
Olevia E., born February 22, 1861.
John A., born March 7, 1863; married Dora Simmons, August 14, 1886.
Edwin S., born March 19, 1865; married Nettie Austin, January 19, 1887.
Sarah B., born May 4, 1867; married Artie Lincoln, August 26, 1885.
Minnie C., born November 11, 1869; married John E. Meitchel, July 8, 1894.

By occupation Mr. Woods is a farmer. In his younger days he worked some at the carpenter trade; he also made the first woodwork of a wagon in the country. This wagon was ironed by his cousin and traded to McMahon who then kept store in Greenbush. Politically Mr. Woods votes the republican ticket.