Second Immigrant Generation
Descendents of Andrew Grey (ca 1785-94 – after 1861)
and 1. Mary Watson (unknown– aboard D'arcy summer, 1836)
and 2. Sarah Burgess ( ca 1810 – 11 Nov 1896)
First immigrant Generation
DESCENDANTS OF PETER WOOD (UNKNOWN)
AND JANET "JESSIE" CLEGHORN (19TH APR 1805 - AFTER 1880)
First Immigrant Generation
1. Peter Wood
Born Approx 1796 in Scotland. Died Before 1851 in Scotland. Occupation Mason.
Peter died in Scotland before his family came to New Brunswick. His son Peter was born in Scotland in 1829, and from IGI records, Peter (the father) married Jessie Cleghorn in July 1833.
He married Janet "Jessie" Cleghorn, daughter of George Cleghorn & Jane Dickson, 28 Jul 1833 in Eckford, Roxburgh, Scotland. Born 19 Apr 1805 in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Christen 19 May 1805 in Eckford, Roxburghshire, Scotland. Died After 1880.
From parochial registers of Eckford in Roxburghshire: "1805 George Cleghorn Labourer in Waterfoot & Jane Dickson his wife their Child born the 19th April 1805 & Baptized the 19th May 1805 named Janet."
Jessie and her son George are listed in the 1861 Census for Manners Sutton, York Co., NB. Jessie was widowed, head of family, 55 years of age, Scotch, farmer, Presbyterian; and George, son, 22, Scotch.
Jessie and her son George are not listed in the 1851 Census, so it is assumed that they entered NB between 1851 and 1861.
Jessie, age 75 years, was living with her son Alexander H. Wood in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts in the 1880 United States Census. (Family History Library Film 1254561, NA Film # T9-0561, Page #38D.)
Jessie possibly died in Boston.
They had the following children:
2 i. Peter Wood
3 ii. Alexander H. Wood Sr.
4 iii. George Wood
DESCENDANTS OF PETER WOOD (UNKNOWN)AND JANET "JESSIE" CLEGHORN (19TH APR 1805 - AFTER 1880)
Second Immigrant Generation
2. Peter Wood
Son of Peter Wood & Janet "Jessie" Cleghorn. Born 13 Jul 1829 in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Christen 13 Sep 1829 in Eckford, Roxburghshire. Died 15 Oct 1897 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer and Land Surveyor.
From parochial registers of Eckford in Roxburghshire (Researched by Bruce Elliott, 2004): "Peter Wood Mason in Kirk Cottage & Janet Cleghorn Waterfoot both unmarried persons their child born the 13th July 1829 & Baptized the 13th of Septr 1829 named Peter."
(Birth, marriage and death dates copied from Wood family Bible, by Shirley McGee, August 1995.)
Peter died 15 Oct 1897, age 68 yrs. 2 mo. 15 days.
Surname has various spellings, Moffat, Moffit and Moffitt. Some of the older records has Moffat. More recent spelling is Moffitt.
Mary died 19 May 1904, age 74 yrs. 9 mo. 24 days.
They had the following children:
5 i. Peter Wood
6 ii. Janet "Jeanette" Wood
7 iii. John Wood
8 iv. Jessie Cleghorn Wood
9 v. Mary Wood
10 vi. Julia Ann Cecilia Wood
11 vii. George Thomas Wood
12 viii. Elizabeth Scott Wood
Supplemental Material
Last will and testament of Peter Wood, son of Peter Wood & Janet "Jessie" Cleghorn (b 13 Jul 1829 in Roxburghshire, Scotland. d 15 Oct 1897, Harvey).
A transcription of the will for the site would be greatly appreciated.
Source: Norman DeMerchant, Fredericton. 27 Mar 2009.
DESCENDANTS OF PETER WOOD (UNKNOWN)AND JANET "JESSIE" CLEGHORN (19TH APR 1805 - AFTER 1880)
Second Immigrant Generation
3. Alexander H. Wood Sr
Son of Peter Wood & Janet "Jessie" Cleghorn. Born 19 Jul 1835 in Kelso, Scotland. Died June 1899 in Boston, MA. Occupation Wholesale Liquor Dealer.
From IGI, Alexander Wood was born 19 Jul 1835.
Alexander is not listed in any of the early Census for the Harvey area, York Co., New Brunswick. Unknown when he came from Scotland, but probably came with his mother Jessie and brother George.
4269. Undated photograph of unidentified male subject.
J Swan Hall commented (31 May 2009): "Could this perhaps be an older version of Alexander H. Wood #4292".
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson, 7 Aug 2008.
2959a. Undated photograph of Alexander H. Wood Sr. Photographer: J. Notham.
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey Station.
Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 7 Aug 2008.
From the grantor/grantee index for York County, NB (Norman DeMerchant, Fredericton, 6 Mar 2009): In 1858 Alexander H. Wood purchased land in Manners Sutton (Parish) and lived in Manners Sutton. In 1861 "purchased land in Manners Sutton but lived in Saint John". A deed from 12 Nov 1885 registered in the York County Registry Office (NB) lists Alexander H. Wood of Boston and wife Antoinette. In the early 1890's he sold the land to his brother Peter Wood of Manners Sutton. He and his wife Antoinette C., both of Boston executed the document.
Alexander "Sandy" moved to Saint John NB at some point prior to 1870 and was good friends with several chaps from that city. The most important was William F. Bunting who kept journals of his day to day life in Saint John. Bunting and Wood were avid fishermen and purchased salmon fishing waters from the NB & NS Land Company in 1873 on the SW Miramichi River in the Parish of Stanley.
Sandy removed to Boston from Saint John in 1867 (William Franklin Buntings manuscript diaries (Vol. 4) held at the NB Museum in Saint John--N. DeMerchant, 6 Mar 2009.). In partnership with Marshall S. Pollard he established a liquor distribution firm and and a cigar and grocery business both operating under the Wood Pollard & Co banner. According to the 1872 Directory of Boston the Wood, Pollard, & Co. Cigar and Grocery store was located at 204 Washington while the Wood, Pollard, & Co. liquor firm was located at 100 & 102 Broad.
According to an 1892 listing of companies supplied by warehouses of the Mayfield distillery (RD #229, 5th District of KY) the Wood, Pollard & Co. Liquor businesssat the corner of Friend and Causeway sold liquor under the following brand names: "Cordova V. O. Rye", "Elmwood", "Kit Carson", "Lexington A A A", "Lexington A Rye", "Nectar Gin", "New Life Malt", "Old Haynor", "Oxford Rye", "Snowdrop Gin", "The Oxford", "Very Old Cabinet 1873", "W. P. & Co. Special Reserve Rye", and "White Wheat Whiskey."
He became acquainted with some of the leading figures of the Boston area and would bring them fishing in New Brunswick. Some of the names he has been associated with are Joseph Jefferson (the famous actor), William E. Russell Governor of Massachusetts, and Grover Cleveland, President of the USA (e.g. see 1893 newspaper clipping below and two other clippings in the supplementary data section at bottom of page concerning a terrible 1893 fire at Joe Jefferson's summer home).
The New York Times
Published: August 26, 1893.
Secretary Lamont at Gray Gables.
Buzzard's Bay. Mass, Aug 25. - The President's catboat carried a jolly party down Buzzard's Bay this afternoon. Besides the President there were Gov. Russell, Joe Jefferson, Secretary Lamont, Dr. Bryant, and A.H. Wood. When the party left Gray Gables the wind blew very strong and a heavy sea was running. Skipper Wright put in plenty of reefs, thereby avoiding a wetting for his passengers.
The party fished nearly all of the afternoon with good luck. Later in the day Gov. Russell accompanied Mr. Jefferson to his home in the village. Col. Lamont's stay here will be very short, as he is to make Sorrento, where is family is summering
President Cleveland, it is understood, will leave Gray Gables on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Mrs. Cleveland and the servants will remain until the latter part of the week.
Source: Norman DeMerchant, Fredericton. 6 Mar 2008.
Sandy Wood came back to New Brunswick regularly, every summer to fish on the Miramichi. He visited Harvey often, even in the early years of the 1870's, as the Western Extension of the railroad ran from Saint John to McAdam, through Harvey. When he finished his fishing trips, or before he started, it would be a short detour to visit the family.
1870 United States Federal Census, Boston Ward 16, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_649: Page 446: Alexander A. Wood, born abt 1835, age 35, birthplace: Scotland; Home in 1870: Boston Ward 16, Suffolk, Massachusetts; White; Male; In the same household: Frances J. Wood, born abt 1844, age 26, birthplace, England, White, Female; and "Not Named Wood", born abt 1870, age 1/12, white, male.
From the 1880 United States Census Household Record, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts--Family History Library Film 1254561, NA Film Nmber T9-0561, Page #38D: Household -- Alexander H. Wood, widowed, age 45, born Scot., occupation - Wholesale Liquor Dealer, Father's birthplace - Scot., Mother's Birthplace - Scot.; Frank L. Wood, son, age 10, born MA, at school, Father's birthplace - Scot., Mother's birthplace - Eng.; Ada B. Wood, dau, age 7, born MA.; Jessie G. Wood, dau, age 5, born MA.; Jessie Wood, Mother, widowed, age 75, born Scot., At Home, Father's birthplace - Scot., Mother's birthplace - Scot.; Maggie Crotty, female, age 26, born Ire., Domestic Servant.
After the death of his first wife Frances, he married Antoinette C. Urann, (WF Buntings diaries, Vol 4: "May 5th, 1882. Received note from Alex Wood of marriage to Antoinette C. Urann.") Three more children were added to Alexander's family during second marriage. Antoinette died when her children were quite young. (Interesting to note that Alexander's brother George named two of his daughters after Alexander's wives: Frances Seeley and Antoinette.)
Boston, Massachusetts Directory, 1890, Alexander H. Wood, Location 1: 95 Water; Location 2: Savin Hill avenue; Business Name: Wood, Pollard, & Co.
A copy of his Will, signed 13 Jun 1899, listed his children, and also gave his home address as Savin Hill, Boston, County of Suffolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Alexander's funeral was on June 21, 1899 at his home. He most likely passed away a few days earlie at mostr. The funderal was well attended by his business associates and particularly his fishing buddies, notabley Ex President Grover Cleveland and Joseph Jefferson, the renowned actor.
Boston Daily Globe, June 21, 1899, p. 8
Funeral of Alex. H. Wood
Ex Pres Grovor Cleveland and Joseph
Jefferson Among the Mourners
At 2:30 yesterday afternoon a number friends of the late Alexander H. Wood of the firm of Wood, Pollard & Co, assembled at the family residence on Savin Hill av. Dorchester, to pay their final tribute of love and respect to his memory. Prominent among the mourners were ex Pres Grover Cleveland and Joseph Jefferson, the veteran actor; Joseph Jefferson, Joseph Jefferson, Jr, C.B. Jefferson and William Jefferson.
The body encased in a handsome casket, rested in one of the parlors, surrounded by numerous beautiful floral pieces. Among these tributes were a wreath of roses and laurel from Gen Francis Peabody Jr, an immense pillow of pinks from Mr. M.S.P. Pollard, pillow from Mrs Willim E. Russell, wreath from Mrs. Harry Russell, Mrs. Dow and Mrs Opermann, and a large piece, “Gates Ajar, “ from the employees of the Causeway St. store.
The service, which was of the simplest order was conducted by Rev Christopher R. Eliot, formerly pastor of the First parish of Meeting House hill and now the Bulfinh Pl chapel. There were no pallbearers. The internment was at Forest Hills Cemetery
Source: Tim Patterson, Ottawa & Norman DeMerchant, Fredericton. 27 April 2010.
Alexander's Will is copied below:
"I, Alexander H. Wood of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and declare this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all wills by me heretofore at any time made. After the payment of my just debts and funeral charges, I give, devise and bequeath as follows:-
First: I give and bequesth to such sons and daughters of my late brother Peter Wood and of my late brother George Wood as survive me, a legacy of two hundred and fifty (250) dollars each.
Second: I give and bequeath to such servants in my employ at the time of my death as my Executors shall certify have been with me for the term of four years prior to my death, a legacy of One hundred (100) dollars each.
Third: I give and devise to my eldest son, Frederick W. Wood the land and house where he lives, numbered 109 Savin Hill Avenue, Boston, free and discharged of mortgage.
Fourth: I give and bequeath to my seven children the pictures, jewelry, silver, books, wearing apparel, household furniture, horses, carriages, and provisions which I may possess at the time of my decease, to be divided among them in accordance with a memorandum which I shall leave addressed to my executors.
Fifth: I give and bequesth to my children, Frederick W. Wood, Frank L. Wood, Ada B. Wood, Jessie G. Wood, Fanny A. Wood, Antoinette S. J. Wood and Alexander H. Wood the sum of Five thousand (5,000) dollars each, to be paid as soon after my death as my Executors shall find it convenient to make such payment, and if any one of my children is a minor at the time of my death, then said sum of Five thousand (5000) dollars in the case of such child is to be paid to the guardians or guardian of said minor, to be used by such guardians or guardian, so far as may be necessary, for the maintenance and support of such child during its minority, and the balance, if any, to be paid to such child upon its reaching the age of twenty-one years.
Sixth: It is my will that all said legacies be paid free from any deduction or tax, and that none of the legacies shall draw interest until after two years from my death.
Seventh: All the rest, residue and remainder of my property, both real and personal, I give, devise and bequesth to the Trustees hereinafter named, and their successors in trust, to divide the same into seven equal shares and to hold said respective shares upon the following trusts and uses:
1. I direct my said Trustees to hold one of said shares in trust, to safely invest the same, and to pay the net income thereof, in whole or in part in their absolute discretion, quarterly, or oftener, to my said son Frederick W. Wood during his life, or to allow the same to accumulate and be added to principle. At the decease of my said son Frederick, I direct my said Trustees to pay over the whole of said trust fund, with any accumulations thereof, discharged of all trusts, to such person or persons as my said son shall by his last will name and appoint; and in default of such appointment to convey the same to the children of my said son in equal shares to each, the issue of any deceased child or children to take the parent's share by right of representation. In the absence of any child or children, or issue of any deceased child or children, then I direct my said Trustees, in the absence of any appointment by said son Frederick, to convey said trust fund, discharged of all trusts, to those persons who, at the time of said son's death would be my heirs at law according to the laws of Massachusetts.
2. (Same as above - son Frank L. Wood.)
3. (Same as above - daughter Ada B. Wood)
4. (Same as above - daughter Jessie G. Wood)
5. (Same as above - daughter Fanny A. Wood)
6. (Same as above - daughter Antoinette S. J. Wood)
7. (Same as above - son Alexander H. Wood)
Eighth: But if any of my said seven children shall die before me, then I give, devise, and bequesth that child's share, to wit, one seventh of the residue of my property, free of all trusts, to the children of such deceased child in equal share to each, the issue of any deceased child to take the parent's share by right of representation.........
Ninth: The several trust share shall be fixed by said Trustees in their absolute discretion, and they may take undivided interests in any property that I may leave in establishing the several trusts, and they may manage said Trusts separately, or together, two or more, as they may see fit.
Tenth: I desire that after my death my homestead at Savin Hill shall remain as a home for such of my children as shall desire to live there, and I therefore empower my Executors and Trustees to allow such children to continue to occupy the said homestead after my death without the payment of rent, each child who lives there contributing its share towards taxes on, and repairs, insurance and maintenance of said house and land, but I give my Executors and Trustees full power to sell said homestead and the land belonging therewith, or any part of said land, whenever they shall deem it wise and expedient so to do.
Eleventh: I hereby appoint Francis Peabody Jr., and Charles S. Rackemann, both of Milton, guardians of such of my children as shall not have reached the age of twenty-one years at my death, such guardianship to continue during the child's minority, and it is my desire that such guardians shall not be required to give a surety or sureties upon their official bonds.
Twelfth: I hereby appoint said Francis Peabody Jr., and said Charles S. Rackemann, Executors of this Will; and said Francis Peabody Jr., Marshall S. P. Pollard and said Charles S. Rackemann, Trustees under this will, and I request that they be exempt from giving surety or sureties upon their official bonds, whether as Executors or Trustees. I give both to my Executors and Trustees and to the survivor of them respectively as full and absolute discretionary rights and powers as to the sale, mortgage, lease, and any other disposition of any of my property, real or personal, as they or he would have if they or he were the sole and absolute beneficial owners or owner thereof in fee simple, and no purchaser or other person dealting with them in good faith shall be required to see to the application of any moneys.
Thirteenth: I direct that, in addition to the usual compensation heretofore allowed in Massachusetts by way of commission, my Executors, Trustees and Guardians be fully compensated for any extra or unusual service.
Fourteenth: I desire that the number of Executors of, and of Trustees under this will shall not be fewer than two so long as there are any duties to be discharged by said Executors or Turstees; and I declare that the words "my Executors" "my said Executors" and "my Trustees" and "my said Trustees" wherever hereinbefore occurring shall be construed and taken to mean the Executors or Trustees for the time being, whether original or substituted.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of June A.D. 1899.
Signed - Alexander H. Wood
Signed, sealed, published and declared as and for his last will and testament by the above named Alexander H. Wood, in the presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Signed: Sarah S. Dow, William C. Emery, Daniel D. Filbert(?), M.D.