J. W. Hood (deceased).—Mr. Hood was a Kentuckian by birth, born in Adair County, on the 27th day of November, 1837. His father, Bonaparte Hood, was a prominent citizen of that county, and a captain in the Mexican War, in which struggle he met his death. J. W. Hood was reared to agricultural pursuits, which useful calling he made his life work. He accompanied his mother to Johnson County, Ind., in 1852, and being the oldest member of the family, was compelled, while still young, to bear the chief burden in the family’s support. He looked after the interest of his mother until her death, and until they were able to make their own way in life, assumed the responsibility of caring for the younger members of the family. He began farming for himself in Johnson county, and by dint of industry, and the exercise of good judgment and economy, succeeded in purchasing a fine farm, upon which he lived until his death, September 11, 1885. As a neighbor and citizen Mr. Hood was well thought of, and his memory will long be cherished in the community of which he was for so many years a conspicuous member. He assisted in the organization of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Edinburg, and was one of its most zealous workers. Politically, he was a republican, and in religion a member of the Christian Church. His marriage with Miss Rebecca M. Mitchell, of Johnson County, Ind., was solemnized on the 18th day of January, 1863. Mrs. Hood’s parents, William and Mary (Allen) Mitchell, were among the pioneer settlers of Johnson County, moving here when the county was in a wilderness state. Mr. and Mrs. Hood had a family of seven children, four now living, viz.: William S., born September 12, 1864, at this time principal of the Taylorsville high school (Bartholomew County); Edgar G., born September 19, 1866; Howard, born August 11, 1871, and Effie L., born January 13, 1878. Deceased members of the family are: infant not named, born September 25, 1863, died December 15, 1863; Cora, born January 23, 1869, died October 30, 1870; Gertie May, born May 5, 1875, died December 3, 1876.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, page 422.