Archibald Hood

ARCHIBALD HOOD, deceased, familiarly known through Cherokee County as "Archie" Hood, was one of the early business men of Columbus, and for many years was almost the only implement dealer in the county. Mr. Hood was born near Oakdale, Washington County, lllinois, and died at Columbus, July 17, 1903.

Mr. Hood lost his mother when but eight years of age, and his father died when he was about 19 years old. His elementary training was received in the public schools of Illinois, and his literary culture at Fayetteville Academy, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in study at the outbreak of the Civil War. The State quota from Illinois being full, he enlisted in Company F, 10th Reg., Missouri Vol. Inf., in which he served three years, and was discharged in September, 1864.

After the war, Mr. Hood located in Nebraska, but subsequently returned to Illinois, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1868; he then came to Columbus, settling in this city in 1870. Here he carried on a brokerage concern until 1873, and then founded the implement firm with which his name has been honorably identified for so many years. His connection with this business was only terminated by his death, although for about two years prior to his decease he had been almost continuously confined to his bed.

In 1873, Mr. Hood married Mary Wilson, who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. They had six children, as follows: Edgar C., president of the A. Hood Implement Company; Grace, wife of J. C. Forkner, now of Long Beach, California; Wilson K., who died February 19, 1904, being at that time vice-president of the implement company; George W., vice-president of the company; Bessie, living at home; and Harry C., who is at school.

Mr. Hood was a member of John A. Dix post, No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic. He had a large personal acquaintance in the county, and for many years his business house was a favorite stopping place for old settlers and neighboring farmers. He was a man of quick sympathy and never failing courtesy, and no matter how much the cares of his private business pressed him, he always found time to listen to the troubles of others, and to seek some way to adjust them. His advice was sought and followed, and his friendship desired and valued. Perhaps he was better known than almost any other private citizen in Cherokee County, and surely among them all could he found no enemy. Although left without the ministrations of a mother, in childhood, and deprived of the counsel of his father before he reached his majority, he steered his life course safely, and left an honorable name was a heritage to his family. He was a man of cultivated tastes, understood art and literature, and never was too much absorbed in business to find time for reading good books, or for the enjoyment of conversation concerning matters outside the general run of purely business affairs.

Hr. Hood is survived by his widow and five children, by one brother, J. K. Hood, of Delhi, New York, and by friends innumerable. At the time of his funeral, every business house in Columbus was closed, and the throng assembled to pay respect to his memory, was augmented by men from all over the county. His death left a vacancy in the ranks of the exemplary, useful and high minded citizens, who have done so much toward the upbuilding of Columbus.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Lacey Myers, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 12/11/96.