You have heard it said that the American Civil War turned the father against the son, and brother against brother. No so, say, the five sons of James O. and Elizabeth Godsey Wood of Pleasant Hill in Scott County located three miles east of Estilville (now Gate City) in Moccasin Valley.
     For many years it seemed the Union would be dissolved and only the compromises of the past had postponed the secession of the South. Two ways of life had evolved in the United States because of geographical difference in the North and South. The North had become a giant industrial power while the
South had become an agricultural region.
     When news reached the Wood family at Pleasant Hill that Virginia had seceded from the Union and their way of life was threatened, a family conference was held of those living at home and nearby. Some were away from home. James H. was at the Virginia Military Institute and Martin B. was in Lee County.
In letters written home, their view and opinions were given - stand by Virginia and our way of life.
     The Wood family had a difficult decision to make. They loved the United States, but still they believed in the sovereignty of each state. They believed the Constitution did not set up a national government above and over the states, but was a compact between independent states and that each state had a right to govern itself and was not to be interfered with by another state or group of states. The Wood family had always been taught from the beginning that when England was trying to subject the colonies to harsh rule, a compact was formed by the colonies as states for mutual aid and defense. Thus schooled and so understanding of their rights, the Wood family felt justified in their decision to go with the South.
     James and Elizabeth Wood knew they would have to give part, if not all of their sons for the Southern cause. This they did. Henry Clinton and James Harvey volunteered in 1861. John G. and Martin B. offered their services in 1862 and William Morrison in 1864.

                        John Godsey Wood
                           1829-1891

     John G. as he was known, was the eldest son of James O. and Elizabeth Godsey Wood. He was born June 1, 1829 at Pleasant Hill near Estilville (now Gate City), Scott Co., VA. He was given the best education that the local schools could offer. The Wood family had always believed in acquiring the best
education possible.
     When the war started, John G. was a farmer at the old homestead. He was helping to supply the local men who were leaving for the Confederate Army at Estilville on December 12, 1862. John G. left with them and was assigned for three years to Company "A" 22nd Virginia Cavalry and sent to Saltville,
Virginia to help defend the salt works. (1)
     The Federals, realizing the South's need for salt, made several raids against the military forces guarding the salt works. The salt works were destroyed December 18, 1864, when the Federal forces under General Stoneman from Tennessee laid waste to East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
     John G. was discharged from the army May 11, 1863 because of functional heart disease and poor vision. He returned to Pleasant Hill and resumed farming and helping others who were to fight for the cause of the South. After his brother, Major Henry Clinton, returned from the war, he started a mercantile
business and John G. worked for him about three years.
     In 1870 he went to Goodson (now Bristol) Virginia to manage the Magnolia Hotel. He built a wooden walkway from the second floor of the building to the railway across the street. In those days, there were no railway dining cars. Trains would remain in Bristol long enough for the passengers to cross over the bridge
to the hotel for meals. The Magnolia Hotel was the favorite place for holding dances and other social functions. Tables in the big dining room would be pushed back to make a dance hall. The group providing music for the dance was a Negro trio, playing the banjo, violin and guitar. (2)
     Sometime in the late 1870's John G went into business with his brother-in-law, Charles Yarborough and started a general mercantile business known as Yarborough and Wood. In addition to the mercantile business, the census of 1880, Goodson district of Washington County,VA, shows him as a landlord and
owner of the Virginia Hotel. This hotel replaced the Magnolia Hotel which burned. 
     John G. died in Bristol in 1897 and is buried in East Hill Cemetery.

                       Henry Clinton Wood
                           1836-1909

     Henry Clinton Wood or "Clint" as he was known was the second son of the Wood family. He was born February 15, 1836 in Scott Co., VA, at Pleasant Hill, the old homestead. He spent most of his life in his native county. Henry received his early elementary education in a one room schoolhouse known as the
Wood's Schoolhouse, located on a cliff above Big Moccasin Creek. His next educational experience was at Fall Branch Seminary at Fall Branch, Tennessee. After graduation he returned to Estilville where he engaged in the mercantile business.
     Clinton enlisted in the Confederate Army on May 20, 1861 and organized a company in Scott County which became known as Company "D". He was commissioned a Captain on July 1, 1861. Company "D" became part of the 37th Regiment of the Virginia Infantry and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, Stonewall
Jackson Division, whose purpose was to defend the Shenandoah Valley against the enemy.
     The 37th Regiment, Virginia Infantry was made up of ten companies: Scott County one, Lee County one, Russell County three, and Washington County five. The Regiment was accepted into service of the Confederate States on July 1, 1861.
     Judge Samuel V. Fulkerson of Washington County, Virginia left the bench to become Colonel. Robert P. Carson, also of Washington County became Lieutenant Colonel.
     At the battle of Gaines Mill June 27, 1862, Colonel Fulkerson fell mortally wounded. This made necessary a readjustment of the officers in the Regiment. Captain Henry C. Wood became Major on June 28, 1862. According to his military record, Major Wood participated in forty-two major battles. Some of
great magnitude where Chancellorsville, Sharpsburg, Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek and Gettysburg (3). After the battle of Cedar Creek, Major Wood wrote the following report to his commanding officer, Colonel A. G. Tallaferro.
     
Report of Major H. C. Wood, Thirty-seventh Virginia Infantry - No. 47
Camp near Gordonsville, Virginia, August 13, 1862
     In making my report of the part acted by the Thirty-seventh regiment in the action on Cedar Creek on the 9th instant, it is necessary for me to state that it was late in the engagement when the command devolved on me, consequently I was not informed as to the position we were to take until after we had gone on the
field. Being marched into the woods in rear of our batteries, we were ordered to lie down there to support them. Lying there for some time, very much exposed to the enemy's shells, which were continually bursting over and around, we were then ordered to the field. Coming into the field, taking position on the left of the
Twenty-third Regiment (which regiment was on the extreme right of the brigade), we were marched forward, crossing a small hollow to the brow of a low eminence, from which position the enemy in three columns in battle order opened fire on us, which was gallantly returned by my men which continued, the
action soon becoming general. In this position the action continued for some time; the first line of the enemy giving way, the second were thrown into the utmost confusion, when the left of the regiment, being unprotected and unsupported by the Forty-seventh and Forth-eighth Alabama Regiments having given way, and being thus exposed to a fire in front, rear, and on the left flank, was compelled to give way, which was taken up by each company from the left, not, however, until after we received orders to fall back, which was done in tolerable good order by most of the companies, some, however, becoming a little confused. I soon succeeded in rallying the men - not until a great many of them were killed by being exposed to fire from the front and left flank. As soon as they were rallied they advanced gallantly to the contest, driving the enemy from before them in every direction.
     It is proper to state here that this regiment would have been able to maintain its position had the Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth Alabama Regiments been able to have maintained theirs. 
     I must express my thanks to the officers and men of this regiment for the gallant manner in which they conducted themselves so gallantly it is impossible to mention particular individuals, although there were those whose gallant conduct renders them worthy of the proudest position.
     H. C. Wood, Major, Commanding Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment.
     Col. A. G. Taliferro, Commanding Third Brigade.

     At Gettysburg, Major Wood captured a United States Flag from a Federal officer. He kept this flag along with a silk flag that had been given to him when he left for service in 1861. This flag was presented to him by the ladies who had sons, brothers, and husbands in Company "D".
     Major Wood was twice wounded, first at Sharpsburg on September 17, 1862, and at Winchester sometime in 1864. His obituary states that he was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, but I find no mention of this in his military records. However, the military records show that his brother, Captain James H. Wood was wounded in the battle. (4)
     The last account of Major Wood in the army was from Camp Ewell, near Burgess Mill dated February 27, 1865 on the muster roll he is shown absent by Surgeon's Certificate. The reason was that he was sent to Willow Springs, Russell County, Virginia to recuperate from wounds and a broken arm. Perhaps he was
here when the war ended April 9, 1865. (5)
     After the war ended he returned home to Pleasant Hill. For a time he worked on the farm. He later engaged in a successful mercantile business at Estilville.
     Major Wood and his brother, Judge Martin B. Wood often engaged in land deals with General Imboden in Wise county around Big Stone Gap. Clinton Avenue in Big Stone Gap was named for Major Wood and Wood Avenue was named to honor the Wood brothers. (6)
     In 1870 Scott County was laid off into seven magisterial districts and Major Wood was a member of the Commissioners who made the division. He had the honor of naming six of them. Powell was named for Ambrose Powell; Taylor District was named in honor of the Taylor family; Estilville District was named
for the county seat; Fulkerson District was named in honor of James and Abraham Fulkerson; Johnson District was named in honor of the Johnson Family; Floyd District was named in honor of Governor Floyd. Another member of the Commissioners named the district in which he lived for a life-long friend who had the nickname "Dekalb", Dekalb District.
     Major Wood became a leader in the Readjuster Party in Southwest Virginia, and was elected to two terms in the Virginia State Senate first in December 1875 representing Scott and Russell Counties. He was reelected in December 1879 to represent Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties and became Speaker of that body in
1881 and again in 1882. He was serving in the State Senate when Dickenson County was formed. The county seat took his two names, "Clint Wood." (8)
     In 1885 in the memorable Gubernatorial Campaign when Fitzhugh Lee won over John S. Wise, he was the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor. In 1892, he was defeated as the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor. In 1892, he was defeated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Ninth
District.
     In 1891 Major Wood moved from his native Scott County to Bristol and became a leader in the business and industrial life of that city. He was Vice-President of the Bank of Bristol. He was the first President of the South Atlantic and Ohio Railroad, which began construction in 1877. The construction of the railroad was completed from Bristol to Big Stone Gap in 1890.
     Major Wood was secretary-treasurer and general manager of the Diamond Ice Company at the time of his death on December 8, 1909. He is buried in East Hill Cemetery, Bristol, Virginia. (9)

                     Captain James H. Wood
                           1842-1917

     James Harvey Wood was the third son of the Wood family. He was born February 22, 1842 at Pleasant Hill, the old homestead, in Scott county, Virginia. He attended the local schools of his community and
entered the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia, July 20, 1860.
     When the war began in April, 1861, he was in the second semester of his fourth class at the Institute. He went to Richmond with his fellow cadets when they were summoned by the Governor, to train the volunteers being recruited there for Confederate service. He was with the Virginia Military Institute in
Richmond four months before he entered active Confederate Military service as drill sergeant. He wrote President Davis requesting a commission. The following is a copy of the letter: (10)

                                   Greenbrier River, Virginia
                                   August 31, 1861

To His Excellency President Davis
Honored Sir,

     Having been a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute two years prior to this time, I feel desirous to enter the Confederate Army permanently. I therefore, respectfully solicit the position of second Lieutenant in the Army of the Confederate States.

                                   Very respectfully your
                                   Obedient Servant,
                                   Cadet James H. Wood

     Cadet Wood was recommended by his superior officers as follows:

                                   Greenbrier River, Virginia
                                   5 September, 1861

     I cheerfully recommend Cadet Wood as being in every respect qualified for and worthy of the position which he seeks and am fully satisfied that the service would be benefited by his appointment, and I therefore, most respectfully request that he be appointed.

                                   Samuel V. Fulkerson
                                   Col. Comd. 37th Regt. VA Vols.

     It would give me great pleasure to see Cadet Wood in the Confederate service in the capacity he desires believing him well qualified for the position.
                                   R. P. Carson
                                   Leit. Col. 37th Regt. VA Vols.

     In the meantime Cadet Wood had been drilling the volunteers and making them into first class soldiers. After four months he was given a furlough. He returned to his home at Estilville. His commanding officers again wrote letters of recommendation and sent them to his home. These letters read:

                                   Camp Barton Greenbrier
                                   River, Virginia
                                   26 October, 1861

     Cadet James H. Wood of the county of Scott, Virginia, has been doing duty with my Regiment for sometime in the capacity of drill sergeant. He is a cadet of the Virginia Military Institute, and understands the duty of drilling very well. He is a young man of unexceptionable moral character and would dutifully fill with credit to himself any position which may be assigned him.

                                   Samuel V. Fulkerson
                                   Col. 37th Regt. VA Vols.

     I concur in the above statement.

                                   R. P. Carson
                                   Lieut. Col. 37th Reg. VA Vols.

     He again wrote President Davis requesting a commission as captain of artillery.

                                   Estilville Scott County, Virginia
                                   November 25, 1861

To His Excellency,
Jefferson Davis,

     I have an artillery company partly made up, composed in part of Kentucky refugees, who being forced to leave their homes almost wholly unprepared as to clothes or money are of necessity compelled to go into camp immediately and feeling confident that I can get a company in a very short time. I desire that you should commission me as captain of artillery in the Confederate States Army.
     I desire a commission in order that I may go into camp for the purpose of drilling my company and the power of mustering them into service.
     In regard to my qualifications I enclose a copy of recommendations signed by the field officers of the 37th Regiment Virginia Volunteers in which regiment I have been for four months in the capacity of drill master.
                                   I have the honor to be your
                                   Obedient Servant,
                                   James H. Wood

     Cadet Wood received his commission as first Lieutenant April 22, 1862 and was assigned to the 37th Regiment Virginia Infantry, in which regiment his brother, Henry C. Wood, was captain. He was promoted to Adjutant and was assigned to Colonel Fulkerson's staff in charge of the official correspondence and distribution of orders of the command. He served in this capacity until June 27, 1862, when Colonel Fulkerson was mortally wounded at the battle of Gaines Mill. A readjustment of the officers of the Regiment was made and Lieutenant Wood was promoted to Captain on June 28, 1862. (11)
     Captain Wood participated in twenty-six major battles and many skirmishes and was twice wounded, first at Cedar Run, August 9, 1862, and second at Chancellorsville May 2, 1863. He was captured at Spottsylvania Court House in the battle of the Bloody Angle on May 12, 1864. It was given this name because of the triangular position of the Confederate Army. He gives the following narrative of the capture:
     After being captured, we were moved toward the Potomac by way of Fredericksburg. When we reached the Potomac on the following morning, we were placed aboard a transport and moved down the Potomac to Point Lookout, Maryland. Here we remained until the first of June, when we were taken in a cattle transport to Fort Delaware, where I was confined until my release June 13, 1865. (12)
     While a prisoner of war, Captain Wood began the study of law, and after his release completed the course. He was admitted to the Bar in 1867. Captain Wood moved to Bristol, Virginia about 1870 and opened a law office. An advertisement in the Bristol Courier of October 25, 1873 states: James H. Wood, Attorney for Scott and Washington Counties in Virginia and Sullivan County in Tennessee.
     James H. Wood represented all types of clients in his career as a lawyer including a land company that had land to sell in Lee, Scott and Wise counties. One case that merits mentioning is the trial of General James A. Walker.
     General Walker, who led Stonewall Jackson's Cavalry at Chancellorsville after Jackson's death, was elected to Congress in 1894 and 1896, but was defeated in 1898. The election was contested by General Walker. During the taking of evidence in Bristol, on March 11, 1899, a gun battle occurred. General Walker shot the counsel of his opponent and was then himself shot by the law clerk of the counsel of his opponent.
     The following July, General Walker was placed on trial. He was defended by Captain James H. Wood. The jury acquitted General Walker after a trial that lasted several days.
     The obituary of Captain Wood states that he served in the House of Delegates of Virginia, but an index of the members of the General Assembly from 1776 to 1920 does not show a James H. Wood. Perhaps this was confused with his brother Major Henry C. Wood who served in the State Senate.
     He moved from Bristol to Washington, DC in 1901 and formed the J. H. Wood Corporation where he became counsel for two railroads and a number of corporations. He later became president and principal director of the Blankenship Law and Commercial Company. Captain Wood moved to New York City about 1909 where he was associated with the New York Urban Real Estate Company. His son, James H. Wood, Jr., was president of the company (13).
     While living in New York, he wrote an account of his experience in the war which he called "The War." Captain Wood died at the home of his daughter in New York City on November 12, 1917, at the age of seventy-five. His body was returned to Bristol for funeral and burial services. James H. Wood is buried in East Hill Cemetery.

                      Judge Martin B. Wood
                           1845-1908
 

     Martin B. was the fourth son of James O. and Elizabeth Godsey Wood. He was born February 21, 1845, at pleasant Hill, the old homestead, located near Estilville, Virginia in Scott County. Martin attended the "Old Field" schools which were schools located in the fields that were so depleted they were unfit for agriculture.
     His father required his sons to work on the he farm along with the slaves. Martin B. would often slip away and hide to read. He had a great desire to learn and by the age of eight was reading all the books of  his father and those he could borrow in the community. After he completed the work of the local schools, he entered Fall Branch Seminary at Fall Branch, Tennessee in 1858 for two years. Then he went to Jonesville, Virginia for one year. After he had completed his school work in Jonesville, Martin became clerk in a store at Stickleyville in Lee County with a salary of one hundred dollars a year. (14)
     In March ,1862, he joined the Confederate Army and was assigned to the Stonewall Jackson Brigade in the valley of Virginia. Martin was wounded at the battle of Sharpsburg on September 17, 1862, and for a long time, could not walk. He was discharged from military service and returned home to Pleasant Hill where he remained until he entered the Virginia Military Institute, September 8, 1863. Here he remained until it was burned by the Federal General Hunter.
     When the battle of New Market was fought, Martin B was a cadet private in Company "D." However he was left with the guard detail at the Institute, because the old wound in his leg prevented him form marching.
     His father was elected clerk of the county court of Scott county in August, 1865, and Martin was made his deputy. In 1869, his father was relieved of the office by the military authorities. While serving as deputy clerk. Martin had studied law and was licensed to practice. In May 1870, he was appointed clerk of the county court and in November of that year was elected for a term of six years. 
     Following his six year term as county court clerk, Mr. Wood declined to be a candidate for reelection. He was elected Judge of the county court and began his term February 10, 1880 and served until January 12, 1886. (15)
     Judge Wood became president of a stock company which was formed in 1883, that purchased newspaper equipment. He began the publication of a newspaper called the Progressive Age. This newspaper was published for about four years, when publication was suspended.
     Judge Wood and his brother, Major Henry C. Wood dealt in real estate in various parts of Scott County. They specialized in property around Moccasin Gap, Speers Ferry and along railroad right of ways. (16)
     In 1888, he sold his property in Scott County and Estilville and moved to Bristol. He founded the first wholesale grocery company in this area.
     Judge Wood dies at his home in Bristol November 17, 1908. He was interred in the family plot in East Hill Cemetery. He was later exhumed and reinterred in the Caldwell-Wood Cemetery which is adjacent to the Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol.
     Judge wood has a monument to his grave approximately eight feet high and two feet wide, on each of the four sides, with a genealogy of his family on three sides, beginning with the John Wood who came from England in 1855. On the west side are the following inscriptions:

Lead Kindly Light
So Long Thy Power Hath Blest Me
Sureit Still
Will Lead Me On
E'er Moor and Fen, O'er Crag
And Torrent Till
The Night is Gone
And With the Morn Those
Angel Faces Smile
Which I Have Loved Long Since
And Lost Awhile
And I Heard a Great Voice Out of Heaven Saying Behold the Tabernacle of God is With Men and He Will
Dwell With Them and They Shall Be His People and God Himself Shall Be With Them and Be Their God.
And God shall Wipe Away All Tears From Their Eyes and There Shall Be No More Death Neither Sorrow
Nor Crying, Neither Shall There Be Any More Pain; For the Former Things Have Passed Away.
                                
                      William Morison Wood
                           1845-1943

     William Morison Wood was the youngest son of James O. and Elizabeth Godsey Wood. He was born December 21, 1846, at Pleasant Hill near Gate City. He received his early education in the old one room school, which was very common in that day.
     He matriculated at the Virginia Military Institute on March 3, 1864, from Glade Springs, Virginia. This writer has not been able to determine why, but one guess would be he was working at the salt works in Saltville, which is nearby.
     Mr. Wood had been a cadet a little over two months, when at midnight May 10, 1864, through the barracks sounded a long roll on the drum. For a messenger on painting horse had dashed into Lexington. A poem tell us:
        One night when the boys were all abed, we heard
                       the long roll beat
      And quickly the walls of the building shook with the
                    tread of hurrying feet;
              And when the battalion stood in line
                 we heard the welcome warning;
       General Breckenridge needs the help of the corps;
                    be ready in the morning.
                                
     There was little sleep in the barracks that night; breakfast was eaten by candlelight. At seven the Corps was off in a pouring rain. That night they camped without tents. For days it rained, but the cadets marched on until New Market was reached.
     William M. Wood was eighteen years old at this critical period of the Civil War when he marched with the Corp from Lexington to New Market to stop the advance of the Federal troops, May 15, 1864. He served as cadet private in Company "A".
     Their victory on this occasion has made the event a memorable one in Virginia war history.
     Cadet Wood was a member of the corps for one year, but was awarded a diploma January 1, 1895. "Honoris Causa," by the board of visitors, because of honor. Mr. Wood was honored by his Alma MaterMay 15, 1939, because he was the sole survivor of the cadets who had fought at New Market. He was a guest of the cadet corps for the seventy-fifth anniversary of the battle of New Market and the ceremonies of the centennial of the VMI. He was then in his ninety-fourth year.
     William M. Wood was introduced to the audience by Col. William Cooper. 'It is my honor, on behalf of the authorities of the institute, to introduce to you, the last survivor of the charge of the VMI Cadets, William Morison Wood." William Wood then spoke as follows:
     "My dear fellow cadets, ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed an honor to have the privilege and opportunity of being present here with you on this annual celebration, in honor of the Cadets who, seventy-five years ago followed the flag of the Old Dominion on the New Market battlefield, amid the rain of musketry and the incessant volleys of canister, grape, and exploding shells. Our gallant commander, Colonel Shipp, was wounded and taken from the field.
     The intrepid Henry a. Wise, Captain of "A" Company, assumed command and brilliantly led the battalion of youths, in triumph to achieve immortal fame and to make history for this institution that will live throughout the annals of its existence.
     These youth, by their indomitable courage and deeds of daring, have elicited the admiration and praise  of all who are familiar with the history of this famous battle. But the passing of three quarters of a century has wrought marvelous changes.
     Young gentlemen, I congratulate you on your good fortune of being Cadets of this famous institution.
     In the spring of '64, General Sigel, with a well-equipped veteran army, invaded the fertile Shenandoah Valley, from whence and by way of which General Lee's army was receiving large supplies of food and munitions of war. The valley, at all hazards, must be defended and the invader driven from its soil.
     General Lee's army was being hard pressed by superior numbers; to detach any considerable number of soldiers for service elsewhere would be extremely hazardous. Therefore, every available command from other sections was being mobilized to meet the oncoming invader and drive him if possible, from our soil. In this crucial dilemma, the Corps of Cadets was ordered down the valley to aid in this undertaking.
     Much has been said and written concerning this famous New Market Battle, some contradictory statements have been made, but Colonel Cooper, who for many years had devoted much time and labor in research for facts, has just given you a most interesting account of the results of his long tedioius investigations, to which I can add nothing of interest.
     I will say, however, that I was a member of "A" Company and on behalf of the Wood family of Southwest Virginia, who for many years have and are still wearing the gray uniform of VMI, may I be permitted to mention three brothers who fought under Stonewall Jackson, two who attended the VMI and a grandson who is now present, a member of "F" Company.
     Thank you for your kind attention, I hope to be back again next year. (17)

     Following the war, Mr. Wood went into the mercantile business and for many years owned and operated the Wood Grocery Company in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee.
     Mr. Wood died March 2, 1943 at Old Hickory, Tennessee at the ripe old age of ninety-seven. When news of his death was received at the VMI General Order No. 22 was published. The order read: (18)
     "I, the superintendent, have received, with deep sorrow which will be shared by all VMI men, announcement of the death during the night of March second of William Morrison Wood, the last survivor of the battalion of cadets participating in the Battle of New Market. In token of respect to his memory and of sympathy for the members of his family, the flag of the institute will be flown at half staff until retreat, Thursday, the fourth instant."
     By command of Lieutenant General Kilbourn, his body was returned to Bristol for funeral and burial in the East Hill Cemetery.
     Fortunate indeed were James and Elizabeth that their five sons survived the terrible conflict and returned to them at the old homestead at Pleasant Hill, for one third of the men who had enlisted in the Confederate Army never came back.
     The men that returned from the war had no money, no credit, no accumulation of goods. Nevertheless, honor, dignity, and self respect, they still had. As bad as things were, they did not give up or quit. Through hard work, determination and faith they began to reconstruct their lives without government aid of any kind. It was not until 1888 that the first pension law was passed in Virginia for disabled veterans, and not until 1900 were other veterans permitted to apply for a pension. There is no record of any of the Wood brothers ever receiving a pension.
     We can say of the five Confederates from Pleasant Hill, as children they played together, as young men they worked together, as soldiers they fought together. In Mother Earth they are interred together. May God rest their souls together, forever.
     Footnotes:
(1) General Services Administration, National Archives and Record Service
(2) Loving, Robert S., Double Destiny, page 161
(3) National Archives and Record Service, OP CIT
(4) Loving, Robert S, OP CIT, pp 164-165
(5) National Archives and Record Service, OP CIT
(6) Addington, Luther F., History of Wise County, p. 179
(7) Addington, R. M., History of Scott County, p. 13
(8) Commonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Services
(9) Bristol Herald Courier, December 9, 1909
(10) Wood, James H., The War
(11) Loving, Robert S., OP CIT
(12) National Archives and Record Service, OP CIT
(13) Letters written to General Anderson, 1903
(14) Wood, Martin B., History of the Wood Family
(15) Addington, R. W., OP CIT, p. 195
(16) Deed Book 27, page 279
(17) Information from the Virginia Military Institute
(18) War of the Rebellion, Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume XII,
Part II
     Historical Sketches of Southwest Virginia, published by The Wise County Historical Society, publication 13 - 1979, pages 1 to 13