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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of Walter D. WOODS 

[Surnames: HARPER, HILL, MYERS, WOODS] 

WOODS, WALTER D. 

    
Who is successfully engaged in farming in Sect. 36, Lewistown Twp., was born in Lewistown on Nov. 2, 1858. He is a son of John M. and Susanna (MYERS) Woods, the former a native of Boston, MA, and the latter of Lewistown. John M. Woods was born Feb. 14, 1819. At the age of four- teen years he made his way westward, and located in Lewistown on Nov. 17, 1833. He was a carpenter by trade, and erected many of the best buildings still standing in different parts of Fulton County, as monuments of his skill at his trade. 
    
He wedded Susanna Myers in Lewistown, Oct. 7, 1847. Their children are as follows:
William
John, who died in infancy
Mary, deceased
Franklin R.
James E.
Walter D.
Sidney E. who died at the age of seven years
Charles C.
Ralph E. 
    
The father of this family was a cheerful and amiable man and had hosts of friends. During his final sickness, which was caused by cancer, he maintained a sweet and lovable disposition and endured the pain that racked his body with the tranquil resignation of a devoted follower of Christ. He died on Oct. 20, 1903, at the age of seventy-nine years. 
    
The live companion of his joys and sorrows is still living, and shares the home of her son Franklin R. 
    
Walter D. Woods, at the age of fourteen years, began to make his own way in the world and for some years worked by the month at farming. The rented land until he acquired property of his own. This occurred in July 1902 when he purchased 128 acres, sixty in Lewistown Twp., and 60 in Liverpool Twp. He carries on farming and stock-raising, cattle, horses and hogs of high grades. 
    
On July 2, 1882, he marrried Lucy HARPER, daughter of Wesley and Harriet (HILL) Harper, the former a resident of KS. Mr. and Mrs. Woods became the parents of 11 children,of whom ten are still living: John W., Porter H., Bessie I., Harley F., Creston, Myron, Hattie I., Gerald A., and Clyde M., and Charles E., who is engaged in farming in Liverpool Twp. 
    
Mr. Woods is a strong Prohibitionist. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He has served as Superintendent and been a teacher of the Sunday School.