This is from the book Goodspeed Histoy of East Tennessee published by Charles and Randy Elder,a reprint from 1887. James Howard Hood-While the Indians were yet the only inhabitants of the territory of Ocoee,a family left North Carolina and located in the valley at the base of the Chilhowee Mountains,about four miles south of the Savannah ( now Polk county). The head of this family, Robert Hood, was of Irish descent and the first white settler south of the Hiwassee River.His fifth son,Alexander Isaiah Hood,a cripple from birth,on account of his physical condition,received the best educational advantages that those early pioneer days afforded.Before his majority he became a successful Indian trader and located at Benton about 1840. At this place in 1851 he wedded Martha Ann, daughter of William H.HIGGINS, one of the early settlers and wealthy farmers of Polk County. To this union was born Nov.25,1853, the subject of this sketch,who is the eldest child. When he was quite young his parents purchased and moved to the farm three miles south of Benton on the old Kentucky stock road where he attended the country schools in the fall and winter.He advanced so rapidly in his studies that he passed examination and became a public school teacher at the age of seventeen.He taught and attended school at intervals until 1873, when he entered college at Atlanta,Ga., graduating in 1874 at the age of 21. The following five years were spent in Texas and the Indian Territory as a teacher.In 1879 he returned to Polk county where he again taught school. December 23,1880,he married Miss Alice,third daughter of James and Mary HUGHES. To this union was born March 28,1882, LILY ETHEL, the only child.In 1883 Mr.Hood founded the POLK COUNTY NEWS,at Benton.After a year of successful management,he disposed of his interest in the paper and became operator and agent on the East Tennessee,Virginia and Georgia Railroad.He afterward founded the MCMINN CITIZEN,at Athens,of which he is now editor and manager. Karen.