Some Wise and Parker Co. Texas stories from my notes; xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx # 30. William Woody and his wife were said to have started out from Tennessee for Texas six weeks after their first son was born, on foot with home made high top boots, a gun, quilt and a skillet. Six months later they were in Fannin Co. Texas. (Tough people, man and woman) # 31a. Samuel (Sr) Woody and wife Hannah and some of their family left TN. for Texas with John Mann and his wife Delilah (Woody) and family in 1848 but stopped off at Cairo. Illinois for 2 years. John Mann and Delilah went from TN. down the Mississippi River, up the Red River by river boat to Shreveport, Louisiana and then by ox drawn wagons to Upshur Co. Texas and were located there in the 1850 census. The Woodys and Manns moved father west to near Fort Worth. In the fall of 1853 Samual (Jr) Woody, James Mann and Benjamin Crews explored up the West Fork of the Trinity River into what is now Wise Co. At the same time Samuel (Sr) Woody and others of the party explored into what is now Parker Co. Next spring James Mann went with Samual (Sr) Woody to Deep Creek, Wise Co. and helped him build his cabin which in 1977 was still standing and still ouned by a Woody decendent, Marion Acola. Samuel Woody and wife Hannah Woody were members of the Cave Creek Babtist Church in TN.and were dismissed in 1842 and back in good standing in 1848. The other Woodys who were members were John and Elizabeth, # 31b. From the book "The Mann’s From Tennessee To Texas" 25 March, 1817 - Sarnuel Woody and Hannah Woody 15 Septeniber, 1826 - John Mann and Delilah Woody J. W. Mann solemnized marriages in this book but it is not known if he was a. minister or a Justice of Peace. The exodus to Texas began with the Woodys. Jane Woody Farmer was the earliest arrival in Texas and met her brother, William, when he arrived in Fannin Co. Texas. # 32. Brice Mann was a Justice of the Peace in Wise Co., TX. 1878-1880 and Tax Collecter from 1880. Surved CSA Civil War in Earps Co. E, 23rd Texas Calvary, 4th Co., Captin Ben Earp and B. B. Haney’s Co. A., 1st Frontier District. # 33. Andrew Mann and about 57 men, in 1891, signed a joint note for money to build a Baptist College. # 34. WILLIAM J. (Bill) MANN Oldest son of James Mann and Margaret Stephenson Mann, he came to Wise County with his parents in June of 1854. They camped on the West Fork of the Trinity River at Cain Crossing, later known as Bobo Crossing, named because Bobo had a gin at this crossing for a time. arriving in Wise County in 1853, with Uncle Sam Woody and Ben Crews, they built the Woody log house, the first house built in Wise County, and went back to Tarrant County, to return the following summer to settle. W.J.'s first schooling was in a log school house in Deep Creek Community, taught by Bob WALKER. He later went to school at Veal Station in Parker County, taught by Bill AKARD. While attending school in Parker County, he stayed with Uncle Bill Woody, who was a brother of Uncle Sam, Woody, The five Woody brothers were: Sam, of Deep Creek, Bill and John, who settled near Veal Station, Brice, of Willow Creek area near Boonsville, and Hugh who lived in East Texas. W.J. "Bill" Mann and Martha PERKINS were married in 1877 in Wise County. With a pre-emption claim of 180 acres of land on Rush Creek in Wise County, near a watering place known as Buzzard Springs, they settled down and began their family. Sadly, Martha D with the birth of twins, one of whom survived, and Martha and the other twin are buried in Cottondale. The following year Bill Mann married Lantie LINDSEY INSMINGER, as her second husband. (Her first husband (and father of her son, Wash,) had been killed in a fight. Bill and Lantie moved onto 160 acres known as the Sam Ewing Place on Garret's Creek. Bill had traded his original farm for this land in 1881. Neighbors on Rush and near Garrett's Creek included B.C. ALLGOOD, GARRETT, Cage BEESON, TUDOR, Dug MORTON, MARION, SANDERS, RUSSELS, W.G. ALEXANDER, Galley STEVENS, CURRY, M.W. ROGERS, W.B. MULLINS, John McCLUSKEY, Bob KINCANNON, The BUCKINGHAMS, Wild Henry FITZGERALD, The KELLEY'S, George STEVENSON, J.T. KIDD, T.B. NALL, Parson GREGORY, AND A DONAHUE family. William (Bill) Mann was elected sheriff of Wise County in 1881, served one term. His son Lee Mann also was the sheriff of Wise County, served two terms, starting in 1913. # 35. Thomas Newton and Mary Mann McCright, with their six boys under the age of eight years old, lived under a cluster of live oak trees while their log cabin was built with the help of Brice and John Mann, her brothers, and others who were already settled in Wise County. The one room log home with a south door, no windows and an eight foot fireplace on the east wall, was located just below the open prairie range where Comanche Indians traveled. The logs and shingles were split by hand with a broad axe and after erecting, the holes were chinked with wood and clay. The shingles were tied down with logs. The chimney stones were cut by hand. The new home was completed and the family of nine moved in September, 1860. Since there were no fences, all cattle had to be branded, especially new born calves. Thieves would brand them as their own, if they could find them first. Sheep needed constant protection from wolves and other wild life. At first, wild turkeys, wild hogs and sweet potatoes were the main diet. It must have been a relief to add the vegetables from the garden and a tamer variety of hogs. Laundry was done on battling-boards in Deep Creek about a half-mile from the house. It was necessary to go to Deep Creek in groups, for the laundry detail, as Indians were a constant threat. Life was simple and sweet, despite the many dangers and hardships, with all the living done in one room, the cooking food hung in the fireplace in large iron kettles. At night, by firelight, grandparents read the bible and worked on the spinning wheel, as the youngers ones gathered around. Before arriving in Wise County, Mary Mann, B Oct. 10, 1830 in Tennessee, had traveled with her family (parents John and Delilah Woody Mann) and eleven other families by a large river raft leaving Roane County, TN when she was eighteen years old in 1848. They traveled to TN, MS, and Red Rivers before traveling by land from a point near Shreveport, LA, to Upshur County, TX near Gilmer. The family remained there at least two years. On November 12, 1850, Mary Mann and Thomas Newton McCright, son of Matthew and Charity McCright, B Feb. 24, 1826 in GA., were married. They remained in Upshur County nearly ten years before moving to Wise County. Their only girl child was B after they moved into their cabin near Deep Creek, in Feb. 1861, she joined the family of six boys. They first belonged to a small Baptist Church located south of Decatur. Thomas walked six miles each Sunday morning to Sand Hill for services. Later a church was established at Deep Creek and the family attended there. At the age of thirty-six, in 1861, Thomas Newton McCright left to serve in the Confederate Army. Treasured letters were sent home through the Aurora Post Office telling of his long marching and many hardships. He was captured and taken to a prison camp in Chicago, IL where he D on April 7, 1863 at the age of thirty-seven. Mary Mann McCright gave birth to her ninth child, another son, in October 1962, just after her husband left for the Civil War. She also opened her home later to an orphan, Minnie May, who made her home with Mary. With the Indians threat to so many families in this area, Mary had a large hole dug in front of the hearth and there she put the children under the floor and stood guard at the door with her gun. One time during a camp meeting at Deep Creek word was received that the Comanche Indians were on the warpath and headed in that direction. People were attending the meeting (preaching) from far and near, so they went to the nearest neighbors homes to spend the night. Two or three men kept constant watch all night for the Indians, but were very thankful that nothing happened. The Deep Creek school house and cemetery were located on land set aside by Mary Mann McCright and her brother Andrew Mann. Their parents are among the first to be buried there. The children attended school along with the other children of the Deep Creek Community. They carried one large lunch bucket for the whold family, usually filled with baked sweet potatoes. As the boys grew and married another log house was built a short distance away from the home place, but out of sight. The newly-weds all lived here and as time passed it became known as the "Weaning House." Mary Mann McCright had requested that no water ever touch her grave and so her grave is completely covered. She and six of her children, two daughters-in-law, her son-in-law and some grandchildren are all buried on some of this land set aside at Deep Creek by her for the cemetery. # 46a. In the Ft. Worth, TX newspaper 2/7/00 was the following obituary. Marian Woody Aola, 94, a homemaker, died Sat., Feb. 5, 2000 in Decatur,TX. Graveside service 2 PM Monday in Deep Creek Cemetery in Wise Co. Marian Woody Acola was born 26 Aug 1905 in the Deep Creek community in Wise Co., She was the granddaughter of Sam Woody, an early settler of Wise County. She was married to the late Sam Acola in 1927 in Dallas. Survivors: Sons, Sam Woody Acola and his wife, Betty of Ft. Worth; daughters, Carolyn Acola Phelps and her husband, Richard of Conroe and Elizabeth Clevenger and her husband, Harold of Dallas; grandchildren, Maxine Acola of Houston and Gary Phelps of Phoenix, AZ. (Reference) # 46 John J. Woody American Life Histories WPA Projects 1936-40 [J. J. Woody] {Begin handwritten} FOLKSTUFF - RANGELORE {End handwritten} Phipps, Woody Rangelore Tarrant Co., Dist. #7 {Begin handwritten} [86?] {End handwritten} Page #1 FC J.J. Woody, 76, was born on his father's stock farm in Wise Co., Tex. # 50a. Joseph Looney Woody served in Buck Berry’s Texas Frontier Calvary 1863-1865. Discharged at Ft. Belknap Tx. Texas Pension #24845 # 50b. Likely Joseph Looney Woody The famous Salt Creek fight or massacre site is near Flint Creek, close to the old Murphy station in northern Young County. The battle occurred on Monday, May 16, 1869. Capt. Ira Graves assumed command, and with him were: William Crow John Lemley George Lemley C.L. "Shap" Carter Jason McClain W.C. Kutch J.W. Gray Henry Harrison Rube Secris Joe Woody Negro Dick, a cook The cowboys were armed with cap and ball six-shooters and were attacked by 57 painted Indians. The cowboys took their stand in a depression that drained into one of the prongs of the Salt Creek. Their position was about five miles southeast of the present city of Olney, in Young County. William Crow was instantly killed during the early stages of the battle. According to family records, a rifle ball penetrated his head; George Lemley was wounded in the face and before the fight was over, every man was wounded, except Joe Woody and Henry Harrison. When the Indians retreated, William Crow had been dead for several hours. S.L. "Shap" Carter had a severe arrow wound and rifle ball wound. John Lemley was mortally wounded in the stomach with an arrow. J.W. Gray had been twice shot with rifle balls, oen in the body and one in the leg. W.C. Kutch had two arrow heads in his knee and one in his shoulder. Jason McClain had been shot twice with arrows. Rube Secris had his mouth badly torn and his knee shattered. George Lemley had his face badly torn and an arrow in his shoulder. Ira Graves and negro Dick were also wounded. Henry Harrison was sent to the Harmonson ranch according to the Harmonson family, which was several miles away near present Newcastle, Young County, Texas. The next morning a wagon appeared with A.C. Tackett, Bob Whitten, and Theodore Miller assisting the cowboys. Messengers were dispatched for doctors from Palo Pinto County and Fort Richardson. C.L. "Shap" Carter died the next day and his death was the third victim of the battle. # 51. Mrs. Jane (Woody) Farmer, widow of the late George P. Farmer, was the first white woman of Fort Worth, Texas, and her children were the first white children born here. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer were married in 1844, and three years later, in 1847, emigrated from their native state (Tennessee) to Texas, first settling in Fannin County, where they remained two years and whence the came, in 1849, to Fort Worth. They reached here three weeks before the arrival of the soldiers. At that time a furrow had not been plowed nor had an ax or hoe been used in the vicinity. Nature was undisturbed, and not a sign of habitation was here. They camped on the present site of Fort Worth. After the arrival of the troops Mr. Farmer was employed by the government to attend the sutler's store, and he continued thus employed for four years. He then took a homestead claim of 320 acres and devoted his energies to the development of a farm, soon bringing a hundred acres of this tract under cultivation. He also engaged in the cattle business, which he carried on until the opening of the late war, when he sent his cattle west with one of his sons, who continued the business there. About 1862 Mr. Farmer sold his homestead, taking in payment therefor negroes and Confederate money, both of which proved worthless. Later he purchased the farm where his widow now lives. This tract comprises 240 acres, 135 of which are under cultivation, being rented on the shares, and wheat, oats, and corn being the chief products. Although she endured many privations and hardships, Mrs. Farmer has many pleasant reminiscences of her pioneer life. At the time they settled here game of all kinds and honey and wild grapes were plentiful. Grapes, however, were the only fruit they had, and there were no vegetables here whatever. Ten years elapsed before she had a mess of Irish potatoes. Groceries and provisions of all kinds had to be hauled from Houston, and some times during the rainy season it took two to three months to make the trip. Mr. Farmer was a man of many sterling qualities. In his makeup were found the elements of a true pioneer. He was a veteran of the Seminole war in Alabama an Florida, and his widow is a pensioner of that war. While he never aspired to official position, he took a laudable interest in public affairs, and was well known and highly respected all over the pioneer settlement, retaining the confidence and good will of all who knew him, up to the time of his death, which occurred January 14, 1892. He was especially notes for his hospitality, his good wife sharing with him in this. The latch-string of their cabin door always hung on the outside, both friend and stranger were given a hearty welcome, and the needy were never turned away empty handed. The name of "Press" Farmer is dear to all of the early settlers. Mrs. Farmer was born and reared in east Tennessee, tha date of her birth being March 15, 1827. Her father, Samuel Woody, was among the first settlers of Parker County, Texas, He having come here a few years after the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Farmer, and he remained in the county until his death, about 1877. He was a farmer and blacksmith, and was prominent in his day. This worthy pioneer couple were the parents of fourteen children, five of whom died in infancy. A record of the others is as follows: Susan is the wife of Thomas Young, a native of Virginia and a druggist of Lewisville, Denton County, Texas; Jacob is engaged in the cattle business in Montana; Molly is the wife of Eugene Small, of Velasco; Josephine is the wife of Dr. Higgins, of Cooke County, this state; Emma is a member of the home circle; Florence, wife of Alexander Henderson, resides on a farm in Tarrant county, Texas; Alexander died at the age of twenty-one years; William died and left a widow and eight children; and Hannah, wife of James Sutter, is deceased. Mrs. Farmer was present at the organization of the Baptist Church of Fort Worth, and also at that of Enon. Of this church she has been a consistent member for many years. And last a story not in direct relation to the Texas Woody but a great story never the less; A story told about Elizabeth (Allen) Dixon; When Cornwallis's troops were fleeing from Greene's armies, they encamped a day and a night at Dixon's Mill. Cornwallis commandeered Simon Dixon's stone house, for his headquarters. About 20 of his sick and wounded soldiers died at this encampment, and were buried in the Cane Creek Cemetery. When the Lord General took over the Dixon house, the family took temporary quarters in an out - building near by. That night the good old Quaker lady, Mrs. Dixon (who was Elisabeth Allen) wanted a smoke. She remembered that she had left her pipe in the house. But when she went to retrieve it, a hard boiled sentry barred the way and refused permission to enter. 'But I want my pipe!" said Aunt Lib. "You can't have yer bloody pipe!" growled the sentry, "An' 'ow do I know yer not a bloody hound? Away am' begone, ye rebel!" The General heard the argument and came outside the house. He had recognized Mrs. Dixon's Voice. 'What's this! What's this!" He called to the sentry. "Trying to keep a - lady out of her own house! Of course she can have her pipe. Come on in, Mrs. Dixon, and get what you like." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Well maybe too long but I would hate our history to be lost or forgoten. Michael A Woody ____________________________________________________________ Get your dream car or truck. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/BLSrjpYYjRTS8Vo8Ox75sesoPe8GjdXcDYkruxupnXmdgiGysTgUU8AjbVW/