We are trying to track down siblings and parents on JOHN SAMUEL WOOD(S). He was born July 14, 1834 (prob in Tennessee, but that is not proven yet). He married MARTHA ANN HASTINGS on August 11, 1853, in Paris, Henry County, Tennessee. MARTHA ANN was born March 11, 1835 (Tennessee). She was the daughter of John McGowen Hastings and wife, Elizabeth Sexton, of Henry County, TN. I'm beginning to think he may have materialized from thin air --- however, there is a possibility that JOHN SAMUEL WOOD(S) is shown in the household of TILLMAN WOOD on the 1850 census for Henry County, Tennessee. It shows a son named "John" aged 18. The 1850 census also shows Martha in the John Mc. Hastings household in the 1850 census for Henry County. After their marriage in 1853, the JOHN SAMUEL and MARTHA ANN (HASTINGS) WOOD(s) apparently lived for several years in Tennessee (prob. Henry County). They had at least three children there: John A., Sarah and Elizabeth. A fourth child, William Clinton Woods, was prob. born in Jackson Co, Illinois (although a later census states TN). All of John's and Martha's children were named after their siblings or their two mothers, Sarah Wood(s) and Elizabeth Hastings. Additional children were born to the Woods family in Illinois. Family tradition states that the Woods came from North Carolina; but we have nothing concrete at this time that supports that tradition. However, the 1850 census does indicate the Hastings were also from NC. It also states that Tillman and Sarah Woods were both from NC. Tillman's mother's name was probably Nancy. Also, Tillman may have been a middle name. There is quite a bit of family tradition where the son has used a middle name. Any leads concerning the WOOD(S) members of this family will be gratefully appreciated. You wouldn't think someone with the last name of "Woods" would have so much trouble with "Trees." <sorry - I just HAD to say it!!> Thank you all. Judy Knutsen Woods