An American Family History

Clara Fox Wood was the oldest child of John Newton Fox and Sarah Jane Ricketts. She was born in Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa on April 29, 1863 during the Civil War.

She married Frederick Chancier Wood, who was a barber, when she was 29 and he was 42 on July 4, 1893 in Lucas County. Fred was born in July 8, 1850 in Ohio. He was the son of Nimrod Wood and Rebecca Clowser.

Fred had been married before to Anna Benson. Anna was born in April, 1854 in Ohio. Her parents were Emerson Benson and Mary Dillon. Fred and Anna had three children:
Jesse Benson Wood (1877),
John William Wood (1877), and
Blanch Mary Wood Duckworth (1880, married Eddie Lee Duckworth).

In connection with the fire of last Thursday evening occurred two accidents which proved quite severe and entailed human suffering in a large degree...F. C. Wood, the barber, was the other victim and his injuries are more serious. He fell from a dray to which was fastened on behind the hook and ladder wagon. The hind dray wheel passed over his left arm and body, and the ladder wagon over both legs below the knees. The arm was bruised and the bones crushed, while sustaining painful internal injuries. His limbs were scratched and bruised. The unfortunates were conveyed to their homes, the wounds and fractures properly dressed and we are pleased to state they are resting comfortable at present, though it will be several weeks before they will have use of the crippled members. October, 25, 1894 H

Clara and Fred had six daughters who were all born in Iowa. Fern Wood Child was born in February, 1895. She married Frank B. Child and lived in Des Moines. They had two children Lois Shirley and Frank W. Child. Fern died in 1988.

Leah Faye Wood Duncan was born in January, 1897. She married Lyle Duncan and lived in Ottumwa. She died in 1972.

Rebecca J. Wood Kurchinski was born in December, 1898. She married Karl Kurchinski. Her children were Carl Kurchinski, Leona Lowe, and Clara Clark.

Goldie Wood Smith was born in 1902. She married Carol Smith and lived in Dallas, Texas.

Catherine Wood Johnson was born in 1904. Her first husband was Glen Marsh. Her children were Phillis Thomas and Richard March. She died in 1983.

Lois Wood was born in 1907 and passed away in 1918 at the age of eleven.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Wood, of Des Moines, formerly of this city, mourn the death of their little daughter, Lois, aged about 10 years, which occurred at their home in that city on Sunday night after an illness of about two weeks. Funeral services were held there yesterday. The sympathy of many Chariton friends will be extended to the sorrowing relatives. Miss Cora Tacker went up Tuesday to attend the last sad rites. March 14, 1918, Chariton Patriot

The family appeared in the 1900 census in Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa. 

According to the local paper, Fred was in two accidents in 1903. In September a train engine fell through a bridge and in December he fell from a load of wood onto the back of his head.

In August, 1904 the local paper announced that he was moving to Thomas, Oklahoma.

At the time of the 1910 census, they were living in Fillmore County, Nebraska.

In 1916 Fred

was struck by an automobile as he was crossing the southeast corner of the square on Tuesday evening and was carried several feet. Fortunately he was not seriously injured.
Chariton Patriot, January 27, 1916

In 1920 they were living in Des Moines, Iowa.

Fred died in December, 1930 when he was hit by a street car in Des Moines and Clara followed on January 24, 1934.

Mrs. Fred C. Wood Stricken
Mrs. Fred C. Wood, of Des Moines, formerly of his city, suffered a stroke of paralysis on Monday and his been in serious condition. Mrs. Wood was formerly Miss Clara Fox and her home was in Chariton for many years, prior to moving to Des Moines. Her many friends here hope for her early recovery. Chariton Patriot, December 23, 1926

They are buried together at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.