Harris Kimball Wood (1827-1923)
Obituary
Gonzales Inquirer Newspaper, Gonzales, Texas
July 12, 1923
IN MEMORIAM
To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Gonzales Lodge No. 30, A. F.
and A. M.
Your committee heretofore appointed to draft a memorial sketch with resolutions in relation to the demise of H. K. Wood, beg leave to report as follows:
Whereas: It be placed [illegible] from the fraternal ranks, our highly respected and dearly beloved brother, Harris Kemble Wood, who departed this life at his residence in Gonzales, Texas, at 3 o’clock a. m. Saturday, May 19, 1923. Our deceased brother was a native of the glorious old North Carolina; just after the birds returned from the Sunny South and the violets and daisies had filled the woodland with their sweet perfume, his spirit was ushered into the world in Randolph County, N. C., on April 4, 1927. His parents were William and Henriette Wood, and he was the eldest of nine children, all of whom preceded him in death, including the late Judge Denman of San Antonio, Texas, who was a half-brother of our deceased brother. With his mother he emigrated to Texas in 1852, settling near Luling in Caldwell County. He moved to Belmont in Gonzales County in 1869, where he remained until his final removal to Gonzales [illegible] in 1855 to Nancy Jane Parchman who died January 24, 1918. From this marriage nine children were born, of whom six survive, towit: James Wood, Gonzales; Lucius Wood, Runnels County, Texas; Misses Ora and Dula Wood, Mrs. W. B. Jackson and Mrs. R. C. Botts of Gonzales, Texas.
The deceased’s record as a Mason is bright and in every respect worthy of our remembrance and admiration. Next to Brother H. L. Qualls, he was the oldest member of our lodge, Bro. Qualls being the oldest. The deceased was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Belmont Lodge. The principles of our order were warmly cherished by him, and he was especially moved by charitable impulses. Besides his own children, he reared five orphaned children. He was known to have helped many widows and needy persons. Indeed his life was beautified by many acts of charity, which we have long since passed to his credit and which he will ever hold in kindly remembrance. When a small boy he was happily converted and joined the Methodist Church South to which he remained faithful, until God transplanted him to that temple not made by hands eternal in the heavens.
Our deceased brother came of a patriotic ancestry and he was not unmindful of his duties as a true and loyal son of the South during the memorable struggle of 1861-65. He enlisted in the Confederate Army and was a member of Captain Kelly’s company, Mann’s regiment. In all walks of life he was true and faithful to his duties.
Therefore, be it
Resolved, first: That we sincerely deplore the death of our brother, H. K. Wood, and hereby extend to his bereaved family and relations our heartfelt sympathy.
Resolved, second: That this memorial tribute of our esteem and friendship for our deceased brother be spread on the minutes of our lodge, an engrossed copy thereof be furnished his bereaved family, and that the Gonzales Inquirer be requested to publish the same.
Respectfully submitted,
John S. Conway,
T. E. Stephenson,
W. M. Atkinson,
Committee
Gonzales, Tex., July 5, 1923
Source: John T. Nash, 6th great grandson of Capt. William Wood, Jr.