Reuben C. Wood (1838-1923)

Robt. Scritchfield and wife and Cass Scritchfield and wife attended the 52nd wedding anniversary of their uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Wood, of Lowell Monday.

Reuben C. Wood, second child of James A. and Anna Jacobs Wood, was born in Porter Co., Indiana, September 9, 1938, and passed away at his home in Lowell, November 8, 1923, at the age of 85 years and two months.

He was united in marriage with Fannie Scritchfield, April 2, 1865. He was a successful teacher in the public schools until 1864, when he enlisted with the boys in blue. At the close of the war he resumed his teaching and later practiced law for several years. He united with the Christian church during the ministry of W.A. Henningar. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, one adopted daughter, Marguerite, of Los Angeles, Calif., one brother, James, and many other relatives.

Rev. A.M. Hootman, pastor of the First Chrstian Church, at Petoskey, Michigan, and a former pastor of his, upon hearing of the decease of Brother Wood wrote: "I had known for some time that his general health and eyesight were failing him; but he has more than outlived his three score and ten years. I well remember when our little family first came to Lowell, how very many pleasant times we all spent in your home. Reuben was then the church treasurer. He was also Master of the lodge when I became a Free and Accepted Master Mason. The evening I took my Masters Degree we took supper at your home.

"Reuben C. Wood was a congenial, affable and courteous Christian gentleman; his heart was kind; he was fair in his judgment of men, never hasty in conclusions; but he ever tried to be safe, true and loyal. He loved his country, he was devotedly religious, yet he was jolly and happy hearted, merciful and generous to a fault."

Funeral services were held at the Christian church Sunday at 2. Rev. Fred Gibson, pastor of the church, preached the funeral sermon. The music was furnished by a mixed quartette composed of Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Grace McCarty, Mrs. Nellie Einspahr and Wayne Salisbury. The services were in charge of Colfax Lodge F. & A.M., and they performed their ritualistic ceremony at the church. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery. Undertaker Weaver was in charge of the burial service. The following members of Colfax lodge acted as pall-bearers: C.R. Sherard, George J. Hoevet, Earle C. Pulver, C.O. Hill, L.J. Scritchfield and O.H. Eskridge.