Robert F Hood was born on January 12, 1862, the son of Robert F. Hood and Sarah Elizabeth Smith. Robert and Sarah Elizabeth had three sons; Robert Franklin (1862), James A. (1863-1863), John William (1869).  Their son, James, who was named after Elizabeth’s father, James Smith,  died at the age of 2 months.  Sarah Elizabeth died on January 5, 1873. Robert F Hood (Sr) was a wagon maker according to the 1870 Federal Census. He and his family live in Columbia City, Indiana. The have two sons listed in the census; Robert F and John Wm.

In the 1880 Federal Census, the family remains in Columbia City, Indiana. The elder Robert F has remarried Mary J Hilderbrand after the death of his first wife, Sarah Elizabeth. Robert F Jr is eighteen years old and remains in school according to the census record.

Robert F (Jr) married Minnie A. Hartsock on January 13, 1887. In the 1900 Federal Census, Robert F is a farmer. He and his family remain in Columbia City. They have two children; Thomas (1892), and Ellen(1899). By the time of the 1910 Federal Census, Robert and Minnie have three children; Thomas, Ellen and Robert J. (1903)

In 1920 Robert and Minnie live at 310 North Washington Street in Columbia City, Indiana. Robert states that he is a merchant who works in a furniture store. By the 1930 Federal Census, Robert F has retired. They remain at the same address on North Washington Street.

John William Hood and Robert Franklin Hood –  around 1930

Eighty- five years ago, Robert Franklin Hood died in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 14, 1935. He was buried at the Greenhill Cemetery in Columbia City, Indiana.

Rest in peace, Robert Franklin!

Love, Jan

Robert Franklin Hood is my first cousin 3 times removed.