John Hood was born in London, England on January 9,1799. As of this writing John Hood’s parents are not known. He married Hannah Tickner on September 19,1824 at Saint Mary’s Church in Newington, Southwark, England. They had nine children who were all born in England according to families’ arrival documents when they came to America in 1848. Their children were; George (1825), Mary (1827), Robert (1828), John (1830), Hannah (1833), Joseph (1835), Ellen (1837), Mariah (1839), Alfred (1841). In the Christening record in 1828 for their daughter, Hannah, John and Hannah were listed as Inn Keepers in Surrey. In the Christening record, in 1843 for Alfred, John’s occupation has changed and is now listed as a Wheelwright.
In the 1841 London Census, John and Hannah are found in St Georges Parish, in Southwark, Surrey, England. He list his occupation as Wheelwright. His oldest son, George, is sixteen and with his father. Mary, the daughter listed on the passenger list is not listed wit the family in the 1841 English Census.
John and Hannah immigrated to the United States arriving on November 7, 1848 according to Castle Garden and Ellis Island records. They left through the Port of London aboard the ship Devonshire arriving in Port of New York. All nine children are listed including Mary.
Two years after arriving, in the 1850 Federal Census, John and his family have settled in Eel River Township of Allen County, Indiana. John and Hannah have seven children who remain at home; George, John, Hannah, Joseph, Ellen, Maria, Alfred. John is a farmer and George is a wagon maker.
In the 1860 Federal Census, John and Hannah remain in Eel River Township, Allen County, Indiana. They have five children who remain at home; George, John, Joseph, Mariah, Alfred. John lists his occupation as farmer. The three oldest sons are adults and are working together making wagons and wheels. They list their occupation as wagon makers. Alfred has complete his schooling and is a farm laborer likely helping his father.
In 1870 Federal Census, John and Hannah live in Eel River, Allen County, Indiana. They have one adult daughter who remains with them, thirty year old Mariah. The older children have married and are on their own. John Jr. fought in the Civil War and died in the Battle of Nashville in 1864.
One hundred and forty three years ago today, John Hood died in Eel River Township, Indiana. He was buried in Eel River Cemetery in Allen County, Indiana next to his wife who died three years earlier.
Rest in peace, John!
Love, Jan
John Hood was the Father-in-law to my three times Great Aunt, Sarah Elizabeth Smith Hood.
Tombstone Tuesday 