In Memory of a Departed Soldier.
Charles Pollard Wood was born July 19, 1875 to Mr. and Mrs. James T. Wood, on a hot summer’s day at the city of Sweet Springs, in Saline County, Missouri. This town is located about 20 miles north-northwest of Sedalia, Missouri. Some time in 1888-89 for reasons yet unknown, Mr. Wood had died. Mrs. Wood then moved with 14 year old Charles, two sisters and one half sister to Carthage Missouri in 1889. Young Charles entered the Carthage school system in the 7th grade and went on to display both his scholastic and athletic abilities. He had played Right End on the High School Football Team and graduated in 1895 along with about 40 other classmates, one of which was his sweetheart, she would on May 9, 1897 become his bride.
Upon his graduation he took the preliminary examination for appointment as a navel cadet at Annapolis, in which he made the highest grades of all the competitors and made the trip to Annapolis, where he only failed in the final examination through some technicality. He had great ambitions along that line, and would have tried for an appointment at West Point had there been an opportunity before he passed the age limit. He therefore joined the Carthage Light Guard in 1895 then under the command of Captain Carl R. Gray. He quickly became recognized as having the ability to become an outstanding soldier. His name was listed among the privates on the August 4-11 roster of members that made the 1895 Missouri National Guard, Regimental summer camp that was held a Sedalia, Missouri under command of Capt. John A. McMillan.
Charles had gone to work for local Wells and Wiggins Wholesale Grocery House a short time after his graduation for high school. In the spring of 1896 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and held that rank during the 1896 summer camp held at Lamar, Missouri, (Called Camp Gross) August 16-23. In October of 1896 Charles landed a job as local editor for the Carthage Evening Press. His career on this paper would become well known.
On May 9, 1897 he married Miss Emily I. Valentine; his high school sweetheart, she took the name of Mrs. Emily Valentine Wood. In the summer of 1897 Charles was again promoted, this time to the rank of Sargeant, his name at this rank was listed on the National Guard roster during the August 15-22 regimental camp held at Joplin, Missouri.
The Carthage Light Guard unit (National Guard) Company A, 2nd Missouri Infantry left the city on May 5, 1898 bound for Jefferson Barricks, where they would be outfitted for training that was to be conducted elsewhere, in preparation for the Spanish-American War. On May 12, 1898 Company A, 2nd Missouri Volunteer Infantry was mustered into Federal Service and by May 19, 1898 the company was on its way to Chickamauga, Georgia. The May 4, to June 30, 1898 unit Muster Roll showed that Sgt. Wood had become sick on June 25, 1898 and had been taken to the regimental hospital. The June 30, to July 31, 1898 unit Muster Roll states that Sgt. Wood had died on July 11, 1898 in the Division Hospital. This record also stated that Sgt. Wood had been last paid on June 30, 1898, also under a column headed Due U.S. it lists .33 cents for clothing.
In one of Sgt. Wood’s last letters home and to the Carthage Press he told of having been taken to the hospital with “Malaria” and stated, “We have the best of care in the hospital, sleep on cots, between real sheets and have a special mess with very decent food.” The Malaria turned out to be Typhoid and he died.
At this point I feel compelled to pass on to the readers as many facts as is now known or can presently be found about the life (as brief as it was) of Charles Pollard Wood. Mr. Wood did his part, his friends and loved ones did their part for as long as they could. It is now our duty to carry on the last part of this effort, by keeping his name before the public, and forever known.
Sergeant Wood is dead. He gave up his life in his country’s service today. He was also an honored member of the “Press” force.
The hosts of friends of Sergeants Charles P. Wood of Co. “A” will be shocked to learn that he died in “Camp Thomas” Chickamauga Park, Georgia, today at 3 o’clock.
The intelligence came to the Press in the following telegram from Col. William Chaffee, just received as we go to press: Sgt. Wood died at 3 o’clock. Will send home remains tomorrow. I will wire when to expect them. Signed by W. K. Caffee. (July 12, 1898 Carthage Press)
As is well known in Carthage Sgt. Wood was for nearly two years prior to his departure for the training with Co. “A” of this city, the local editor of the Press, and he was one of the brightest and most capable young newspapermen Carthage has ever known. When his company was called out to fight the battles for Cuban independence, there was no more zealous, patriotic or enthusiastic member of the Light Guard than he was. Until he took sick a couple of weeks ago of typhoid fever, his interesting letters from camp were daily features of this paper.
The last news from him was that he was getting better, and it was hoped and believed he would soon be well. The news of his death now is therefore a terrible shock.
He leaves a wife, hardly more than a bride, and a widowed mother and several sisters to mourn his untimely death. The Press turns its column, rules in reverence for his memory and will tomorrow give further testimony to his life, his hopes and his ambitions which the lateness of the hour at which the telegram is received makes impossible today. (July 12, 1898, Carthage Evening Press)
TO THE MEMORY OF SERGEANT WOOD.
Some of the things which made the dead soldier loved and respected.
The sad news of the death of Sergeant Charles P. Wood in camp Chickamauga Park, Georgia, as announced in a late telegram in yesterday’s Press, quickly spread about the streets and expressions of regret and grief were heard on every hand. The Press office was besieged with anxious inquirers. Today the sad death has been the uppermost thought in the hearts of the people of the entire city. Soldier boys from other localities have met death upon the battlefield or in camp, but this is the first instance in which death has invaded the ranks of the brave boys who have gone from this locality to fight for their country. But it is not only as a soldier that Sergeant Wood’s untimely death is mourned, his good nature and whole-soled, genial disposition that made him a great favorite, and all who knew him are grieved that he is gone. He was in some respects brilliant. His literary style was peculiarly fascinating and in this respect he was unusually gifted. Those who have read his numerous breezy letters form camp during the past two months fully realize that fact. As a news-gatherer he was very popular and made friends with everyone with whom he came in contact. He undoubtedly had a bright future before him in the newspaper field, and had he lived to pursue that work, would unquestionably have made his mark on the world in that line.
His fidelity to his friends was something remarkable. This was simply a manifestation of the ruling traits of his character, which combined to make him genial and friendly to all, generous to a fault, and one who absolutely never gave way to his temper.
During long discussions of the Cuban question he was constantly and deeply interested in its solution and was a vigorous advocate of Cuban liberty. Nor was it a mere sentiment with him, for as the time drew near when it appeared that every day must bring war, he was eager for the call to come summoning the Light Guard, of which he was a member, to the front.
True patriotic zeal inspired him, and no hardship was too great for him to face if thereby the cruel Spaniards might be brought to their senses.
He was made of the stuff that constitutes a hero. Had he been in Lieutenant Hobson’s shoes he would just as unhesitatingly and fearlessly have taken the “Merrimac” into the jaws of death as did the courageous young officer, whose name is now on the whole nation’s lips. This is not exaggeration but is based on the knowledge of the man from long and intimate association with him.
Possibly he had a presentiment of the fate that awaited him, for he was unusually thoughtful in providing for those dependent upon him. Just before the war he took out $6,000 life insurance equally divided between his wife, his mother and sisters. He was also insured by the Modern Woodmen for $2,000, equally divided between his wife and sister.
Some facts about planing the Funeral.
At this time the body will arrive here on Wednesday evening and the funeral will not be held till Thursday to allow time for his sister, Miss Vesta Wood, who was in Washington attending the national convention of teachers, time to reach here. The funeral will be held under the directions of the Modern Woodmen, of which lodge the deceased was a member. The local G.A.R. will turn out, and a company of former members of the Light Guard will be organized and fire the salute over the grave. The fire department has signified their intentions of being in line, and it is probable the Light Guard band will also take part.
Facts told by the Globe Democrat.
In its special telegraphic news from Chickamauga, this morning’s Globe Democrat says:
Sergeant Charles P. Wood, of the 2nd Missouri Volunteer Infantry, died late this afternoon in the 3rd Division hospital, of typhoid fever, after an illness of three weeks. This is the third death within the camp of the 2nd Missouri, and though grief was general over each death, none seemed to bring the shock that came with the announcement of Wood’s death. Every man in the command knew and loved him for his excellent qualities. He was a newspaperman as a civilian, employed by the Carthage Evening Press, and has a bride of less than a year. It appears that his illness developed while he was on detail as the sergeant of the guard three weeks ago. He slept in the open air and caught cold from the night dew, which was very heavy here at the time. About ten days ago he was moved from the regimental to the division hospital by order of the general command, and was among the men suffering from a high fever. He was confident and requested to be allowed to walk to the ambulance, but the fever had made him as weak as a child and he had to be carried.
Col. Caffee took high interest in his sick men, and called at the hospital each day to see that they got things which the hospital did not furnish. At his own expense, he made arrangements for ice and milk for his men, and saw each one in person to learn his individual wants. On the day of Wood’s death, accompanied by his adjutant, Lt. Joe McMillan, and Chaplain Otterman, he reached the hospital, passed among the low cots and came to Wood’s, where he found Pvt. Wells who belonged to Wood’s company, setting beside the cot crying bitterly. The colonel sat down on the other side of the cot and lifted up the sergeant’s hand. The end came while each was still holding his hands. Arrangements were made at once to have the body embalmed, and tomorrow morning it would be sent back to Carthage.
The St. Louis Republic of today says: “After a short illness with typhoid, Sergeant C. P. Wood, of Company A, 2nd Missouri Volunteer’s, died at the division hospital today. Sergeant Wood was one of the best Non-commissioned officers in the Second, and was admired and respected by his comrades.
His body will be returned to his relatives at Carthage for interment.” From letters by John McMillan and Private Heber Wells received last night gives some additional particulars in regard to the sickness and death of Sergeant Charles P. Wood in the hospital at Chickamauga. The following are extracts from Heber Well’s letter:
This being a rainy day and the first since Charley died that I have had a chance to give any particulars. Charley was in better condition than at any previous time during his illness when I saw him at about 10 o’clock on the morning of his death. His fever was broken and he was to have been removed to the convalescent ward this week. About 2 o’clock in the afternoon Capt. McMillan was notified that Charley was in a critical condition as a result of hemorrhage and that some one from his company had better come immediately to sit with him. I went and there found him in a bad fix. He had bled so much that he was very low and could not talk plain, although he recognized me. One of the doctors told me that the chances were poor and that I had better go for the chaplain.
When I returned the whole force of doctors were at work with Charley trying to save his life, but he was nearly gone. After half an hour’s work the doctors gave him up and in a few minutes he passed away. Col. Caffee and myself were the only Carthage men there. This death was wholly unexpected by every one as we all expected to see Charley up and about in a week or two. I dread to have to tell his friends here, and it will be far worse to tell his wife and mother.
“No doubt it will be a great shock for the people of Carthage to hear the news of Sergeant Wood’s death. However, I venture not a man of all who have seen him every day would have expected this. The morning was bright and pleasant and at about 11 o’clock he said he felt better than he had at any time since he had been in the division hospital, and that he would be out under a large tree in the shade in a short time. His temperature was lower than ever and everything indicated a rapid change for the better. At 1:30 p.m., while we were all at Officers School, a messenger came saying he wanted some of his friends to come and sit with him and wanted to see Col. Caffee. So I sent Heber Wells, his intimate friend, and the colonel went immediately. Heber came back for the chaplain and when they returned Charlie could not recognize anyone, nor could he speak. He had several hemorrhages and it was in utter collapse. Three doctors worked for an hour and did all that was in their power, but the poor boy had to go. I think the colonel took it as hard as any one in the regiment. He seemed to think a great deal of Charlie.
The boys are all broken up, as the death was so sudden and such a shock to all. I will as soon as possible, get all his things together and send them home.” (July 16, 1898 Carthage Press)
THE LAST SAD RITES, CHARLES P. WOOD TENDERLY LAID TO REST
The city’s tribute to the memory of a departed solider.
An immense outpouring of people and a most impressive funeral service.
Never has Carthage see such a funeral as that held yesterday over the remains of Charles P. Wood. It was magnificent, patriotic, and touching. Through out the city there were many evidences of the general and widespread sorrow felt. The flag on the courthouse was at half-mast and many business houses displayed flags draped in mourning. From 3:30 to 6:00 almost every business closed its doors. (This may explain why there is no July 14, 1898 newspaper on microfilm at the Carthage Library) A large body of ex-Light Guard and Modern Woodmen, to which organizations Sergeant Wood belonged, met the body at the Frisco train station just before midnight on Wednesday, July 13 and escorted it to E. Knell’s undertaking establishment. There it was prepared for burial.
The Old Light Guard members had detailed men; uniformed and armed, to keep guard over the remains form midnight till the hour of the funeral. This detail, which watched by twos, two hours at a time, was composed of J. A. Sigler, George Davey, Silas Jackson, Bert Greenup, Leslie McBean, Morton Wheeler, Will Boon, Eugene Milton, Frank Moore and C. A. Baker.
The mother, wife, sisters and other relatives of Sergeant Wood visited the remains at the undertaking house the next morning, and at 2 p.m. the casket was conveyed to the court house by a band of uniformed Woodmen, and the active pall bearers. There the remains lay in state for two hours.
The north and south entrances to the courthouse had been curtained off and the lower hallway from east to west be one canopied gallery, decorated with red, white and blue crepe. The casket wrapped in a huge flag rested just north of the central juncture of the four halls, and from
2 o’clock till nearly 4 o’clock one continuous stream of men, women and children with saddened faces and tear dimmed eyes, filed through the courthouse from east to west for one last lingering look at the face of the brave soldier who had gone to his long sleep. The throng was so great that military guards held the people back while others patrolled the hallway. Fully 4,000 people, it is estimated, passed through the courthouse in the allotted time. At 4 o’clock came the relatives again to take their last look at their loved one.
Long before 3 o’clock the Methodist church was crowed, with the exception of the seats reserved for the funeral party and the organizations. Hundreds stood outside or went away unable to get in. Shortly after 4 o’clock the body was taken from the courthouse by the west door followed down the steps by the relatives and honorary pallbearers.
The Light Guard band led the procession up Main Street to the church, playing a funeral march. Following, two abreast marched 84 Modern Woodmen. Then the honorary pallbearers, selected from among Sergeants Wood’s most intimate friends and associates. They were James P. Newell, Harry W. Blair, Hal M. Wise, Curtis Wright, Arthur McBean, Henry S. Cowgill, and Arthur McCarty, of Joplin The hearse followed with the active pallbearers dressed in military uniforms, marching on either side. They were Allen McReynolds, John Brown, Sherwood Drake, George Eldred, Will Brown, Fred Huber, Lee Durham and Clarence Baker.
The family of the deceased rode next, followed by a company of former Light Guard members commanded by a former captain, George H. Thomas, and preceded by a firing squad of a dozen men fully uniformed and armed. After this came the Carthage fire department with 3 wagons and paraphernalia appropriately decorated and draped for the occasion.
The church was most beautifully decorated with flags, crepe, potted plants and flowers, the work being done by the Royal Neighbors which is the ladies auxiliary to the Modern Woodmen. The casket was draped in a beautiful flag and covered with floral tributes. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful. Besides numerous contributions by individuals, pieces given by organizations were as follows: Carthage High School class of 95, a pillow of white and cream roses. Modern Woodmen, a 23-inch pillow lettered, “Our Hero”. Royal Neighbors wreath of purple and white. Old Light Guard, wreath in pink and white roses, inclosing white satin bearing inscription of Sergeant Wood’s membership in Company A. (This would be framed and presented to his wife). The Carthage Press force sent an anchor in flowers.
At the church the services was elaborate and very impressive. Dr. J. W. Stewart, Rev. A. J. Van Wagner and Rev. W. A. Oldham conducted it. After the rendition of a funeral march by Miss Johns the audience stood and united in singing “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”.
And Rev, Van Wagner then read a few suitable passages of scripture and a selection was impressively and beautifully rendered by a male quartette consisting of Messrs., Ed Ogden, N. C. Spencer, E. W. Lewis and T. W. Phillis.
Rev. Mr. Oldham read an interesting and complete biographical sketch of Sergeant Wood’s life, which had been given in the Press. Then Dr. J. W. Stewart delivered the funeral address.
Dr. Stewart’s address as complete as was possible.
It is the merest egotism for any citizen of Carthage to attempt to express in words the feeling of our hearts today. Thousands of people of Carthage and of the surrounding country and of this state have one thought, one feeling, one impulse, on this occasion. All hearts are impressed by this lesson taught by this presence of this casket. We are one; one in thought, one in expression. It is more than is expressed in the old stanza. “A union of lakes; and a union of lands, a union of states which no one can sever. A union of hearts and a union of hands and the flag of our union forever,” I realize that these great trials and these great problems, and great occasions, bring us out, and make us men, make us sublime in thought, and also in self sacrifice. When we sleep in the valley of peace, our greatest nature seems to slumber, but when these great occasions and imperial problems come to us, it awakens the greater side of our nature and calls us out in the strength and power of our manhood. And that which had been the history of this nation, in which we live. When we sink down to the even tenor of common life suddenly there comes a clamor that rends the air and the trumpet calls us to sudden war. And then we have always had boys who march to the heights of activity at the call of their country, and the genius of America has been stamped with greatness our favorite sons.
What an impressive spectacle we witness here today. Our business houses closed; various societies and orders of our city are present, our mayor, city council, and this vast gathering of citizens. What does this mean? Why is all this? Has a great statesman fallen? Has some great soldier whose name is on the pages of fame, passed away? Has some burning orator ceased to live? Has some great businessman fallen in the thick of the fray? To all this we can say No. And yet my friends, many a statesman, many a great orator, many a man known throughout the land in the business world has not had a tithe of the sympathy shown, or the feeling shown, as is exhibited here today, at his obsequies. What is the meaning of this? It means that we have gathered here as a city, as fellow citizens, as the people of this region of this country, to do honor to the memory of a young patriot who loved his flag and his country even better than life.
It means my friends, that we are here today honoring one who loved his wife, and his kindred, and his business, and his ambitions, and his hopes, and his dreams; and for his country’s sake, and for his flag’s sake, and for humanity’s sake.
Went down to that tented field and there, while waiting for the privilege of going forth to the battle, was seized with sickness and finally passed away in the hospital. He is a great martyr of our city for the cause of liberty, justice and humanity. That is the meaning of all we witness here today, and he was worthy of it all.
We all feel that this eloquent tribute to which we have listened today. This biography, this music, and all this assembly of the multitude and different orders are not sufficient, are not capable of conveying to the world, or to him who has passed away, our full admiration, our full sympathy, or our full love.
“How noble he was in his bearing; how pleasant his smile, how genial his manner, how cordial his greeting! How manly he was, how he had aims and ambitions! How his life was filled with daydreams and bright hopes,
How he entered into his career here in our city as a journalist, how faithful and loyal to his trust, How he loved those to whom he stood nearest and loved his country with a passionate love and his flag with a mighty ardor.
And how his heart went out to the oppressed, and how he longed to go down and drive the Spanish oppressor and plant the flag on the highest rampart, and give to Cuba, liberty. And how finally, when sickness seized him, how bravely and heroically and cheerfully, and even gladly, he laid down his life for the sake of humanity.
Giving up everything dear that thereby the great sacrifice might cheer on the men and stimulate his comrades and reach out to their hearts and bring the liberty we so greatly desire.”
Yes he is worthy of all the homage we give here, and my friends, let me say, also, that this life was not in vein. Ten thousand soldiers today are braver because of Charles Wood, his life, and his death. And as the thousands of soldiers have been fired by the sacrifice of his young life to love their country better. To make more of their flag and to swear with holy passion that that flag shall wave over every Spanish town, castle and garrison, until liberty comes to that whole island. Until Cuba is free and Spain is driven off, the sacrifice that our young hero and patriots made is felt today in the ranks and will be felt to the end when victory comes and when the flag waves over every inch of that territory. When we shout “Victory” and rejoice, we may know that the spirit of this brave soldier entered their hearts and helped to bring on the glorious achievements. And his name will not die. It will live. It will be cherished in this community and by his comrades. It will be spoken of tenderly and reverently years to come. It will be lisped by little children, young men and maidens will allude to it, and old men will recount to their grandchildren the life and the holy sacrifice of Charles P. Wood. His grave will be a holy place, where we will all go to renew our patriotism, our love for country and our love for the flag; and the cause to which he gave his brave young life can have but one issue, and that is victory. All Cervera’s fleet is destroyed; Santiago is ours, Havana soon will be, the Philippines are ours.
Puerto Rico will soon be ours, and our fleet will thunder out to Spain and her cities will be demolished, she will cry out for mercy and victory will be won, the victory for which this brave young soldier has truly gave his life, as any man who will or has fallen on the field of battle. If ever a man wanted to face his foe, if ever a man wanted to carry the banner to the loftiest heights, if ever a man wanted to send his bullets into the very breast of the persecutors, and outrage’s, and save the oppressed, that man was Charles P. Wood. We are not to forget his comrades; their hearts are here, those boys that went out from beautiful Carthage. How sad were they when he fell asleep. How they followed with tender thoughts; his body to this city, and now, in this connection, they are with us, in thought, sentiment and love and prayer. We sent to them today as we stand beside the coffin of this young brave man. We sent to them this message, “Stand by your flag; stand by your country, drive out the oppressor, and give freedom to Cuba.” And we know that the spirit of this brave young man will follow them until they succeed.
We send them also this message in that far and foreign country, “If you live to come back we will be here to welcome you with songs and hosannas and waving of banners and thundering of cannon, and you will be honored while you live. But if any of you, like this brave one, fall in battle we will receive you again, we will remember you and honor you and think of you and love you as long as we live and teach our children to do the same. For the grandest and greatest thing any man can do is to give his life for his country, his flag and humanity.”
“Now these bereaved ones have already been most tenderly and beautifully spoken to by the previous speaker.
What more can I do than simply to say to you out of a full heart, remember, during the dark days, during your loneliness, remember when you are listening for the sound of a voice that is still and a touch of a vanished hand. Remember for what he died the honor that is given to his name and the honor that is given to your name. Remember that he lived not in vein, remember that he died an honored death and has gone home to a glorious reward.
Think of the great Almighty, he out of his great heart will wondrously rewards those who give themselves for the poor and the needy and the starving and the dying, the cup of cold water to Cuba, and he will remember and reward such.
“And now, farewell, young patriot, noble soldier, good friend, loving husband, true sons farewell. We give thee congratulations, for thou art among the patriots and the statesmen and the heroes of all the past. And thou dost look down upon this assembly and upon the battle waging for humanity and thy spirit mounts up with joy, for victory is coming, the flag is to wave, humanity is to be cared for. Farewell, and may it be ours in a better land to look into your face and clasp your hand.”
After Dr. Stewart, Miss Lassie Caffee sang very sweetly and tenderly “He Giveth His Beloved Sleep,” violin obligates being played by Miss Carrie St. John. Rev. A. J. Van Wagner closed the church services.
The march to the cemetery was taken up at 5 o’clock in the same order as from the courthouse to the church. The train of carriages was undoubtedly the longest that ever followed a funeral to Park Cemetery.
At the cemetery the funeral service of the Modern Woodsmen was observed. The Woodsmen, the firing squad of the Light Guard, the pallbearers and the carriages of the family were drawn up about the grave, which was lined with a huge American flag and a screen of flowers.
After the Woodsmen ritual, where each member cast a sprig of evergreen upon the casket, which had been lowered to its resting-place, the Light Guard squad, under command of George Davey, fired a military salute of three volleys over the grave. The sounding of “Taps” the soldier’s last good night, by C. R. Dumars, brought the sad obsequies to a most impressive close.
The Modern Woodsmen deserve much commendation for the splendid manner in which they arranged every detail preparatory to the laying away of their former associate and friend. It speaks well for the energy and kind-heartedness of the order. (July 15, 1898 Carthage Press)
We know that there were also about 600 delegates of the Triple Alliance Co. in town for their convention.
Other facts about Charles Pollard Wood and his family: Between 1899 and 1954 the grave site at Park Cemetery was used as the gathering place on Decoration Day (May) for the United Spanish-American War Veterans Camp No. 2. This camp was named in his honor, the last such service was held there in 1954, for the members had grown old and could no longer attend. Next to his grave you will find that of his mother, Mrs. Sarah S. I. Wood. Born Dec. 21, 1834, died May 2, 1907. Next, Miss Marietta E. Pollard, half sister born Aug. 17, 1865, died Nov. 17, 1941. Next Miss Vesta Wood, born Aug 2, 1873, died Oct. 8, 1956. Mrs. Sarah Wood was born at Richmond Va. as Sarah I. Pollard, her family first moved to Kentucky, then moved on to Missouri with her parents, where she married (her first) Hezekiah Pollard (his second) at Lexington Missouri, on July 15, 1858. They had three children a son E. C. Pollard, and two daughters S. L. Pollard and Marietta E. Pollard. Mrs. Hezekiah Pollard became a widow about 1869. On Nov. 1, 1871 she married (her second) James T. Wood at the town of Brownsville and they lived at Sweet Springs, Missouri.
Charles P. Wood’s father died in Saline County about 1888-1889, cause unknown). We also know from the 1900 census that Mrs. Charles P. Wood (Emily Valentine) gave birth to a daughter in Oct. of 1898, she named the girl Charlene Wood.
We also know that some time later Mrs. Wood remarried, and went by the name of Mrs. Emily Valentine Smith (Mrs. J. Morit Smith) and had a home address of Star Route, Chatham, New York.
The memorial stone with suitable inscription will be located on the Jasper County Courthouse lawn in the city of Carthage, Mo. (South side of court house; then west along the sidewalk that circles the building, between that walk and the building)
It is our hope that the dedication can occur on April 20, 2002 during the 55th Missouri National Guard Association Annual Conference to be held at Joplin, Mo. and sponsored by the 203rd Engineer Battalion Headquarters also of Joplin, 
Missouri. Picture No. 048
Picture No. 049 Looking at the top row; third man from the left, and standing framed in the left section of the doorway is Charles P. Wood who is the next man right from the 1st. SGT Dan Smith.
NOTE: There is a framed copy of this picture hanging in the 203rd History Room at the Joplin Armory at 2000 West 32nd Street Joplin Missouri.
This report compiled by Rowland C. Diggs Sr. Historian for the 203 rd “Houn Dawg” Retiree’s Association.