On 15 February 1808, Julia, James, William and Fountain Wood are listed as orphans of William Wood. Sally Wood is their guardian. [Essex County, Virginia, Guardian Book 4, page 44]

In 1812, a suit for the division of the estate of William Wood was brought before the Essex County court. Henry H. Boughan.; and Julia his wife. That Wm Wood.; died in 18__ intestate leaving a widow Sally and sons James, William and Fountaine and oratrix Julia his only children, leaving 202 acres in South Farnham parish and 14 slaves. That the son William died an infant and intestate in 1806. James and Fountaine are infants. For division of the estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 1, item 1-A-47-B.]

On 12 August 1813, in accordance with a decree of the chancery court dated 18 March 1812, an appraisal and division of the slaves and the lands of the estate of Captain William Wood were made by James Montague, Lewis Dix, James Allen and L. Booker, with a dower lot to Sally Wood, and equal lots to Henry H. Boughan (also listed as Julia Boughan’s proportion), Fountaine Wood, and James Wood. Land adjoined that of Carter Wood, Carter Croxton, Capt. Lewis Booker, John Collins, Mrs. Ann Coleman, Ambrose Hundley, and Colo. Bohannan. Several maps are included. Ordered recorded on 18 June 1817. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 400–406.]

On 18 September 1815, a case in chancery court was begun by Henry Boughan and Julia his wife, James Wood and Fountain Wood an infant by Sally Wood his mother guardian & next friend, and Maria G Wood, Catharine C Wood & Muscoe Wood infants by John J Garnett their next friend and Catharine Dix, plaintiffs, against Lewis Dix admor &c of Thomas Wood Sen: decd, Philip B Pendleton and Polly his wife, Elizabeth Dix, Edward B Wood, Catharine Wood, Thomas Wood and Wm Wood and Rebecca Wood infants under the age of 21 years, Ophelia Wood and Norbone Wood infants under the age of 21 Years, defendants. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 42, pages 57–58.]

On 19? [date partly erased in source] June 1817, a final decree was handed down in a case of Henry H. Boughan and Julia his wife, plaintiffs, against Sally Wood in her own right and as administratrix etc. of William Wood deceased and James and Fountaine Wood infants under the age of 21 by Sally Wood their guardian. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 42, page 489.]

On 20 November 1817, Essex County court settled a chancery suit concerning the division of the estate of Thomas Wood senior. The estate was divided between Catharine Dix, wife of James Dix, who was Catharine Wood; the heirs of William Wood; the heirs of Carter Wood; the heirs of Thomas Wood Jr.; and the heirs of Joseph Wood. The heirs of William Wood were Henry H. Boughan in right of his wife Julia, James Wood, and Fontaine Wood. The heirs of Carter Wood were William B. Matthews in right of his wife Maria G., John H. Micou in right of his wife Catharine C., and Muscoe Wood. The heirs of Thomas Wood Jr. were George Newman in right of his wife Elizabeth, Edward B. Wood, Philip B. Pendleton in right of his wife Polly, Catharine Wood, Thomas Wood, Rebecca Wood and William Wood. The heirs of Joseph Wood were Norborne Wood and Ophelia Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 43, pages 65–67.]

In the division of the estate of Richard Ryland, about 1817, a number of collateral relations were listed as plaintiffs or defendants in a complaint brought forward by John Minter and Ann his wife, Susan Mann widow of Robert Mann, Peter Campbell and Mary his wife, Fontaine Wood, Ambrose, John, Thomas and Sarah Hundley infants under 21 by Elizabeth Hundley, and Josiah Ryland. The land was divided but it was subsequently discovered that Sally Haile and Coleman Jones and Sally his wife were not listed among the defendants, as they should have been. An amended complaint was then filed (paper undated) to include them in the suit, thereby protecting her interest. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 35, item 35-J-3.]

On 11 March 1819, Sally Wood sold to Fontaine Wood. For $390, a parcel of land in the parish of Southfarnham and County of Essex containing by estimation 32-1/2 acres, beginning at a pine corner to Carter Croxton standing on the road, thence along the road south 3º East thirty chains to a red oak standing at the head of a small branch on the road corner to Lewis Booker’s land thence along the said Bookers line South 79º East nine chain to a corner posimonon tree to ditto, thence along the said Booker’s line North 47-1/2º East twenty three chain to a large Spanish Oak corner to the said Booker thence North 27º East thirty two chains to a corner birch standing on the branch, thence down the branch seven chain to a corner Walnut to the said Booker thence south 67º West forty seven chain to a stake on the said Sally Wood and Fontaine Wood to a pine on the road corner to Carter Croxton. Signed Sally Wood. Witnesses: John Croxton Jr., James Dix, Wm. A Garnett. Acknowledged in court on 15 March 1819. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 39, pages 678–679.]

On 14 March 1820, Henry H. Boughan and Julia his wife of the County of Essex sold to Fountain Wood of the same. For $250, 95 acres subject to the right and title of the dower of Sally Wood, widow of William Wood. Signed Henry H Boughan, Julia Boughan. Ordered recorded 31 March 1820. Original signature of Fountain Wood in deed book margin. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 40, pages 57–58.]

On 21 April 1823, William H. Hill, Joseph P. Hill, Fontaine Wood, Laneas C. Gatewood and George Wright were bound in the penalty of $15,000 for William H. Hill’s executorship of the estate of Thomas Hill, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 372–373.]

On 16 June 1823, George Taylor, Fontaine Wood and Richard Dunn were bound $2,000 for George Taylor’s administration of the goods of William Dunn (D), deceased. Dated 16 June 1823. Signed George Taylor, Fontaine, Richard Dunn. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, page 385.]

On 20 August 1823 Henry and Julia Boughan sold property to Fontaine Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 41, page 50.]

19 January 1824: “On the motion of Fontaine Wood, It is ordered that George Taylor be summoned to the first day of next court, to give counter security for his administration on the Estate of William Dunn decd.” [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 45, pages 88–89.] This case continued on 16 February 1824 [page 97], 15 March 1824 [page 101], 19 April 1824, at which point the court records indicate that Fontaine Wood had been security for George Taylor [page 124], and 1 May 1824, at which point, George Taylor still failing to make an appearance in court, his administration of the estate of William Dunn was revoked [page 129].

On 19 January 1824, Sally Wood, and Fontaine Wood and Ann his wife of the County of Essex, and James Wood and Elizabeth his wife of the County of King and Queen sold to Carter Croxton of the County of Essex. For $61.50, 10-1/4 acres in the County of Essex. Signed Fontain Wood. Witnesses: John R Matthews as to Fontain Wood, John H Micou ditto. Ordered recorded 19 January 1824. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 41, pages 91–92.]

In July 1824, Martha Hill, widow of Thomas Hill, discharged Fontaine Wood from any responsibility as security for her son William H. Hill, executor of Thomas Hill. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 65.]

On 20 December 1824, Henry H. Boughan, Fontaine Wood and Thomas Pilcher were bound $4,000 for Henry H. Boughan’s execution of the will of Richard Shearwood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 94.]

On 19 December 1825, Fontaine Wood and Henry H. Boughan were bound in the penalty of $400 for Fontaine Wood’s administration of the goods chattles and credits of Ann H. Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 292.]

On 19 December 1825 Mary and Thomas Wood are listed as children on Fountaine Wood. Neither child is of legal age. [Essex County, Virginia, Guardian Book 5, page 72]

On 17 January 1826, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Sarah Hail, deceased, was made by Josiah Minter, Fontaine Wood, and Graves Burke. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 356.]

On 21 February 1826, a complaint was filed in the Chancery Court of Essex County by orators & oratrices John Minter & Ann his wife, Robt Mann & Susan his wife, Peter Campbell & Mary his wife, Fontaine Wood, and Ambrose, John, Thomas & Sarah Hunley infants under the age of twenty one years by Elizabeth Hundley their Guardian and next friend, & Josiah Ryland, stating that in 1825 Richard Ryland had died intestate leaving no children and petitioning for the division of his estate. Numerous amendments and affidavits were filed during the course of the case. Papers filed state that Richard left heirs Peter Campbell and Mary R. his wife who was Mary Hundley, Ambrose Hundley, Robert Mann (who died between the decree on 19 Febraury 1827 and the division of the estate on 14 June 1827) and Susan D. his wife who was Susan Hundley, Mary and Thomas Wood, children of Fontaine Wood and Anne H. his wife, deceased, who was Anne H. Hundley, Richard Hundley, John Hundley, Thomas Hundley, and Sarah Hundley, the said Mary, Ambrose, Susan, Anne, Richard, John, Thomas and Sarah being children of Ambrose Hundley deceased, Richard Hundley (who lived in Kershaw District, South Carolina) and Absalom Hundley (long removed from Virginia), the said Ambrose, Richard and Absalom children of Ambrose Hundley and Mary his wife who was Mary Ryland, a sister of the full blood to Richard Ryland [although family Bible records indicate otherwise] and who married after the death of Ambrose a James Ferguson and moved to Kershaw District, South Carolina; Mary “Polly” Shelor (or Shetor, the name appearing both ways), Thomas Shelor, Joseph Shelor and Sally Gee who was Sally Shelor, the said Mary, Thomas, Joseph, and Sally being children of Elizabeth Shelor deceased who was married to Jacob Shelor, Thomas Ryland, John Ryland, Hundley Ryland, John Simmons and Nancy his wife who was Nancy Ryland, the said Thomas, John, and Hundley Ryland and Nancy Simmons and Elizabeth Shelor being children of Thomas Ryland deceased, a brother of the half blood to Richard Ryland; Thomas Jones who died without heir, Robert Jeffries and Elizabeth his wife who was Elizabeth Jones and who had previously married James McFarlane, Richard D. Dunn and Peggy his wife who was Peggy Jones, James Durham and Nancy his wife who was Nancy Jones, Patsy Jones and Betsy Jones, children of Joseph Jones deceased, Mary Thompson who was Mary Jones, Sophronia Jones a daughter of Richard Jones deceased, Benjamin Jones, and Coleman Jones and Susan his wife, the said Thomas, Elizabeth, Peggy, Sally, Nancy, Joseph, Mary, Richard, Benjamin and Susan being children of Elizabeth Jones deceased, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland who had married Richard Jones; John Minter and Ann his wife who was Ann Ryland, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; Lewis Mickleburrough and Henrietta his wife who was Henrietta Haile, Joseph McTyre and Polly his wife who was Polly Haile, Joseph Haile and Jonathan Haile, the said Henrietta, Polly, Joseph and Jonathan being children of Sally Haile, deceased, wife of Wheeler Haile and who was Sally Croxton, a daughter of Thomas Croxton and Sarah his wife who was Sarah Ryland, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland (the said Thomas and Sarah also having had children Joseph, Thomas, Richard, Susan (who married a Miller) and Mary who have been long removed from Virginia); Lewis Whittemore and Jane his wife who was Jane Ryland and Wyatt Whittemore and Nancy his wife who was Nancy Ryland, the said Jane and Nancy being children of John Ryland a brother of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; George and Samuel Durham, children of Mary Durham deceased who was Mary Faucett, a daughter of Rice Faucett and Susannah his wife who was Susannah Ryland, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; Edward, Allen, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth and Polly Ryland and Joseph Tellman (also Tillman) and Sally his wife who was Sally Ryland, the said Edward, Allen, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth, Polly and Sally being children of Iverson Ryland deceased, a brother of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; Josiah Ryland, a brother of the half blood to Richard Ryland who is still living; Parker Tod Hunter and Catharine his wife who was Catharine Ryland, Joseph Barnett and Elizabeth his wife who was Elizabeth Ryland, John, James, Edwin and Joanna Ryland, the said Catharine, Elizabeth, John, James, Edwin and Joanna being children of Joseph Ryland who died in Kentucky, a brother of the half blood to Richard Ryland; and Jacob Tod Hunter and Joanna his wife who was Joanna Ryland, a sister of the half blood to Richard Ryland. The property was divided and distributed by 14 June 1827. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 35, many items in Folder J.]

On 18 April 1827, Fontaine Wood and Henry H Boughan his security were bound unto Mary Wood and Thomas Wood children of Fontaine $13.56, to be paid upon the death of Fontaine, it being the distributed share Fontaine received in right of his late wife Nancy Wood, mother of Mary and Thomas, from the proceeds of the sale of the lands of Richard Ryland deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 35, item 35-J-34.]

Fontaine Wood was mentioned in the 23 May 1827 will of his aunt, Catharine Dix.

A bond was taken out for the marriage of Fontaine Wood and Matilda Trible on 17 September 1827 in Essex County, Virginia. She was a spinster. The bondsmen were Fontaine Wood and Geo. Trible Jr. The witness was J. M. Crittenden. [Essex County, Virginia, Marriage Book 1, page 244, line 15.]

On 19 November 1827, Fontaine Wood served on a grand jury. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 46, pages 217–218.]

In 1827, orator Austrin Brockenbrough, sheriff of Essex County and Committee of the estate of William Dunn D, deceased, complained to the County Court of Essex in Chancery sitting. That William Dunn departed this life intestate, and administration of his estate was granted to George Taylor, with Richard Dunn and Fontaine Wood his securities. Taylor was directed under an order of the court, made at the instance of Fontaine Wood, to execute a new bond for his administration, but failed to comply with the requisition of the said order, whereupon his administration was revoked by the court. Administration was granted to George W. Lee, the then sheriff of Essex, now deceased, and subsequently the administration of the estate was committed to the hands of your orator. When Taylor’s accounts were settled on 16 May 1825, they showed a balance of $307 with interest due to the estate. That George Taylor, Fontaine Wood and Richard Dunn maybe made defendants hereto. [Essex County, Virginia, Chancery Causes, Committee of William Dunn (D) v George Taylor et als, 1827-013.]

1830 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia:
Printed page 156
Wood, Fontaine
2 males age under 5
1 male age 15-20 [this would be Thomas Wood]
3 males age 30-40 [one of these would be Fontaine Wood]
1 female age 10-15 [this would be Mary Wood]
1 female age 20-30 [this would be Matilda Trible Wood]

On 19 March 1830, Fontaine Wood served on a coroner’s jury to inquire as to the cause of death of George Crow. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 83–84.]

On 2 and 3 December 1831, sales of the estate of Richard Coleman were made by Green Coleman and Mourning Johnson. On 2 December, Fountain Wood purchased 1 Whip saw, 2 Grubbing hoes & 1 pitch fork, 1 Broad Axe & one narrow do., 2 pots pickle, 1 Ladle & pitch forks, 1 Gun, 16 Whiskey Barrels, 1 Beadstead, and 1 Pair and Irons for a total of $11.56. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 322–324.]

On 13 June 1834, Fontaine Wood provided a deposition in the case of Hipkins vs. Brockenbrough: The deposition of Fontain Wood taken before me Arthur Temple a justice of the peace for the County of Essex and state of Virg: on 13th of June 1834 at Miller’s Tavern in the County aforesaid to be read as evidence in the case now depending in the circuit Superior court of Law & Chancery for said county in which Joseph B. Hipkins is pltff: & Richard L. Covington and others are defendants—This deponent being first duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith
Question by pltffs counsel
Did or not Capt. Richd L. Covongton positively tell you that Mrs Sarah Evans and Joseph B. Hipkins agreed to
Do you know or or not, or have you heard Capt. Richd L. Covington acknowledge the consideration for which a bond for $1000: was executed by Mrs Sarah Evans and Joseph B. Hipkins to said Covington you will please relate any circumstances you know touching said transaction which you may deem pertinent
Ans. I heard Capt. Covington say for paying a certain sum of money for Joseph B. Hipkins he the said Hipkins and mother agreed to pay him $1000.
Question by same
Did you or not understand the amount of the sum of money in consideration for which the said $1000: was given by Hipkins to Covington—
Ans—I do not. I am not positive as to that: as well as I recollect something like $1300:
Question by same
Did you or not understand from said Covington that separate bonds had been executed for the abovementioned sums of $1000 & $1300:
Ans. I do not recollect any thing was mentioned about that
Question by defendants Counsel
Do you recollect distinctly the precise language used by defendant Covington when he informed you that for paying a certain sum of money for Joseph B. Hipkins he the sd. Hipkins and mother agreed to pay him $1000: and may you not be mistaken as to the sd: Covington’s true meaning
Ans. I think as well as I recollect that Joseph B. Hipkins was in jail or just gotten out of jail and by paying this money he was to extricated. I do not recollect the precise language—
Question by same
Did you ever hear the defendant Covington mention the subject except on the occasion just spoken of and how long since has it been—
Ans I do not recollect that I ever did—and that was about the time he came out of jail or just after (that is the said Hipkins)
Ques. by same
Are you quite sure that the defendant Covington spoke of no other considerationfor the $1000: bond than that which you have mentioned—
Ans. He did not that I recollect
Ques. by same
Do you know or have you any reason to believe that the defendant Covington paid money made advancements and supplied Mrs Evans with various necessaries previous to the time of the conversation just spoken of
Ans. As to paying money making advances I do not know and as to necessaries I do not know I think she was living there at the time—time slips off so fast that heretofore I could have answered better for both parties
Ques. by same
Have you no knowledge of money paid by Covington for repairs of Mrs Evan’s mill and for clothes & necessaries for the pltff, Joseph B. Hipkins—
Ans. I recollect the mill was repaired—but as well as I recollect it was at Joseph Covington’s expence I have some faint recollection of Capt. Covington’s furnishing Joseph Hipkins with some clothes but its all hearsay—
Ques. byt same
Had not Mrs Evans and her son Joseph B. Hipkins both been living with the sd: Covington for several years previous to the conversation between you and the said Covington on the subject of the $1000: bond
Ans They had been living there some time but how long I do not know
Ques: by same
Do you not believe that Mrs Evans and her son Joseph B. Hipkins living with defendant Covington and the services rendered by them were altogether voluntary on their part and unsolicited by defendant Covington
Ans. That I dont know—
Ques. by the same
Do you believe that the services rendered by Mrs Evans while living with Covington were of any advantage to him or otherwise—
Ans. That is a question I hardly know how to answer as I do not know whether they were or not
Ques. by the same Are you not of the opinion that if the property and estate given up by the plt: Hipkins when he took the insolvent debtors oath under the executions which were afterwards paid by the def: Covington had been publickly sold by the Shff there would have been a great sacrifice—
Ans. I suppose there would have been a sacrifice
Ques. by same
Have you a good memory: and do you recollect well matters which have transpired for several years past—
Ans. my memory is not very good. I do not except things of importance—
Ques. by pltff’s counsel
Was not the conversation which occurred between yourself and Capt. Covington on the subject of the p[illeg]niary transactions between himself and Hipkins together with the circumstances attending the business calculated to impress itself strongly on your mind—
Ans. It was a matter every person would think on
Ques. by the same
Have you any recollection of being told by Covington that there was an understanding between him and Hipkins that said Covington was to wait for the sum of money in controversy untill the suit depending against Brockenbrough Upshaw and Pollard for the legacy left the said Hipkins by his grandfather should be decided—
Ans. It was my opinion he was to wait till this suit was determined and that was the consideration for which he was to receive the premium
Question by the deft: Covington
How long has it been since you heard the deft. Covington say that for paying a certain sum of money for the plt. Joseph B. Hipkins that he and his mother had agreed to pay him $1000:
Ans. I cannot say exactly—tho: I think it was about the time he was in jail or soon after (that is Hipkins)
Ques. by same
Was it your opinion that the deft. Covington was to wait for the money advanced by him to pay off the exors under which the pltff had taken the insolvent debtor’s oath or only for the $1000:
Ans. I did not know that he took the insolvents oath—
Question by same Fontain Woods answer continued
I do not recollect positively—but was under the impression he was to wait for the whole—
and further this deponent saith not
[Signed] Fontaine Wood [Essex County, Virginia Box Chancery No. 46, item 46-H-2 and 46-H-3.]

“Essex County to wit:
“Inquisition indented taken at Jno Crows in the County aforesaid on the 2d of Febry 1835, before me Thos. Wright Sr Coroner for the County aforesaid upon the view of the body of Alexr. Houston late of said County then and there lying dead and upon the oaths of Richd. L Covington Foreman, Richd. D Dunn, Sthreshley Dunn Jno H Smith, Walter G. Covington, Leroy Taylor, Thos. Greenwood, Lowry Norris, Fontaine Wood, Robt T Shackelford, H H Cauthorn, Ach Lumpkin good & lawful men of the County aforesaid who being sworn & charged to enquire on the part of the said Commonwealth when where how and after what manner the said Alex Houston came to his death do say upon their oaths that having examined the said Houstons body are of the opinion that his death was caused from blows inflicted upon his head — by whom they were inflicted we know not — In witness whereof as well the aforesaid Coroner as the Jurors aforesaid have to this Inquisition put their seals on the day and year aforesaid and at the place aforesaid—“
Richard L Covington, Richard D Dunn, Sthreshley Dunn, John H Smith, Walter G Covington, Leroy his x mark Taylor, Thomas Greenwood, Lowry Norris, Fontaine Wood, Robt T Shackelford, H H Cauthorn, Achilles Lumpkin. Thomas Wright Cr. Doctor J Minor attended as a physition. Ordered recorded 17 March 1835.
[Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, page 318.]

On 20 September 1836 Fontaine Wood sold slaves to Henry H. Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 45, page 204.]

On 25 July 1837, Fountain Wood posted an advertisement in the Vicksburg [Mississippi] Whig in which he stated he had been granted administration of the estate of Ira Decamp in the Probate Court of Warren County. [Vicksburg Whig, 26 July 1837, page 3; repeated 2 August 1837, page 4; 9 August 1837, page 4; 23 August 1837, page 4; 30 August 1837, page 4.]

The estate of John H. Micou, deceased, in account with George Wright and James Roy Micou, his executors, from 1836 to 1837 was ordered recorded on 21 May 1838. Mentions “paid John S. Rowzee including all expenses incurred in selling sundry slaves in Mississippi & Louisiana”; to “James R. Micou Jr. for conveying his Negroes to Mississippi”; to “R. M. Garnett for expenses in carrying Mrs. Matthew’s Negroes to Mississippi”; and $11 “paid Fontaine Wood for attention to Negro Mahala in Vicksburg where she died”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 282–287.]

On 2 June 1838, the Vicksburg Daily News reported that Fountain Wood was appointed to a seat on the city council of Vicksburg, filling a vacant position previously held by Thomas F. Walker. [Vicksburg Daily News, 8 June 1838, page 3.]

On 21 June 1838, a notice in the Vicksburg Daily Sentinal published the names of the Mechanics’ Mutual Benefit Society, including Fountain Wood. [Vicksburg Daily Sentinal, 21 June 1838, page 2.]

On 7 January 1839, orator Samuel W. Upshaw filed a bill of complaint. That he was seized in fee simple of a tract of land in Essex County, 250 acres, which in the year 1835 was conveyed to Robert T. Shackleford of Essex County. Although a large sum of money is mentioned in the deed, no money was in fact paid. The land was conveyed to settle debts due to Shackelford. “Your orator had played frequently at cards with said Shackleford and one Fontaine Wood, & lost to each of them considerable sums for which he gave his bonds.” Bonds made to Wood were later assigned by Wood to Shackleford. Filed as Upshaw vs. Shackleford. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 47, item 47-J-13.]

On 3 May 1839, a legal notice was published in the Vicksburg Daily Whig:
Fi Fa from Warren Circuit Court to May term 1839.
Harwood, Newman & Co vs Fountain Wood et al.
Fi Fa from the office of Wm Everett, Justice of the Peace for Warren county.
J C Saxton use & vs same.
Benjamin Aspinall use & c vs same.
J C Saxton use &c vs same.
Shaeffer & Smith vs same.
BY virtue of the above stated executions to me directed, I will expose at public sale, for cash, to the highest bidder, at the door of the court house, in the city of Vicksburg.
On Wednesday, the 15th day of May next,
within the house prescribed by law, the following described slave to wit: Richard, levied on as the property of the defendant, Fountain Wood, and will be sold to satisfy the damages and costs in the above stated cases.
E W Morris, Shff.
[Vicksburg Daily Whig, 3 May 1839, page 3; 6 May 1839, page 1.]

As a member of the City Council, Fountain Wood was appointed a judge to supervise voting in the sixth ward of Vicksburg, at the Poenix [sic] House, for a special election for city mayor to be held on 15 August 1839. [Vicksburg Tri-Weekly Sentinel, 9 August 1839, page 3; 12 August 1839, page 3; 14 August 1839, page 2.]

As a member of the City Council, Fountain Wood was appointed a judge to supervise voting in the sixth ward of Vicksburg, at the Constitution Fire Engine House, for election for city mayor and councilmen to be held on 16 March 1840. [Vicksburg Daily Whig, 9 March 1840, page 3; 10 March 1840, page 3; 11 March 1840, page 3; 12 March 1840, page 3; 13 March 1840, page 3; 14 March 1840, page 3.]

On 25 September 1840, the Vickburg Daily Whig posted:
Mr. Van Buren.—We make no apology for publising the following letter addressed to Martin Van Buren, by sundry respectable citizens of this city—it speaks for itself. The letter bears date 20th July, and it is now more than two months since it was placed in the post office in this city. Why Mr. Van Buren has refused to answer the respectful inquiries propounded to him, weare unable to tell? It may be that his Royal Highness is too busily engaged in electioneering, to answer, or even read the letter of humble mechanics. Be it so. The wronged and insulted people of this great Republic only bide their time to wreak full vengeance upon their oppressors; and Mr. Van Buren may learn, when too late, that there is a spirit swelling and burning in the hearts of the American people, which even tyranny itself cannot subdue.
We will remark in conclusion, for the benefit of our readers, that the persons whose names are attached to the letter, are all highly respectable cizitens and hard working mechanics.
Should an answer ever be received from Mr. Van Buren, we shall, as a matter of justice, lay it before our readers.
——
Vicksburg, July 20, 1840.
To His Excellency MARTIN VAN BUREN, President of the United States, and candidate for re-election.
SIR—We are all mechanics, settled in and identified with the South; our success, and the comforts of our families depend upon the prosperity of the South.
In voting for President, we desire to do so advisedly, and as we are not satisfactorily informed as to your views and opinions of the principles and policy involved in the subjoined questions, and as we believe those principles vitally affect Southern rights and interests, we cannot consent to cast our votes without knowing how the candidate for our suffrages stand affected towards them.
Do you believe it just or politic in proceedings of the Court Martial of the Army and Navy of the United States, to receive the testimony of negroes against officers, seamen, and soliders of the nation?
Are you in favor of ceding the Public Lands of the United States to the States in which they respectively lie. If so, on what condition?
Do you think it politic to distrub want is commonly called the Tariff Compromise Act?
If after 1840, the receipts from the sales of Public Lands and from the tariff or import duties, shall, as they most probably will, provide insufficient to defray the expenses of the government, by what species of taxation do you propose to supply the deficit: if by an increased Tariff, what articles of comsumption do you propose the increase shall operate upon?
Are you in favor of an exclusive Metallic Currency for the United States, upon the Cuba plan, or upon the plan of any other foreign monarchy or colony—if so—of what colony or monarchy?
Are you in faver [sic] of the employment of the revenue, moneys, or credit of the general government in such a way as to destroy or impair the banking institutions of the States or any of them?
Are you for or against the early passage by Congress, of an uniform law on the subject of bankruptcy, or such an one as passed by the Senate this session?
Your particular attention to the foregoing inquiries, and an early answer to them will much oblige the undersigned, who are all voters, and therefore have the right, as they conceive, to ask these questions.
Most Respectfully,
Your Fellow-Citizens,
George L. Record.
Baptist McComb,
C. B. Denio,
Wm. Crawford,
Jas, Kirkpatrick,
Fountain Wood,
E. Williams,
James Melvin.
[Vicksburg Daily Whig, 25 September 1840, page 2.]

On 22 October 1840, the Vicksburg Daily Whig reported on the Whig Committee, that at “the last meeting of the Tippecanoe Club, the following committees of vigilance were appointed for the several wards”, including Fountain Wood in the 6th Ward. [Vicksburg Daily Whig, 22 October 1840, page 2.]

On 10 March 1841, the Vicksburg Daily Whig listed Fountain Wood as a candidate for councilman in the city’s Sixth Ward. [Vicksburg Daily Whig, 10 March 1841, page 2; 11 March 1841, page 2; 12 March 1841, page 2; 13 March 1841, page 2.]

On 22 April 1841, the Superior Court of Chancery for the State of Mississppi posted notice in the case of Fountain Wood vs. John B. Pease et al., mentioning defendents John P. Coffin, John D. Wolf and Japhet Bishop who appear to not be inhabitants of the state of Mississippi, if they should not appear by the first Monday in July next, the allegations against them will be taken for confessed. The notice was ordered to be republished once a week for two months. [Vicksburg Daily Whig, 22 April 1841, page 2.]

On 13 November 1841, the Vicksburg Daily Sentinel listed a note of gratitue to invidivuals who had assisted the sick and dying in the community “during the late scourge,” which seems to have been yellow fever. Among those listed were Mrs. Fountain Wood and Mr. F. Wood. [Vicksburg Daily Sentintel, 13 November 1841, page 2.]

As a member of the City Council, Fountain Wood was appointed a judge to supervise voting in the sixth ward of Vicksburg, at the Constitution Fire Engine House, for election for city mayor and councilmen to be held on 22 November 1841. [Vicksburg Daily Whig, 17 November 1841, page 2; 19 November 1841, page 3; 20 November 1841, page 3; 22 November 1841, page 3.]

On 12 May 1844, Thomas Boughan and Mary his wife answered a bill of complaint exhibited against them in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Essex County by John A. Parker. They stated that they knew nothing about the demands against Fontaine Wood for debt; that Fontaine did intermarry with Ann, a daughter of Ambrose Hunley deceased and that Ann died many years ago, long before the death of Elizabeth, widow of Ambrose; that the respondents have received an equitable portion of the estate of Elizabeth Hunley; that in 1825 Fontaine became guardian of his children Mary, one of the respondents, and Thomas Wood, with H. H. Boughan as his security, for the purpose of receiving their share of the estate of Ambrose Hunley; that such shares may have been received by Fontaine Wood; that the estate of H. H. Boughan is wholly and hopelessly insolvent. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 54, item 54-K-9.]

On 14 January 1845, the Vicksburg Daily Whig reported that on 15 February 1845 an election for a Colonel-Commandant of the First Regiment Mississippi Militia would be held to fill a vacancy, and Fountain Wood was listed as one of the inspectors appointed to the Vicksburg precinct. [Vicksburg Daily Whig, 15 February 1845, page 3; 24 January 1845, page 3; 15 February 1845, page 4.]

In 1845, a land transaction in Warren County, Mississippi, took place between Fountain Wood and Matilda, his wife; and E.H. Mosley; and Phineas Gardner and John J. Gwion.
[Series 2050: Warren County, Box #10050, http://opac2.mdah.state.ms.us/rgfindingaids/series2050-Warren.html]

1845 Mississippi State and Territorial Census
County of Warren
Page 26
Wood, Fountain
4 males, 5 females, 9 total

About 1847, orators and oratrices Peter S. Trible and John Cowles trustees in a certain deed of trust of 23 September 1846 from George Trible and the said Peter Trible in his own right, the said John Cowles and Drucilla his wife, _____ Trowbridge and Elizabeth his wife, Fountain Wood and Matilda his wife, and George Trible Jr filed a complaint to the Chancery Court. That George Trible had conveyed his estate to trustees to keep the estate together during his life and so his children might enjoy the same after his decease. George Trible has died leaving children Peter S. Trible, Colleen Trible, Drucilla Cowles, Elizabeth Trowbridge, Matilda Wood, George Trible, Henry B. Trible, “Arthur Trible a lunatic in the Assylum at Williamsburg whose portion of the said deed is conveyed also to John Cowles in trust to be delivered to the said Arthur whenever he shall be mentally capable of enjoying it” and Martha Elizabeth Trible, a granddaughter, daughter of a son John F. Trible deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 41, item 41-B-1.]

On 28 April 1847, the Vicksburg Whig posted:
DIED,
At the residence of Capt. Fountain Wood, of this city, on the 18th of March last, ANN ELIZABETH BIRDSONG, who was born in Sussex county, Virginia, on the 28th of April 1833, and was brought to this State by her parents, William W. and Eliza Frances Birdsong, who emigrated from Virginia, in the spring of 1834, to Hinds county.
Petersburg Intelligencer will please copy.
[Vicksburg Whig, 28 April 1847, page 2.]

On 18 December 1847, John Parker filed a bill of complaint, the first section of which is now missing. It was apparently a case of debt against Fontaine Wood, who had moved out of the state. The bill suggests that Elizabeth Hundley, widow of Ambrose Hundley, held dower interest in the estate of Ambrose that will revert to Fontaine Wood and to other parties he seeks to have named as defendants, including Fontaine’s children by Ann Hundley (Mary, wife of Thomas Boughan and Thomas Wood) and Susan D. Mann, executrix of Elizabeth Hundley’s estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 54, item 54-K-30.]

On 1 December 1847, Fontaine Wood of Vicksburg, Mississippi attempted to recover property from the estate of a Hundley and gives power of attorney to John Parker. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, page 414.]

On 20 January 1849, Fontaine Wood of the City of Vicksburg and State of Mississippi extended a power of attorney given to John A Parker on 1 December 1847 to include the execution of all necessary bills of sale relating to Fontaine Wood’s interest in the right of his deceased wife Ann H Wood late Ann H Hundley from the estate of Ambrose Hundley deceased. Signed Fontaine Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, pages 570–571.]

On 15 December 1848, the Vicksburg Daily Whig ran an advertisement:
Temple of Honor
The members of the Vicksburg Temple of Honor No. 1, S. of T., are hereby notified to attend a meeting this evening, at 7 o’clock. Punctual attendance is expected, as business of importance will be brought before the meeting.
By order of the W. C. T.
Fountaine Wood, W. R.
[Vicksburg Daily Whig, 15 December 1848, page 3.]

On 11 July 1849, Fountain Wood was appointed a delegate from Warren County and the City of Vicksburg to the Whig State Convention in Jackson, Mississippi, on 16 July 1849. [Vicksburg Whig, 18 July 1849, page 1.]

On 12 September 1849, Fountain Wood, in addition to three other men, was listed as candidate for the position of coroner of Warren County in forthcoming November election. [The Weekly Whig (Vicksburg), 12 September 1849, page 3, repeated many times in successive weeks.]

On 10 November 1849, results of the election for coroner of Warren County were published. James Trowbridge received 352 votes, L. W. Smith received 283, Fountain Wood received 232, Thomas Shepard received 171, and Hardy Hendren received 113. [Tri-Weekly Whig (Vicksburg), 10 November 1849, page 2.]

On 17 November 1849, John A. Parker brought suit against “Fontaine Wood Susan D Mann admix of Elizabeth Hundley decd Thomas Boughan and Mary his wife and Thomas Wood (the said Mary and Thomas being children of the said Fontaine Wood by his first wife Ann Hundley decd) and Peter S. Trible and John Cowles Trustees in a certain Deed of Trust from George Trible to them bearing date the 23rd day of September 1846 and recorded in Essex County Court Clerk’s Office on the 24th day of September 1846 and Matilda Wood the wife of the said Fontaine Wood” defendants. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book Chancery 1, page 389 and following.]

In 1849, Fountain Wood was initiated, passed and raised in the Vicksburg Lodge No. 26 of the Free and Accepted Masons, Warren County, Mississippi. (Initiated = Entered Apprentice, Passed = Fellow Craft, Raised = Master Mason. This lodge was chartered in 1836 and in 182 was consolidated with the Walnut Hills Lodge No. 194.) [1819–1849 Abstradex of Annual Returns, Mississippi Free and Accepted Masons (With 1801, 1816, and 1817 Petitioners & First Returns Through 1851), by Jeanne Hand Henry, C.G., New Market, Alabama: Southern Genealogical Services, 1969, pages 100 and 110.]

1850 U.S. Census, Warren County, Mississippi:
Dwelling 572, Family 594
Trowbridge, James, 50, L. Stable Keeper, $1500, born in New York
Trowbridge, Elizabeth, 35, born in Virginia
Renaud, Francis, 16, ostler, born in Canada
Wood, Fountain, 48, carpenter, $1000 born in Louisiana
Wood, Matilda, 40, born in Virginia
Wood, James, 20, clerk, born in Virginia
Wood, Sarah, 16, born in Virginia, in school
Wood, John, 7, born in Mississippi, in school

In 1850, Fountain Wood became Junior Warden of the Vicksburg Lodge No. 26 in Warren County, Mississippi, an elected office. [1819–1849 Abstradex of Annual Returns, Mississippi Free and Accepted Masons (With 1801, 1816, and 1817 Petitioners & First Returns Through 1851), by Jeanne Hand Henry, C.G., New Market, Alabama: Southern Genealogical Services, 1969, page 110.]

On 2 July 1851, Fountain Wood was listed as a candidate for county coroner in the upcoming November election. [Weekly Whig (Vicksburg), 2 July 1851, page 3, repeated many times over the ensuing months, and also reported in The Vicksburg Sentinel.]

On 8 January 1852, The Sentinel announced: “We are authorized to announce Captain Fountain Wood as a candidate for Sexton at the next City election.” [The Sentinel (Vicksburg), 8 January 1852, page 2, repeated many times, and also by The Vicksburg Whig.]

On 23 May 1853, Fontaine Wood of Warren County and State of Mississippi appointed Peter S. Trible his attorney to receive any money due to him from the estate of William A. Trible deceased. Ordered recorded 20 June 1853. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 50, page 433.]

On 7 July 1853, The Vicksburg Whig announced, “We are authorized to announce Captain Fountain Wood as a candidate for re-election to the office of Coroner of Warren county, at the next election. [The Vicksburg Whig, 7 July 1853, page 2.] Fountain’s name is listed in lists of candidates for the November election in this paper and the Tri-Weekly Whig in ensuing weeks.

On 11 January 1854, The Vicksburg Weekly Whig reported in the Board of Police column, “Fountain Wood, Coroner, allowed ten dollars for holding inquest over the body of Thos. J. Hawls, and R. Adams, Constable, three dollars for summing jury of inquest for the same.” [The Vicksburg Weekly Whig, 11 January 1854, page 2, 24 May 1854, page 2.]

The Vicksburg Evening Post of 2 August 1906 ran a feature article on the laying of the cornerstone of the new Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, and contained a section on the laying of the cornerstone of the old church on 12 April 1854, mentioning that among those probably present was Fountain Wood. [Vicksburg Evening Post, 2 August 1906, page 1.]

On 8 November 1854, the Daily Vicksburg Whig ran ad advertisement, listing the various Masonic lodges in the area, and listing Fountain Wood as one of four names under the Vicksburg Lodge, No. 26—Regular Meetings, 1st Saturday in every month. [Daily Vicksburg Whig, 8 November 1854, page 1. This advertisement was repeated a number of times over the ensuing months.]

On 16 October 1855, the Tri-Weekly Whig announced “We are authorized to announce FOUNTAIN WOOD as a candidate for re-election to the office of Coroner of Warren County.” [Tri-Weekly Whig, 16 October 1855, page 2, and 20 October 1855, page 2.]

On 23 October 1855, a list of candidates for an upcoming November election were listed, including Fountain Wood, running unopposed for county coroner. [23 October 1855, Tri-Weekly Whig, repeated in ensuing weeks.]

On 8 December 1855, Fountain Wood was elected an officer of the Vicksburg Royal Arch Chapter No. 3. [Daily Vicksburg Whig, 12 December 1855, page 2.]

On 13 February 1856, the Board of Public Works for Warren County authorized the County Treasurer to allow $10 to Fountain Wood for holding a jury of inquest. [Daily Vicksburg Whig, 13 February 1856, page 2.]

On 17 March 1856, the Board of Police for Warren County authorized the County Treasurer to allow $8.75 to Fountain Wood for “repairing fence, horse rack, &c.” [Daily Vicksburg Whig, 20 March 1856, page 2.]

On 20 May 1857, the Board of Police for Warren County authorized the County Treasurer to allow to Fountain Wood $10.00 for holding a coroner’s jury of inquest, $17.50 for “laying floor at the jail, nails, etc.”, and $5.50 for 3-1/2 yards green baize, and covering table. [Daily Vicksburg Whig, 20 March 1856, page 2.]

On 1 July 1857, the Vicksburg Whig published: “American Meeting of the Yazoo District. At a meeting of the American party of the Yazoo beat, held at the courthouse, in the city of Vicksburg, on Saturday the 27th inst. … it was Resolved that the chairman appoint seven delegates to cast the vote of this district for senator, on the 3d Monday in July next. Whereupon the chairman appointed the following delegates” including Fountain Wood. [Vicksburg Whig, 1 July 1857, page 3.]

On 16 June 1858, Fountain Wood, as a representative of the Vicksburg Lodge No. 26, particiapted in the laying of the cornerstone of the new courthouse in Vicksburg. [Weekly Vicksburg Whig, 23 June 1858, page 1.]

On 14 September 1858, The Daily Whig published a list of candidates for the upcoming election, with Fountain Wood one of six candidates for county coroner. [The Daily Whig, 14 September 1858, page 3, repeated in the ensuing weeks.]

In 1858 or 1859, Fountain Wood was elected to an office of a Vicksburg lodge: “MISSISSIPPI.—GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS.—The annual convocation of this Grand body was held in the city of Vicksburg, in May last, when the following officers were elected: JACOB F. FOUTE, M.P.G.M.; W.R. LACKEY, D.P.G.M.; FOUNTAIN WOOD, T.I.G.M.; DANIEL ROSSER, P.C. of W.; W. MIDDLETON, C. of G.; B.S. TAPPAN, G. Treas,; ROBT. W. T. DANIEL, G. Rec.; W. W. LORD, G. Chap.; A. BROWN, G. Sent.” [Mackey, Albert G., M.D. (ed.). (1859). The American Quarterly Review of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences, Volume 2, page 151. New York: Robert Macoy, Publisher.]

1860 U.S. Census, Warren County, Mississippi:
Dwelling 841, Family 833
Wood, F., 62, carpenter, $3500 real estate, $5000 personal estate, born in Virginia
Wood, Matilda, 54, born in Virginia
Wood, John A., 17, born in Mississippi
Wood, Edward, 8, born in Mississippi
Under Fontaine’s listing the “in school” column is marked “2”, so apparently this signifies that both children were in school.
Dwelling 842, Family 834
Keene, D. W., 30, male, merchant, born in Massachusetts
Keene, Sarah, 28, female, born in Virginia
Keene, Clarence, 5, male, born in Mississippi
Keene, Lynwood, 3, male, born in Mississippi

The 1860 Vicksburg City Directory lists:
Wood Fountain, res cor 1st North and Grove sts
[General Directory for the City of Vicksburg, H.C. Clarke, 1860]

On 6 December 1860, in a list of Candidates for Coroner: “FOUNTAIN WOOD, for a long time a very efficient Coroner of this county, is a candidate now for the same office.” [The Vicksburg Whig, 6 December 1860, page 3, repeated in the ensuing weeks.]

On 8 May 1861, The Weekly Whig (Vicksburg) stated, “CORONER.—It will be soon that Fountain Wood is a candidate for Coroner of Warren county. Mr. Wood was the able and efficient Coroner of this county for many years, and the people can vote for no better man.” [The Weekly Whig, 8 May 1861, page 2.]

On 3 April 1863, John Walker of Chatham Hill (King and Queen County), wrote in his diary that he had sent two letters to his son Melville, one by Fountain Wood, dated the first. [The Bulletin of the King & Queen County Historical Society in Virginia, No. 19, July 1965, page 4.]

On 1 October 1865, the Vicksburg Daily Herald published a List of Magistrates and Constables of Warren County, Elected October 24, 1865, including for the Yazoo District Fountain Wood and T. Pegram. [Vicksburg Daily Herald, 1 October 1865, page 3.]

On 27 November 1865, the Board of Police for Warren County ordered that an election of two magistrates and one constable be held for the Yazoo beat, and that Fountain Wood and two others be appointed commissions to hold the election. [The Vicksburg Herald, 30 November 1865, page 2.]

1870 U.S. Census, Warren County, Mississippi:
Town of Vicksburg, new city limits
Page 338 (originally 48)
Dwelling 495, family 495
Klen, G. W., 37, male, white, Hard Ware Merchant, $1600 real estate, $3000 personal property, born in Massachusetts, eligible to vote
Klen, S. E., 39, female, white, Keeping House, born in Virginia
Klen, W.C., 14, male, white, born in Mississippi, in school
Klen, A.V., 9, female, white, born in Mississippi, in school
Klen, E. B., 2, female, white, born in Mississippi
Wood, F., 79, male, white, born in Virginia, eligible to vote
Wood, M., 66, female, white, born in Virginia
Wood, J. E., 28, male, white, Merchant, born in Mississippi, eligible to vote
Davis?, N., age illegible, female, white, Domestic Servant, born in Mississippi, in school
Reed, John, 14, male, black, Domestic Servant, born in Mississippi, in school

On 22 January 1878, Fountain Wood was, as a Past Master, a pall-bearer at the funeral of Judge Benjamin Springer. [The Vicksburg Daily Herald, 22 January 1878, page 3.]

1880 U.S. Census, Warren County, Mississippi
Mortality Schedule
Wood, Fontaine, died in February 1880 in Warren County, Mississippi, aged 82, from old age, occupation mechanic