Parents of Martha Ann Wood is unknown, family traditions say she was a Cherokee Indian. As a child she lived with the family of Sandy Jones and with a Blew family both in Cannon Co., TN.. Martha Ann's last name is listed as Blew on son's, James H. Wood, death certificate and is listed as Jones on her marriage license. She married William Walter Wood on 5 Jun 1855 in Cannon Co., TN.. They had fourteen children, eleven are known : Susan Caroline, Benjamine F., John Henry, Elizabeth Betty, William Jay, Mattie L., twins, James Henry & Malissa Josephine, twins, Ada M. & Ida J., and Clyde Wood.

Cannon Courier, Jan 1909.....Short Mountain.... Mrs Martha Wood wife of W. W. Wood departed from this life December 28, 1908 at the age of 78 years, 6 months and 26 days. She was a member of the Christian Church the greater part of her life. She leaves 10 children, 1 sister and many grand children to mourn her departure. She has escaped all the sorrow of this life and is now enjoying the blessings of those of whom the Saviour says, "of such is the kingdom of heaven". Notwithstanding the fact that we knew our loss was her eternal gain. It was hard to give her up for grief was not confined to her own home and relatives, but all who knew her loved her dearly and were filled with sadness at the news of her death. She has slipped away to a world better and brighter than this, a world where vacant seats are never known in that home circle. A sweet and precious mother was called from the fields of sorrow and death to be transplanted in the paradise of God to bloom in everlasting beauty and love. While we realize that we shall never see her face in this world again yet we hope to meet in the sweet beyond. To those who are so lonely at home is her husband and daughters Ada and Ida. To them I would say "weep not for she is not past but gone before, so dry your tears and prepare to meet dear mother where parting is unknown and alas joy and happiness forever". Funeral services were conducted by Bro. L. L. Melton, where her body was put away on the beautiful hill at the home. Written by her grand daughter, Gertrude Daniel.