My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH P. HOOD is engaged in a general mercantile business at Canoga, Seneca County, and by his upright and honorable methods is in command of a good trade from the best people in the locality. He is a native of this county, and was born in the town of Fayette, May 12, 1847, his parents being Josiah and Sarah (Pratz) Hood.

Our subject grew to manhood in his native place, and up to the age of sixteen years attended the schools taught in the district. At that age, however, he began doing for himself, working out by the month and receiving a very meager allowance for his services. He continued to be thus occupied until thirty-five years of age, and, being very economical and exceedingly industrious, laid by a snug little sum of money to invest in whatever way he thought best. With this he later purchased seventy-five acres of land, located in Charlevoix County, Mich., whither he had gone on a prospecting tour. Being well pleased with the country and the prospects which it offered, he decided to locate there.

Mr. Hood was married, in March, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth Pontius, of the town of Fayette. Mrs. Hood was born here and was the daughter of Aaron and Mary (Riegel) Pontius. The year previous to his marriage Mr. Hood determined to go into business for himself, and accordingly purchased a varied stock of goods, which he placed on sale in a brick store. For about five years he and his father were in partnership at Canoga.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hood there has been granted a daughter, Flora, who was born in the town of Fayette, May 16, 1891. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body Mr. Hood is Trustee. In politics he is greatly interested in the success of the Republican party, to which he gives his ardent support. He first voted for Grant in 1868, and since that time has never let an opportunity pass to ballot for President. Socially he is a Mason of prominence and belongs to Fayette Lodge.