Elizabeth Augusta Wood

b. 13 September 1873, d. 3 January 1959

Elizabeth Augusta "Bessie" Wood, 1873-1959
  • Elizabeth Augusta Wood was born on 13 September 1873 in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
  • She was known as Bessie.
  • Campbell Wood and Ann Hall Mitchell appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in San Saba County, Texas. Other members of the household included Elizabeth Augusta Wood, Evelyn Annie Wood, Sarah Josephine Wood and Annie Laurie Wood.
  • Evelina Wood wrote (from Willis) to her grandson Wood Powell on 12 April 1887, ". . . I wish your three sweet daughters & Campbell's girls, Lina's & "Ella's little red head could see each other & become acquainted. I want Lina to send you one of "Willie's pictures recently taken. How I long to see you my dear boy and your sweet wife & children. I sometimes think Is life worth living? when kindred are so far away . . ."
         Letter in private collection of B. M. Henwood, descendant of Wm Wood Powell; original transcription by R. E. Reichardt.
  • Campbell Wood and Ann Hall Mitchell appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in San Saba County, Texas. Other members of the household included Elizabeth Augusta Wood, Annie Laurie Wood, Campbell Ella Wood, Ellerbe English Wood, Mary Lou Wood and Campbell Wood Jr.
  • She was a dressmaker, according to the 1900 census.
  • The following appeared on 14 November 1903 in The Lampasas Leader: Mrs. Campbell Wood, of this city, passed away, in Houston, on Monday, Nov. 10, 1902, at 8 a.m. Mrs. Wood has been a great sufferer for many months, and at her earnest entreaty she was carried to Houston early in October, Miss Bessie Chism, of this city, kindly accompanying her, and where she was met by two of her daughters and other relatives. Her death was not unexpected. Though all of the family could not be with her, three of her daughters attended and tenderly nursed her, and there were present many other relatives of the family. The interment took place at Willis, in Montgomery county, on Tuesday afternoon, where the family formerly lived before moving to this section of the state. The family have resided in this city since October, 1901, having moved from Cherokee, San Saba county.
  • On on 20 April 1908, Campbell Wood in his memoir addressed to his daughter Evelyn Riley:
          On the 10th day of December, 1907, your sister, Josie, Mrs. Chas. E. Brown, after a long and painful illness, passed from life at her home in Seward, Alaska. In her last illness, she was attended by her devoted husband and tenderly nursed by her loving and affectionate sister, Bessie Wood. In the closing hours of her severe illness, when the intense pain from which she suffered was torturing and to which the Doctors could bring no relief, when she knew that death was inevitable, she prayed that it might come and give relief from the agony, and then after a pause she added, “but I do want to see my papa.” Her remains now lie entombed in the frozen Northland but may yet repose in the soil of Texas, her native state.
         Two months later, another daughter, your sister Ella, passed from life in Mt. Zion Hospital, San Francisco, California, unattended by any of this family but tenderly cared for by newly made friends. Her remains lie in Willis, Montgomery County, Texas.
         All of this had its saddening effect and moreover there still remained, ice bound in Alaska, another daughter, your sister, Bessie, who had bravely encountered the unfriendly climate of the far Northland to nurse and tenderly care for her invalid sister. We knew not when she could safely cross the treacherous and perilous sea, and as my thoughts, and no doubt the thoughts of her sisters, were constantly with her, the suspense has been heavy and hard to bear. This week (on April 13th) we learned that she had safely crossed the perilous sea and is now enroute home. In a few days we will have her with us. Knowing that she has left the ice bound region of the North and is hastening home to those who love her, has lifted the mental burden and our hearts are lighter.
  • Elizabeth Augusta Wood appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Dallas, Texas, at 213-1/2 Royal Street. Other members of the household included Campbell Wood Jr.
  • She was a stenographer, according to the 1910 census.
  • The following appeared on 28 October 1914 in The San Antonio Light: Dr. Campbell Wood, aged 72, died Wednesday morning at 12:45 o'clock at his apartments, 314 West Carolina street. Dr. Wood was a native of Alabama, having been in San Antonio only during the last eight months of his life, although he had lived in Texas about 60 years. He was a Confederate veteran, and saw service with Hood's Brigada from Texas. He is survived by five daughters, Miss Ellerbe Wood of San Antonio; Miss Lollie Wood of San Francisco; Miss Lulu Wood of Colorado Springs; Miss Bessie Wood of Boston, Mass; Mrs. T. O. Reilly of Llano, a son, Campbell Wood of San Antonio, and a sister, Mrs. D. N. Campbell of Houston. Funeral arrangements have not been made yet, pending the advice of Dr. Wood's sister, Mrs. D. N. Campbell of Houston.
  • Elizabeth Augusta Wood appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, at 375 Schley Avenue a roomer in the household of Florence Coleman, living nearby her sister Evelyn Wood Riley. While her age is given as 24, the birthplaces for herself and her parents are correct.
  • She was a stenographer in a creamery according to the 1920 census.
  • The following appeared on 16 January 1927 in The San Antonio Light: The Rose Marie Hat shop, on the second floor of the Maverick building, has leased a store building at 323 East Houston street and is remodeling it preparatory to opening a modern millinary parlor and beauty shop, it is announced by Miss Bessie Wood, manager.
         The work included the complete remodeling of the interior of the building in addition to building a new front, she says. It will be completed about Jan. 1.
         The Rose Marie Hat shop is one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the city, having been opened in the Robert E. Lee hotel about three years ago. Later it was moved to the present location in the Maverick building.
         In the new location, the shop will be more convenient and more modern than in the present location. The beauty shop, which will be opened in connection with the hat shop will be an added feature.
         Due to the fact that the concern plans to change its name with the moving from the present location, it is probably that patrons will be asked to suggest an appropriate name, Miss Wood states.
  • The following appeared on 6 March 1927 in The San Antonio Light: The Bessie Wood Hat Shop, locted at 323 East Houston street will hold its formal opening Monday, March 6, according to Miss Bessie Wood, manager of the shop. Miss Wood adds that souveniers and guest prizes will be given at the opening.
         This new shop will handle exclusive popular priced millinery. There is ample room in the shop for the displaying and selection of millinery and the staff of sales people are all well trained in the millinery line. Special personal attention will be given customers desiring advice on millinery for all occasions.
         Miss Wood says that the New York buyer has just returned bringing back the latest and prettiest styles available, and these models will be shown in the Bessie Wood Hat Shop during the opening. Newer styles will be added from time to time.
         Miss Wood is going to give personal attention to the customers of this new shop.
  • The following appeared on 15 April 1928 in The San Antonio Light: Miss Annie Laurie Wood, of Boston, arrived Saturday to be the house guest of her sisters, Mrs. E. W. Riley and Miss Bessie Wood.
  • The following appeared on 20 October 1929 in The San Antonio Light: Announcement -- At an early date the Bessie Wood Hat Shop will consolidate with the Riley Hat Shop, hence our Consolidation Sale . . .
  • Elizabeth Augusta Wood appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, at 116 East Park. Also enumerated in the household as a roomer is stenographer Vivian Johnson, who likely is her niece Vivian Riley, but Vivian is also enumerated in her mother's household.
  • She was assistant manager of a hat shop, according to the 1930 census.
  • The following appeared on 11 September 1932 in The San Antonio Light: Miss Bessie Wood has returned from an extended trip to New York and the New England states, where she visited her sisters, Misses Elerbe and Annie Laurie Wood. Miss Wood is now at home at 907 Maine avenue.
  • The following appeared on 29 December 1935 in the San Antonio Express: Miss Ellerbe Wood of New York City, formerly of San Antonio, is spending the holiday season here with her sisters, Miss Bessie Wood and Mrs. E. W. Riley. Miss Wood will sail from New York early in January for Paris, France.
  • The following appeared on 18 July 1937 in The San Antonio Light: "Accent room personality with venetian blinds," is the advice given by Mrs. E. W. Riley and Mrs. E. M. Stevens, operators of the local agency for National venetian blinds, located at 107 East Mulberry street.
         Through many windows everywhere you see National venetian blinds adding new beauty to both the exterior and interior of the home. Venetian blinds are a rare form of decoration that have been revised and proven a most decorative way to control light and ventilation, and may be correctly used with the earliest period furnishings or modernistic motif, according to Mrs. Riley.
         National blinds are made by one of the world's largest exclusive venetian blind manufacturers, with a reputation for quality, lasting satisfaction and reasonable price. Correct installation, with or without channel guides, insures perfect operation, and the local studio personally supervises and tguarantees all installations. An antique and decorating shop located at 1109 Main avenue, is operated by Miss Bessie Wood in connection with the venetian blind studio.
  • The following appeared on 23 December 1937 in The San Antonio Light: Miss Elerbe Wood of New York and Paris, but formerly of San Antonio, and her brother, Campbell Wood of New York, are the guests of Miss Bessie Wood and Mrs. Evelyn Riley. Miss Wood and her brother will leave soon by plane for a few days in Mexico City. Upon their return East, Miss Wood will sail soon after the new year for Paris.
  • She and Ellerbe English Wood, Annie Laurie Wood, Evelyn Annie Wood and Campbell Wood Jr. was mentioned in the obituary of Mary Lou Wood that appeared on 13 January 1944 in The New York Times: Mary Lou Wood, stylist for Julius Kayser & Co., knitwear manufacturers, died Monday of influenza at her home, 17 West Fifty-first Street, after an illness of a few days. Miss Wood leaves four sisters, the Misses Ellerbe and Annie Laurie of this city, Mrs. Evelyn W. Riley and Miss Bessie Wood of San Antonio, and a brother, Campbell Wood, who is an executive of the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation.
  • The following appeared on 11 April 1950 in The San Antonio Light: Misses Ellerbe Wood and Mary Jane Lightbound are arriving Saturday by plane from New York. They will spend fiesta with Miss Wood's sisters, Miss Bessie Wood and Mrs. E. W. Riley, and her niece, Mrs. E. M. Stevens. This will be Miss Lightbound's first trip to Texas.
  • The following appeared on 7 May 1950 in The San Antonio Light: Miss Ellerbe Wood, New York city, aunt of Mrs. E. M. Stevens, and sister of Mrs. Evalyn Riley and Miss Bessie Wood, with Miss Mary Jane Lightbown, also of New York, have been house guests of Mrs. Riley and Miss Wood.
         Miss E. Wood, for a period of years, has been largely interested in our international trade relations and was an observer at the UN meeting in Paris last year. She had an opportunity to go into Germany and see some of the activities of the American army of occupation.
         Miss Lightbown is assistant editor of the Architect Forum. She is visiting Texas for the first time and is particularly interested in building projects in this part of the state. She is leaving for a few days in Mexico before returning to New York.
  • At the time of her death Elizabeth Augusta Wood was living in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, at 124 East French Place.
  • Elizabeth Augusta Wood died on 3 January 1959 at age 85 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, at 107 East Mulberry Avenue at the home of her sister, Evelyn Wood Riley. . Her death was officially witnessed by Thelma Wood Riley.
  • She was interred at Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
  • The following appeared on 6 January 1959 in the San Antonio Express: Miss Bessie Wood, of 124 E. French Place, passed on Saturday at 107 E. Mulberry Ave., the home of her sister. Survivors: brother Campbell Wood of Los Angeles, CA; sisters Mrs. E. W. Riley of San Antonio, Miss Ellerbe Wood and Miss Annie Laurie Wood, both of New York City; nieces Mrs. Vivian Riley and Mrs. E. M. Stevens, both of San Antonio. Graveside service was held Monday afternoon at 3:30 at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements by Porter Loring.
  • Last Edited: 26 Mar 2014