Woodford D. Hand, farmer, P. O. Hutsonville, is the oldest in a family of three children born to James F. and Nancy (Draper) Hand.  He was born in the same house he is now occupying as a residence, July 29, 1835.  His father was a farmer, born near Chillicothe, Ohio, May 20, 1805.  He was brought to Crawford County, Ill., by his parents, who located on the same farm where our subject resides.  Their arrival was dated April 21, 1821.  He died October 9, 1876.  He was elected Second Lieutenant of the Sixteenth Regiment Illinois Militia, in 1827, and was Justice of the Peace and Associate Justice of Crawford County for many years previous to his death.   He was a member of the Baptist Church.  The mother of our subject was born in North Carolina December 12, 1806.  She was brought to Crawford County by her parents in 1816. She died August 23, 1860.  Woodford D. Hand was raised on the farm and educated from the subscription schools.  October 5, 1861, he
enlisted in the late rebellion, serving in Company D, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry.   He entered as a private, and when mustered out July 17, 1865, was Captain of his company.  He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and took part in most of the engagements of his regiment. After the war, he returned to the home farm, and began farming, at which he still continues. He is now the owner of 100 acres of good land.   He was married in Crawford County, October 21, 1855, to Miss Mary J. Cox, a daughter of Needham Cox, a native of Wayne County, N. C.  Mrs. Hand was born in Crawford County, May 3, 1838.  They have the following children:  Malinda E., Mary B., Daniel W., Augusta B. and William S.  Mr. Hand is now holding the offices of Justice of the Peace and School Treasurer.  He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.  Politically, he is a Republican.

Submitted by mccachern@att.net