Wood Farm recognized by TDA Family Land Heritage program
Farm's original 640 acres in Kaufman Co. purchased for $1 an acre in early 1800s

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

The Wood Farm was cited for being in continuous ag production for 150 years. On hand at the property are family members (from left) Allison Wood, John Harris, Melodie Harris, James Wood, Susie Wood, Dr. Bruce Wood, and Danny Wood. John and Melodie's children were also present for the photo - (from left) Austin, Preston, and Faith (held by Susie). -- Staff photo by Montgomery

June 9, 2005 - A Kaufman County family's farm was recently designated by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs as a 150-year honoree during a ceremony in Austin.

Most family farms honored in the Texas Department of Agriculture's Family Land Heritage program have been in continuous production for at least 100 years. Fewer gain the 150-year recognition; and still fewer have been recognized for 200 years. This year, the Wood Farm in Kaufman County was one of 20 receiving the 150-year award, which ihs the largest number of 150-year honorees ever recognized by TDA.

Wood Farm of Cobbs Switch Community, 10 miles east of Terrell, was established in 1853 by R. D. Wood from Virginia. The farm's 640 acres were originally purchased in the early 1800s, when R.D. and A.J. Wood came to Texas from Norfolk, Va.. They bought the land for $1 per acre.

Another brother, Stephen, joined them with his eight children. Years later, Stephen inherited all of the land. Eventually 85 acres of the original land passed to Stephen's descendants - Dr. Bruce and Susie Wood.

Dr. Wood is a great-grandson of Stephen Wood. He stated his father, Raymond, acquired 191 acres in a series of transactions. On this acreage, cattle, oats, vetch, watermelons, peas, sweet potatoes and other vegetables were grown by the family. Raymond's oldest son (Dr. Wood's oldest brother) grew over 1,000 peach trees at one time on the farm.

Today, the Wood family's farm of 170 acres mainly consists of a hay operation, with a few head of cattle. Dr. Wood's son, James, who plans to attend Stephen F. Austin this fall and major in agronomy, helps with the hay operation. The hay is coastal/bermuda and last year they produced about "6,000 square bales and around 400 round balls" on the land.

Dr. Wood is not a big fan of Bahia grass and wants "unadultered bermuda," according to nephew Danny Wood, who lives on the place with his wife.

The first hay cutting for this year is scheduled the week of June 6 and the family is hoping for a good year.

"We will have hay for sale," Wood said.

The hay usually sells for $3.50 per square bale in the field, $4 in the barn, and $35 for round. These prices could change according to weather conditions and the price of fuel, Dr. Wood pointed out.

As superintendent of Terrell schools, Dr. Wood spends as much time on the farm as he can. He said sometimes when he is in his air-conditioned tractor, his mind wanders back to the day when his ancestors where on the same tract of land using a mule and a plow.

Back in the early days, the land was also inhabited by Indians, evidenced by the numerous arrowheads found along the Rocky Cedar creek bed which runs through the middle of the property.

"We found lots of arrowheads," James said.

"My dad used to say, the buffalo came this far just to wallow in the sand," Danny added.

The family tradition is set to continue, with Wood's three daughters and his son. Oldest daughter Melodie is married to John Harris and has three children. Next is Shellie, who is married to Richard Martinez, with three children. Next is James, 19; and the youngest is Allison, 17.

James said, "The tradition will definitely continue with my son, even if I have to adopt one."

With these family values, the Wood family's tradition will continue as sure as the creek flows through the quiet countryside and they can still picture in their minds their ancestors working hard on the land that has passed to their generation.