2025 Wood Family Reunion

A Reunion Rooted in Heritage

Our family gathered for a Scottish-themed reunion at the Brandon Community Center. Diane, Sheri, and Jana served as hosts. The community center was decorated with Scottish Saltire flags, both outside and on the tables. Blue-and-white cloths matched the colors of the flag, creating a festive and meaningful space.

 

 

 

A Taste of Tradition

Descendants feasted on traditional Scottish dishes for lunch. Jana prepared haggis, cottage pie, and sticky toffee pudding. The thought of eating haggis filled many with trepidation.  However, they anticipated tasting Scotland’s quintessential dish.  Most were surprised at how much they actually liked it! Jerry ran the kitchen and directed the serving lines. He worked with three fantastic assistants: Christopher Ferguson, Tom Hill, and William Ferguson. Their teamwork kept everything flowing smoothly and cheerfully.

 

The Spirit of Generosity

Family members contributed with heart. Proceeds from the silent auction covered the cost of the venue. Popular items included wood shingles from the homestead with R.A. Ferguson’s “C-5” brand, anything with a Scottish theme, and a basket of homemade wine and jelly from the homestead.

A donation basket placed in the kitchen supported the cost of lunch. As always, our relatives gave freely and fully. Every expense was covered, just like every year, without the need to ask twice. It’s one of the ways our gathering reflects the strength and kindness of our shared legacy.

A Pilgrimage to Milford Cemetery

After lunch, many of us drove to nearby Milford, Texas. We walked the row of graves and honored several ancestors. Anthony Miculka—husband of Becky Williams Miculka and son-in-law of Pat Ferguson Williams—played “Amazing Grace” and other songs on the bagpipes. He wore the Ferguson tartan kilt and stood with quiet strength beside the resting places of those who came before us.

We visited the graves of James and Isabella Wood, who immigrated from Scotland to Texas in 1851. Their story shaped our own. We also honored their grandchildren, James Franklin Ward and Luella Ward. We paused at the grave of John Patterson, who traveled with the Wood family and later married their daughter, Jane.

Another family line came into view as we stood beside the graves of Lillias Park Ferguson and her daughter. Lillias’ family immigrated with the Woods, but her parents died in Leon County during the journey. The Wood family raised Lillias and her brother Archibald. (Click here to read Isabella’s letter to Mrs. Park’s parents, telling her of the death of her daughter and son-in-law.) Lillias married R.A. Ferguson’s nephew and had three children (two boys in addition to her daughter). They became part of our lineage, and their resilience stands as a tribute to endurance and care.

Honoring Lineage at Brandon Cemetery

Next, we traveled to the Brandon Cemetery. There, we visited the graves of James and Isabella’s four daughters: Margaret Wood Davis, Isabella Wood Ferguson, Jane Wood Frazier Patterson, and Jeanette Wood Ward. These daughters are especially important. They are the only children of James and Isabella who lived to adulthood and had children. Every descendant alive today can trace their lineage to the people buried in that cemetery. It felt solemn and powerful to stand in a place where family history roots so deeply.

A Homecoming at the Homestead

The reunion ended with a visit to James and Isabella Wood’s home, where Jerry and Jana now live. The shade and breeze welcomed us, and family gathered to cool off with cold drinks and light appetizers. We relaxed together, shared stories, and listened once more to the bagpipes. Some of us realized that genetics are powerful.  Look how much Lynn looks like the portrait of her ancestor, Robert Ewin Ferguson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you again, Anthony, for giving us the gift of music—both stirring and grounding, just like our shared history. And thank you to everyone who came this year!  See you next May!