This collection of letters were written by Xenophon (“Xeno”) Wilkinson Wood (1837-1900) who enlisted at the age of 25 as a Private in Co. F, 8th Vermont Infantry on 9 December 1861 at St. Albans, Vermont. When he enlisted, he gave his birthplace as Franklin, Vermont. He was described as standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a medium complexion, and brown hair and brown eyes. He was a farmer by occupation.
Xeno was mustered into Co. F at Camp Holbrook in Brattleboro, Vermont, on 18 February 1862, to serve three years in the 8th Vermont Volunteers. His military records reveal that he was promoted to Corporal on 8 January 1862. He was present for duty throughout all of 1862 and 1863, earning him another promotion to 4th Sergeant of Co. F on 16 September 1863. Following his promotion to sergeant, he was present for duty until June 1864 when he was mustered out of the regiment on 1 June 1864—his term of service expired.
Xeno was the son of Joel P. and Hannah (Heflin) Wood of Franklin, Vermont. He wrote the letters to his wife, Harriet Rublee (1830-1890). Their two children were Hattie May Wood (1859-1917) and Herman Xeno Wood (1861-1929).
Also mentioned from time to time in the letters is Xeno’s younger brother, Xavier (“Xave”) Wood (1840-1919). Xavier was married to Mercy Gladden in 1862. Mercy died of consumption in 1880 at the age of 42.
[Note: The CDV in the banner of this blogsite is of an unidentified Vermont corporal from the collection of Francis C. Guber, Men to Match the Mountains blogsite]
"In a Peck of Half-Bushels" 