My Woody family had its origin in England.    English surnames were derived from various sources, including locations.    Normally the surname "Wood", and its variations, were derived from the person living in or near a wood or woody area.    "Wood" and its variations was sometimes also used as an occupational name for the woodcutter.

Early Woody immigrants to America settled primarily in Massachusetts, Virginia and North Carolina, before moving into Tennessee and other areas.

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At this time I would like to express my gratitude to Michael A. Woody, who contributed the majority of the early Woody genealogy.    I do not know how much of this has been documented.

Accordiing to Michael A. Woody, my 10th great grandfather was Richard Woody I, who was born in 1590, in England.    He married my 10th great grandmother, Ann (maiden name unknown).     Immigration records show that Richard and Ann migrated to America in 1642 and settled at Boston, in Suffolk County, Massachusetts.     Ann died in Massachusetts between 1656 and 1658.     Richard died there December 7, 1658.

Children of Richard Woody I and Ann included: 

My 9th great grandfather, Isaac Woody, was born 1631, in England, the son of Richard Woody I and Ann (maiden name unknown).      Isaac married my 9th great grandmother, Dorcas Harper, on March 20, 1656, at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.     Dorcas Harper was the daughter of Joseph Harper.

Children of Isaac Woody and Dorcus Harper included:

My 8th great grandfather, John Woody I, was born September 18, 1659, at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.    He married my 8th great grandmother, Mary (maiden name unknown). John died between 1692 and 1695.    I have record of only one child, John Woody II.

My 7th great grandfather, John Woody II, was born January 23, 1687, at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.     He married my 7th great grandmother, Mary (maiden name unknown), who was born in 1688.     I have record of only one child, John Woody III.

My 6th great grandfather, John Woody III, was born 1715, at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and died 1762, in Orange County, North Carolina.    John was married twice and had at least ten children from the two marriages.     He first married Mary Lindley on December 27, 1738, at St. George Parish, Harford County, Maryland.   

Children of John Woody III and Mary included:

John Woody's second marriage was to my 6th great grandmother, Mary Gowan.    They married about 1742, probably very soon after the death of his first wife, who may have died during childbirth or soon thereafter due to complications .  

 Children of John Woody III and Mary Gowan included:

My 5th great grandfather, Joseph Woody, was born in 1748, in Baltimore County, Maryland, the son of John Woody III and Mary Gowan.     Joseph married my 5th great grandmother, Sarah Thompson, about 1769.     Sarah Thompson was born in 1750 and died 1822, in Orange County, North Carolina.     Joseph died there between February 1815 and 1818.    

Children of Joseph Woody and Sarah Thompson included:

My 4th great grandfather, Robert Woody, was born 1781, in Orange County, North Carolina.    He married my 4th great grandmother, Rachel Rickets on February 8, 1802, in Orange County. Rachel Rickets was born February 1, 1784, in Orange County.

Children of Robert Woody and Rachel Rickets included:

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