The Southern Woods

In 1874 America was just a few years out of legalized slavery. One year later, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 was passed outlawing segregation in all public accommodations regulated by law such as; hotels, steamships, theaters, and railroads. Later the Supreme Court would rule the law unconstitutional in 1883. Most blacks in the Southern states weren’t able to read or write. This was only a few issues that derailed African Americans in their plight for freedom and equality. If you can keep a man uneducated and unemployed you can practically count him out, and it’s the same today as it was then. Regardless of this dilemma, there were African Americans who excelled in many areas and became successful and wealthy in their endeavors.

One such family was the woods from the great state of Alabama. The woods plantation was located somewhere near the cities of Hurtsboro and Pittsview. Old man Albert Woods was the son of Alvin Woods. Who came to America to venture into lucrative profession of slavery. Now mind you, Alvin woods didn’t have a passion for slavery. As soon as he saw the effects of this dreaded institution he realized that it wasn’t right. But it was a business and he had invested an enormous amount of capital. Old man Woods needed to get an adequate return on his investment. It was said that the Woods plantation was more of an educational institution than a plantation.

The woods were well known in Europe for carpentry and construction. This was an art that he passed on to his son Albert. The Woods plantation hailed as one of the richest plantations in the south. They erected buildings and built furniture for the well to do in America and Europe. Many of those who took part in the construction efforts were slaves. There were a few slaves that Albert took a liken to. A.W. and his brother Abel, not only did he pay special attention to these two brothers; he also allowed them to travel with him to Europe. Sometimes they would stay for months. The brothers attended schools in Paris and were well educated. They also spoke fluent French. By the time when they were in their late teens the brothers had obtained degrees and ran the business aspects of the family. Before the abolishment of slavery, they obtained their freedom and the freedom of much more that was on the plantation.

During the year of 1899, Albert Woods died and left everything he owned to the brothers. Carter ford was Albert’s lawyer and carried out the orders of old man Woods to the letter. See Albert Woods net worth was somewhere around twenty some odd million dollars. This was an enormous amount of capital then and now. Albert informed Carter to stay on as a smokescreen for the brothers. He knew that many wouldn’t do business with them because of their color. Carter Ford had no problem with this arrangement because it made him a very rich man as well. During the reading of the will, Carter mentioned that Albert acknowledged the brothers as his son’s. A.W. knew it and had no problem with it. Abel knew it and hated it. A.W. was very light skinned with nappy hair. He stood about six feet and one inch, with a slender built. Abel, on the other hand, was very dark with curly hair. He stood about five feet and ten inches. Abel always liked to work with buildings and it showed. He was built like a young Hercules.

They never knew their mother but, there were plenty of relative on the plantation that told them about stories of master Woods coming down to the slave quarters and taking young slave girls to the mansion to bed them. One slave, by the name of Amminadab who was the brother of their mother. Amminadab was a very short man dark as the river Nile. He had hair like the mane of a great loin. One story he told the brothers was the reason the white man came to Africa. He started out by telling them that in Africa their ancestors were royalty and believed in one God. This was the God of Israel and that they should never forget. Then he told them that the white man came to the land of; King David, Daniel, and Abraham for its riches. Which were gold, ivory, and spices, but when they shall the African women they found them more valuable than the most priceless gold or any precious commodity that they could ever imagine? So that’s why they defiled our women when they captured them and brought them to their lands. Not only were the brothers educated in the finest schools in Europe they were also well educated about Africa and it’s prodigious past.

One day well the brothers were meeting; Clay Woods their first cousin walks in .Clay was a very interesting character to put it lightly. Clay stood about six feet and nine inches, with strong features like a deep mountain corralling and dominating over you. He spent most of his time drinking, fighting, gambling and philandering women. There were rumors that Clay was shot at by Ron Dunn. Apparently, Clay was caught in bed with Sara Dunn Ron’s wife. Ron and some of the good ole boys were looking for Clay with one intent and that intent was to kill Clay. Clay owed them money from his gambling debts and had swindled them out of many valuables. Some of this was true and most of it would’ve been looked over, but to be caught with white women in the nineteen hundreds was a cardinal sin, and they wanted him more dead than alive.

Clay begins to tell them that he was going to move to Chicago, He stated that Alabama was too slow for him and he needs to be where things are happening! Man, do you know that they say that they got buildings that reach the clouds in Chicago? So, I’m packing my bags and moving on says, Clay. That’s not a bad idea cousin. A change will do you good Clay say’s Abel. Clay smiles, and says; what do you think A.W.? A.W. leans back in his chair and says, Clay! You are the biggest con man in the county. I just paid Thomas Hawkins one hundred dollars for you. Clay responds I’ll pay you back! Robert Willis three hundred and ole man Krauss four hundred. What do you have to say about that? Clay responds again, I’ll pay you back! Abel could barely hold back his laughter, Are you aware that they’re looking for you says A.W. Why do you think I’m here? I got to be out of town before sundown. Ok Clay, what do you want us to do? Says A.W. as he looks into Clay’s eyes.

Well, tell everybody that I’m leaving and that I’m alright. I’ve been hiding out at Wilma’s place. Wilma’s place! That’s the sheriff’s wife Clay! Yells A.W. Abel couldn’t hold it for any longer and begins to laugh out loud. That’s not a laughing matter Abel. That’s why he’s in so much trouble now. We will carry out your wishes cousin. Now is there anything else we can do? Say’s A.W. Matter of fact, there are cousins. I need some money to start over get a fresh start. No problem Clay. A.W. reaches into the safe and gives Clay $500.00 dollars. Clay looks at the brothers and says; cousins, I need some real money. A.W. say’s what kind of real money? $10,000 would be a good round figure I guess. $10.000 say’s A.W.! Yea cousin $10,000! Yells Clay, I told you real money! A,W. doesn’t hesitate and reaches the safe and hands Clay $10,000 dollars. Abel say’s, Chicago! Prepare yourselves for Mr. Clay Woods! Clay says, yep that’s right. A.W. and Abel hug Clay and wishes him well. Before Clay leaves he say’s, I’ll pay you back.

When Clay leaves A.W. tells Abel that we couldn’t deny Clay the money, He tells him that Clay is family and that’s what family is all about, helping each other. This is an important point. The brothers understood the value of helping family .A.W. goes on to say, furthermore, if we didn’t give him the money the sheriff and his good ole boys would kill him. You’re right A.W., you’re right. I’ll go inform Clay’s wife about the situation say’s Abel. No need brother, what do you mean A.W.? clay won’t leave without them and if I know Clay they’re already in Chicago.

Abel laughs. What’s so funny Abel? Do you remember when Clay stole that pig from the Jones plantation? I remember it well Abel. They caught him roasting that pig and tried to take it back. Clay whipped all four of them, boys .Then he offers them some of the pig. Old man, Jones wasn’t too happy about that ordeal. He whipped Clay pretty damn good that day. Yea that’s true says A.W. but he shouldn’t have done that. It took clay nearly three years, but he got Jones back. What do you mean A.W.? How did Jones die Abel? He fell down his stairs. Right! And who fixed those stairs? Clay did say’s, Abel. I rest my case and that was that. It was said that the Woods brother helped many families black and white without asking for anything in return. Some repaid them some never did.

By the turn of the century, the Woods brothers had doubled their empire. They had established offices throughout the south, Midwest, and Europe. They were very instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement in America and donated money to the Marcus Garvey movement. Cedalla Woods the first cousin of the brothers was a recent graduate of Emery Medical College. She spent many years in the West Indies educating and managing affairs for the family.

A,W. moved to New York to set up an Eastern seaboard base for the family. He met a school teacher by the name of Abby Townsend. Abby was as fair skinned as A.W.She had long brown hair that draped around her back. She was a very well dressed lady that loved the glamorous lifestyle. They married in 1912. Abby Townsend was the daughter of Fred Townsend. Fred Townsend made a fortune in the textile industry. A story of money meets money, but what made this money unique was it was black money during the turn of the twentieth century.

They had three children Ally, Debra, and Albert William III, that had the opportunity to do anything their hearts desired. Elle the eldest finished college and stayed in New York to help with the business. Ally was a bookworm and loved the arts; she was very shy and hated attention. Debra, the middle child Debra, was the opposite of her elder sister Ally. Debra had a face of an angel. She was a very dark skinned lady with skin that was as smooth as silk. Debra loved power and was a go-getter. She wanted to know everything and do everything that pertained to the business. Debra was put in charge of the Chicago office where she ran it with great skill with a pit bull mentality. One day Debra was holding a district meeting when all of a sudden the doors flew open. The receptionist runs in and cries, Miss Woods! Miss Woods! I tried to stop them. Standing in the door were three huge well-dressed men. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and just looked. What is this! Cried, Debra? This is a company meeting get security! Ain’t any need for that missy. Where are Abel and A.W.? Say’s The older men. Who are you? And what do you want? Say’s Debra! As the older man tips his hat he says, I’m sorry for the rude introduction ladies and gentlemen. I’m in kind of a hurry. Let me introduce myself. I’m Clay Woods and these fine gents here are my son’s. Clay sons were more menacing looking than he was. David and Don the twins or should I say the enforcers.

Clay had gained a name for his self. He ran numbers and nightclubs on the south side, it was more than twenty years since Clay left Alabama, but his infamous and legendary ways were never forgotten by the family. Who are you, missy? I’m Debra A.W.daughter. Debra tells everyone to take a break. So you are my infamous cousin Clay!? That would be me, say’s Clay. My father and uncle told us all about you! I am so glad to meet you! No missy, It’s` an honor to meet you. Meet your cousins the twins. You sure are pretty cousin Debra, say’s the twins. Thank you twins. Now how can I tell them apart? Say’s, Debra. Well, Don is a little slow in the head. And David talks a lot. , Ok say’s, Debra. Now how can I help you all cousins? I was hoping to run into my old cousins. Debra tells the men that they were in New York, but she could contact them. There’s no need for that missy. I’ll give you the package for them. Clay drops a briefcase on the long wood table. What is this Clay? Let’s just say It’s a return on an investment. Debra opens the case and sees $20,000 dollars.

All of a sudden the doors open. Enter A.W. and Abel. There is a silence in the room. Abel say’s Clay, Clay, is that you boy? A.W. and Clay rush to Clay and hugs him. This was a display of love that mere words couldn’t define. Abel looks at the table and sees the money. What is this? I think that belongs to Y’all say’s, Clay. We forgot all about that Clay! This is $20,000 dollars here say’s A.W. That’s right, with interests that should be about right. I told you I’ll pay you back. Abel laughs with utter joy. A.W. could nothing but shake his head and say, Clay Alfonso Woods one of a kind. They sat around and caught up on old times. They told stories to the children that just amazed them. They spent that weekend with Clay’s family. This would be the last time that they would see Clay. Clay and his boys handled the security of the business for the family .With clay’s involvement with organized crime, they had no problem providing this service if needed.

A.W. and Abby had one son. Albert William Woods III. He was a chip off the old wood pile. Albert quickly advanced through school with honors In 1948 the Woods industries won accolades as one of the largest construction and wood making companies in the western hemisphere. A.W. and Abby spent most of their days in Paris. Abby enjoyed France and dedicated much of her time helping charitable organizations in America and Europe. A.W. spent most of his time sailing and fishing in the south of France.

Albert resided in New York, while at a fundraiser he met August Brooks. August was a beautiful young lady with a smile that just mesmerized Albert. They dated for over a year and were married. August didn’t come from a family of abundant wealth. She came from a middle-class Brooklyn family that worked hard to seen their only daughter to college. They spent their honeymoon in the south of France where Albert’s parents presided. Albert and August had two children, Caroline and William.

Abel traveled the world and spent a great deal of time in western Africa. Abel was more in tune with his culture and wanted to know Africa. The family met in Lagos for the marriage of Abel and his stunning bride Eweke Taboo Falanni. She was 100% Nigerian. Eweke’s family was proud African’s that had deep roots in Christian ministry. The wedding was grandiose and last some three odd days. Dignitaries from near and far attended it was a fairy tale marriage fit for a King in the motherland. They had one son Jacob. Jacob was a little different from all of the rest of the Woods. Mind you he was well educated. He had a flair for the gospel of and spent much of his time in Israel studying end times prophecy.

These generations of Woods were meritorious and the Woods dynasty grew enormous than ever before. The year 1954 was a sad year for the Woods family. A.W. and his wife passed on May 5th in a boating accident. Abel died four months later of heart failure, His wife followed him three weeks later of sadness. They left a healthy and prosperous future for their children’s children’s. Their sons and daughters were as impressive more than they could ever imagine; but as impressive as they were, William was the bright shining diamond in all aspects. William not only was a scholar, he was awarded a full football scholarship to the University of Alabama. William simply was a genius, but he had a flair for the wild side. It’s one thing that’s for sure in life. Every family will experience problems and the Woods were no exception to the rule.