Grimsley High School - Whirligig Yearbook (Greensboro, NC)

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Mk. R. C. Hood

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Robert Hood A N earnest, energetic obsession for accomplishment, but withal an abound¬ ing sense of humor, and an effectual talent for service, were the char- ■ acteristics of Robert Clarence Ilood. Born in Pitt County on July 5th, 1864, lie was the fourth of five sons. There was also one baby sister, the pet of all the brothers. When the father was taken, Robert was not eight years old; dark days set in for them all. The business which seemed lucrative was swept away; and it was now the wonderful but latent stamina and grit of the mother was called forth by necessity. She sold some lands and took her family to Raleigh. Robert was kept in school for awhile, but after a year it appeared impossible, and lie was employed by Mr. A. Creech, dry goods; he was given a square counter for his own—a great table piled with heterogeneous thrifty offerings, and a little alert, bright-eyed lad of nine, not much taller than the counter—but he gave it that devotion and thoroughness of purpose that was his; the outcome so far exceeded Mr. Creech’s expectations that he had these cards printed: Robt. C. Hood The Little Boy The Great Young American Salesman with A. Creech Dry Goods Call for me at the Door His school days were over, but bis education did not cease, for bis inherent thirst for knowledge kept him fitting every opportunity to study. A stay of some length in a printing office gave him perfect spelling, grammar, expression and a wide information. Indeed, one of the teachers at a school in this state averred that he had seldom seen any one better informed on so many and various subjects. It was Robert that took the father’s place in the perplexities and aspirations of his beloved little sister. She turned to “Bobbie” for all; he it was who capped the Christmas stocking with its wide-armed inviting doll. It is not right to say he was a devoted son, fond brother and stay of the family (and later, a prohibition worker and Sunday school teacher and philan¬ thropist), and refrain from speaking of his besetting sin; so it must be told that he was—a fighter; and, it is to be feared, one who enjoyed fighting; how¬ ever, the successes of these physical engagements gave him courage later on, to fight the social, commercial and political battles, the which he did after taking an honest and well-considered stand. 6