WOOD, Mrs. Mary C. F., poet, editor and author, was born in New York City. Her maiden name was Mary Camilla Foster. At an early age she became the wife of Bradley Hall, a promising young lawyer.
.jpg)
MARY C. F. WOOD.
Migrating with him to California, they settled in San Rafael. He became district attorney of Marin county, and was rapidly rising in his profession when he died, leaving her in easy circumstances, with an only son. Removing to Santa Barbara, Cal., which has since been her home, she subsequently was married to Dr. Edward Nelson Wood, a young man of rare intellect and a brilliant writer, who appreciated her poetic gifts and encouraged her to write for the press, er first poem was published in a Santa Barbara journal in 1872. They established the Santa Barbara "Index" in the fall of 1872, but her husband's health was failing, and he died in 1874. His long illness and unfortunate investments had dissipated her little fortune, and Mrs. Wood found herself face to face with the necessity of making a living for herself and son. Turning naturally to literature as the only congenial or possible means, she entered a newspaper office and made herself familiar with the practical details of the business. In 1883 she helped to establish the "Daily Independent" of Santa Barbara, which she has since edited with ability and success, writing poetry for her own amusement and the pleasure of her readers as the inspiration came. Her first volume, "Sea Leaves," was published from her office in 1887. The book received much attention from the press, and some of the poems were translated into French. Although never regularly placed upon the market, it has been a financial as well as a literary success. She has used the pen-name "Camilla K. Von K.," but lately she has been known by her full name, Mary C. F. Hall-Wood.