HON. J.S. WOOD
History of Arizona, 1898

Hon. J.S. Wood, who is now nearly sixty eight years old was 
born in Virginia, that grand old mother of states, January 
1, 1829, in Albemarle County to the union of Milton and 
Jeanette (Field) Wood, both natives of the same state.  
For many years the father was a merchant of Charlotte, 
Virginia and was a soldier in the War of 1812, holding 
the commission of lieutenant. In the year 1842 he removed 
to Missouri and located in Saline County, where he took up 
a large tract of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits.  
There he remained until his death, in 1860.  The mother of 
our subject died in 1893.  Milton Wood was an influential 
and prominent citizen and held many responsible positions. 
He was active in all military gatherings, was a major in 
the State Militia of Missouri and was inspector of troops 
during the Mormon trouble.  He was well known throughout 
the state of Missouri during the early days. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Wood were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, 
eight of whom survive at the present time.

Of these our subject is the second in order of birth.  He 
reached mature years in his native state, attended the public 
schools, and later, after coming with his parents to Missouri, 
engaged in merchandising in the town of Marshall, where he 
was in business for one year.  In 1849 he crossed the plains 
to California and after this long and hazardous journey on 
pack mules, engaged in mining at Woods Creek, which received 
its name from him, and which is well known throughout the 
country.  One year later he re-crossed the plains to Missouri, 
bought many cattle and drove them across the plains to 
California. He did not escape entirely free from trouble 
with the Indians but had a number of skirmishes, had one 
man killed and a number of horses shot.  Mr. Wood dealt in 
stock after reaching California, with headquarters at 
Sacramento and there remained until 1857, when his family 
joined him, making the journey to California by way of 
the isthmus.  He afterwards made a location in California, 
where he had a stock ranch and about the year 1860 was 
elected sheriff of his county in California, serving four 
years.  Following this he conducted a large wheat ranch 
of a thousand acres for several years, and in 1874 came 
to Arizona, locating in Tucson, where he has since made 
his home.

A few months after his arrival here he was appointed Probate 
judge by Governor Safford, and at the same time was engaged 
in merchandising, which he continued for two years. He 
afterwards served two terms as County Treasurer of Pima 
County, and with the exception of four years since 1874 
has served as Probate Judge, thus making an official 
career of twenty one years here and four as sheriff in 
California, twenty five in all.

Judge Wood is still hale and hearty and has ever been 
noted for native abilities and force of character.  He 
is well known throughout the Territory.

The Judge was first married to Miss Virginia Spedden of 
Baltimore, Maryland and to them were given three children, 
two now living: Estella and Ella. His second union was with 
Miss Sallie A. Marshall, and they have six children, John 
M., in business in San Diego; Lena; Robert L.; Sallie; 
Herbert and Leon.  Mrs. Wood is a devout member of the 
Presbyterian church and a most estimable woman.

While a resident of California Judge Wood was engaged in 
teaming, freighting from Sacramento to Virginia City and 
keeping from five to sixteen mule teams on the road. He 
can relate many interesting incidents connected with his 
numerous trips across the plains and while freighting and 
it is quite a pleasure to listen to him.

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