An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The
Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, page 310 
	
	JAMES R. WOOD, one of Clarke county's most substantial farmers, is a native
of the old Hoosier State, born in Rush county, June 22, 1836. His parents,
Jephthah W. and Frances B. (Reed) Wood, were natives of Tennessee and South
Carolina respectively. The father, who was of Welsh-German extraction, was born
in 1810, and was a lad of ten years when his parents emigrated to Indiana; he
was a carpenter by trade, and also followed farming in connection with his
occupation. His death occurred March 17, 1887. Mrs. Wood was descended from
Scotch ancestors. There were members of her family who figured prominently in
the Revolutionary struggle and also in the war of 1812. Colonel Reed
participated in the engagement at Bunker Hill, and Captain Jacob Reed, father of
Mrs. Wood, was a line officer under command of Gen. Jackson at the battle of New
Orleans. James R. is the second of a family of nine children, only three of whom
survive at the present time. When he was a child of seven years his parents
removed to Mercer county, Illinois, and there he grew to maturity. His father
being a farmer he naturally acquired a taste for these most independent of
vocations, which he has followed through life.
	In the year 1866 he went to Gage county, Nebraska, and there resided for a
period of fifteen years. The States of the Pacific Coast offering most alluring
inducements to farmers he crossed the plains and mountains in 1882, and took up
his residence in Clarke county. He has a farm of 140 acres; thirty-five acres
are cultivated to grain, sixty-five are in natural timber and two acres are in
orchards. This tract is situated nine miles northeast of Vancouver and is a very
desirable piece of land.
	Mr. Wood, a worthy descendant of his ancestors, has a military record quite
equal to that of his grandsire. Promptly heeding the call of country he enlisted
August 11, 1862, in the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
served until time cessation of hostilities. His regiment was a part of the
brigade commanded by the late President of the United States, General Harrison.
He participated in many of the engagements of Sherman's memorable march through
Georgia, and when he was discharged from the service it was as a brave and loyal
soldier.
	Mr. Wood was united in marriage in the State of Illinois, August 27, 1859,
to Miss Rebecca Shanks, who was born at Mohine, Illinois. They are the parents
of seven children: Wilburn S., James M., Nettie, wife of' J.B. Higdon, Louis W.,
Walter H., Ford E. and Omar E.
	In politics Mr. Wood adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He
has been an active member of the School Board for a number of years, and for one
year served as Road Overseer, he is associated with the Patrons of Husbandry,
Flat Wood Grange, No. 96.
	
Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in September 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer
	
	
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