John W. Wood is the son of John B. Wood, a native of Kentucky, and one of the early pioneer ministers, of the Methodist denomination, who came to Daviess county and endured the hardships incident to western life during the Mormon War: The subject of this sketch was born in Ray county, Missouri, February 10, 1833. He was brought, in his infancy, to Daviess county, by his parents, where his father died when he was but three years old. Until he reached the age of eighteen he attended school and worked on a farm, then left school, farmed for three years and then completed his education and engaged in teaching for a period of six years. He was married, August 25, 1857, to Miss Sarah J. Henry, a native of Virginia. They have five children: Joseph A., William A., Mary E., Virginia L. and Jefferson D.
Mr. Wood is now living on a finely cultivated farm near Gallatin, and at present holds the office of township assessor. He has been successful as a teacher, winning the friendship of his pupils and gaining the esteem of all.