James Wood, was born at
Alstead, New Hampshire. His wife was Ann D. Harris (XIX 82) was a tall,
handsome woman, with a moderately full figure. He emigrated in his childhood
with his father to Richmond, Ontario county, New York. He acquired his
early education at the Wesleyan seminary in Lima, New York, and was graduated
at Union college, Schenectady. He law in the office of John Young in Geneseo,
and upon his admission to the bar in 1843 he became his partner, and the
two men retained throughout life the closest personal relations. He was
a successful lawyer, and was at one time district attorney of Livingston
county.
In 1862 he raised the
One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, New York state volunteers, and took
the field as its colonel. He served in the army of Virginia, and after
the battle of Gettysburg transferred to the army of the Cumberland. He
was appointed brigadier-general, and took an active part in Sherman's campaigns
till their termination at Bentonville, North Carolina, in March, 1865.
After the close of the
war he resumed the practice of law in Geneseo in partnership with his nephew,
Campbell H. Young (XX 217), and made Geneseo his home for the rest of his
life, which ended in 1892.
He was a high-minded,
benevolent and public-spirited citizen, and was held in high esteem in
the region in which he lived, and in which he filled a number of positions
in the service of the community and of the church. Colonel Wood left no
children.
The Atlanta Campain, by Colonel James Wood
Record of the Harris Family, Page 68
Author: John Harris
Call Number: CS71. H315
