Francis G. Wood

     Francis G. Wood was born in Utica on March 8, 1837 to George and Clara M. Gregory Wood. He was educated at Turner's School. He was a member of the first class to graduate from Utica Free Academy.

    In 1858, he graduated from Princeton College. Mr. Wood attended Columbia Law School. In 1860, he was admitted to Practice and became managing clerk in the office of Roscoe Conkling and Montgomery H. Throop.

    In 1861, Francis G. Wood was made secretary to Admiral Mervine who was in command of the Gulf Blockade Squadron. The following autumn the Admiral was recalled and Mr. Wood came back to Utica and formed a law practice with Thomas R. Walker. 

    In 1864, Francis G. Wood along with E.A. Wood organized the Utica Steam Gauge Co. They had a plant on Lafayette Street.

    In 1892, along with Robert S. Williams and others he formed the American District Telegraph Co. Its purpose was to supply messengers to banks and other businesses. It was the first to take a hold of the telephone as a business venture. Later the Central NY Telephone and Telegraph Co. was organized. Francis G. Wood became Secretary. Soon other companies in the state came under the same management so not only was he was Secretary of the Central NY Telephone and Telegraph Co but of other companies such as The Empire State and the Hudson River Telephone Companies (and one in Pennsylvania). Those companies merged and became the NY Telephone Co.

    Francis G. Wood was involved in large financial enterprises such as: The First National Bank of Utica (Director); Utica Steam and Mohawk Cotton Mills (Vice President); Skenandoa Cotton Mill (Vice President); and Savings Bank of Utica (Trustee)

    He was also involved in Civic Affairs. He was an officer in the following: Home for the Homeless (Old Ladies Home); Utica Female Academy; Utica Cemetery Association (Forest Hill); and was a member of the Fort Schuyler Club.

    Francis G. Wood was married to Mary H. Gilbert with whom he had two children: Sarah and George W.

    Francis G. Wood died May 10, 1922 is buried in Plot 31A Lot 3976 of Forest Hill Cemetery.

 


 

Location: 2201 Oneida St, Utica, NY 13501, USA

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