Bio: Wood, Franklin J. (1923)

 
Contact: Stan

Surnames: Wood, Rablin

----Source: History of Wood County, Wis. (1923) page 294

Franklin J. Wood, president of the Wood County National Bank and an outstanding figure in the progress of the community, was born in Grand Rapids Oct. 19, 1850, son of Joseph and Matilda Wood. Joseph Wood arrived in Grand Rapids in 1848 and during his lifetime was a leader in the development of the pioneer settlement; he was the first county judge of Wood County, and held many other offices of public trust; in loving tribute to him and to his work, his name was commemorated in the naming of Wood County. His achievements have been worthily emulated by his son, subject of this sketch. Franklin J. Wood attended the public schools of Grand Rapids, such as they were in those days of the pioneer and the forest, and after finishing the courses they offered, attended the University of Wis. at Madison for two years. He then returned to Grand Rapids and entered the employ of the Rablin machine works as clerk at a salary of $35 per month, which was a very good wage at that time.

In 1875 he was nominated by the Republican party as their candidate for the office of county clerk, and gained the office. He served in this capacity for four consecutive terms, and later served two years as mayor of Grand Rapids. His first connection with the financial institutions of the county was formed in 1881, when he became cashier of the First National Bank; previous to that time he had been engaged in business in Grand Rapids, dealing in drugs for about five years and afterward in real estate. He remained with the First National until, in 1891, he resigned his position with them to become cashier of the newly organized Wood County National Bank. He served as their cashier for sixteen years, and in 1907 became president of the institution, in which capacity he has continued to the present time. During the time of his affiliation with the bank, and largely through his work, it has grown to be one of the strongest financial institutions in central Wis. and Mr. Wood's name has come to be known through many states. In addition to conducting the affairs of the bank he has been very prominent in the organization of business enterprises. Mr. Wood was married in November, 1876, to Miss Katie Rablin, daughter of John and Elizabeth Rablin.

Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of one son, Guy R., who grew to manhood in Wis. Rapids and is at present engaged in business at Eau Claire. Mr. Wood has served as director of the Nekoosa- Edwards Paper Company, director of the Nekoosa State Bank, vice president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Rudolph, and director of the State Bank of Vesper. He personally conducted the First Liberty Loan drive in Wis. Rapids. He has given valuable support to the T. B. Scott library work at Wis. Rapids, and has served on the board of trustees of that institution since its first organization. He has been a worker in the First Congregational Church of Wis. Rapids and has been an officer in it from the time of its beginning. He is a member of the Masonic, Elks, and Eastern Star lodges, and an active supporter of the Rotary Club.