Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County

Governor John Wood

Quincy founder John Wood was the first settler at “Bluffs,” a limestone promontory on the Mississippi River in 1822. He was one of the state’s prominent 18th century politicians, becoming governor in 1860.

A Timeline of the Life of John Wood

Born December 20, 1798, in Moravia, Cayuga County, New York.

Parents were Daniel and Katherine Krause Wood.

Wood’s father, a surgeon in the Revolutionary War, spoke several foreign languages fluently and was assigned to George Washington’s headquarters.

One sister, Clarissa.

Headed west November 2, 1818.

Located in Pike County, Illinois, in 1820 to farm.

Bought 160 acres in the Military Tract for $60 from a Mr. Flinn.

With Willard Keyes, arrived in 1822 in Quincy area and built a log cabin at foot of today’s Delaware Street.

Married Anna M. Streeter in Quincy on January 25, 1826.

Eight children: Ann (1827-1905), Daniel (1829-1922), John Jr. (1830-1889), Emily (1833-1835), Adah (1835-1844), Joshua (1837-1910), Henry (1839-1842), James (1842-1850).

Wood and his wife went to Galena, Illinois, during the rush to lead mines in 1827

Began construction in 1835 of Greek Revival house at 12th and State Streets and competed it in 1838.

Volunteered for Black Hawk War in 1832.

Elected Mayor of Quincy and served 1844-1848, 1852-1853 and 1856.

Elected to Illinois State Senate in 1850.

Elected Illinois Lieutenant Governor in 1857.

Began construction of Octagonal House in 1857. Elected to Illinois State Senate in 1850.

Became Illinois’ 12th governor when William Harrison Bissell died in office in 1860.

Governor Richard Yates appointed Wood a delegate from Illinois to Peace Congress, an effort to avert secession of Southern sates in February 1861.

Served as Quartermaster General for Illinois during Civil War.

At wife Ann’s death in 1863, commissioned a colonel and became commanding officer of 137th Illinois Volunteers.

Married Mary Ann Brown Holmes, widow of Rev. Joseph Holmes, in 1865.

Octagonal House completed at cost of $200,000.

Gave Greek Revival house to son Daniel.

Forced to sell Octagonal House during financial reverses and failed business in 1876 and returned to Greek Revival Home with son.

Died at home on June 4, 1880, and was buried in Woodland Cemetery.

 

John Wood