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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Rapids. He has given valuable support to the T. B. Scott library work at Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.

Source: History of Wood County, Wisconsin (1923) page 294

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F. J. Wood was born here Oct. 19, 1850 and died Aug. 17, 1931. He received his schooling here and then went to Madison to the University where he stayed less than two years, being called home because of financial reverses of his father, like many others at that period of the new country.

Mr. Wood held county offices for several years and with his brother Walter owned and operated a drug store.

Mr. Wood was S. D. Witter's cashier for several years and in the year 1891 incorporated the Wood County National Bank. They first located the bank across the street from the location of the present bank at the northwest corner of the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Second St. south, which is now 180 2nd St. S. The original home of the bank is shown at bottom of page 26. In 1911 the Wood County National Bank built the new stone building they now occupy.

Mr. Wood was prominent in the Congregational church from his boyhood days. He was one of the principal donators to the fund to build the present stone Congregational Church just one block south from his bank.

He was also very generous in his donations to the T. B. Scott Public Library.

Mr. F. J. Wood was a very kind and courteous gentleman deeply interested in the movements for the highest good of the community. He was a fine student of both religious and secular affairs. He was also heavily interested in the Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Co., and other industries in our city.

Source: 100 Years of Pictoral & Descriptive History of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin by T. A. Taylor (1934) page 10