George Wood

Background

George Wood was born in January, 1789, in Chesterfield, Burlington County, New Jersey, United States.

Education

In 1805, Wood entered the College of New Jersey (present-day Princeton University), graduating in 1808. Later, he studied Law under Richard Stockton, a lawyer, who represented New Jersey in the United States Senate and served in the United States House of Representatives.

Career

In 1812, Wood was admitted to the bar and began his practice in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Within a few years, his reputation surpassed that of his tutor - Richard Stockton. He appeared more frequently, than any other New Jersey lawyer before the Supreme Court of the United States.

In 1831, Wood moved to New York City, where his earlier success was continued. He represented the Presbyterian, Dutch and Methodist Episcopal churches in cases, involving property, was counsel for the city in boundary cases and appeared in the Lorillard case, involving the disposition of $3,000,000. Perhaps, his most important case in this period was Martin vs. Waddell (16 Peters, 367, or 41 United States, 367), in which he gave a clear exposition of the law, concerning the right of the sovereign to lands under water.

Wood's practice indicates, that other lawyers were in the habit of bringing their desperate cases to him. He was accustomed to leaving the search for prior decisions to junior counsel, while he concentrated on the principles involved. His preparation was always thorough, his knowledge profound and his memory accurate. Often he went from court to court, carrying the most intricate details of cases in his mind, with only a few penciled notes to guide him.

Achievements

• George Wood was mostly known as a leading New Jersey and New York attorney. The law of New Jersey owes to his practice many important principles, particularly on the subject of charitable devises, which had been practically undeveloped. A leading case in his practice was Hendrickson vs. Shotwell, in which he represented the Orthodox Friends in their controversy over the property with the "Hicksites".

Works

More photos

• book

  • The Society of Friends Vindicated

    (This work represents the arguments of the counsel of Jose...)

    1832

Politics

Wood took little part in politics. His preferences were known to be with the Federalists, then with the Whigs and toward the close of his life with those, who wished at all costs to preserve the Union. In 1850, Wood presided over a Union-saving meeting at Castle Garden, which approved the passage of the slavery compromise, and in 1852, he urged the nomination of Webster for the presidency.

Besides, George once declined to become a candidate for governor of New Jersey.

Personality

Wood was not an orator but relied upon his power of clear, direct and comprehensive statement.

Personally, George was dignified, unostentatious and modest to the point of self-effacement.

Connections

Wood was married and had two sons and several daughters.

mentor:

Richard Stockton

Richard Stockton was Wood's mentor in Law.