Edwin Orin Wood

They settled at the town of Goodrich, Michigan, and there made their home until their deaths, their married life extending over a period of sixty-two years.

He did not remain long at either establishment, however, but secured a clerical position in the clothing store of George W. Buckingham, of Flint, Michigan, and thus became acquainted with the town that was afterwards to be his home for many years.

[2] Wood had already become a well-known figure in local affairs, and it was in March, 1893, that his purely business career was interrupted by his appointment to a very important post in the public service.

More than thirty-two persons were made prisoners on this occasion and were indicted by a special grand jury called by Wood's request.

[2] Wood had begun his career as a public officer very auspiciously, and from this time on his activities in this realm were at least as great and of even more importance than those connected with his private business.

Wood was one of a group of men who founded this organization, and he was the moving spirit in the matter to such an extent that he was elected its first president and held that office many years.

Following the latter convention, which was held at St. Louis, Wood found it necessary to resign from the many committees of which he was an officer, as his business affairs required much of his time and made it essential that he should live to a great extent in New York City.

[2] He was also offered a membership on the Michigan State Tax Commission by Governor Chase S. Osborn, but found it necessary to decline the honor.

In 1913 he was also made a member of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission by Governor Ferris, and served as vice-president of that body until his resignation in 1916.

In 1914 he was appointed a delegate to the Centenary Peace Commission by Governor Ferris, and the next year was a member of the Board of Arbitration representing Flint in the controversy over the price of gas to be charged the public by the company.

He did resign from the company when control of it was placed in the hands of a voting trust, but in 1915 he once more became connected with W.C. Durant, president of the concern, and the following year was chosen a director.

Another important concern with which Wood was connected was the Industrial Savings Bank of Flint, it being his efforts that secured the required stock subscriptions which resulted in its organization.

He had taken his thirty-third degree in this order, and was a member of all the important Masonic bodies in that part of the country, including the Lodge, Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Council, Royal and Select Masters; Genesee Commandery, Knights Templar; and Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

[2] The mere record of offices held, or even of material achievements accomplished, by Wood can give no adequate idea of his real influence in the community or of his peculiar talent as a leader of men.