After teaching for several years he began moving westward in 1852 before eventually settling in what was then called Flathead county (today's Ravalli and Missoula Counties) in Washington Territory where he was paid to drive supplies for trade with the native populations.

[1] Woody accompanied Christopher P. Higgins and Frank Worden in the establishment of Hellgate Village and later Missoula, Montana.

[2] In 1866 Woody was appointed to serve as Clerk and Recorder of Missoula County and also acted as Probate Judge as well as post master and finally Deputy Clerk of the Second Judicial District Court of Missoula.

[1] Woody was elected to the office of District Judge after receiving the Democratic Nomination in 1892.

It is said that a considerable amount of money was spent on whiskey and three different types of cigars by the 25 lobbyists in their efforts.