He entered a printing office where he learned to set type prior to working for several newspapers in Maine and New Hampshire.
When he was eighteen Wood journeyed from New York City to Washington, DC to attend the inauguration of President James Knox Polk.
He ran the newspaper for four years before coming to New York City to report for a number of papers.
Shifting to the proof-room of the Tribune, Wood was presented with the task of "deciphering the hieroglyphics of Horace Greeley."
Wood left the Tribune in 1869 to become night editor of The Sun when Charles A. Dana and Isaac W. England took control of the newspaper.
With limitations on space he displayed a talent for eliminating unnecessary words and became known as "The Great American Condenser."
He was taken unconscious by policeman to a bar on West Street and died within fifteen minutes of being taken from the water.