[1] Joseph was born in Camden, New York of English ancestry.
He settled in what was then the new village of Grand Rapids in Portage County.
He opened a store, developed land and sold lots, and later owned a hotel.
In 1856 he served a single term in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Wood remained active in his community, serving at various times as postmaster, county supervisor, mayor, county court judge, and director of the school board.