My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE B. WOOD, justice of the peace and harness maker, is one of the best known citizens of Ogontz. He is a native of the borough of Jenkintown where he was born March 4, 1858. He is the son of William and Naomni (Bullard) Wood.

Mr. Wood’s education was acquired in the public schools of Jenkintown, and under private tutors. After completing his studies he served an apprenticeship of three years at the harness making business, and subsequently worked for three years as a journeyman at this trade. In 1882 he established his present business at Ogontz. He has been very successful in his business, and is a prosperous business man. He has always been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, exerting himself in behalf of its ticket and its policy, and has been a delegate to many party conventions. He also participates actively in public affairs, and is always ready to forward any movement that is likely to redound to the interest of the community in which he lives, or be of any advantage to his fellow-citizens. He is popular with the people of Cheltenham township, and has held several local positions, including those of town clerk and member of the election board. He was elected justice of the peace in 1898, and re-elected for another term of five years in 1903. Fraternally he is a member of the following organizations: Friendship Lodge, No. 400, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jenkintown; Jenkintown Lodge, No. 476, Knights of Pythias, of which he has been secretary for a period of twenty-three years, and is a charter member. He is also secretary of Samaritan Castle No. 214, Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Jenkintown.

Mr. Wood was married at Ashbourne on January 1, 1884, to Ada Summerfield, daughter of John and Margaret (Linson) Summerfield. They have the following children: Naomi B., born 1885; Margaret S., born 1887; Virginia L., born October, 1889. The family attend St. Paul’s Episcopal church at Ogontz, and Mr. Wood is organist for the Jay Cooke Bible class.

William Wood, father of Mr. Wood, was born in Huntingdonshire, England, and came to this country in 1855, locating at first at Gwynedd, and removing to Jenkintown in 1858, where he has resided ever since, a period of nearly half a century. He is among the oldest residents of the vicinity. He was married in England. His children are: William, deceased George E., subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Romeo Loomis; Sarah, deceased; Washington, deceased.