David Evans Wood (December 10, 1823 – June 17, 1862) was an American lawyer, judge, and politician. He died of disease while serving as a Union Army colonel in the American Civil War.

David E. Wood
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the Calumet district
In office
January 7, 1850 – January 6, 1851
Preceded byAlonzo D. Dick
Succeeded byWilliam H. Dick
Personal details
Born(1823-12-10)December 10, 1823
New Bedford, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJune 17, 1862(1862-06-17) (aged 38)
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.
Cause of deathDisease
Resting placeRienzi Cemetery, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Political partyRepublican
Whig (before 1854)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Union Army
Years of service1861–1862
RankColonel
Commands14th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Background

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Wood was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in 1823. He was a college graduate and had practiced law before he came to Wisconsin, about 1848. He first settled in Manchester (later renamed "Brothertown").

Legislature

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He was elected in 1849 to serve a one-year term as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Calumet County in the 3rd Wisconsin Legislature in 1850.[1] He was a Whig, and succeeded Alonzo D. Dick (also a Whig). He was not re-elected in 1850, and was succeeded by Democrat William H. Dick.

Fond du Lac and war

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In 1851 he moved to Fond du Lac County, where he practiced law. He served as probate judge of Fond du Lac County from 1854-57.[2] Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War, in the fall of 1861 he enlisted and became colonel of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. The 14th Wisconsin was raised at Fond du Lac, under Wood; the camp in Fond du Lac where they trained was renamed "Camp Wood," after him. The 14th Wisconsin was mustered into Federal service on January 30, 1862. They fought at the Battle of Shiloh, earning much praise and the nickname "the Wisconsin Regulars." Wood was injured during the battle. He contracted an unspecified disease in the South, returned home and died of fatigue and disease on June 17, 1862.[3]: 602 

References

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  1. ^ Turner, A. J., ed. The legislative manual of the state of Wisconsin: comprising the constitutions of the United States and of the state of Wisconsin, Jefferson's manual, forms and laws for the regulation of business; also, lists and tables for reference, etc.: Thirteenth Annual Edition Madison: Atwood and Culver, Printers and Stereotypers, 1874; p. 157
  2. ^ Berryman, John R. History of the bench and bar of Wisconsin Chicago: H. C. Cooper, Jr., 1898; Vol. 2, pp. 145-46
  3. ^ Quiner, Edwin B. (1866). "Regimental History–Fourteenth Infantry". The Military History of Wisconsin. Chicago: Clarke & Co. pp. 598–612.
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Military offices
Regiment established Command of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment
January 30, 1862 – June 17, 1862
Succeeded by
Col. John Hancock
Wisconsin State Assembly
Preceded by Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Calumet district
January 7, 1850 – January 6, 1851
Succeeded by