The Sesquicentennial of Wood County, Wisconsin 1856-2006 Reflections of 150 years
About the Cover
Joseph Wood (1811-1890) Born in Camden, Seneca County, New York on October 16, 1811, Joseph Wood was the second youngest in a family of 12 children. His first journey west in 1836-37 was to Lake County, Illinois, just north of Chicago. In 1845 he headed north to Grand Rapids (later named Wisconsin Rapids). He finally settled with his family here in 1848 and made Grand Rapids their home. His hard work and determination was instrumental in making Wood County what it is today. Joseph Wood, having introduced the bill to create the county wanted to name it Greenwood. His fellow legislators insisted it to be named Wood County, after its pioneer Joseph Wood. Brick Courthouse (1882) The first building actually constructed as a courthouse was located around First Street North and Baker. The first session of County Board held in this courthouse was on April 12, 1882. George Hiles was the Chairman at this time. There were 25 members of this board that served a population 2,425. Present Courthouse (1956) The County was growing and was in need of a larger Courthouse. Between 1954-1956 the County Board passed a resolution to authorize bonding for $1,000,000 to build the present Courthouse and jail. This bonding also included enough for a new Highway garage/shop. The population served by this 38-member board was up to 59,105. Since then the present Courthouse has had two additions. Today the County Board serves a population of 76,644.
References T.A. Taylor, (1939), 100 Years of Pictorial & Descriptive History of Wisconsin Rapids, WI Lorraine (Voigt) Rogers, (2006), Reflections of 150 Years W.T. Jones, County Clerk, (1883) Proceedings of the County Board of Supervisors of Wood County, Wisconsin County Clerks office (2006) McMillian Memorial Library, Local History Online, http://www.mcmillianlibrary.org/local/local_history.htm