Facts concerning Abner Wood's early life are unavailable. The first information about the man has him working as a chainman for William A. Burt, at the age of 21 (i.e. about 1848). From 1851 through 1853, Wood was an assistant surveyor to Wells Burt. By 1854, he was a deputy surveyor for the United States working in the Upper Peninsula, and in 1857 he was promoted to U.S. examiner of surveys for the mineral region. Thereafter, Wood worked as a surveyor in the Dakota Territory, and also on a survey of Frankfort Harbor in Benzie County. In 1863, Wood was commissioned a captain by Governor Blair and given control over Company I of the 27th Michigan Infantry. On account of his fine military performance, Wood was brevated major in 1864 at Spottsylvania and lt. colonel at Cold Harbor. Due to the rigors of war, Wood was forced to resign from the service on November 12, 1864. Wood returned to his home in Ovid partially incapacitated. Due to these disabilities, he was unable to continue working as a surveyor. To support himself and his family, Wood held the position of postmaster and American Express agent. After the war, he ran for the post of Clinton County sheriff. Though he won the election, he soon found the job was more than he could physically handle. In search of some occupation commensurate with his handicapped abilities, Wood went into the printing business. This line of work moved him to Owosso around 1869, and on to Corunna in 1877. On November 17, 1853, Wood married Silvia Stedman at Unadilla, Livingston County. From this union were born the following children: Abel Delos Wood (1856-1888), Julia Slosson Wood (1860-), Susie Maria Wood (1864-), Mary Stedman Wood (1866-1892), Addie Lucy Wood (1868-1883). Mrs. Wood died on January 21, 1893, followed by her husband on August 2, 1906.
From the description of Abner Brownell Wood collection. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 40429514
