My Genealogy Hound

L. F. Wood, prosecuting attorney of Moniteau County, Mo., and a native of the same, was born on the 28th of October, 1839, his parents being Lashley L. and Sallie (McKinzey) Wood, whose births occurred in Logan County, Ky., and Boone County, Mo., respectively. The father was reared principally in Kentucky, but was engaged in teaming in Tennessee for some time, and in 1820 came to Missouri with Thomas H. Benton, who afterward became noted as a prominent Missourian. Mr. Wood located about four miles from California, where he entered land and improved it, and afterward purchased many other tracts of land, becoming one of the large real estate holders of the county. He was the first merchant in the county, his store being located on his own farm, at cross roads. He also built the first store in California, and at the time the town was laid out he was serving as county treasurer, which position he held until 1860. He served as mayor of California for some years, and also served as a member of the town council. He was married in Cole County, and his union was blessed in the birth of thirteen children, only two of whom are living: John D. and Lashley F. He is yet living, in his ninety-first year, and is a well-preserved man for his years. He is totally blind, but his remembrance of past events is remarkable. Lashley F. Wood, our subject, was reared and educated in Moniteau County, and after finishing his common-school education, he entered the University of Missouri at Columbia, which institution he attended for some time, and at the same time assisted his father on the farm. At the age of twenty years he began the study of law, and in one year (in March, 1861) he graduated from the Louisville (Ky.) Law School. In May of that year he returned home and enlisted in the Missouri State Guard as orderly sergeant, and gradually rose to the rank of captain. He was at Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Lexington, Boonville and Pea Ridge. He was captured near the Arkansas line and taken to Alton Prison, where he was kept about one year, and was then paroled and returned home. In 1865 he went to the State of California, remaining two years, and in 1867 entered on the practice of his profession, with Samuel H. Owens, a very prominent attorney, now deceased. Since that time he has practiced alone, and in 1886 was elected prosecuting attorney, being re-elected in 1888. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been District Deputy Grand Master for years, and is also a member of the A. O. U. W. In 1871 he wedded Kate Bishop, by whom he has three children: Elia B., Walter F. and Myrtle B.