John Travers Wood

Early life and education Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Wood immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1889. They settled in Woodridge, North Dakota, and he became a naturalized a citizen in 1901. After graduating public schools there, he taught school for six years. He then graduated from Detroit College of Medicine.

Career After graduating from medical school, Wood moved to Hannah, North Dakota, where he operated a medical practice before relocating west to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Wood also founded the town's hospital.

During World War I, he served as a first lieutenant in the medical corps of the United States Army.

Congress In the 1950 election, Wood ran as a Republican for the open seat in Congress from Idaho's first district. He took office at the age 72 and served a single term, narrowly losing his re-election bid in 1952 to Gracie Pfost, the first woman to represent Idaho.

During his term, he mentioned his distrust of the United Nations, citing its charter's similarities to the Soviet Union's constitution, and mentioned as much to the U.S. Flag Committee.

Personal life Wood left the House in January 1953 and returned to Coeur d'Alene, where he died less than two years later.

Election results

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