Los Angeles County
Biographies
JOHN PERRY
WOOD
Among the distinguished lawyers and jurists who have upheld the high traditions of the California bench and bar is Judge John Perry Wood, of Los Angeles, who has been prominent in legal circles for 25 years.
He is a native of Maryland, and was born in 1869 at Baltimore, the son of Rev. John Allen Wood, of Pennsylvania, and Ida L. Perry Wood, of Maryland. After receiving his early training in public schools of Everett, Pa., he entered Dickinson College, graduating with the A. B. degree in 1900. His legal training was obtained at the law school of Yale University, which conferred on him the LL. B. degree in 1902.
The same year Judge Wood moved to California. Until 1910 he practiced in Pasadena, serving as City Attorney from 1906, and successfully conducting for the city the litigation with the Bell Telephone Company whereby was established the rights of the city to the streets, as opposed to the rights of telephone and telegraph companies. This litigation was of national importance, and the efficiency and knowledge of the law displayed by Judge Wood enhanced his reputation.
Judge Wood also conducted the litigation and negotiations resulting in the establishment of the Pasadena city water system, as well as the litigation between the Southern California Edison Company and Pasadena, resulting from the installation of the city lighting and power system.
In 1911 Judge Wood was elected to the bench of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, serving for 14 years. In this capacity he displayed unusual clarity of judgment and earned the reputation of being one of the best judges on the bench.
He holds membership in the American Bar Association, State Bar of California and Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a Mason, and a member of the University Club, Los Angeles Club, Overland Club, and Valley Hunt Club, as well as various other organizations. In 1910 he married Claudine Hazen and they have two sons, Walbridge and Dana.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: "American Blue Book California Lawyers"
by H. James Boswell, Page 65, Produced by H. James Boswell,
1928.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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