NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME II 1804-1926 H. L. WOOD Among the prominent and successful business men of Sioux City, Hardy L. Wood, manager here of the branch of Crane Company, is entitled to specific mention in the history of this locality, for during the years of his identification with the commercial interests of this community he has in a large measure contributed to its prosperity and advancement. Mr. Wood was born at Avoca, New York, on the 29th of December, 1861, and is a son of Alvin and Juliette (Roberts) Wood, both of whom were natives of New York state, the father being of English ancestry and the mother of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Alvin Wood was a farmer and school teacher during the early years of his active life, but later turned his attention to journalism, becoming owner and editor of the Avoca Advance. In 1889 he came to Iowa, locating in Hawarden where he bought the Hawarden Commercial, publishing it for many years. His death occurred in 1909, at the age of seventy-nine, and he was survived a number of years by his widow, who passed away in February, 1924, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Hardy L. Wood attended public schools of New York state and Haverling Union School, at Bath, New York. For two years following the completion of his studies he taught school. He taught his first school when but sixteen years of age, though at that time he held a state regent's certificate. In the fall of 1880, when nineteen years of age, he came west, stopping a few months in Sioux Rapids. He then came through with the building of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad to Hawarden, where he located and, soon afterwards, in partnership with Giles F. Hunter, established the hardware house of Hunter & Wood. This proved a profitable venture and they conducted the business until 1890, when they dissolved partnership and for three years thereafter each operated a store and engaged in the plumbing and heating business, which he conducted until 1898, when he sold out in order to become associated with the Crane Company, of Chicago, as a traveling salesman. After remaining on the road for eight years, he was appointed to the important position of manager of the Sioux City branch of the Crane Company, which position he has filled continuously to the present time and during this period his branch has become one of the most important business institutions of Sioux City, reflecting great credit on his business ability and his energetic and progressive methods. In 1910 a new vitrified brick building was erected and the establishment is now housed in a handsome and well arranged structure, well adapted to the company's stock and business. In November, 1887, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Carrie A. Melius, of Storm Lake, Iowa, and to them have been born three children, namely: Florence C., deceased; Gracie M., who is the wife of Ralph E. Pierce, electrical engineer with the American Telephone & Telegraph Company at New York city; and Hobert L., who is engaged in the insurance business in Sioux City. Mr. Wood is a member of Tyrian Lodge, No. 508, A. F. and A. M.; Sioux City Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M.; Columbian Commandery, No. 18, K. T.; Sioux City Consistory, No. 5, A. A. S. R.; Abu-Bekr Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and Sioux City Lodge, No. 112, B. P. O. E. He also belongs to the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He and his family are members of the First Congregational church. He has taken a commendable interest in the material, civic and moral welfare of the city, giving his unreserved support to every movement for public advancement and upbuilding. For these reasons, together with his friendly manner, he has long held an enviable place in public esteem. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County _http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/_ (http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/) IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: _http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/_ (http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/)