Notes for: Homer B. Woods
Judge Homer B. Woods was born on a farm near Harrisville July 16, 1869, the fourth son of a circuit-riding pastor, Rev. Philip A. and Salina (Wells) Woods. At the age of 16, he began teaching, a pursuit which he continued for several years. Woods attended Marietta College and took a course in the law department of the University of West Virginia. He was selected as superintendent of Ritchie County public schools while still pursuing his law degree. After two terms as superintendent, he returned to teaching for several years. Woods was principal of Harrisville High School, and later principal at Pennsboro High School. In 1892, he was admitted to the West Virginia Bar Association. He had a private law practice in Harrisville until 1896, when he was elected prosecuting attorney. He retired from that position in 1904 after two terms, after which he was elected as judge for the Third Circuit Court, covering Ritchie, Doddridge and Pleasants counties. Judge Woods continued his legal career when he was nominated by the Republican party in August 1920 as an unopposed candidate for a third term as Circuit Court judge. Judge Woods went on to be named as a West Virginia Supreme Court judge in 1924, serving in that capacity until 1936. He died in March 1941.
An extensive display pertaining to the life and career of Judge Homer B. Woods, donated by his granddaughter Winifred Woods Gulyas, was dedicated at the General Thomas M. Harris School Museum in Harrisville in May 2012.