Page:Memoir of George B. Wood, M. D., LL.D.djvu/10

 part of the tract known to the Indians as Cat-a-nun-gut, adjoining lands of Samuel Bacon and others."

"1685, August 12th, John Nichols and wife convey 100 acres of land to John Bacon of Cohansey."

George B. Wood was the eldest son of Richard and Elizabeth Bacon Wood. At twelve years of age, his earnest desire for a liberal education was gratified by his father sending him to school in New York. When sufficiently prepared, he was transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated, with honors, in 1815.

Of his early life I have obtained but little particular account, beyond what is preserved in his own manuscripts. These show a very active mind, more alive with imagination and sentiment than would have been supposed by those acquainted only with his later labors. He wrote, between 1813 and 1825, many verses, mostly in English, some in Latin; amongst the former, several translations from the German of Schiller. With the German language, as well as the French and Italian, he acquired considerable familiarity; which was of use not only in his later arduous professional studies, but also in his very diversified general reading, and European travel. His library contained many books in foreign languages. It may surprise some who have known him as a most industrious student, and the author of ponderous medical works, to learn that he read quite a large number of novels; especially during his summer vacations. More remarkable