Biography of Levi M. Wood
Levi M. Wood, a prominent pioneer of LaValley Township in Lincoln County, South Dakota, was born on January 27, 1842, in Ohio. The son of Morris and Abashaba (Sudnutt) Wood, he moved with his parents to Iowa, where he grew up. He served in the Civil War with the Second Iowa Cavalry. In 1866, he married Virbett (Bent) Lippincott and, in 1872, they settled in South Dakota, where Wood developed a successful 240-acre farm. He was active in local politics, held various township offices, and contributed to the community’s development. He passed away on August 27, 1901, leaving a legacy of public service and agricultural success.