Santa Barbara Obispo County Biographies

Vincent E. Wood

Submitted by Liz Brase

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Commercial development in Santa Barbara has been stimulated by the constructive 
labors of Vincent E. Wood, the pioneer automobile dealer of the city and one of 
its foremost business men.  A native of Canada, he was born June 26, 1883, in 
London, Ontario, and was naturalized as a citizen of the United States in 1911.  
He is a son of William H. And Eliza (Balkwill) Wood, who have made their home in 
Santa Barbara since 1921.  His father followed the occupation of farming for 
many years and is now enjoying a well earned rest.  Vincent E. Wood attended the 
public schools of Canada and afterward worked as a machinist.  In 1901, when a 
young man of eighteen, he came to California and for several years was a 
resident of San Francisco.  In 1909 he came to Santa Barbara and for three years 
was in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, following his trade. 
 In 1912 he ventured in business for himself, securing the Buick agency, which 
he still retains, and is also distributor for the Cadillac cars, covering half 
of Santa Barbara county.  He formerly controlled the sale of these machines in 
Ventura county as well and in 1923 erected the modern building which he now 
occupies.  It is situated at Nos. 309-15 State street and its salesrooms are 
classed with the finest in this part of the state.  Mr. Wood is at the head of 
an efficient organization and, with his brother, Wilbur J., formed the company 
which finances the business known as Wood Finance Company.  He has forty-five 
men in his employ and is one of the most successful dealers in southern 
California.  He is also an expert mechanic and possesses initiative, foresight 
and administrative power. 
In 1910 Mr. Wood married Miss Ila M. Dinsdale, also a native of Canada, and they 
have become the parents of a son, Jack.  Mr. Wood is one of the influential 
members of the Chamber of Commerce and casts his ballot for the candidates of 
the republican party.  He is a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner and is 
also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.  He enjoys golf 
and is a popular member of the La Cumbre Golf and Country Club.  He loyally 
supports every worthy civic project, and his enterprise, probity and public 
spirit have won for him a secure place in the esteem of his fellowmen.
 
History of Santa Barbara County, Page 192 and 195