Born in New York City. Originally known as F. Augustus Wood, he changed his name in 1868. Graduate of Haverford, College in 1862. Married to Sarah Brown. He joined the firm of William Wood and Co., publishers. His later life was devoted to numismatics.

He was an original member of the ANS. He served as corresponding secretary March 22, 1866, to May 24, 1866. Librarian of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society March 25, 1869, to March 16, 1880. During the period 1870 to 1873 the ANS was inactive and the library was preserved by Wood at his home. In 1878 his wife became the first woman accepted into membership in the ANS. His collection was sold at auction by Bangs, Merwin & Co May 19, 1873. The 1853 lots realized $3516.94. He died at Rahway, New Jersey.

obit: AJN 30 Oct 1895 page 61