History
Woods studied law and gained admission to the bar in 1781. He also was a major in the Militia (United States), militia and moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania, Washington county the same year. In 1784, he joined the Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland and Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Fayette County bars; He then joined the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County bar in 1788 and the Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Bedford bar in 1791. His career was considered successful at the time due to ties to other prominent families in the area. His sister Jane married David Espy and his sister Anne married prominent James Ross (Pennsylvania politician), James Ross, a Pittsburgh attorney. While working David Espy, the collaborative work of the two was described as a powerful influence in Western Pennsylvania at the time. With Hugh Henry Brackenridge, Hugh Brackentidge and Alexander Addison (judge), Alexander Addison, Woods was controlled legal system in Pittsburgh from 1788 until the mid-1790s. Woods was the attorney representing Presley Neville, Pressley Neville who had lost his home during the Whiskey Rebellion. He was lottery manager helping to found the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Academy in 1796. His political career included serving as a presidential elector and caucus nominee for Congress in 1798. He was elected as a Federalist Party, Federalist to the 14th United States Congress, Fourteenth Congress, taking office on March 4, 1815. The term was set to run until March 3, 1817, but Woods never appeared in Congress due to poor health. Woods was on his way back from South Carolina to recuperate when he died at the age of 55, only two years into his term.See also
*List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)References