From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Wood, George E.
In 1895, George E. Wood, from Madisonville, KY, was appointed Notary Public by Governor William O. Bradley, becoming the first African American to hold the post in Hopkins County. In 1902 he was reappointed for his third term by Governor J. C. W. Beckham.
For more see "Madisonville," Kentucky Reporter, 03/22/1902, p. 1.