Woods was elected to the Convention to write a constitution for the proposed state of Ohio in 1802 as a Democratic-Republican who was “pledged to support statehood and the principles of Jefferson”.[2] At the convention, he voted to oppose civil rights for black people.[3]
Woods was married to Ebenezer Zane's daughter, Hester “Hetty” Zane on May 15, 1803. They had six children.[6]
Ebenezer Zane laid out Bridgeport, Ohio across the Ohio River from Wheeling. He deeded eight acres to Elijah and Hetty Woods in the town in 1806.[2] Woods operated a ferry from Bridgeport to Wheeling Island and Zane operated the ferry from Wheeling to Wheeling Island. Woods built his home in Bridgeport near the ferry and operated an inn there.[7]
Elijah Woods died on November 23, 1820, in Belmont County at the age of 42.[7][6]