James William Woods

James Woods was born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1851, the son of Peter and Rachael Woods. By the time of the 1881 census he was settled in Oxford.

He lived at 5 Mill Street with his wife Janet and children James, Martha, Florence and Clara, and working as an inspector of telegraphs. As well as being a Class Leader he was also active as an evangelist, speaking at open air services in the city centre. He had left Oxford by 1901 and died in 1922.

 James William Woods was a much loved and respected member of the Church during the last quarter of the 19th century. This framed testimonial was produced by members of his ‘Class’ – a group of young men who met together under his leadership to encourage and support each in their faith. It was their way of saying ‘thank you’.

From: ‘J W Woods and the Class of 1890’ by Martin Wellings in Oxfordshire Family Historian, Volume 31, April 2017