- JAMES WOODS, who is now engaged in operating a magnificent farming property of 280 acres located in Greenville township, is one of Outagamie county's substantial agriculturists. He was born on the farm which he now owns, and is a son of Michael and Ellen (Cunneen) Woods, natives of County Limerick, Ireland. Michael Woods was born March 10, 1817, a son of Michael Woods, and his educational advantages were somewhat limited in his youth on account of sudden reverses in the family fortunes. His assistance was needed in supporting the family, and as a youth and young man he worked as a farm hand, also engaging in boating on the river Shannon. In 1846 he came to the United States, and after a short experience as a dock hand in New York City, he made his way West to Milwaukee. During 1855 he returned to New York City, and on October 4 of that year he was married to Ellen Cunneen. They then started back to Wisconsin, and on November 12 settled on a tract of wild land in the southwest quarter of Section 12, which Mr. Woods had purchased some time previously, and this he cultivated and improved, adding to it year by year until at the time of his death he was the owner of 425 acres of fine land. Farming was Mr. Woods' life work, and he never allowed other matters to divert his attention from it. Having started as a poor youth, he always appreciated the value of money, but, likewise, having felt the pinch of poverty, he never hesitated to help out those less fortunate than he. A good farmer, a public-spirited citizen, and a self-made man, Mr. Woods had the respect of his fellow townsmen, and his death was a loss to the community in which he resided. His first wife died August 16, 1864, leaving four children: John, who died March 15, 1911; Michael, also deceased, whose family are residing in Grand Chute township; Joanna, who died at the age of two years; and James. Michael Woods was married (second) to Kate Leahey, of County Cork, Ireland, and died April 12, 1892, being buried in Greenville cemetery.
James Woods has always been a resident of the old homestead farm, his education having been received in the schools of its vicinity, and since he was old enough to assume responsibility, he has been concerned in its management. He was in partnership with his brother John, after his father's death, and since John's death he has had entire control of the property, which now aggregates 280 acres. The railroad runs through this property. Although he hires help to assist him in working his large farm, Mr. Woods has not found time from his duties to interest himself actively in other matters, and as a consequence is not connected with any fraternal organization, nor is he engaged in politics. His religious connections are with St. Mary's Church, at Appleton. On April 25, 1911, Mr. Woods was married to Katherine Halloran, who was born in Ellington township, Outagamie county, daughter of Michael and Julia (Newcomb) Halloran, natives of County Cork, Ireland, and early settlers of Ellington township, where they spent the rest of their lives in farming. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are living, and of whom Mrs. Woods is the youngest.
Ryan,
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1862 - 1931 (68 years)
1880 Census
