The memorial window-light for John William Wood can be found in St. Paul’s Church in Ramsey. It is one of three lights in this Window and shows “The incident of the sick man let down on a bed” (
visit link)
The Dedication under the lights is as follows:
‘TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY
OF JOHN WILLIAM WOOD A BELOVED PHYSICIAN
AND A FAITHFUL WARDEN OF THIS CHURCH
OBIIT 18 DEC 1887 AETAT 40”
Shown below is a newspaper article from the Isle of Man Times, printed on Saturday, December 24, 1887:
“IN MEMORIAM:
J. W. WOOD.
Born 26th December, 1847.
Died 19th December, 1887
Doctor Wood is dead.” Such was the depressing intelligence that was told with bated breath and trembling lips as the early dawn broke on Ramsey on Monday last. Although it had been known for several days that he was in a critical condition, the result of a “cold upon cold,” and a too devoted attention to his profession, hopes for his ultimate recovery were never abandoned until it became know that the end had come; and his removal for those amongst whom he had so long and faithfully laboured was the absorbing topic of conversation. Among those with whom he was most intimate his genial face and heartiness of manner were not readily forgotten, whilst of the poor it must truly be said that in his death they have lost a friend indeed. So widespread was the regret for his loss and respect for his memory that when his remains were conveyed from Auckland Terrace for internment in Kirk Onchan Churchyard on Wednesday, every place of business in Ramsey was closed, and the blinds of all the private houses were drawn down. The Albert Tower Court of Foresters, with which the doctor was associated as medical attendant, headed the procession, and were followed by the choir of St. Paul’s Church, of which he had been a warden for many years, and closely associated with during the whole time of his residence in Ramsey. The members of the St. Maughold Lodge of Freemasons, of which the deceased was a Pats Master and a most esteemed and distinguished member, immediately preceded the hearse, which was followed by a long string of private carriages, and a large gathering of residents in Ramsey and the country around. Arriving at the foot of Slieu Lewaigue the Foresters filed to the right and left, and stood bareheaded as the funeral cortege passed, and the Freemasons assumed of the same position on arriving at the top of the hill, and then entered the carriages provided for them, and followed hearse to Onchan. Shortly after passing Laxey, several members of the Douglas Lodges, including Bro. G. C. Baron, Deputy Provincial Grand Master (Isle of Man) P.G.S.B. (England), together with the three principals and several companions of the Royal Arch Chapter, of which deceased was a Past Principal, joined the procession, which reached Onchan at half-past one. The Rev. G. Paton, chaplain, and Rev. J. Kewley, M.A., curate of Ramsey, and the Rev J. Howard, vicar of Onchan met the coffin at the gate, and preceded by the choristers and choirmen of St. Paul’s, walked into the Church, where the service commenced with the hymn “A few more years shall roll”. After the reading of the lesson, the “Dies Irae” was sung by the clergy and the choir kneeling, and at the conclusion of the ceremony at the grave side, the hymn “Oh, what the joy and the glory must be,” concluded a most impressive ceremony, which deepened in its solemnity as the brethren of the departed brother stepped to the grave and dropped a sprig of acacia on all that remained of one whose memory will ever be cherished by the brethren of the mystic tie. In addition to his connection with the Church and the Benefits Societies, the deceased always found foremost amongst those who inaugurated any movement for the welfare of the town, and the amelioration of the lives of the poor. In fact, had he been as careful for his own health and comfort as he was for others, probably he would not have been the subject of our remarks to-day.
But
No, further seek his merits to disclose,
Nor draw his frailties from their dead abode:
There they alike in trembling hope repose,
The bosom of his Father – and his God.”
In the same edition of Isle of Man Times and in the Isle of Man Examiner published on the same date there were articles on a public meeting held in Ramsey Courthouse on Monday 19th December 1887 to consider the Poor Relief Bill, which was then under consideration by the Island’s Legislature. The articles both related the events at the meeting including the following:
Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, the Chairman, the High-Bailiff said “he wished to express at this the first public meeting which had been held the loss the town had sustained in the death of their good townsman Dr. Wood. The country also had sustained a loss almost more than the town. It was a loss which it would be difficult to repair for many years to come. He (the High-Bailiff) was sure the doctor’s family and poor Mrs. Wood had the sympathy of all in the town. To the poor, Dr. Wood was everything. In sickness he was there when required, and often without remuneration. He might say that the meeting felt damped on account of the loss they had sustained.”
At the time of the 1881 Isle of Man Census, the last before Dr. Wood died, he was residing at 2 West Street [Surgery] in Ramsey with his wife Julia Sophia and their 7 Children, aged 9 months to 9 years of age. John’s occupation is given as General Practitioner of Medicines. John was born in London whilst Julia Sophia's place of birth is given as Bath.