Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and biographical record of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago - 1893 Page 119-120 CAPT. HENRY J. WOODS, the energetic and efficient keeper of the life-saving station of Muskegon, Mich., who is possessed of ability and courage, with a thoroughly practical training in the necessary duties of his responsible position, is eminently adapted to the faithful discharge of the obligations intrusted to his care. A native of the State of New York and was born in Cattaraugus County May 29, 1850, our subject was the son of Henry J. and Hannah J. (STARKWEATHER) WOODS. The parents were both of New England birth and were reared in the Green Mountain State. The father and mother, descendants of long lines of reputable ancestry, were early trained to habits of thrifty industry and self-reliantly attained to mature age. During their early years they enjoyed the advantage of in- struction in the schools of their home neighborhood, but both soon began the earnest work of life. Marrying, they made their perma- nent home in New York, where the father, a farmer by occupation, was highly respected and numbered among the substantial men of his locality in the Empire State. Capt. WOODS spent the days of boy- hood upon the old homestead, assisting his father in the daily round of agricultural work and attending the nearest district school. Continuing upon the old homestead and engaging in farming for sixteen years, our subject began the battle of life for himself soon after attaining his majority. He was for some time variously employed, but a man of observation and excellent judgment, lost no opportunity to gain knowledge and thus advance himself in the world. Journeying after a time to the farther West, Capt. WOODS came to Michigan, and in August, 1880, becoming one of the crew at the life-saving station of St. Joseph, held his position for two years, and during this period of time passed through a variety of thrilling and profitable experiences, serving an apprenticeship in the saving of human lives, many more of which, but for the established stations, would be annually sacrificed upon the dangerous lake coasts. Entering upon the duties of his present position in the year 1882, Capt. WOODS has, with satisfaction to the Government, had full charge of the Muskegon station. He has with him a tried crew of men, veterans in the service, seven in number, and under his skillful command much heroic work has been accomplished. Our subject is a man to be relied upon in the hour of emergency, and no storm is too terrible, no danger too great, for him to face with calm courage and the confidence which inspires his men to renewed effort. In the year 1881 were united in marriage HENRY J. WOODS and Miss HULDA A. WELLS, of Grand Rapids, Mich. The estimable wife of our subject is a native of Ohio and was born in Marietta. Two daughters, bright and attractive, bless the home, Hattie H. and Grace B., who will enjoy every opportunity for an advanced education. Our sub- ject is fraternally associated with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and is a valued member of the lodge at St. Joseph; he is likewise a member of the Muskegon Chapter, R. A. M. He is also associated with the Knights of Pythias, and has a host of friends among the time-honored orders. Capt. WOODS has, in giving close attention to the manner and methods of the service, perfected some invaluable inventions of his own and given most important suggestions for future consideration. He has arranged a system of carriage locks and buoys, which facilitate and aid in transportion, and he displays mechanical genius of a high order. A brave officer and the right man for his post of danger, Capt. HENRY WOODS possesses the regard of a wide acquaintance and the full confidence of the general public. ===========================================================================