Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1880 & 89

John Wood (1830 - 1880)

John Wood was Landlord of the Welsh Harp public house in Lees Street, Ancoats, Manchester. He was also played a prominent part in the Freemasons, Druids, Foresters and Shepherds friendly societies of Manchester.

Not a lot is known about the life of John Wood, but on 27th March 1854, he married Elizabeth Mason at St John's Church, Deansgate, Manchester. The registration says that he was aged 28 and his father was James Wood. Elizabeth was aged 27 and the daughter of Luke Mason of Skipton, Yorkshire. There appears to be no census records for John in 1841, 1851, 1861 or 1871.

The 1876 edition of Slater's Directory for Manchester and Salford shows John Wood as Landlord at the Welsh Harp on Lees Street, Manchester. The Welsh Harp Inn was opened in 1820 and closed in 1922. It was originally owned and supplied by Cronshaw's Brewery, but was taken over by Groves and Whitnall's.

John Wood died on 16th June 1880 aged 49 and was buried at grave B2 1177 in the Dissenters portion of Weaste Cemetery. His wife Elizabeth erected a fine memorial with an inscription "Deeply lamented by an affectionate wife, who has erected this monument to his memory. He was a loving husband, a firm friend and a generous guardian." Also in the grave are: his wife Elizabeth Wood who died on 16th February 1908 aged 76; his wife's father Luke Mason, who died on 1st October 1860 aged 63; his wife's sister Jane Mason, who died on 21st November 1874 aged 34; and his wife's sister Mary Mason who died on 14th January 1909 aged 75.

The Manchester Courier of 21st June 1880 reads "Funeral of an Old Member of Friendly Societies." It said that the remains of Mr John Wood a prominent member of Freemasons, Druids, Foresters and Shepherds, who died on Wednesday, after a lingering illness, took place on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a large gathering of members of friendly societies. Upwards of 500 persons from Manchester and various parts of the county attended." The report says that he was admitted a member of the Freemasons Townley Parker Lodge, Manchester on 27th August 1873 and became Worshipful Master, and also the Treasurer until his death. For some years he was secretary to the Faith Lodge of Instruction.

Thirty one years ago at the age of 18 John became a member of the Society of True Friends and its board of management. In 1862 the True Friends joined the Society of Druids and John held prominent positions in Lodges and at District level. He became a member of the board and was Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, and for 17 years he was the delegate to annual conference. In 1876 his colleagues, in recognition of his services, presented him with a handsome timepiece, a pair of large bronze vases and a costly silver tea service. John also became a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters in 1866 and for a number of years he was an honorary member of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds.