Nearer my God to Thee: John Wesley Woodward

Nearer my God to Thee: John Wesley Woodward by ric gustafson


John Wesley Woodward was born on Sept 11 1879 in Hill Top which was five miles northwest of Birmingham. He was the youngest son of Joseph and Martha Woodward. He was raised in a Methodist family and his father was a manager at the Hill Top Iron Works. John had six brothers and two sisters but by his midteens had lost two of his brothers and his father. Martha had to raise their large family by herself.
In 1907, John Woodward was asked to join the Duke of Devonshire's band. In 1908, playing the cello, he played in the Devonshire Park orchestra. In May of 1911, he signed on to play on the Titanic's sister ship, the Olympic. On September 20, 1911, the Olympic was struck on the side by the Royal Navy crusier Hawke. The White Star liner's fifth trip to America was cancelled due to heavy damage. In November of 1911, John Woodward was transferred to play on the steamer Caronia.
In April of 1912, John Wesley Woodward joined Wallace Hartley and the band on the maiden voyage of Olympic's sister ship, the Titanic.


research help: ' The Band that Played On' by Steve Turner


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric