John died when he was 13 years old. His parents were James Woods and Margaret Kennedy Woods. His sister was Margaret Woods Babcock. The family lived in a house next door to Margaret's sister MaryAnn Kenedy Coleman on Salida Street in Chester. Both homes were built by John Kennedy for his daughters.

Two letters from his father to his mother that were sent to her in Chester when James was serving on the state legislature. From James Woods to his wife Margaret Kennedy Woods (daughter of Major John Kennedy).

Columbia Thursday night Dec. 6, 1832

Dear Margaret,

I expected to hear from you this evening and hope that there is a letter in the post office from you, but the office is closed and I have just returned to my room from the office, and must wait until morning, if I should not then find a letter I shall not like it. I have heard today of the death of my good friend Robert Kennedy, which has given me more pain than any death that I have heard of since that of my father. For if I ever had a true friend in my life Robert was one.

I have sent a small bundle up by Mr. McAliley who goes up tomorrow in the stage, containing five yards of merino and a small shawl. I don't know whether they are such type as you want or not, as I am the poorest judge in the state of such things.

Kiss John for me and tell him I would be very glad to see him tonight. And would have no objections to seeing his mother also. I continue well and have gotten nearly over my cold. Write to me as soon as you receive this and let me know how you are. It is almost two weeks since I left home and I have never heard from you but once, and this is the fourth time that I have written to you.

Give my compliments to your father and mother and all the family.

Good night, James F. Woods

Columbia Dec. 4, 1833

Dear Margaret,

I avail myself of the opportunity of writing by Mr. Leitch who goes up in the stage tomorrow, to inform you that I continue to enjoy good health. I received yours of the 29th Nov. which gave me satisfaction to hear that you were well, but I have been uneasy ever since fearing that John is not well. Tell him to be a good boy and I will bring him a great many ( ?some type of toy or candy ?). I am in hopes that the legislature will adjourn next Saturday week, but it is very uncertain and we may not adjourn until the week following. I expect a letter from you tonight. Do write frequently if it should only be two or three lines as this is.

Truly yours, J. F. Woods

James Woods died on March 26, 1834 aged 35 and 1 day (Old Purity Cemetery)

Their son John K. Woods died July 23, 1844 age 13 years 4 months 5 days (Old Purity)

Their daughter Margaret Woods was born the year her father died