John Wesley Woodward

Who was Mr John Wesley Woodward?

Mr John Wesley Woodward was a talented English cellist and musician who tragically perished aboard the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage in 1912. Born on September 11, 1879, in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, Woodward was 32 (thirty-two) years old when he boarded the ill-fated ship as a member of its orchestra. Known for his exceptional musical skills and passion for engineering, Woodward’s life was cut short in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Family

A Musical Upbringing

John Wesley Woodward was born into a large family in the industrial heartland of England. His parents, Joseph Woodward and Martha Barnett, were both Staffordshire natives who married in 1862. John was the youngest of nine children, growing up in a household where music played a significant role.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Woodward’s siblings included:

• Martha (b. 1860)
• Mary Barnett (b. 1863)
• Joseph (b. 1865)
• Thomas William (1869-1947)
• Frederick John (b. 1870)
• Herbert Edward (1872-1949)
• Samuel Arthur (1874-1959)
• Roland Ernest (1877-1893)

This large family provided a rich environment for young John to develop his musical talents.

Early Years and Education

The Woodward family’s early years were spent in West Bromwich, where John’s father worked as an iron moulder and manager at a holloware foundry. Tragically, Joseph Woodward passed away in 1884 when John was only five years old, leaving Martha to raise the family.

Census records paint a picture of the family’s movements:

• 1881: Living at 24 Hawkes Lane, West Bromwich
• 1891: Residing at 26 Hawkes Lane, with 11-year-old John described as a scholar
• 1901: The family had moved to Oxford, living at 265 Cowley Road

It was during these formative years that John’s musical abilities began to flourish, setting the stage for his future career.

Musical Career and Accomplishments

A Gifted Cellist

John Wesley Woodward’s talent as a cellist was evident from an early age. His dedication to his craft led him to become a licentiate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, a testament to his skill and musicianship.

Orchestral Success

Woodward’s professional career took off when he moved to Dorset, where he quickly made a name for himself in the musical community. His orchestral journey included:

1. Membership in the Eastbourne Municipal Orchestra
2. Joining the Von Leer Orchestra at the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne
3. Performing with the Duke of Devonshire’s Eastbourne Orchestra

A Renowned Musician

The Eastbourne Gazette of April 24, 1912, posthumously praised Woodward’s musical abilities:

“[His] cello playing was always marked by refinement and musicianship… His orchestral playing was uniformly sound, steady and reliable; while these same invaluable qualities, conjoined with much natural taste and a cultured style, enable him to appear to utmost advantage in chamber music.”

This glowing review highlights Woodward’s versatility as both a soloist and ensemble player, showcasing his ability to excel in various musical settings.

Beyond Music: Woodward’s Other Passions

Engineering and Photography

John Wesley Woodward was not just a one-dimensional musician. He had a keen interest in engineering and was an amateur photographer. These hobbies showcased his multifaceted personality:

• Spent hours in workshops creating motors and other appliances
• Combined his love for music with a technical mind
• Used photography as another creative outlet

This blend of artistic and technical interests made Woodward a truly renaissance man of his time.

Transition to Maritime Music

From Land to Sea

When the Duke of Devonshire’s Eastbourne Orchestra disbanded around 1909, Woodward sought new opportunities. This led him to an unexpected career move:

1. Joined the White Star Line as a musician
2. First served aboard the RMS Olympic
3. Experienced the Olympic’s collision with HMS Hawke
4. Spent winter months of 1911 on the RMS Caronia
5. Completed Mediterranean voyages to Alexandria

A Fateful Decision

Despite enjoying his time at sea, Woodward had decided to make the Titanic voyage his last. He was planning to return to land-based work, possibly due to his engagement to a lady from London. This decision adds a poignant layer to his tragic fate.

The Titanic’s Maiden Voyage

Woodward’s Final Performance

For the Titanic’s maiden voyage, Woodward made a significant decision:

• Brought his best cello for the first time
• Was scheduled to perform at Magdalen College, Oxford upon his return

Titanic Details

• Ticket Number: 250654
• Cabin: E
• Passenger Class: 2nd Class

The Tragic End

On April 15, 1912, John Wesley Woodward, along with his fellow musicians, perished when the Titanic sank. Their bravery in continuing to play as the ship went down has become legendary, immortalized in the phrase “The band played on.”

Legacy and Memorials

Woodward’s life and sacrifice are remembered in several ways:

1. A brass plaque in All Saints Church, Headington, bearing the inscription:

   “TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF JOHN WESLEY WOODWARD BANDSMAN ON THE S.S. TITANIC WHO WITH HIS COMRADES NOBLY PERFORMED HIS DUTY TO THE LAST WHEN THE SHIP SANK AFTER COLLISION WITH AN ICEBERG ON APRIL 15 1912. BORN SEPT: 11, 1879. ‘NEARER MY GOD TO THEE’”

2. A family memorial in Heath Lane Cemetery, West Bromwich (restored in 2012)

3. His estate, worth £1195, 3s, 5d, was administered to his mother on June 6, 1912

John Wesley Woodward’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the power of music to provide solace in the darkest of times. His dedication to his art