John was born in 1877. He is the son of George Woods and Jane Hadden.
On 31 March 1901 the Woods family lived in Derrylilleagh, Tartaraghan, Armagh. Parents George Woods, aged 57, Church of Ireland, Linen Weaver, Widower, Cannot read, with children; Martha Woods (30), Sarah Woods (24), John Woods (22), Eliza Woods (18), Margaret Jane Woods (16) & Robert Woods (14)
On 2 April 1911 George Woods (68) lived in Derrylileagh, Tartaraghan, Armagh, Ireland, A widower, Head of House, Protestant Episcopalian, Farmer, Cannot read or write. Was married 47 years with 10 children born & 9 living. Living with John Woods (31) & Eliza Woods (27).