Statewide County HI Archives Biographies.....Woods, James February 28, 1845 - December 9, 1883
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J. Orr orr@hawaii.com October 8, 2009, 2:32 pm

Source: The Story of Hawaii and Its Builders. Published by The Honolulu Star Bulletin, Territory of Hawaii 1925
Author: Edited by George F. Nellist

JAMES WOODS, Sugar Planter and Rancher. A pioneer sugar planter and rancher, 
the late James Woods, who came to Hawaii in 1860, an adventurous lad only 15 
years of age, ranks among the men whose business enterprise and vision have 
proved a lasting influence in the islands. Mr. Woods’ death in 1883, at the 
early age of 38, removed a commanding figure from business and political 
activities. In the twenty-three years of his residence in Hawaii he had built 
an exceptionally successful career. His extensive land holdings and ranching 
interests at North Kohala, where the greater part of his life in Hawaii was 
spent, have remained with his heirs, who have been uniformly successful in 
developing the properties.
  Born in Liverpool, England, Feb. 28, 1845, the late Mr. Woods, after a 
public school education, left his native land at the age of fifteen to seek 
his fortune in the “Sandwich Islands,” and arrived at Honolulu early in 1860. 
Here he entered the employ of Janion & Green, a mercantile firm which later 
became Theo H. Davies & Co., Ltd., remaining in its employ for six years.
  Removing to Waimea, Hawaii, in 1866, he went to work there for the Waimea 
Grazing Co. Family records of Mr. Woods’ life show that he entered public life 
in 1868 when he became tax assessor for North Kohala, holding that position 
four years. He also served as fence commissioner for the district for one 
year, assuming the office in 1873.
  Meanwhile he prospered in business fields, branching out into cane planting 
for the Union Mill Co., and for the Beecroft plantation in 1869. In the early 
70’s he became a director of the Union Mill Co., part owner of Beecroft 
plantation and was manager during this period of Kohala Ranch for Janion & 
Green. He later acquired ownership of the ranch, becoming one of the largest 
graziers in the islands and importing herds of blooded stock from England. In 
1825 these holdings form part of the James Woods Estate with the exception of 
a portion owned personally by a son, J. Frank Woods.
  Maintaining an interest in public affairs throughout his career, Mr. Woods 
was elected to the legislature of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1880. He died at 
North Kohala, Dec. 9, 1883, a young man of high achievements who was widely 
known and esteemed throughout the islands.
  Mr. Woods and Mary Parker, granddaughter of John Parker, of the Parker Ranch 
on Hawaii, were married in Honolulu, March 22, 1868. They were the parents of 
eight children, Isabella H. Woods, Palmer P. Woods (deceased), Mary Alice 
Woods Bluett (deceased), James Frank Woods, Samuel P. Woods, Mable Robertson 
Woods Beckley, Maude Woods and Lucy Woods Ackerman.
  Mr. Woods was a Mason, a former president of the Kohala Club and was a 
member of the Pacific Club in Honolulu.


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