Julia A. Wood

Julia A. Wood (after marriage, Kauffman; February 10, 1840 – March 29, 1927) was an American writer and composer, known for her musical and literary talents. Of their 14 children, seven died young. The family was divided in religious matters, the mother being a Wesleyan Methodist, two brothers Presbyterians, and a sister was an Episcopalian. From Julia's earliest recollection, she had a great desire to be prepared for heaven.

Career At the beginning of the American Civil War (1861), her father owned 44 enslaved persons and about of valuable James and Rivanna River lands, divided into two farms, apart. At the close of 1861, Wood was gradually attacked by a form of dyspepsia which at an advanced period entailed great suffering. At different times, various physicians were consulted; remedies prescribed, some beneficial and others aggravating. Occasionally there was such relief that Wood flattered herself cured. During this period until 1868, although quite suffering at times, Wood engaged in dancing, card-playing and kinds of amusements. She was particularly fond of dancing. She composed several instrumental and one vocal piece of music in 1866. Some of it was sold in different states.

In June 1879, Wood became so disabled by an accident that she had to suspend her public writing, except when necessity demanded otherwise, entailing additional suffering. Friends insisted upon Wood traveling North, or to the coast to try and improve her health and thus she did. That tour lead to publication of her book, My northern travels: the results of faith and prayer : based upon a tour of nine months through Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada. With the authors autobiography in 1887. a Brethren minister of New Carlisle, Ohio. He died January 19, 1891, from a stroke of apoplexy, just days after the wedding.

Julia Wood Kauffman died in Bremo Bluff, Fluvanna County, Virginia, March 29, 1927.

Selected works Books

My northern travels: the results of faith and prayer : based upon a tour of nine months through Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada. With the authors autobiography. (Ashland, Ohio: Brethren Pub. House., 1887)

Articles "My Spiritual Captivity, with its Intermediate State"

Musical scores Virginia cotillions (1877)