John Woy
1912

John Woy, Veteran Officer, Died Yesterday
Had Enviable Record as Patrolman and Detective.


John W. Woy aged 51 years, for more than twenty years a member of the police and detective department, died yesterday at 12:15 at his home, 1019 West Eleventh street . Mr. Woy had been in failing health for several years, and about six weeks ago was forced to take to his bed. John Woy was one of the best known and most popular officers this city has ever known. He was brave, fearless and efficient, and held the confidence and esteem of his associates and his superior officers. About a year ago, on account of failing health and long service, Mr. Woy was retired form the detective department and since that time has been trying to regain his health. Soon after being retired Mr. Woy, together with his wife, took a trip through the west, and returned from the trip much improved. Soon after returning here Mr. Woyıs health again began failing, and he steadily grew worse. Despite the fact that Mr. Woy had suffered constantly during the past several years, he bore that suffering with fortitude and remarkable nerve and never once did his friends hear him complain.

While a member of the police department Mr. Woy took part in some of the most noted cases in the criminal annals of this city, and through his work many noted criminals were run to earth. Probably the most celebrated case Mr. Woy ever took part in was when he was first made a member of the police force. Some twenty years ago the Chattanooga Grocery company, of which M. J. O'Brien was president, was the victim of a series of bold and daring robberies that startled this city and for a time baffled the police. Woy, together with brother officers was put to work on the case and after several months' hard  work succeeded in running to earth ten men., who were tried and convicted of the robberies. Another celebrated case in which Mr. Woy took a prominent part was the arresting here of Frank Duncan. Duncan was a noted safeblower, and one night in Birmingham , while he was at work, he was cornered by two policemen. A desperate battle took place, the result of which Duncan killed both officers and succeeded in making his escape. Duncan came here and later, by a cleverly-arranged plan, was arrested by Officer Woy and two other officers.

Mr. Woy is survived by his wife and one son, Robert Woy. The following brothers and sisters survive him: Lee Woy, Mrs. Ernest Lang, Mrs. J. C. Bell. Mrs. Dave Jones, all of this city; Mrs. James Hogan, of Birmingham; Mrs. George Jones, of Knoxville, and Mrs. B. F. Amiss, of Salem, Va. Funeral services will be held from the residence at 10 oıclock Tuesday morning. Interment in Forest Hills . The Rev. Wolfe,  pastor of the Whiteside Street church will officiate. Pallbearers will be selected from the police department.
The Chattanooga Times, March 11, 1912.

Submitted by Claudia O'Leary
coleary@thefloridacatholic.org