William John Wood was born in Ottawa, Ontario in May, 1877.  He later settled in Midland, Ontario where he enlisted in February, 1916 with the 157th Battalion the Simcoe Foresters.  Wood served in England and in France with the 20th Battalion until his demobilization and return to Canada in May, 1919.  Wood was also a noted painter and friends with the Group of Seven.  The collection currently consists of twenty five letters and two postcards.