David O. Woodruff
1813-1891
Death of David O. Woodruff
One of our best known and esteemed citizens, David O. Woodruff, died at the home of his son-in-law, E.C. Griffin, last evening.
He was born in New York City in 1813. At an early age he moved to Saratoga county, N.Y., with his parents. Shortly after he became of age he engaged in the mercantile business, first in Albany, and subsequently in Philadelphia. When about thirty years of age he removed to Canada where he resided several years engaged in farming and teaching school. While there he was married to Jane Duncombe, by whom he had one child, Charles Woodruff, who was a lieuten-[sic] in the 25th Mich. Reg. during the war, and who died several years since.
Mrs. Jane Woodruff died in 1848.
Mr. Woodruff removed from Canada to St. Joseph about the year 1845. There he lived on a farm near the village until 1849 when he went to California and was engaged in business with Chas. Hoppin and John Hoppin for some time.
He returned from California in 1852 and purchased the farm on the west side now occupied by David Gitchell. He was married a second time shortly after his return from California to Miss Clara Hurd, by whom he had two children, of whom one, Mrs. E.C. Griffin, survives her father. Mrs. Clara Woodruff died many years ago.
For many years, and until he became feeble from disease, Mr. Woodruff was one of the most active and public spirited citizens, always ready to lend a helping hand to every worthy object.
He was active and instrumental in securing the adoption of the present union school system and in securing the fine building and grounds for our present Central school. For many years he was President of the Board of Education, and was a member of same from 1855 to 1871. He was also Supervisor of the 1st and 4th wards of the city for several years and was repeatedly chosen President of the Berrien County Agricultural Society in its prime, when it was supported by the farmers of the whole county.
He was a man of unusual attainments in a social way; of extensive reading, travel and acquaintance, and was affable and courteous toward all. His natural generosity and vivacious temperament, combined with his varied stores of information, made him many friends and gave him a commanding influence in our early history.
By the older residents he will be missed as one of the strong men among that race of old pioneers which is now nearly extinct.
For several years prior to his death his health has been very feeble and he was seen but little except by his intimate friends. (Source: Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, April 30, 1891, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library, reprinted in Niles Republican, Thursday, May 7, 1891, page 2, col. 4)
and
ANOTHER OLD SETTLER GONE
From the Daily Star of Thursday
David Oliphant Woodruff departed this life last evening at near 8 o'clock, after being confined to his bed since last Friday, although he has not been well for several weeks. He was born in the city of New York in 1813, and left at an early age with his parents for Saratoga county, N.Y., where he resided for near 20 years. From thence he went to Albany where he resided for a few years, then at Philadelphia, from there to Canada, near Brantford, where he resided four or five years. From there to Benton township in this county in 1845. In 1849 he went the overland route to California with his brother-in-law, Chas. Duncomb, now of VanBuren county. He returned from California to Niles in 1852, where he purchased a farm, known as the Barker farm in West Niles which he carried on over 27 years. He was Supervisor of Niles township for many years; President of the Agricultural Society for many years, and a member of our School Board for a long term, in all of which capacities he showed himself to be honest and competent. He was well known as one of the most honorable of our citizens and his many friends deplore his loss. His funeral will take place at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the house of his son-in-law, E.C. Griffin in West Niles, the Rev. R.H.F. Gairdner of the Episcopal church, (of which church Mr. Woodruff has long been a member), officiating. (Source: Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 30, 1891, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library, reprinted in Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, May 6, 1891, page 4, col. 2)
