John W Woodhull
| Date of Interment or Death | 03/30/1903 |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Fairview |
| Section | C |
| Block-Lot-Grave | 2-4-2 |
Obituary
John W Woodhull-1903
J. W. WOODHULL DEAD One of Wahpeton’s Most Prominent Citizens Passes Away After an Illness of One Week’s Duration
Uncle John Woodhull died at the home of his son in law, B. F. Lounsbury, Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, of pneumonia. Mr. Woodhull had been in poor health for the past year or two but had kept steadily at work until one week before he died. The funeral was held Monday afternoon in the Congregational church, Rev. T. H. J. Walton of the Episcopal church, officiating. A procession led by “Uncle John’s” boys brigade and the Wahpeton fire department, formed at the residence and marched to the church which was crowded with the many friends and acquaintances of the deceased. The pal bearers were Messrs. R. H. Devine, Chas. G. Bade, A. L. Lincoln, Fred Falley, W. R. Purdon, and Geo. S. Montgomery. Several beautiful floral tributes, the gifts of the fire department, Knight of Phythias, and other organizations, were placed on and around the casket. After the service the procession marched to Fairview cemetery, where the body was lowered to its last resting place. John Woodhull was born in Batavia, N. J., Sept 5, 1832. He was educated in Michigan where he later taught school during the winter and took up other employment through the summer, still continuing to spend every spare moment in study until he had succeeded in mastering all the branches necessary to a successful business career.
In 1854 he entered the employment of Waring & Drake, merchants of Freeport, Ind., and a year later formed a partnership with his cousin, J. A. Woodhull, of the same place, which continued until 1858, when his brother ill aw, G. D. Warring purchased the interest of J. A. Woodhull. They established in business in Wauken, Wis., and finally Berlin, Wis., under the firm name of J. W. Woodhull & Co. But the enterprise proved unsuccessful and they closed out their stock with hardly enough to pay their debts. With characteristic decision, Mr. Woodhull bravely faced his misfortune and at once turned his attention to teaching, which he followed until he was appointed as mail route agent on the C. M. St. P. RR, which position he held for a number of years. He was elected to the office of supt. of schools of Berlin, which position he served with great honor to himself and credit to the city.
In 1885 he moved to Fargo, N. D., and was in charge of the advertising department of the Fargo Argus for several years. He then moved to Wahpeton and entered the store of his son in law, B. F. Lounsbury, as bookkeeper and salesman, which position he held until his death.
He was married in the fall of 1855 to Miss Sarah H. Warring of Greenwich, Conn., who survives him. They had two children, a son and daughter, the former dying when a child. Politically he was independent in his views and measures as in his opinion, would farther the interests of his state and nation.
He has identified himself with the interests of Wahpeton in many ways. He brought into the board of trade new life, and was secretary until his death. He was a tireless and earnest worker on the school board, of which he was chairman, bringing up the standard until, the school was second to none in the state. It was his hope to live to see the completion of the new high school building, which is to be the finest in the state. His love and affection for children shows the kind and loving heart so much admired.
He took a great interest in the young boys of the city, organizing them into what was known as Uncle John’s brigade, where he might teach obedience and discipline in their regular drills. By his death Wahpeton loses one of its most respected citizens.
Headstone photograph(s)
Location
Old Fairview is located on the southern half of the cemetery grounds.