David WOODRUFF, residing on section 15. Columbus City Township, is prominent among the leading farmers and stock- raisers of Louisa County, Iowa. He was born June 23, 1829, in Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of Parkis and Jane (SHIELDS) WOODRUFF, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Virginia. Both of their families located in Ohio, and Parkis and Jane becoming acquainted were united in marriage in Mahoning County. He served during the War of 1812 as a Captain, and during his life engaged in farming, and also followed the occupation of broom-making. Mr. and Mrs. WOODRUFF were the parents of six children: Jemima, wife of Rev. Wilson W. WOODRUFF, of Louisa County; Mary, who wedded A. D. WETTERAL, of Keokuk, Iowa; James, a farmer of Medicine Lodge, Barber Co., Kan.; David, of this sketch; Rebecca, wife of John MORGAN, a farmer of Columbus City Township; Parkis, whose home is in Hancock County, 111. The father of this family was a large landowner in Ohio, and had one of the best farms in Mahoning County. He there made his home until 1851. when he came to Louisa County, and as he and his brother John C. had always worked together, he induced John to also sell out, which he did, and removed to Monroe County. Parkis WOODRUFF bought a claim on sections 15 and 21, consisting of 160 acres which had been pre-empted, and also became the owner of 100 acres on Long Creek, which he immediately began to improve and cultivate. In September of the same year in which he came to Louisa County death visited the pioneer home, and claimed for its victim the wife and mother. Mr. WOODRUFF survived her for ten years, dying in January, 1860. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and earnest workers in that organization. He was a public-spirited man, one of prominence and progressive ideas, and for many years served as Justice of the Peace in Mahoning County, Ohio.

Our subject received but limited educational advantages, obtaining most of his knowledge from observing the ways and customs of others, and from studying by himself. In this way he obtained many practical ideas, which can never be received from text-books, and which have been of great value to him in later years. After coming to Louisa County he taught school for one term, receiving $16.66 - per month and his board. With the money thus obtained he bought rails with which to fence his first farm of forty acres, upon which is situated his present residence. He has since added to his original tract until he is now the owner of 500 acres of land, under a fine state of cultivation. This has been obtained through his own efforts of industry and economy, and year by year the improvements increase, which make his one of the best farms of the county. The little log cabin of long years ago is now replaced with a commodious residence two stories in height, the main building of which is 32x 40 feet, with an L and porches.

On the 20th of March, 1856, David WOODRUFF and Mary A. TURNER were united in marriage. The lady was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Sept. 25, 1836, and is a daughter of O. W. and Mrs. Mary Scott (nee STEWART) TURNER. The father was a native of Maryland, and emigrated to Louisa County in 1855, settling in Morning Sun. He was a member of the "Graybeard" regiment during the late war, in which his health failed him. His lost vitality was never restored, and his death occurred at the home of our subject, May 30, 1877. Mrs. TURNER died at the home of her son William, in Vinton, Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. WOODRUFF were born ten children: Charles A., who became the husband of Mary OGIER, of Ringgold County, Iowa, is a farmer of Columbus City Township; Benjamin F. married Maud TURNER, a native of Vinton, Benton Co., Iowa; Jennie died at the age of seventeen; Emma died in infancy; Alice R. is the wife of Leon DAILY, who is engaged in farming in Columbus City Township; Jemima, deceased; Nellie E., at home; Chalmer D., who died at the age of eight years; Josie A. and Effie M., both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. WOODRUFF have given their children good educations, and some have followed the profession of teaching in Louisa County. All whose lives have been spared arc now useful and respected members of society in the several communities where they reside.

In connection with his farming interests for some years past Mr. WOODRUFF has turned his attention to the breeding of Short-horn cattle, and also raises a fine grade of horses and hogs. The barns and out-buildings provided for their shelter and care are models of convenience, and everything about the place shows the owner to be a man of enterprise and progressive ideas. All the enterprises of the county which have for their object the public good receive his support. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, while politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party.

SOURCE: Portrait and Biographical Album of Louisa County, Iowa p. 384. Acme Co. Chicago. 1889.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2009