B. F. WOODRUFF.

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         B. F. Woodruff, an enterprising and representative agriculturist of Marshall township, devotes his attention to that branch of activity which George Washington designated as “the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man.” He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Louisa county, his birth having here occurred on the 14th of October, 1858. His parents were David and Mary Ann (Turner) Woodruff, both natives of Ohio. The father is still living on the old homestead farm in this county, but the mother was called to her final rest on the 8th of January, 1900. Unto them were born ten children, as follows: Charles A., who is a resident of Columbus Junction, Iowa; B. F., of this review; Jennie, Emma and Jemima, all of whom are deceased; Alice, who is the wife of Leon Daily and resides on the home place; Nellie, the . . .

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. . . wife of William Dunham, of Fredonia, Kansas, and Chalmers, Effie and Josie, all deceased.

         B. F. Woodruff has always remained on the home farm and, until the time of his marriage, operated land which he rented from his father. Subsequently he bought eighty acres of the home place and, as his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until he now owns two hundred and sixty-four acres of land. Eighty acres thereof is in section 15, Columbus City township, while the remainder is in section 22, Marshall township. The many substantial improvements on the property, including a handsome two-story residence, stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In connection with general farming he has also given considerable attention to the raising of stock, finding this branch of his business a gratifying source of remuneration.

         On the 19th of October, 1882, Mr. Woodruff was united in marriage to Miss Maud Turner, a daughter of William and Margaret (Ewing) Turner, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The father passed away on the 1st of April, 1908, but the mother still survives and makes her home at Vinton, Iowa. They had twelve children, namely: one who died in infancy; Maud, now Mrs. Woodruff; Willianna, the wife of Perry Kerns, of Vinton, Iowa; Emeline, who is the wife of William Dawes, and resides in Laporte, Iowa; Charles, who is deceased; Maggie, the deceased wife of John Adye, of Louisa county; Cora, who has passed away; Hugh, living in Anamosa, Iowa; Hattie, the wife of Fred Baldridge, of South Dakota; Clifford, deceased; Clellan, who is a resident of Vinton, Iowa; and Alma, who is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff have been born five children: Stella, who is now the wife of James Bennett, of Wapello; Arthur, at home; Nellie and Ralph, both of whom have passed away; and Mary, whose birth occurred on the 10th of June, 1891.

         Mr. Woodruff is a republican in politics and a Baptist in religious faith. In the county where his entire life has been spent he enjoys an enviable reputation as a substantial agriculturist and esteemed citizen.