Woodruff Family fonds, 1784 – 1983, (non-inclusive)

The Woodruff Family Collection: From the time the Woodruff Family came to Canada from the United States in 1795, they took an active role in the forming of their communities both in a civic and social manner. This is evident through the documents contained in this collection. The Woodruffs played an active role in the battles fought in Upper Canada and they were an integral part of the Village of St. Davids. They were educated, business-minded and socially engaged. They accumulated much of their fortune through land dealings. Much of this collection focuses on Samuel DeVeaux Woodruff who was principally a businessman. His dedication to his work is shown through his numerous undertakings. He made his mark on the Niagara Peninsula through his work on the railways, roads, marsh land revisions, canals and the paper industry. He was also involved with the founding of the Long Point Company and he took control of building DeVeaux Hall down to the last detail. His offspring inherited his work ethic and his business acumen. The people who married into the Woodruff Family also possessed key social, political and business ties. Anne and Margaret Clement were from a staunch Loyalist background. Samuel Zimmerman was instrumental to the founding of Niagara Falls and Judge Samuel DeVeaux left behind a legacy for poor and homeless boys in Niagara Falls, New York. The Woodruff Family undoubtedly left a mark on the Niagara Peninsula. This collection brings to light many endeavours of the family and their varied contributions.

2.16 m. (11 boxes) textual materials, 2 boxes of other materials and 3 loose items. The collection includes: 2 coloured postcards 2 black and white postcards 3 wax seals 2 daguerreotypes 2 composites of black and white photographs 168 black and white photographs (91 of these are part of an album) 10 black and white framed photographs 4 tintypes 1 coloured picture (by Gerald Sinclair Hayward) in a frame 1 coloured photograph in a frame 1 framed sketch 1 oak chest and key 1 small jewelry case 9 black and white framed photographs 1 World War I memorial plaque in a frame 11 pins from various organizations 3 ribbons 1 hockey patch 2 medals 1 medallion 1 surveyor’s compass and spindle taper Mallard duck feathers 1 silver pocket knife 1 tin box containing woodruff leaves 2 brass name plates (for printing) 3 metal stamps 1 metal name plate (for printing) 1 pewter match box containing matches 1 pewter hunting flask 1 cardboard chocolate box 1 Silver Jubilee commemorative tin 1 interlocking knife and fork set 1 metal button 1 ivory Victorian day planner