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.

Chamber's Historical Questions with Answers

The book is hardcover and inscribed with an illegible signature, dated 1880 and below that is the signature Margaret J. Woodruff. The preface of the book begins, "The present work is designed to fulfil an important purpose in Education - that of bringing clearly into view the leading facts which are supposed to be gained through a long course of instruction. Without proposing to supersede the elementary books usually employed, it offers a certain test of what is presumed to have been previously learned. With such a work in their hands, Schoolmasters, Tutors, Governesses, or Parents, may at once satisfy themselves as to the degree of knowledge on a variety of subjects attained by the young person under their charge, and for whose intellectual culture they feel a special interest." The full text is available in the Brock University Special Collections and Archives.

The History of the Consulate & The Empire of France Under Napoleon

The book is stamped in the front and back with the "Upper Canada College" crest. There is also a plate within the book indicating that it was presented to H.K. Woodruff by the senate as an acknowledgement of merit and as a reward for general proficiency in Upper Canada College in June, 1878. On the top of this plate it says: 1st Form Prize, Upper Modern Form. The full text is available in the Brock University Special Collections and Archives or view the full text at the following link: http://www.archive.org/details/consulateempire1and2thie

Letter to G. Rykert from S.D. Woodruff

Letter to G. Rykert from S.D. Woodruff stating that he is enclosing a pay roll voucher for engineers employed on the Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway, May 27, 1854.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from William Hamilton Merritt

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from William Hamilton Merritt in which he says that Jack Killaly says that he spoke to Mr. Woodruff to continue drudging to accommodate both the canal and the railway. Mr. Merritt says he sees no obstacle in opening the line for local traffic (2 ½ pages), Aug. 2, 1855.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Mr. Ingersoll

Letter to S.D. Woodruff informing him of a meeting of the directors of the Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Company. The letter is signed by Mr. Ingersoll, secretary, Dec. 1, 1856.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Philip Littlejohn

Letter to S.D. Woodruff informing him of a meeting of the directors of the Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Company. The letter is signed by Philip Littlejohn, secretary, Aug. 3, 1857.

Letter from Francis Lalor to S.D. Woodruff

Letter which gives an addition to the estimate for work done by John Brown for Dec. 1855. This is made out to S.D. Woodruff from Francis Lalor. The request is for money for extra ties, fence posts, stone and labour. The letter is slightly singed at the bottom. This does not affect the text, Jan. 3, 1856.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from F. Lalor, assistant engineer

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from F. Lalor, assistant engineer. This is an estimate of work done by John Brown between Grantham and Thorold, Mar. 4, 1856.

Chart of the estimated cost of Line no. 1

Chart of the estimated cost of Line no. 1, n.d.

Letter from William Hamilton Merritt to S.D. Woodruf

Letter from William Hamilton Merritt to S.D. Woodruff asking to see the report, n.d.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from F. Shanly

Letter regarding an estimate of lowering the grade as suggested by William Hamilton Merritt. This was sent to S.D. Woodruff from F. Shanly, May 22, 1857.

Memorandum of fencing done signed by F. Lalor

Memorandum of fencing done signed by F. Lalor, n.d.

Note to S.D. Woodruff regarding the plan of operation

Note to S.D. Woodruff regarding the plan of operation. First, “draw up a report showing the cost of work”. This note is unsigned, n.d.

Receipt for payment from S.D. Woodruff from Hiram Slate

Receipt for payment from S.D. Woodruff from Hiram Slate, Jan. 1859