ORPHEUS S. WOODWARD

ORPHEUS S. WOODWARD, who is practically living a retired life in Neosho Falls, has met with creditable success in business, his honorable career having gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has been associated. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of May, 1835, and is a son of Ebenezer Woodward, whose birth occurred in New York on the 15th of April, 1804. When a young man the father went to Pennsylvania and was there married to Miss Cornelia Prindle, who was born in Erie county, May 31, 1814. Through the greater part of his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits. The wife died December 17, 1855, at the age of forty-one years, and in 1876 he went to California where his death occurred July 25, 1882, when he was seventy-eight years of age. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living, namely: Augustus G., a resident of Tulare, California; Mrs. Caroline Keller, a resident of Oregon; Mary, the wife Robert Cowden, who resides on the old homestead in Pennsylvania; Mrs. Georgia Desmond of Santa Paula, Cal., and O. S., of this review.

In taking up the personal history of Mr. Woodward we present to our leaders one of the most prominent men of Woodson county. In this community not to know him is to argue one's self unknown. No event of

special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth. He was reared on the old homestead in Pennsylvania and pursued his studies in the country schools, completing his education in the Academy of Waterford, Pennsylvania. After leaving that institution he engaged in teaching for four years in the public schools and was then chosen principal of the Northwestern Normal School of Pennsylvania, in which capacity he served for a year and a half. When the war broke out he put aside all personal considerations, for his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. He therefore enlisted as a private in McLain's Erie regiment on the 16th of April, 1861, and served for three months. On the expiration of that period he returned home and again entered his country's service in September, 1861, at which time he was assigned to Company D, of the Eighty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers and was chosen captain, serving in that capacity until 1863, when on the 8th of July he was promoted to the rank of colonel, and subsequently brevet brigadier general for gallant and meritorious services. He participated in many battles and skirmishes, among which were he important engagements at Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gain's Mills, Malvern Hill, Fair Oaks, Mine Run, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, where he commanded the corps skirmishers, and the Wilderness. He was in every battle in which his regiment was engaged except at Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg. Colonel Woodward was wounded through the left arm at the battle of Malvern Hill and at the battle of the Wilderness he lost his right leg, sustaining injuries which necessitated its amputation above the knee. He was never captured and on many an occasion his own personal valor inspired his men, his bravery proving an important factor in winning the day. His was a noble record of which he has every reason to be proud.

When the war was over Colonel Woodward returned home to his young wife, whom he married in the interim between his first and second enlistments. It was on the 9th of September, 1861, that Miss Marietta Himrod of Waterford, Pennsylvania, became his wife. She is a daughter of David and Abigail Himrod. Their marriage has been blessed with three children: Anna, who is at home: Kate, the wife of G. F. Clark, now of Pewaukee, Wisconsin; and Alice, the wife of J. S. McDonald, jr., who resides in Chicago. Mrs. Woodward died April 11, 1887, and is buried in Neosho Falls cemetery.

Colonel Woodward has ever been prominent in public affairs. Immediately after his return from the war in 1865 he became a recognized leader in political circles in Pennsylvania and served in the house of representatives through the session of 1865-6. In the latter year he was re-elected for a second term and did much towards shaping the legislature of his state in the epoch which followed the Civil war. In April, 1868, he arrived in Kansas and Woodson county gained thereby a valued citizen. He purchased a farm and continued its cultivation until 1871, when he removed

to Neosho Falls and embarked in the hardware business, continuing in that enterprise for twelve years. He has been very successful in his business transactions and today owns five hundred acres of valuable land in Woodson county, all improved and bringing to him a handsome income. He had not been long in Kansas when his ability for leadership gained him prominence in the republican ranks of this state, and in 1888, he was elected to the senate where he served for four years, representing Woodson and Allen counties. He has ever been a stalwart republican and his services in office have won for him the highest commendation and have demonstrated beyond doubt his fidelity to the best interests of his constituents.

Mr. Woodward holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Neosho Falls lodge, and also in the G. A. R. He has a very pleasant home presided over by Miss Anna Woodward and celebrated for its gracious hospitality which is enjoyed by a very extensive circle of friends. The colonel's career illustrates the possibilities that are open in this country to earnest and persevering young men who have the courage of their convictions and are determined to be the architects of their own fortunes. When judged by what he has accomplished, his right to a first place among the representative citizens of Neosho Falls cannot be questioned. He has ever been true and loyal to principle and in the legislative halls of two states, as well as upon the battle fields of the south, he has manifested his love for the old flag and the cause which it represents.

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