MOGMWWoodruff
WILLIAM FRANCIS WOODRUFF 1881-1967
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1943-1944
BIOGRAPHY
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
William Francis Woodruff was born on a farm in Johnson County, Missouri, between Holden and Warrensburg, on November 19, 1881 and of Pioneer Missouri stock. Brother Woodruffs father, David Presley Woodruff, was a Confederate soldier throughout the four years of the Civil War. When William was ten years old they family moved to Warrensburg where his father organized a congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
William Woodruff attended a country school and after the family moved to Warrensburg he attended high school there. Later he attended Central Missouri State Teachers College for a period of two years following which he taught school for three years. He then entered the University of Missouri, received as AB degree in 1907 and graduated Law School with a LL.B. degree in 1909. While at the University he was elected Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Delta Phi and the Order of Coif. Brother Woodruff moved to Kansas City and opened up a law office.
Brother Woodruff was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Ivanhoe Lodge No 446 at Kansas City, Missouri on December 19, 1910. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1917. He was a member of the York Rite in Kansas City and a member of Ararat Shrine.
Brother Woodruff was a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Appeals and Grievances. He served as DDGM of the22nd District in 1936 and at the 1936 annual communication he was appointed Grand Pursuivant by Grand Master George Walker and advanced to be elected Grand Master in 1943.
His service to the craft during the year of his administration as Grand Master was noteworthy and outstanding. He was actively interested in the Masonic Home, and he made an special effort during his year in office to increase the Building Fund of the Home.He succeeded in raising $40,000.00 during the year.
The Grand Jurisdiction of Missouri showed an increase in membership of 3,296 during the year, 1943-1944.
On February 16, 1967, Most Worshipful Brother Wm F. Woodruff passed to his reward. There is no Masonic Service held.
