Abraham O. Woodruff
Born: 23 November 1872
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 October 1897
Died: 20 June 1904
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 October 1897
Died: 20 June 1904
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
The Juvenile Instructor, 1 December 1900, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Abraham Owen Woodruff.
Young Woman's Journal, July 1904, Abraham Owen Woodruff
The Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1904, The Death of Apostle Woodruff
Improvement Era, August 1904, In Memoriam
My own research and opinion
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
The Juvenile Instructor, 1 December 1900, Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Abraham Owen Woodruff.
Young Woman's Journal, July 1904, Abraham Owen Woodruff
The Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1904, The Death of Apostle Woodruff
Improvement Era, August 1904, In Memoriam
My own research and opinion
Jenson, Andrew. "Woodruff, Abraham Owen." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 172-174.
WOODRUFF, Abraham Owen, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1897, is the son of Pres. Wilford Woodruff and Emma Smith and was born Nov. 23, 1872, in a primitive log house, situated just a short distance south of Salt Lake City, and built by his father some twelve years before. The neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and peaceful rural districts to be found in all our scenic land. To the east stands the rugged Wasatch range. To the west, stretch farm-lands, orchards and meadows threaded by canyon streams, wrapped in quietude, beneath the giant forms of the mountains. Amid such natural environments, which were peaceful and subdued, as well as inspiring and sublime, and surrounded by that plodding and persistent industry which characterizes western pioneer life, was the subject of our sketch born and reared. It was in such a place that he spent his boyhood's happy hours, and there, too, during the formative period, when youth buds into manhood, he silent his days in honest, natural toil. There, ho passed his evenings in the humble cottage before the glowing embers of the cedar and the pine, and listened to the stories of a pilgrim people, who, upheld by a sublime faith, experienced perils and hardships unsurpassed in all ages. It was in such a peaceful home, too, that he enjoyed the sweet slumbers of untrammeled youth and dreamed of the future and what it could hold in its embrace for him. Of the earliest recollections which still live in his mind, perhaps the most impressive is that of the funeral of Pres. Brigham Young. He lecalls vividly how his mother raised him in her arms, that he might view the great leader in his casket. At six his school days began. In the course of time he mastered "addition, subtraction and multiplication." And as is the experience of most school boys, his labors were not confined to the school room and with books, for he enjoyed all the dignified privileges of "chore-boy" around the farm. At ten he herded cows, by which means he often realized as much as fifteen dollars per month. Prior to that, however, his proclivity to engage in commerce led him to the Liberty Park springs, where he gathered water-cress for the market, thereby supplying his boyish needs in the way of pocket-money. He assures us that the money spent in those days was too dearly earned to be spent in useless things, so that articles of real utility alone attracted his
ready cash. As his years advanced, he passed from the 40th District school to the Latter-day Saints' College. Here he was trained under the splendid tutelage of Professors Done, Talmage and Maeser. At eighteen, he was placed in a bank, where he served the institution, first as a collector, and next as assistant bookkeeper. It was while thus employed, that he received a call to the mission-field. In the year 1893, his father was far from enjoying his usual good health. The illness of his father, consequently, made his departure to a foreign land not a very easy matter, but, trusting in Providence, and acquiescing with his father's wishes, he started for the Swiss and German Mission. Within a few days after his arrival at the mission headquarters he was appointed to labor, without a companion, in Frankfurt-on-the-Main, at which place he was instructed to open the mission. A very charitable family opened their doors to him, which materially lessened the difficulties under which he was to begin his labors. The first great task before him was that of mastering the difficult German tongue. But this good family gave him willing and efficient aid in his task. He would read in concert with the children, and he found in them his natural teachers. He would arise at six o'clock in the morning and put in two hours of diligent work on the German grammar. He did not, however, spend all his time in studying the language and reciting it, but with singular courage and characteristic zeal, he set about his "Father's business." He distributed tracts during the day, and held meetings in the evening. His knowledge of German was, of course, exceedingly small, but he straightway began to preach and to expound the Scriptures in a broken, stammering manner. He was at first laughed at, but nothing daunting, he prosecuted his labors, and in an exceedingly short time, acquired the language. It came to him, he says, as a gift. After five months of aggressive, single-handed labor, a companion was sent to him, and in a short time a branch of the Church was organized where he labored. Two more months elapsed, when he was called to the presidency of the Dresden branch. Not long after he had commenced his labors there, he dreamed, one night, that he was fishing in a beautiful stream of water. In the dream, he was fortunate enough to catch three trout. The dream proved to be prophetic, for very soon afterwards he baptized a man and his wife and daughter. The ordinance was performed in the River Elbe, beneath the shade of the spreading lindens, on the exact spot where, many years before, Elder Budge baptized two of our very highly respected brethren—Elders Karl G. Maeser and Fred W. Schoenfeld. Elder Woodruff, at this time, had great pleasure in meeting and preaching to the old-time associates and fellow-teachers of these brethren. They showed him great respect and were courteous in their attention to Elder Woodruff, but it seemed that they were actuated by a sense of regard for their old associates rather than the teachings they heard. While he was presiding over this new conference, Elder Woodruff spent much of his time in distributing the written word in the villages that border the Elbe, extending from Dresden to Bohemia. He even entered one Bohemian village and delivered his message there. He was called from Dresden to Berlin, over which conference he presided one year. This conference comprehended such cities as Berlin, Hanover, Stettin, Sorau and Droskau. While laboring there, the civil officials undertook the banishment of the "Mormon" Elders, and in order that the good work might not be stayed, the Elders were often compelled to employ most subtle methods in order to carry on their labors without detection and consequent interruption. At Ernst, Elder Woodruff was disguised as a country swain. He donned the rude garb and heavy clogs, and, with the other peasants, toiled in the shop or field, during the day. With his fellow-rustics, he ate the black bread and "smear." No sooner, however, did the evening shades fall, than he would meet in some humble cottage, a company of eager Saints, who would perchance bring some trusted friend with them, whom they hoped to lead into the gospel light. One thing that impressed Brother Woodruff deeply, was the absolute trustworthiness of those country Saints. He found them as true as steel, and never were they known to disappoint an Elder, or betray his confidence, in those trying times. At this juncture, a furlough was granted him, during which he made a most enjoyable tour of the greatest European cities. He visited Austria and Italy, and spent the 4th of July in Geneva. He spent ten days in Rome, visiting, among other places, the Vatican. From there he went to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. Having read Bulwer-Lytton's fascinating novel, these two latter places were exceptionally delightful to him. He then returned to the mission, and, after reviewing his old field of labor, received a release to return home, having performed a faithful and acceptable mission. Elder Woodruff returned to his native city in 1896. For a short time, he resumed his work in the bank. On the 30th of June, he was married to Miss Helen May Winters. During October conference of the same year he was called to the Apostleship, and on the 7th day of October was ordained to that office by his father. In reviewing his brief life, Apostle Woodruff tells us, that though he was led into some follies, common to youth, though he was often found in unwholesome company, and many times gave way to the weaknesses of the flesh, yet he never, for a moment, felt himself liberated from that restraint which a belief in God imposes. This belief had been early and deeply implanted in his heart. As a Deacon, he did his duty; as a Sunday School member he was faithful. There is no doubt that the influence of these two duties, which by practice had become habits in him, stayed his feet from running toward sin, in that critical period of life, when youth, manhood and common sense are struggling against the temptations that are spread like the fowler's snare, across the paths of the young. To understand the character and disposition of Apostle Woodruff, one need but to know his parents, for he has received, like the rest of that exceptional family, the priceless heritages which a true and noble, God-fearing mother, and a peaceful, devoted, God-serving father, bequeathed them in their birth. The strongest qualities of the Woodruff family are, perhaps, natural honesty, child-like simplicity, implicit faith in God, and a due reverence for just and holy men. These very estimable qualities, combined with a gift of industriousness, and a total absence of
ostentation, are the splendid endowments which Apostle Woodruff possesses in a high degree. These qualities, under a wise and tender mother's training, in his earlier years, and the powerful influence of a true father, in later years, constitute the agencies which formed his character, and determined his high course in life. He enjoyed the closest association with his father during the later years of that good man's life. They were most confidential one toward the other. There was a companionship between them, so close that it even excluded his nearest boy friends. In his father he beheld a shining example, in whose life truth had been held as the paramount quality. He had a profound reverence for his father, not only as a parent, but as a Prophet of God. Since his appointment to the Apostleship, Elder Woodruff has been most diligent in the high duties and offices of his calling. Perhaps the greatest special labor which has been given him was the colonization of the Big Horn country. That work was placed in his hands by the First Presidency and has thus far been carried on most successfully. He possesses the gifts of humility and sociability, by which he is in close touch with common, toiling people, thereby gaining their confidence and love. In addition to these qualities, he is highly spiritual in his temperament. Thus are blended the very elements necessary in the man who is to build up a country and at the same time build up the Kingdom of God on earth. His appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve was a happy choice. It was an inspiration; and in the work of the eventful future, which he will be called upon to perform, we can see in Abraham Owen Woodruff those qualities and gifts and dispositions which are needed in the man who is to assist in guiding and directing this people to their higher destinies. It is altogether too early to write his life, as it has only just begun. It is pleasing to contemplate, however, that, like a vessel that has left its moorings, with sails spread and full and bending to the wind, we see him well on his splendid career. Along the pathway of safe and honest purpose, will he, too, speed on, guided by true principle and impelled by a high sense of duty —Nephi L. Morris.
WOODRUFF, Abraham Owen, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1897, is the son of Pres. Wilford Woodruff and Emma Smith and was born Nov. 23, 1872, in a primitive log house, situated just a short distance south of Salt Lake City, and built by his father some twelve years before. The neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and peaceful rural districts to be found in all our scenic land. To the east stands the rugged Wasatch range. To the west, stretch farm-lands, orchards and meadows threaded by canyon streams, wrapped in quietude, beneath the giant forms of the mountains. Amid such natural environments, which were peaceful and subdued, as well as inspiring and sublime, and surrounded by that plodding and persistent industry which characterizes western pioneer life, was the subject of our sketch born and reared. It was in such a place that he spent his boyhood's happy hours, and there, too, during the formative period, when youth buds into manhood, he silent his days in honest, natural toil. There, ho passed his evenings in the humble cottage before the glowing embers of the cedar and the pine, and listened to the stories of a pilgrim people, who, upheld by a sublime faith, experienced perils and hardships unsurpassed in all ages. It was in such a peaceful home, too, that he enjoyed the sweet slumbers of untrammeled youth and dreamed of the future and what it could hold in its embrace for him. Of the earliest recollections which still live in his mind, perhaps the most impressive is that of the funeral of Pres. Brigham Young. He lecalls vividly how his mother raised him in her arms, that he might view the great leader in his casket. At six his school days began. In the course of time he mastered "addition, subtraction and multiplication." And as is the experience of most school boys, his labors were not confined to the school room and with books, for he enjoyed all the dignified privileges of "chore-boy" around the farm. At ten he herded cows, by which means he often realized as much as fifteen dollars per month. Prior to that, however, his proclivity to engage in commerce led him to the Liberty Park springs, where he gathered water-cress for the market, thereby supplying his boyish needs in the way of pocket-money. He assures us that the money spent in those days was too dearly earned to be spent in useless things, so that articles of real utility alone attracted his
ready cash. As his years advanced, he passed from the 40th District school to the Latter-day Saints' College. Here he was trained under the splendid tutelage of Professors Done, Talmage and Maeser. At eighteen, he was placed in a bank, where he served the institution, first as a collector, and next as assistant bookkeeper. It was while thus employed, that he received a call to the mission-field. In the year 1893, his father was far from enjoying his usual good health. The illness of his father, consequently, made his departure to a foreign land not a very easy matter, but, trusting in Providence, and acquiescing with his father's wishes, he started for the Swiss and German Mission. Within a few days after his arrival at the mission headquarters he was appointed to labor, without a companion, in Frankfurt-on-the-Main, at which place he was instructed to open the mission. A very charitable family opened their doors to him, which materially lessened the difficulties under which he was to begin his labors. The first great task before him was that of mastering the difficult German tongue. But this good family gave him willing and efficient aid in his task. He would read in concert with the children, and he found in them his natural teachers. He would arise at six o'clock in the morning and put in two hours of diligent work on the German grammar. He did not, however, spend all his time in studying the language and reciting it, but with singular courage and characteristic zeal, he set about his "Father's business." He distributed tracts during the day, and held meetings in the evening. His knowledge of German was, of course, exceedingly small, but he straightway began to preach and to expound the Scriptures in a broken, stammering manner. He was at first laughed at, but nothing daunting, he prosecuted his labors, and in an exceedingly short time, acquired the language. It came to him, he says, as a gift. After five months of aggressive, single-handed labor, a companion was sent to him, and in a short time a branch of the Church was organized where he labored. Two more months elapsed, when he was called to the presidency of the Dresden branch. Not long after he had commenced his labors there, he dreamed, one night, that he was fishing in a beautiful stream of water. In the dream, he was fortunate enough to catch three trout. The dream proved to be prophetic, for very soon afterwards he baptized a man and his wife and daughter. The ordinance was performed in the River Elbe, beneath the shade of the spreading lindens, on the exact spot where, many years before, Elder Budge baptized two of our very highly respected brethren—Elders Karl G. Maeser and Fred W. Schoenfeld. Elder Woodruff, at this time, had great pleasure in meeting and preaching to the old-time associates and fellow-teachers of these brethren. They showed him great respect and were courteous in their attention to Elder Woodruff, but it seemed that they were actuated by a sense of regard for their old associates rather than the teachings they heard. While he was presiding over this new conference, Elder Woodruff spent much of his time in distributing the written word in the villages that border the Elbe, extending from Dresden to Bohemia. He even entered one Bohemian village and delivered his message there. He was called from Dresden to Berlin, over which conference he presided one year. This conference comprehended such cities as Berlin, Hanover, Stettin, Sorau and Droskau. While laboring there, the civil officials undertook the banishment of the "Mormon" Elders, and in order that the good work might not be stayed, the Elders were often compelled to employ most subtle methods in order to carry on their labors without detection and consequent interruption. At Ernst, Elder Woodruff was disguised as a country swain. He donned the rude garb and heavy clogs, and, with the other peasants, toiled in the shop or field, during the day. With his fellow-rustics, he ate the black bread and "smear." No sooner, however, did the evening shades fall, than he would meet in some humble cottage, a company of eager Saints, who would perchance bring some trusted friend with them, whom they hoped to lead into the gospel light. One thing that impressed Brother Woodruff deeply, was the absolute trustworthiness of those country Saints. He found them as true as steel, and never were they known to disappoint an Elder, or betray his confidence, in those trying times. At this juncture, a furlough was granted him, during which he made a most enjoyable tour of the greatest European cities. He visited Austria and Italy, and spent the 4th of July in Geneva. He spent ten days in Rome, visiting, among other places, the Vatican. From there he went to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. Having read Bulwer-Lytton's fascinating novel, these two latter places were exceptionally delightful to him. He then returned to the mission, and, after reviewing his old field of labor, received a release to return home, having performed a faithful and acceptable mission. Elder Woodruff returned to his native city in 1896. For a short time, he resumed his work in the bank. On the 30th of June, he was married to Miss Helen May Winters. During October conference of the same year he was called to the Apostleship, and on the 7th day of October was ordained to that office by his father. In reviewing his brief life, Apostle Woodruff tells us, that though he was led into some follies, common to youth, though he was often found in unwholesome company, and many times gave way to the weaknesses of the flesh, yet he never, for a moment, felt himself liberated from that restraint which a belief in God imposes. This belief had been early and deeply implanted in his heart. As a Deacon, he did his duty; as a Sunday School member he was faithful. There is no doubt that the influence of these two duties, which by practice had become habits in him, stayed his feet from running toward sin, in that critical period of life, when youth, manhood and common sense are struggling against the temptations that are spread like the fowler's snare, across the paths of the young. To understand the character and disposition of Apostle Woodruff, one need but to know his parents, for he has received, like the rest of that exceptional family, the priceless heritages which a true and noble, God-fearing mother, and a peaceful, devoted, God-serving father, bequeathed them in their birth. The strongest qualities of the Woodruff family are, perhaps, natural honesty, child-like simplicity, implicit faith in God, and a due reverence for just and holy men. These very estimable qualities, combined with a gift of industriousness, and a total absence of
ostentation, are the splendid endowments which Apostle Woodruff possesses in a high degree. These qualities, under a wise and tender mother's training, in his earlier years, and the powerful influence of a true father, in later years, constitute the agencies which formed his character, and determined his high course in life. He enjoyed the closest association with his father during the later years of that good man's life. They were most confidential one toward the other. There was a companionship between them, so close that it even excluded his nearest boy friends. In his father he beheld a shining example, in whose life truth had been held as the paramount quality. He had a profound reverence for his father, not only as a parent, but as a Prophet of God. Since his appointment to the Apostleship, Elder Woodruff has been most diligent in the high duties and offices of his calling. Perhaps the greatest special labor which has been given him was the colonization of the Big Horn country. That work was placed in his hands by the First Presidency and has thus far been carried on most successfully. He possesses the gifts of humility and sociability, by which he is in close touch with common, toiling people, thereby gaining their confidence and love. In addition to these qualities, he is highly spiritual in his temperament. Thus are blended the very elements necessary in the man who is to build up a country and at the same time build up the Kingdom of God on earth. His appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve was a happy choice. It was an inspiration; and in the work of the eventful future, which he will be called upon to perform, we can see in Abraham Owen Woodruff those qualities and gifts and dispositions which are needed in the man who is to assist in guiding and directing this people to their higher destinies. It is altogether too early to write his life, as it has only just begun. It is pleasing to contemplate, however, that, like a vessel that has left its moorings, with sails spread and full and bending to the wind, we see him well on his splendid career. Along the pathway of safe and honest purpose, will he, too, speed on, guided by true principle and impelled by a high sense of duty —Nephi L. Morris.
Jenson, Andrew. "Woodruff, Abraham Owen." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 796-797.
WOODRUFF, Abraham Owen, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. (Continued from Vol. 1:172.) Elder Owen Woodruff (as he
was familiarly known) continued his labors in his high and holy calling, assisting his fellow laborers in the quorum in visiting the settlements of the Saints, leaving among the people a desire to improve, and above all to be united in the bond of brotherly love, for this was invariably the subject of his exhortations, and endeared him to his hearers wherever he went. In May, 1904. in company with his
wife, Helen Winters Woodruff, and four children, he went to visit the settlements of the Saints in Mexico, where Sister Woodruff contracted the dread disease smallpox, to which she succumbed June 7, 1904. Brother Woodruff, who was a most devoted husband, contracted smallpox while waiting upon his wife and followed her into the "Great Beyond" two weeks later, June 20th. The "Deseret
Evening News" commented upon the death of Apostle Woodruff editorially as follows: "The sad tiding of the death of Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff * * * came to the public as a calamity. Following so quickly on the news of his wife's demise, it is as a heavy blow repeated that causes pain and regret which cannot be expressed. When it was learned that the bereaved and devoted husband had contracted the disease (smallpox) which carried off his beloved companion, there were forebodings as to the result. But his naturally fine
physique, his unusual steadfast faith, and the skill and attention he received, gave hopes of his speedy recovery. But his great anxiety, constant watching and lack of rest in caring for his dying wife depleted his system and so the disease took him when poorly prepared to resist its encroaches, and it was heart failure that ended his earthly career. He had been removed over the Mexican line into Texas, and in the hospital at El Paso he received that care and treatment that was necessary, and everything possible was done for his relief and recovery. * * * Bro. Woodruff was a bright and valiant soldier in the army of the Lord, ready to respond at every call; devoted to the
cause in which he was enlisted for life; able and useful in temporal as well as spiritual things, and calm and judicious in judgment when wise counsel was needed in the settlement of difficulties in newly settled places. He was beloved by the Saints and admired for his purity of life and consistency of conduct. He was a valued member of his quorum, and there will be universal sorrow throughout the Church over the loss that is sustained in his departure. * * * There is mourning in Israel, for a rising star has faded out of Zion's firmament,
and it is in grief that heads are bowed, while we gently whisper, 'the will of the Lord be done.' "
WOODRUFF, Abraham Owen, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. (Continued from Vol. 1:172.) Elder Owen Woodruff (as he
was familiarly known) continued his labors in his high and holy calling, assisting his fellow laborers in the quorum in visiting the settlements of the Saints, leaving among the people a desire to improve, and above all to be united in the bond of brotherly love, for this was invariably the subject of his exhortations, and endeared him to his hearers wherever he went. In May, 1904. in company with his
wife, Helen Winters Woodruff, and four children, he went to visit the settlements of the Saints in Mexico, where Sister Woodruff contracted the dread disease smallpox, to which she succumbed June 7, 1904. Brother Woodruff, who was a most devoted husband, contracted smallpox while waiting upon his wife and followed her into the "Great Beyond" two weeks later, June 20th. The "Deseret
Evening News" commented upon the death of Apostle Woodruff editorially as follows: "The sad tiding of the death of Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff * * * came to the public as a calamity. Following so quickly on the news of his wife's demise, it is as a heavy blow repeated that causes pain and regret which cannot be expressed. When it was learned that the bereaved and devoted husband had contracted the disease (smallpox) which carried off his beloved companion, there were forebodings as to the result. But his naturally fine
physique, his unusual steadfast faith, and the skill and attention he received, gave hopes of his speedy recovery. But his great anxiety, constant watching and lack of rest in caring for his dying wife depleted his system and so the disease took him when poorly prepared to resist its encroaches, and it was heart failure that ended his earthly career. He had been removed over the Mexican line into Texas, and in the hospital at El Paso he received that care and treatment that was necessary, and everything possible was done for his relief and recovery. * * * Bro. Woodruff was a bright and valiant soldier in the army of the Lord, ready to respond at every call; devoted to the
cause in which he was enlisted for life; able and useful in temporal as well as spiritual things, and calm and judicious in judgment when wise counsel was needed in the settlement of difficulties in newly settled places. He was beloved by the Saints and admired for his purity of life and consistency of conduct. He was a valued member of his quorum, and there will be universal sorrow throughout the Church over the loss that is sustained in his departure. * * * There is mourning in Israel, for a rising star has faded out of Zion's firmament,
and it is in grief that heads are bowed, while we gently whisper, 'the will of the Lord be done.' "
Jenson, Andrew. "Woodruff, Abraham Owen." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 251.
WOODRUFF, Abraham Owen, a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1898 to 1904, died June 20, 1904, at El Paso, Texas. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 172, and Vol. 3, p. 796.)
WOODRUFF, Abraham Owen, a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1898 to 1904, died June 20, 1904, at El Paso, Texas. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 172, and Vol. 3, p. 796.)
Morris, Nephi L. "Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Abraham Owen Woodruff" The Juvenile Instructor. 1 December 1900. pg. 769-772.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS—THE APOSTLES.
ABRAHAM OWEN WOODRUFF.
IT was on the twenty-third day of November, eighteen hundred and seventy-two, that Abraham Owen Woodruff came into this world. He was born in a primitive log house, built by his father some twelve years before. The neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and peaceful rural districts to be found in all our scenic land. To the east, stands the rugged Wasatch range. To the west, stretch farm-lands, orchards and meadows threaded by canyon streams, wrapped in quietude, beneath the giant forms of the mountains. Amid such natural environments, which were peaceful and subdued, as well as inspiring and sublime, and surrounded by that plodding and persistent industry which characterizes western pioneer life, was the subject of our sketch born and reared. It was in such a place that he spent his boyhood's happy hours, and there, too, during the formative period, when youth buds into manhood, he spent his days in honest, natural toil. There, he passed his evenings in the humble cottage before the glowing embers of the cedar and the pine, and listened to the stories of a pilgrim people, who, upheld by a sublime faith, experienced perils and hardships unsurpassed in all ages. It was in such a peaceful home, too, that he enjoyed the sweet slumbers of untrammeled youth and dreamed of the future and what it could hold in its embrace for him.
Of the earliest recollections which still live in his mind, perhaps the most impressive is that of the funeral of President Brigham Young. He recalls vividly how his mother raised him in her arms, that he might view the great leader in his casket.
At six his school days began. In the course of time he mastered "addition, subtraction, and multiplication." And as is the experience of most school boys, his labors were not confined to the school-room and with books, for he enjoyed all the dignified privileges of «chore-boy» around the farm. At ten he herded cows, by which means he often realized as much as fifteen dollars per month. Prior to that, however, his proclivity to engage in commerce led him to the Liberty Park springs, where he gathered water-cress for the market, thereby supplying his boyish needs in the way of pocket money. He assures us that the money spent in those days was too dearly earned to be spent in useless things, so that articles of real utility alone attracted his ready cash.
As his years advanced, he passed from the 40th District school, from under the tutorship of Maiden Whitesides, to the Latter-day Saints' College. Here he was trained under the splendid tutelage of Professors Done, Talmage and Maeser. At eighteen, he was placed in a bank, where he served the institution, first as collector, and next as assistant book-keeper. It was while thus employed, that he received a call to the mission-field.
In the year 1893, his father was far from enjoying his usual good health. The illness of his father, consequently, made his departure to a foreign land, not a very easy matter. But, trusting in Providence, and acquiescing with his father's wishes, he started for the Swiss and German mission- Within a few days after his arrival at the mission headquarters, he was appointed to labor, without a companion, in Frankfort-on-the-Main, at which place he was instructed to open the mission. A very charitable family opened their doors to him, which materially lessened the difficulties under which he was to begin his labors. The first great task before him, was that of mastering the difficult German tongue. But this good family gave him willing and efficient aid in his task. He would read in concert with the children and he found in them his natural teachers. He would arise at six o'clock in the morning and put in two hours of diligent work on the German grammar. He did not, however, spend all his time in studying the language and reciting it, but with singular courage and characteristic zeal, he set about his «Father's business." He distributed tracts during the day, and held meetings in the evenings. His knowledge of German was, of course, exceedingly small, but he straightway began to preach and to expound the Scriptures in a broken, stammering manner. He was at first laughed at, but nothing daunting, he prosecuted his labors, and in an exceedingly short time, acquired the language. It came to him, he says, as a gift.
After five months of aggressive, singlehanded labor, a companion was sent to him, and in a short time, a branch of the Church was organized where he had labored. Two months more elapsed, when he was called to the presidency of the Dresden branch. Not long after he had commenced his labors there, he dreamed, one night, that he was fishing in a beautiful stream of water. In the dream, he was fortunate enough to catch three trout. The dream proved to be prophetic, for very soon afterward, he baptized a man, and his wife and daughter. The ordinance was performed in the River Elbe, beneath the shade of the spreading lindens, on the exact spot where, many years before, Elder Budge baptized two of our very highly respected brethren,—Elders Karl G. Maeser and F. Schoenfeld.
Elder Woodruff, at this time, had great pleasure in meeting and preaching to the old-time associates and fellow teachers of these brethren. They showed him great respect and were courteous in their attention to Elder Woodruff, but it seemed that they were actuated by a sense of regard for their old associates rather than the teachings they heard.
While he was presiding over this new conference. Elder Woodruff spent much of his time in distributing the written word in the villages that border the Elbe, extending from Dresden to Bohemia. He even entered one Bohemian village and delivered his message there. He was called from Dresden to Berlin, over which conference he presided one year. This conference comprehended such cities as Berlin, Hanover, Stettin, Sorau, and Droskau. While laboring there, the civil officials undertook the banishment of the Mormon Elders, and in order that the good work might not be stayed, the Elders were often compelled to employ most subtle methods in order to carry on their labors without detection and consequent interruption. At Ernst, Elder Woodruff was disguised as a country swain. He donned the rude garb and heavy clogs, and, with the other peasants, toiled in the shop or field, during the day. With his fellow rustics, he ate the black bread and smear. No sooner, however, did the evening shades fall, than he would meet in some humble cottage, a company of eager Saints, who would perchance bring some trusted friend with them, whom they hoped to lead into the Gospel light. One thing that impressed Brother Woodruff deeply, was the absolute trustworthiness of those country Saints. He found them as true as steel and never were they known to disappoint an Elder or betray his confidence, in those trying times.
At this juncture, a furlough was granted him, during which he made a most enjoyable tour of the greatest European cities. He visited Austria and Italy, and spent the Fourth of July in Geneva. He spent ten days in Rome, visiting, among other places, the Vatican. From there he went to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. Having read Bulwer- Lytton's fascinating novel, these two latter places were exceptionally delightful to him. He then returned to the mission, and, after reviewing his old field of labor, received a release to return home, having performed a faithful and acceptable mission.
Elder Woodruff reached his native city in 1896. For a short time, he resumed his work in the bank. On the 30th of June, he was married to Miss Helen May Winters. During October conference of the same year, he was called to the Apostleship, and on the 7th day of October was ordained to that office by his father.
In reviewing his brief life, Apostle Woodruff tells us, that though he was led into some follies, common to youth, though he was often found in unwholesome company, and many times gave way to the weaknesses of the flesh, yet he never, for a moment, felt himself liberated from that restraint, which a belief in God imposes. This belief had been early and deeply implanted in his heart. As a Deacon, he did his duty, as a Sunday School member he was faithful. There is no doubt that the influence of these two duties, which by practice had become habits in him, stayed his feet from running toward sin, in that critical period of life, when youth, manhood, and common sense are struggling against the temptations that are spread like the fowler's snare, across the paths of the young.
To understand the character and disposition of Apostle Woodruff, one need but to know his parents, for he has received, like the rest of that exceptional family, the priceless heritages which a true and noble. Godfearing mother, and a peaceful, devoted, God serving father, bequeathed them in their birth. The strongest qualities of the Woodruff: family are, perhaps, natural honesty, child-like simplicity, implicit faith in God, and a due reverence for just and holy men. These very estimable qualities, combined with a gift of industriousness, and a total absence of ostentation, are the splendid endowments which Apostle Woodruff possesses in a high degree. These qualities, under a wise and tender mother's training, in his earlier years, and the powerful influence of a true father, in later years, constitute the agencies which formed his character, and determined his high course in life.
He enjoyed the closest association with his father, during the later years of that good man's life. They were most confidential, one toward the other. There was a companionship between them, so close, that it even excluded his nearest boy friends. In his father he beheld a shining example, in whose life truth had been held as the paramount quality. He had a profound reverence for his father, not only as a parent, but as a prophet of God.
Since his appointment to the Apostleship, Elder Woodruff has been most diligent in the high duties and offices of his calling. Perhaps the greatest special labor which has been given him, was the colonization of the Big Horn country. That work was placed in his hands by the First Presidency and has thus far been carried on most successfully.
He possesses the gifts of humility and sociability, by which he is in close touch with common, toiling people, thereby gaining their confidence and love. In addition to these qualities, he is highly spiritual in his temperament. Thus are blended the very elements necessary in the man who is to build up a country and at the same time build up the Kingdom of God on earth.
His appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve was a happy choice. It was an inspiration; and in the work of the eventful future, which he will be called upon to perform, we can see in Abraham Owen Woodruff, those qualities and gifts and dispositions which are needed in the man who is to assist in guiding and directing this people to their higher destinies.
It is altogether too early to write his life, as it has only just begun. It is pleasing to contemplate, however, that, like a vessel that has left its moorings, with sails spread and full and bending to the wind, we see him well on in his splendid career. Along the pathway of safe and honest purpose, will he, too, speed on, guided by true principle and impelled by a high sense of duty.
Nephi L. Morris.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS—THE APOSTLES.
ABRAHAM OWEN WOODRUFF.
IT was on the twenty-third day of November, eighteen hundred and seventy-two, that Abraham Owen Woodruff came into this world. He was born in a primitive log house, built by his father some twelve years before. The neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and peaceful rural districts to be found in all our scenic land. To the east, stands the rugged Wasatch range. To the west, stretch farm-lands, orchards and meadows threaded by canyon streams, wrapped in quietude, beneath the giant forms of the mountains. Amid such natural environments, which were peaceful and subdued, as well as inspiring and sublime, and surrounded by that plodding and persistent industry which characterizes western pioneer life, was the subject of our sketch born and reared. It was in such a place that he spent his boyhood's happy hours, and there, too, during the formative period, when youth buds into manhood, he spent his days in honest, natural toil. There, he passed his evenings in the humble cottage before the glowing embers of the cedar and the pine, and listened to the stories of a pilgrim people, who, upheld by a sublime faith, experienced perils and hardships unsurpassed in all ages. It was in such a peaceful home, too, that he enjoyed the sweet slumbers of untrammeled youth and dreamed of the future and what it could hold in its embrace for him.
Of the earliest recollections which still live in his mind, perhaps the most impressive is that of the funeral of President Brigham Young. He recalls vividly how his mother raised him in her arms, that he might view the great leader in his casket.
At six his school days began. In the course of time he mastered "addition, subtraction, and multiplication." And as is the experience of most school boys, his labors were not confined to the school-room and with books, for he enjoyed all the dignified privileges of «chore-boy» around the farm. At ten he herded cows, by which means he often realized as much as fifteen dollars per month. Prior to that, however, his proclivity to engage in commerce led him to the Liberty Park springs, where he gathered water-cress for the market, thereby supplying his boyish needs in the way of pocket money. He assures us that the money spent in those days was too dearly earned to be spent in useless things, so that articles of real utility alone attracted his ready cash.
As his years advanced, he passed from the 40th District school, from under the tutorship of Maiden Whitesides, to the Latter-day Saints' College. Here he was trained under the splendid tutelage of Professors Done, Talmage and Maeser. At eighteen, he was placed in a bank, where he served the institution, first as collector, and next as assistant book-keeper. It was while thus employed, that he received a call to the mission-field.
In the year 1893, his father was far from enjoying his usual good health. The illness of his father, consequently, made his departure to a foreign land, not a very easy matter. But, trusting in Providence, and acquiescing with his father's wishes, he started for the Swiss and German mission- Within a few days after his arrival at the mission headquarters, he was appointed to labor, without a companion, in Frankfort-on-the-Main, at which place he was instructed to open the mission. A very charitable family opened their doors to him, which materially lessened the difficulties under which he was to begin his labors. The first great task before him, was that of mastering the difficult German tongue. But this good family gave him willing and efficient aid in his task. He would read in concert with the children and he found in them his natural teachers. He would arise at six o'clock in the morning and put in two hours of diligent work on the German grammar. He did not, however, spend all his time in studying the language and reciting it, but with singular courage and characteristic zeal, he set about his «Father's business." He distributed tracts during the day, and held meetings in the evenings. His knowledge of German was, of course, exceedingly small, but he straightway began to preach and to expound the Scriptures in a broken, stammering manner. He was at first laughed at, but nothing daunting, he prosecuted his labors, and in an exceedingly short time, acquired the language. It came to him, he says, as a gift.
After five months of aggressive, singlehanded labor, a companion was sent to him, and in a short time, a branch of the Church was organized where he had labored. Two months more elapsed, when he was called to the presidency of the Dresden branch. Not long after he had commenced his labors there, he dreamed, one night, that he was fishing in a beautiful stream of water. In the dream, he was fortunate enough to catch three trout. The dream proved to be prophetic, for very soon afterward, he baptized a man, and his wife and daughter. The ordinance was performed in the River Elbe, beneath the shade of the spreading lindens, on the exact spot where, many years before, Elder Budge baptized two of our very highly respected brethren,—Elders Karl G. Maeser and F. Schoenfeld.
Elder Woodruff, at this time, had great pleasure in meeting and preaching to the old-time associates and fellow teachers of these brethren. They showed him great respect and were courteous in their attention to Elder Woodruff, but it seemed that they were actuated by a sense of regard for their old associates rather than the teachings they heard.
While he was presiding over this new conference. Elder Woodruff spent much of his time in distributing the written word in the villages that border the Elbe, extending from Dresden to Bohemia. He even entered one Bohemian village and delivered his message there. He was called from Dresden to Berlin, over which conference he presided one year. This conference comprehended such cities as Berlin, Hanover, Stettin, Sorau, and Droskau. While laboring there, the civil officials undertook the banishment of the Mormon Elders, and in order that the good work might not be stayed, the Elders were often compelled to employ most subtle methods in order to carry on their labors without detection and consequent interruption. At Ernst, Elder Woodruff was disguised as a country swain. He donned the rude garb and heavy clogs, and, with the other peasants, toiled in the shop or field, during the day. With his fellow rustics, he ate the black bread and smear. No sooner, however, did the evening shades fall, than he would meet in some humble cottage, a company of eager Saints, who would perchance bring some trusted friend with them, whom they hoped to lead into the Gospel light. One thing that impressed Brother Woodruff deeply, was the absolute trustworthiness of those country Saints. He found them as true as steel and never were they known to disappoint an Elder or betray his confidence, in those trying times.
At this juncture, a furlough was granted him, during which he made a most enjoyable tour of the greatest European cities. He visited Austria and Italy, and spent the Fourth of July in Geneva. He spent ten days in Rome, visiting, among other places, the Vatican. From there he went to Naples, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. Having read Bulwer- Lytton's fascinating novel, these two latter places were exceptionally delightful to him. He then returned to the mission, and, after reviewing his old field of labor, received a release to return home, having performed a faithful and acceptable mission.
Elder Woodruff reached his native city in 1896. For a short time, he resumed his work in the bank. On the 30th of June, he was married to Miss Helen May Winters. During October conference of the same year, he was called to the Apostleship, and on the 7th day of October was ordained to that office by his father.
In reviewing his brief life, Apostle Woodruff tells us, that though he was led into some follies, common to youth, though he was often found in unwholesome company, and many times gave way to the weaknesses of the flesh, yet he never, for a moment, felt himself liberated from that restraint, which a belief in God imposes. This belief had been early and deeply implanted in his heart. As a Deacon, he did his duty, as a Sunday School member he was faithful. There is no doubt that the influence of these two duties, which by practice had become habits in him, stayed his feet from running toward sin, in that critical period of life, when youth, manhood, and common sense are struggling against the temptations that are spread like the fowler's snare, across the paths of the young.
To understand the character and disposition of Apostle Woodruff, one need but to know his parents, for he has received, like the rest of that exceptional family, the priceless heritages which a true and noble. Godfearing mother, and a peaceful, devoted, God serving father, bequeathed them in their birth. The strongest qualities of the Woodruff: family are, perhaps, natural honesty, child-like simplicity, implicit faith in God, and a due reverence for just and holy men. These very estimable qualities, combined with a gift of industriousness, and a total absence of ostentation, are the splendid endowments which Apostle Woodruff possesses in a high degree. These qualities, under a wise and tender mother's training, in his earlier years, and the powerful influence of a true father, in later years, constitute the agencies which formed his character, and determined his high course in life.
He enjoyed the closest association with his father, during the later years of that good man's life. They were most confidential, one toward the other. There was a companionship between them, so close, that it even excluded his nearest boy friends. In his father he beheld a shining example, in whose life truth had been held as the paramount quality. He had a profound reverence for his father, not only as a parent, but as a prophet of God.
Since his appointment to the Apostleship, Elder Woodruff has been most diligent in the high duties and offices of his calling. Perhaps the greatest special labor which has been given him, was the colonization of the Big Horn country. That work was placed in his hands by the First Presidency and has thus far been carried on most successfully.
He possesses the gifts of humility and sociability, by which he is in close touch with common, toiling people, thereby gaining their confidence and love. In addition to these qualities, he is highly spiritual in his temperament. Thus are blended the very elements necessary in the man who is to build up a country and at the same time build up the Kingdom of God on earth.
His appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve was a happy choice. It was an inspiration; and in the work of the eventful future, which he will be called upon to perform, we can see in Abraham Owen Woodruff, those qualities and gifts and dispositions which are needed in the man who is to assist in guiding and directing this people to their higher destinies.
It is altogether too early to write his life, as it has only just begun. It is pleasing to contemplate, however, that, like a vessel that has left its moorings, with sails spread and full and bending to the wind, we see him well on in his splendid career. Along the pathway of safe and honest purpose, will he, too, speed on, guided by true principle and impelled by a high sense of duty.
Nephi L. Morris.
Cannon, Ann M. "Abraham Owen Woodruff." Young Woman's Journal. July 1904. pg. 296-299.
ABRAHAM OWEN WOODRUFF. Ann M. Cannon. The Journal was ready for the press when we received the distressing news of the death of Elder Abraham Owen Woodruff, of the Quorum of the Twelve. As will be seen from the preceding articles, Brother Woodruff was with his wife, in the City of Mexico at the time of her decease. Soon after the interment, he departed for the colonies of the Latter-day Saints. He arrived at Ciudad, Juarez, in good health, but before many days, was stricken with the same terrible disease that had taken his wife. Almost immediately Brother Woodruff was removed to the detention hospital at El Paso, (across the river from the latter town), where he could receive the best attention. Until June 18th it was thought that he was progressing favorably, but on that date he suffered a relapse and grave fears were entertained for his recovery. No further word being received, hope grew stronger until the night of June 20th, when a telegram from President A. W. Ivins announced his death. Abraham Owen Woodruff was the son of President Wilford Woodruff and Emma Smith Woodruff. He was born November 23rd, 1872, on a farm south of Salt Lake City, the place which has ever since been his home. He attended the District school and later the Latter-day Saints’ College. At the age of eighteen, he entered the employ of Zion’s Savings Bank, working first as collector and then as assistant book-keeper. In January, 1894, he went on a mission to Germany, though in doing so his heart was wrung at the thought of separation from an aged father whom he might never meet again on earth. His mother was much younger and he could more reasonably expect her life to be continued. However, his father lived until after his return. Arriving in Germany, he was sent almost immediately to open up the mission in Frankfort-on-the-Maine. Through the blessing of God, he acquired the language rapidly, and, though a stranger and alone, he had the work well in hand in a remarkably short time. He was in turn called to preside over the Dresden and Berlin conferences. Before returning home he was given a furlough, and visited Austria and Italy. His duties in the missionary field were then resumed and continued until his release. He returned home in the latter part of 1896. His marriage to Helen May Winters took place June 30, 1897. October 7th, 1897, he was ordained an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since that time he has traveled extensively through the different stakes of Zion. His work in connection with the colonization of the Big Hom Basin, Wyoming, is one of the greatest of the kind in recent years. Such in brief is the life of A. O. Woodruff. But it tells little of the greatness and nobility of the man, of the confidence and love he won among all his associates. No one so humble he need fear approach Brother Woodruff, none so far lost as to be considered unworthy a word of help and encouragement. He possessed many of the characteristics of his father, of whom even his opponents have conceded that “he hadn’t an enemy on earth.” Rarely do we see so perfect a companionship as existed between father and son, and when we realize that ‘even to know such a man as President Woodruff is a liberal education,’ we can the better understand what the association would mean for the son. Today I was told the following story by a relative of the other party mentioned. The gentleman in question had at one time been a faithful member of the Church, but had fallen away from the faith. He drifted from one place to another and finally to the Big Horn country. At that time Brother Woodruff was colonizing agent for the Church. The two met and Brother Woodruff seemed to understand the man’s need. His kindly interest aroused the man anew and drew him back to the fold and to the abandonment of all his bad habits except one,—profanity. This it seemed impossible to overcome. At a time when the people were very much discouraged over the canal, Brother Woodruff arrived one night among them. Next morning he was the first man astir, and they found him dressed in overalls and jumper. To the man above mentioned he said, “Brother-------------, I’m going to use your team for a few days. If you want to work, you can get another.” For three days he led in all the work. At the end of that time, they stopped him, saying, “Brother Woodruff you shall not work on this canal any longer. We’ll get it out. We had almost given it up, but we’ll finish it now. And you must stop work.” Handing the reins to the owner of the horses, Brother Woodruff said, “Brother---------, I’ve driven them three days. They’ve worked fine, and they haven’t heard a word of profanity.” “And they never will again from me,” was the quick rejoinder. Today that man is recognized as one of the best bishops in the country where he lives. One glimpse of his nature is shown in an incident told by a young girl who works in an office where he was a frequent visitor. She was tired and irritable one day when Brother Woodruff entered and greeted her pleasantly. She answered curtly, but he seemed to take no notice. He seated himself and after a few moments spoke of something pleasant. Her mood could not wear off so quickly, so she was not at all gracious. That night her conscience smote her, so next day, when they met, she asked his pardon. He answered, “Oh! that’s all right Sister--------. Helen and I long ago made an agreement that whenever one was cross the other would be pleasant. And we have kept our word.” How happy for us all if we could do as well! In thinking of “Owen,” he is always associated in my mind with his home. The pleasant fields, the orchard, the bright sunlight, the distant, lofty mountains and the clear blue sky seem his natural surroundings. “Where the town and the country meet” the advantages of each are found. And in his nature both lives were beautifully blended, the simplicity and humility that comes from living close to nature’s heart, and the refinement of the city. And he loved his home as few would realize. Often we do not comprehend the sacrifices that public spirited men make in giving their time so freely to us. A member of the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. yesterday told me something that took place a short time ago. She had been attending a distant conference in company with Brother Woodruff and another member of the Young Men’s General Board. On the return they reached Salt Lake City between one and two o’clock in the morning. Not wishing to inconvenience either gentleman, the distance between their homes being great, she suggested staying at the station hotel for the rest of the night. “Stay at a hotel! when so near home? No, indeed! When I get home, Helen and I will have something to eat, a chat and then to sleep. In the morning little feet will patter across the floor and little voices say, ‘Papa home?’ Then mamma will say, ‘Don’t disturb papa yet. He’s tired. Let him sleep.’ In a little while they will come again, ‘Papa, ain’t you waking yet?’ No, indeed! I’ll telephone Helen first. Then we’ll ride home with you.” In the sudden bereavement, we do not question Providence. We are stunned by the shock. Our hearts go out in longing for the sweet companionship of Brother and Sister Woodruff. Words fail and we are silent. But we know God’s work must be carried on there as well as here, and we do not wonder that He calls such spirits to assist Him. How beautiful that “in their death they were not divided;” that they go on hand in hand. Their children they leave behind, a tender legacy to the humanity they loved. And the bequest will not be abused. The loving hands of brothers, sisters, mothers and friends are extended toward them. And even were this not true, there is One who will guard and keep them, even as He did another little group I know, left fatherless, and motherless, in a strange land and in the midst of persecution and mob violence. Oh, mothers, you who are most bereft, take courage, the Millennial day draws near, even nearer than you think. There will be a reuniting of all you have loved and lost. Lift up your heads and rejoice. The dawn is near! |
Abraham Owen Woodruff
Home of Brother and Sister Woodruff
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"The Death of Apostle Woodruff." The Juvenile Instructor. 15 July 1904. pg. 433-434.
THE DEATH OF APOSTLE WOODRUFF. The announcement of the death of Apostle Woodruff, who was but recently elected a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, was so sudden and painful as to create a feeling of universal sorrow throughout the Church. Just prior to his death the Saints were greatly touched by his sorrow over the loss of Sister Woodruff, whose death from the effects of a dreadful disease had awakened everywhere heartfelt sympathy. Shortly after the April conference he left his home here in this city to visit the mission in the City of Mexico and surrounding towns, where branches of the Church had been established. On this visit he was accompanied by his wife, who in some inexplicable manner contracted smallpox. Apostle Woodruffs constant attention at her bedside and his loving and sympathetic watchcare over her made him, in his exhausted condition, a victim to the dread disease. The earliest reports of his condition were encouraging and the Saints felt that his recovery was certain. Their expectations, however, were doomed to disappointment, for the disease and his weakness had greatly affected the action of the heart. When one thinks of the youth of Elder Woodruff, of his remarkable powders of endurance, and of the great activities which he had displayed in many pursuits of life, one is led to exclaim with the ancient Apostle, "Truly the ways of the Lord are past "understanding." Brother Woodruff's calling and his constant effort to magnify it gave promise of an earthly career of long years and great usefulness. The youngest member of his quorum, he has been stricken down in the fullness of his manhood, and in the full vigor of mind and body. His presence will be missed in the councils of his associates and in the assemblies of the Saints. His father before him had lived beyond the allotted time of man and it was believed that his son possessed the enduring physical powers of his father. However we are called upon again to submit to the inscrutable decrees of an all wise Providence, and bow to the mandates of Him whose purposes alike in life and death are wisely ordained and mercifully fulfilled. Brother and Sister Woodruff have left to the tender mercies of this world four infant children, whose pathway in life all may help to make straight, and in whose earthly career all may contribute something of a prayerful good will and friendly interest. While there is no doubt that these little ones will receive the ministrations of loving hands ' and tender hearts, their bereavement of both father and mother in so short a space of time is something that saddens the heart and awakens within the human breast the tenderest and most sympathetic emotions. In the brotherly feelings which attach the memories of the Saints to his ardent work in the ministry there are regrets and wonderment. However, consolation is sought in the spirit which gave utterance to that sublime saying: "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." |
APOSTLE A. O. WOODRUFF.
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Anderson, Edward H., Done, Willard. "In Memoriam." Improvement Era. August 1904. pg. 743-746.
IN MEMORIAM. The death of Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff was startling news to the Latter-day Saints. Scarcely had they been informed of the sad death of his wife, Helen Winters, when the news that he had died from the same dread disease, contracted while caring for her, came as a distinct shock to the people. Apostle Woodruff was the youngest and one of the most active men of his quorum—constantly traveling among the people. His wife on one occasion said: "I count the days for his return, but I am always counting!"—so much was he away from home and family. There was a simplicity and kindness about Brother Woodruff that won men to him. There was a willingness to do that made him a leader whom men would readily follow; and in his nature was the touch of sympathy that won all classes to his bidding. He was active as a colonizer, and possessed that broad nature so predominant in the pioneer. His speech, clear, simple, logical and deliberate, was like soothing music to the irritable, and its ofttime humor turned anger into jovial pleasantry. His sympathies were with the nether dog, and his pleading in high places went straight for justice to the struggling. He minced no words where chastisement was due, but when repentance came to the heart of the chastened, he was first to sooth with words of love and acts of consideration. The characteristic spirituality, the unparalleled energy, and the trusting faith of his revered father, had received lodgment in his heart, and well may the youth of Israel weep when we think of what might have been, if these had found full fruition in mature manhood, instead of being cut short in the very budding. Considering his labors, his youth and strength, and the prospects before him, and contemplating the need of his help among the Saints, and especially among the young men of Zion, who counted him a trusted leader and careful counselor, it is scarcely conceivable that it was the will of Providence that he should be taken; but God permitted it, and he will overrule the sad incident both for the good of the people and for his cause. We may rest assured that Brother and Sister Woodruff are safe and happy, will obtain their rewards, and will be assigned to enter upon new and energetic missions. And what of those who are left behind? Ours to praise God, do our duties, deal justly with our fellows, and by faith and good works prepare to follow them. The four little children who are left orphans thus suddenly will doubtless be well cared for, but the thought of their loss and loneliness awakens in our hearts the tenderest emotions —emotions that may be satisfied by the performance of kind acts to any child who may be within our reach, and who is in lack of companionship and sympathy. — Edward H. Anderson. We are confident that every young man in the Church will join the General Board in the sentiments expressed in the resolutions which follow, and which were neatly engrossed in book form, bound, lettered, and presented to the family: Resolutions in memory of Abraham Owen Woodruff, passed by the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, Salt Lake City, June 26, 1904. In the providences of the Almighty, we are called upon to deeply mourn the departure from this life of our beloved brother and associate, Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff, who died in the city of El Paso, Texas, Monday, June 20, 1904, but two weeks after the decease of his beloved wife. Elder Woodruff was born on his father's farm, in the southern suburb of Salt Lake City, November 23, 1872, and spent his childhood and early youth in the dutiful performance of a boy's work around the farm, and in attending school. He was further educated in the Latter-day Saints' College, and then entered upon a commercial life in the employ of a local bank. At the age of twenty-one, he was called to go upon a mission to Germany. He spent over two years in this field, in great faithfulness and fidelity, administering to the salvation of his fellow-men; and himself acquiring a profound knowledge and testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Returning from this mission, he became intimately acquainted with the affairs of his father, President Wilford Woodruff, and was his closest confidant and friend during his latter days. Under his father's hand, and to the infinite delight of his father's heart, he was ordained, on the 7th day of October, 1896, one of the Twelve Apostles of the Church. In his zealous discharge of the various and important duties of this high office he gave his whole life, in constant devotion and untiring activity. He became associated with the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations December 22, 1897, and he was a most active and energetic officer, and an inspiration of activity and energy in others. In contemplating the almost faultless life, the devotion to honor and duty, the energetic, intelligent industry, the cheerfulness and sincerity of his friendship, the purity and friendship of his domestic life, the perfect faith in and devoted love of God and his fellow men, which were his characteristics; It is Resolved, by the Superintendency and General Board, in behalf of themselves and the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world; That we recognize and commend the life of Elder Abraham Owen Woodruff as the perfect example of what a young man's life should be; That we mourn his absence, but submit in sadness to the Divine Providence that has bereft his family of a father and mother, in so short a time, and under such unusual and trying circumstances; That we weep with his aged mother and little children, and all his kindred, and appeal to the Author of our being for solace and comfort unto them; That we mourn with the Church in the departure of one whose labors were incessant, exemplary, most zealous and useful; That we seek to know the mind and will of the Lord in our sorrow, and to acknowledge his wisdom in our bereavement. I first became acquainted with Abraham Owen Woodruff when he entered the Latter-day Saints' College as a student, at about the age of fifteen years. From that time until his death I had the pleasure of being intimately associated with him in different capacities, and of becoming thoroughly familiar with his traits of character. If I were asked to name the most prominent of these traits, I should say it was his thorough sincerity. Neither in his student days, nor in later life, did he display the fascinating but often disappointing quality known as brilliance. This fact seemed to be a source of regret to him in the latter part of his life; for whenever he met me and we entered into conversation, he almost invariably apologized for the trouble he must have caused me by his slowness as a student. The apology was needless, but he was always sincere in making it. In his boyhood and in his manhood, Brother Woodruff manifested the qualities of integrity, diligence and faithfulness, all of which were the direct outgrowth of his sincerity. In the absence of these, brilliance, the lack of which he so much deplored, counts for very little. Indeed, it acts as a foil against which defects of character become painfully conspicuous. It has been said that sincere friendship is one of the most precious gifts vouchsafed to mortal man, because it is disinterested. In the other relationships of life, self-interest is a prominent element. But friendship, if it is pure and sincere, is based not upon self-interest, but on unselfish love. Therein, sincerity is the strongest element. This quality made Brother Woodruff the most faithful of friends. His was an affectionate disposition. He was loving and lovable. The ice of reserve always melted before the warmth of his nature. He was like a brother to all his associates. In whatever relationship of business or social life he stood to them, they knew him first and foremost as a friend. In the Big Horn colony, that feeling of love for him was most intense. Not only because he was their leader and temporal and spiritual adviser did the people of the Big Horn Basin love him, but also and chiefly because he was to each one of them a friend and counselor. Steadfastness and sincerity characterized his work in those colonies, as in all other fields in which he labored. In the home, in the mission field, in the councils of the Church, and in his social life, he was wise, industrious, an able executive, a moral, upright, honest man. We recognized these traits in him, and admired and loved him for them. But each one who knew him will think of him most from another standpoint, and in another capacity: and will say with tears of joy that temper the grief felt at his departure, "He was my friend!" —Willard Done. |
ABRAHAM OWEN WOODRUFF
Born November 23, 1872; died June 20, 1904. |
Abraham O. Woodruff
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them…”
-Proverbs 11:3
-Proverbs 11:3
Ordained: 7 October 1897 at age 24 by Wilford Woodruff
Biography
Abraham Owen Woodruff (affectionately known as Owen) was born 23 November 1872 just south of Salt Lake City. His parents were Church President Wilford Woodruff and Emma Smith (no relation to the extended family of Joseph Smith). He was named after Abraham O. Smoot, then-president of the Utah Stake and mayor of Provo, Utah. One of his earliest memories was attending the funeral of Brigham Young at the age of four and a half.
Of his early life, Owen said, "I am indebted for my belief in the efficacy or power of prayer to the fact that I was taught to pray at my mother's knee and that my parents were strict in remembering the Lord night and morning in our home." (Woodruff, The Importance of Family Devotions 1901, 747)
He showed himself industrious and creative at a young age when he picked watercress and sold it at the market to supply himself with pocket money. At the age of ten he began working herding cows for pay.
At fifteen, Owen entered the Latter-Day Saints' College, graduating at 18. Following his graduation, he put his natural sense for handling money to work and began his career in a bank, first as a collector and next as assistant bookkeeper.
Owen often acknowledged his shortcomings as a student. He longed to be brilliant, but had to satisfy himself with an average mind. He was known to have apologized to his previous instructors at the Latter-Day Saints' College for his lack of brilliance.
In 1893, at the age of 21, Owen received a call to serve as a missionary in the Swiss-German Mission. Despite his father's illness at the time, he accepted the call.
His first area was to Frankfurt-am-Main without a companion where he opened the area to missionary work. His first task was to master the language. He lived with a kind family and learned a great deal of the language from the children. He spent two hours every morning in language study, distributed tracts during the day and held meetings in the evenings. At first he was laughed at because of his poor German grammar, but he persisted and he was able to acquire the language in a surprisingly short time.
Finally, five months later, he was sent a companion and the two of them organized a branch of the Church in Frankfurt. A couple months after that, Owen was called to the presidency of the Dresden branch. His area of labor extended quite far, from Hannover into modern-day Poland. The persecution of the government officials in Germany was such that the Elders had to dress as peasants during day and work alongside the villagers for fear of being banished, holding meetings in members' homes in the evenings.
Despite the difficulties attending his mission, Elder Woodruff took heart in the prayers of his family back home. He related:
Once, while upon my mission, I had a little experience which pleased me very much, in receiving a letter from a sister of mine who resides in this [Salt Lake] city. She said that during the time that she was writing the letter, her son, then a little over two years old, came to her knee and asked where his uncle was. She replied, "upon a mission." He said, "a mission is a long time, isn't it?" She replied, "It will be two or three years." He says, "well, write uncle in the letter that I pray for him." This knowledge that I had of the prayer of this little child, and all the prayers of my relatives and dear friends at home, in my behalf, was a greater support to me than almost anything, any knowledge that I had except the knowledge that Jesus was the Christ. I knew that the prayers of those innocent children would be heard. (Woodruff 1897, 56-57)
He was granted a short furlough from missionary work while in Europe and was able to visit all of the greatest European cities before resuming his mission, and eventually returning home to his beloved Salt Lake City. He reached Utah in 1896 and resumed his job at the bank. He married Helen May Winters 30 June 1896, sister of Augusta Grant, who was the wife of future Church President, Heber J. Grant.
Owen loved the home he and his wife established together. He said, “I love the little piece of land I occupy, which was a part of my father's homestead, and I have covenanted with the Lord and with myself that I will never part with that…” (Woodruff 1902, 34)
The following October, he was called to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was ordained by his father 7 October 1897,[a] with whom he shared a strong emotional bond. He was called at the same time as Elder Matthias F. Cowley, both of whom had had a prophecy regarding their calls to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Newly-called Elder Abraham O. Woodruff related:
As Brother Cowley says that this day a prophecy was fulfilled which was uttered some years ago by one of the Apostles present today, I can indeed say the same as being fulfilled in my case. My father intimated as much to me something over three years ago, while I was upon a mission to Switzerland, Germany and Austria, although I have never mentioned this matter to a living soul. He told me that that was the mind and will of God concerning me at that time. (Woodruff 1897, 45)
He also felt very humbled to be called as an Apostle.
My Father in Heaven is a witness that I have never sought or desired any prominence in this world, but have rather desired to lead a quiet life, thinking myself not worthy to be anything but the least in the kingdom of God. And I know not why I should have been called to this position, were it not that I am the least, or have cause to be the most humble among you all. (Woodruff 1897, 45)
On 22 December 1897, he became a member of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement General Board and was described as a "most active and energetic officer, and an inspiration of activity and energy in others." (Anderson and Done 1904, 745)
One of the first tasks he was given as an Apostle was to oversee the colonization of the Big Horn country in northern Wyoming. In fact, he spent the majority of his time as an Apostle in building up the colonies of the Church.
My labors during the last year have chiefly been among the people in the outlying Stakes. I have visited our settlements in Canada, in Arizona, in Mexico, and in southern Utah, and I can say we have in these Stakes a good people, a God-fearing people, a people who are willing to receive the counsels which God has for them through His mouthpiece. …they are among the most faithful people to be found in this Church today. (Woodruff 1899, 6)
He married Eliza Avery Clark on 1 November 1900 as a post-Manifesto plural wife.
He felt very fortunate to see the Lord’s blessings to the people of Big Horn, Wyoming. In 1901, he told of an experience he had had there where the people were suffering from lack of funds and were having a great deal of trouble finding remunerative employment. He described the following as an answer to the people's prayers.
The way in which the Lord answered us was most marvelous. In the afternoon of that day we went out to locate a townsite, and just after we had attended to this labor and were about to return to our camp, the chief engineer of the Burlington system met us and said he would like to contract more with our people. He told us we could have the option on a very large piece of work on the road. We felt that the Lord had sent him there to furnish the people employment, and after conferring with the brethren we accepted the proposition, and during the next ten months our people earned something over $96,000. (Woodruff 1901, 12-13)
While serving in the Big Horn Basin, Elder Woodruff befriended a man who had fallen away from the Church. The man returned to church and gave up his bad habits except one: profanity. Then at one point, Elder Woodruff asked this man if he could borrow his horses for a few days to work on the canal. When he returned the horses to the owner, Elder Woodruff said, "I've driven them three days. They've worked fine, and they haven't heard a word f profanity." The man responded, "And they never will again from me." He was later known as one of the best bishops in the area in which he lived. (Cannon 1904, 297-298) This shows Elder Woodruff's gentle manner of calling people to repentance.
During his apostleship, Elder Woodruff was constantly traveling among the people. So much so, that his wife, Helen, once said, "I count the days for his return, but I am always counting!" (Anderson and Done 1904, 743)
He loved his home and spent as much time as possible in his own home. Once while traveling to a distant conference, Elder Woodruff returned to Salt Lake City between one and two in the morning. It was suggested that the group stay at a hotel for the rest of the night instead of pressing forward to return him that night. Elder Woodruff said:
Stay at a hotel! when so near home? No, indeed! When I get home, Helen and I will have something to eat, a chat and then to sleep. In the morning little feet will patter across the floor and little voices say, "Papa home?" Then mamma will say, "Don't disturb papa yet. He's tired. Let him sleep." In a little while they will come again, "Papa, ain't you waking yet?" No, indeed! I'll telephone Helen first. Then we'll ride home with you. (Cannon 1904, 299)
Following the April 1904 General Conference, Elder Woodruff was asked to go to Mexico and visit the colonies and members there. This he did, this time accompanied by his wife, Helen, and their four children. Sister Woodruff contracted smallpox there and Elder Woodruff nursed her during the illness that eventually took her life on 7 June 1904. Two weeks later, despite receiving excellent medical care, Elder Abraham O. Woodruff died of the same ailment on 20 June 1904. The deaths of the two of them so suddenly and close together left their four young children orphans, the oldest of which was 4, the youngest only 7 months. His second wife had remained at home, presumably because of the recent birth of their daughter, who was only two months old.
Quotes
Elder Abraham O. Woodruff had a relaxed speaking style that made everyone feel at ease when he spoke. Even when censuring the Saints for some neglect, he was able to build them up at the same time. He made it clear that he didn’t expect anything from them that he didn’t expect from himself.
At the time of his call to the Quorum of the Twelve, he pledged to the Saints to serve them with all his ability.
This is my greatest desire, and that I may be true and faithful, and useful in doing good, proclaiming the word of God, sustaining the authorities of the Church, and in looking out for your general welfare. May God give me this power; and if so, I will covenant—if He will give me strength, to overcome my weaknesses and to resist the evil of this world. I do covenant with you, as I have done with my God and do now with my God, that I will seek with all the power which He will give me and which He has given me, to be a faithful servant unto you, and to dedicate my life and all the energies which God has given me to the building up of His kingdom and to the proclaiming of His word. (Woodruff 1897, 45)
He already had the most important characteristic of a special witness of Christ. He had a strong testimony and he loved to share it.
I feel very thankful to the Lord for a testimony of the divinity of this work, for a knowledge that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, and that Joseph Smith was divinely commissioned of our Heavenly Father to establish this work, which has attracted the attention and the interest, either for or against it, of so many people. (Woodruff 1904, 34)
I love the work in which we are engaged. I have faith in it and in its final outcome. I believe in God the Eternal Father, and I know that we are able to approach Him. In His loving kindness He is mindful of us. We have access to Him, and He answers our prayers. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, and that this is His work, and that it will come out triumphant. I thank God that I have faith in the leaders of this people. I have faith and confidence in Joseph F. Smith, the man who stands at the head of this Church; I know him to be inspired of God. The Lord is with him, and with the help of God I want to follow his leadership, observe his counsels, and do the will of the Father as it shall be expressed through him. (Woodruff 1904, 37)
However, he didn’t have the natural boldness of some. He had some difficulty in speaking before the Church.
I feel a natural spirit of timidity in standing before this vast congregation, but I have an unshaken confidence in God, and I know that by His help and the aid and the sympathy and prayers of my brethren and sisters, I may be able to say something that will be of benefit to the Latter-day Saints who have gathered here in this conference for the purpose of being fed with the bread of everlasting life. (Woodruff 1902, 30)
He also expressed his reliance on the Lord to give him the words that he needed to speak.
I have no other desire in standing before you than to give you that which the Lord may reveal unto me, and I desire to so live that whenever I am called upon to occupy a position of this kind, the Lord may be pleased to favor me with His Holy Spirit, that I may not be left to depend upon the wisdom of man. (Woodruff 1900, 36)
However, he also felt strongly about the virtue of punctuality.
I tried to handle a subject this morning in five minutes, and there are about two minutes left this afternoon. I wish to say just a few words, and I will try to get through in time for us to get out of here by 4 o'clock. I not only believe in beginning our meetings on time, but in quitting on time as well. (Woodruff 1902, 48)
The family was a topic that was very important to him. He also believed in plural marriage and the responsibility to rear children in light and truth.
Those who fought the system of plural marriage in years gone by were people who were, as a rule, opposed to the large families of the Latter-day Saints, and took steps themselves to prevent spirits coming to them to be tabernacled, in some cases going so far as to be guilty of murdering the unborn innocents. Upon such the curse of God will rest. … Thank God for posterity. Thank God for the large families of the Latter-day Saints. I wish that we had millions more of them today, and that the world were full of this class of people, who fear God and who desire to serve Him and keep His commandments, and whose sons and daughters are reared in the principles of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Woodruff 1900, 39-40)
He also felt that children were inherently honest. He taught parents:
I also think it is not a good thing for the Latter-day Saint parents to doubt the integrity or honesty of their children. Personally, I cannot conceive of anything that could have shaken my faith more in my parents or associates, when a boy, than to have had them ask me something regarding myself, or regarding anything, and then have them doubt my answer. I believe it would be better for the parents to enquire of their sons and daughters in regard to their habits, and, in nine cases out of ten, they will tell you the truth. (Woodruff 1902, 78-79)
Of Abraham O. Woodruff, it was said:
The strongest qualities of the Woodruff family are, perhaps, natural honesty, child-like simplicity, implicit faith in God, and a due reverence for just and holy men. These very estimable qualities, combined with a gift of industriousness, and a total absence of ostentation, are the splendid endowments which Apostle Woodruff possesses in high degree. These qualities, under a wise and tender mother's training, in his earlier years, and the powerful influence of a true father, in later years, constitute the agencies which formed his character, and determined his high course in life. (Morris 1900, 771)
Ironically, however, the author of the article also said:
It is altogether too early to write his life, as it has only just begun. It is pleasing to contemplate, however, that, like a vessel that has left its moorings, with sails spread and full and bending to the wind, we see him well on in his splendid career. Along the pathway of safe and honest purpose, will he, too, speed on, guided by true principle and impelled by a high sense of duty. (Morris 1900, 772)
This was published less than four years before his unexpected death.
On the occasion of his death, The Improvement Era said this about him.
There was a simplicity and kindness about Brother Woodruff that won men to him. There was a willingness to do that made him a leader whom men would readily follow; and in his nature was the touch of sympathy that won all classes to his bidding. He was active as a colonizer, and possessed that broad nature so predominant in the pioneer. His speech, clear, simple, logical and deliberate, was like soothing music to the irritable, and it ofttime humor turned anger into jovial pleasantry. … He minced no words where chastisement was due, but when repentance came to the heart of the chastened, he was first to sooth with words of love and acts of consideration. The characteristic spirituality, the unparalleled energy, and the trusting faith of his revered father, had received lodgment in his heart, and well may the youth of Israel weep when we think of what might have been, if these had found full fruition in mature manhood, instead of being cut short in the very budding. (Anderson and Done 1904, 743)
After his premature death, the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association General Board said of him, “…we recognize and commend the life of Elder Abraham Owen Woodruff as the perfect example of what a young man's life should be…” (Anderson and Done 1904, 745)
Conclusion
What kind of man was Elder Abraham O. Woodruff? He was a simple, sincere person. He stood up for correct principles and had learned so much about people and about the gospel at such a young age, that his mission in life was fulfilled at age 31. Undoubtedly, he would have continued to work as diligently and as faithfully had he lived to be 100.
He had a special bond with the young people, being so young himself. He censured in such a way that the one censured still loved him as much afterward as before. He had a personable way about him that drew people to him. He was kind and compassionate and loved his home and family. He refused to allow anyone else to nurse his wife when she developed small pox. He was truly wise and kind beyond his years.
Anderson, Edward H., and Willard Done. 1904. "In Memoriam." The Improvement Era, August: 743-746.
Cannon, Ann M. 1904. "Abraham Owen Woodruff." The Young Woman's Journal, July: 296-299.
Jenson, Andrew. 1901. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1920. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1914. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company.
Morris, Nephi L. 1900. "Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Abraham Owen Woodruff." The Juvenile Instructor, December 1: 769-772.
The Juvenile Instructor. 1904. "The Death of Apostle Woodruff." July 15: 433-434.
Woodruff, Abraham O. 1899. Sixty-Ninth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 5-8; 56-57.
—. 1900. Seventieth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 36-40.
—. 1902. Seventy-Second Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 30-35; 78-79.
—. 1904. Seventy-Fourth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 34-37.
—. 1897. Sixty-Eighth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Deseret News Publishing Company. 45; 56-58.
—. 1901. Seventy-Second Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 11-14; 53-55.
—. 1902. Seventy-Third Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 32-34; 48-49.
—. 1901. "The Importance of Family Devotions." The Juvenile Instructor, December 15: 747-748.
[a] Sometimes mistakenly listed as 1896, all sources have been reviewed and the most compelling evidence that 1897 was truly the correct date was a review of the Conference Reports, where it is clear that he wasn't sustained for the first time until October 1897, when he also gave his first Conference address.
Biography
Abraham Owen Woodruff (affectionately known as Owen) was born 23 November 1872 just south of Salt Lake City. His parents were Church President Wilford Woodruff and Emma Smith (no relation to the extended family of Joseph Smith). He was named after Abraham O. Smoot, then-president of the Utah Stake and mayor of Provo, Utah. One of his earliest memories was attending the funeral of Brigham Young at the age of four and a half.
Of his early life, Owen said, "I am indebted for my belief in the efficacy or power of prayer to the fact that I was taught to pray at my mother's knee and that my parents were strict in remembering the Lord night and morning in our home." (Woodruff, The Importance of Family Devotions 1901, 747)
He showed himself industrious and creative at a young age when he picked watercress and sold it at the market to supply himself with pocket money. At the age of ten he began working herding cows for pay.
At fifteen, Owen entered the Latter-Day Saints' College, graduating at 18. Following his graduation, he put his natural sense for handling money to work and began his career in a bank, first as a collector and next as assistant bookkeeper.
Owen often acknowledged his shortcomings as a student. He longed to be brilliant, but had to satisfy himself with an average mind. He was known to have apologized to his previous instructors at the Latter-Day Saints' College for his lack of brilliance.
In 1893, at the age of 21, Owen received a call to serve as a missionary in the Swiss-German Mission. Despite his father's illness at the time, he accepted the call.
His first area was to Frankfurt-am-Main without a companion where he opened the area to missionary work. His first task was to master the language. He lived with a kind family and learned a great deal of the language from the children. He spent two hours every morning in language study, distributed tracts during the day and held meetings in the evenings. At first he was laughed at because of his poor German grammar, but he persisted and he was able to acquire the language in a surprisingly short time.
Finally, five months later, he was sent a companion and the two of them organized a branch of the Church in Frankfurt. A couple months after that, Owen was called to the presidency of the Dresden branch. His area of labor extended quite far, from Hannover into modern-day Poland. The persecution of the government officials in Germany was such that the Elders had to dress as peasants during day and work alongside the villagers for fear of being banished, holding meetings in members' homes in the evenings.
Despite the difficulties attending his mission, Elder Woodruff took heart in the prayers of his family back home. He related:
Once, while upon my mission, I had a little experience which pleased me very much, in receiving a letter from a sister of mine who resides in this [Salt Lake] city. She said that during the time that she was writing the letter, her son, then a little over two years old, came to her knee and asked where his uncle was. She replied, "upon a mission." He said, "a mission is a long time, isn't it?" She replied, "It will be two or three years." He says, "well, write uncle in the letter that I pray for him." This knowledge that I had of the prayer of this little child, and all the prayers of my relatives and dear friends at home, in my behalf, was a greater support to me than almost anything, any knowledge that I had except the knowledge that Jesus was the Christ. I knew that the prayers of those innocent children would be heard. (Woodruff 1897, 56-57)
He was granted a short furlough from missionary work while in Europe and was able to visit all of the greatest European cities before resuming his mission, and eventually returning home to his beloved Salt Lake City. He reached Utah in 1896 and resumed his job at the bank. He married Helen May Winters 30 June 1896, sister of Augusta Grant, who was the wife of future Church President, Heber J. Grant.
Owen loved the home he and his wife established together. He said, “I love the little piece of land I occupy, which was a part of my father's homestead, and I have covenanted with the Lord and with myself that I will never part with that…” (Woodruff 1902, 34)
The following October, he was called to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was ordained by his father 7 October 1897,[a] with whom he shared a strong emotional bond. He was called at the same time as Elder Matthias F. Cowley, both of whom had had a prophecy regarding their calls to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Newly-called Elder Abraham O. Woodruff related:
As Brother Cowley says that this day a prophecy was fulfilled which was uttered some years ago by one of the Apostles present today, I can indeed say the same as being fulfilled in my case. My father intimated as much to me something over three years ago, while I was upon a mission to Switzerland, Germany and Austria, although I have never mentioned this matter to a living soul. He told me that that was the mind and will of God concerning me at that time. (Woodruff 1897, 45)
He also felt very humbled to be called as an Apostle.
My Father in Heaven is a witness that I have never sought or desired any prominence in this world, but have rather desired to lead a quiet life, thinking myself not worthy to be anything but the least in the kingdom of God. And I know not why I should have been called to this position, were it not that I am the least, or have cause to be the most humble among you all. (Woodruff 1897, 45)
On 22 December 1897, he became a member of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement General Board and was described as a "most active and energetic officer, and an inspiration of activity and energy in others." (Anderson and Done 1904, 745)
One of the first tasks he was given as an Apostle was to oversee the colonization of the Big Horn country in northern Wyoming. In fact, he spent the majority of his time as an Apostle in building up the colonies of the Church.
My labors during the last year have chiefly been among the people in the outlying Stakes. I have visited our settlements in Canada, in Arizona, in Mexico, and in southern Utah, and I can say we have in these Stakes a good people, a God-fearing people, a people who are willing to receive the counsels which God has for them through His mouthpiece. …they are among the most faithful people to be found in this Church today. (Woodruff 1899, 6)
He married Eliza Avery Clark on 1 November 1900 as a post-Manifesto plural wife.
He felt very fortunate to see the Lord’s blessings to the people of Big Horn, Wyoming. In 1901, he told of an experience he had had there where the people were suffering from lack of funds and were having a great deal of trouble finding remunerative employment. He described the following as an answer to the people's prayers.
The way in which the Lord answered us was most marvelous. In the afternoon of that day we went out to locate a townsite, and just after we had attended to this labor and were about to return to our camp, the chief engineer of the Burlington system met us and said he would like to contract more with our people. He told us we could have the option on a very large piece of work on the road. We felt that the Lord had sent him there to furnish the people employment, and after conferring with the brethren we accepted the proposition, and during the next ten months our people earned something over $96,000. (Woodruff 1901, 12-13)
While serving in the Big Horn Basin, Elder Woodruff befriended a man who had fallen away from the Church. The man returned to church and gave up his bad habits except one: profanity. Then at one point, Elder Woodruff asked this man if he could borrow his horses for a few days to work on the canal. When he returned the horses to the owner, Elder Woodruff said, "I've driven them three days. They've worked fine, and they haven't heard a word f profanity." The man responded, "And they never will again from me." He was later known as one of the best bishops in the area in which he lived. (Cannon 1904, 297-298) This shows Elder Woodruff's gentle manner of calling people to repentance.
During his apostleship, Elder Woodruff was constantly traveling among the people. So much so, that his wife, Helen, once said, "I count the days for his return, but I am always counting!" (Anderson and Done 1904, 743)
He loved his home and spent as much time as possible in his own home. Once while traveling to a distant conference, Elder Woodruff returned to Salt Lake City between one and two in the morning. It was suggested that the group stay at a hotel for the rest of the night instead of pressing forward to return him that night. Elder Woodruff said:
Stay at a hotel! when so near home? No, indeed! When I get home, Helen and I will have something to eat, a chat and then to sleep. In the morning little feet will patter across the floor and little voices say, "Papa home?" Then mamma will say, "Don't disturb papa yet. He's tired. Let him sleep." In a little while they will come again, "Papa, ain't you waking yet?" No, indeed! I'll telephone Helen first. Then we'll ride home with you. (Cannon 1904, 299)
Following the April 1904 General Conference, Elder Woodruff was asked to go to Mexico and visit the colonies and members there. This he did, this time accompanied by his wife, Helen, and their four children. Sister Woodruff contracted smallpox there and Elder Woodruff nursed her during the illness that eventually took her life on 7 June 1904. Two weeks later, despite receiving excellent medical care, Elder Abraham O. Woodruff died of the same ailment on 20 June 1904. The deaths of the two of them so suddenly and close together left their four young children orphans, the oldest of which was 4, the youngest only 7 months. His second wife had remained at home, presumably because of the recent birth of their daughter, who was only two months old.
Quotes
Elder Abraham O. Woodruff had a relaxed speaking style that made everyone feel at ease when he spoke. Even when censuring the Saints for some neglect, he was able to build them up at the same time. He made it clear that he didn’t expect anything from them that he didn’t expect from himself.
At the time of his call to the Quorum of the Twelve, he pledged to the Saints to serve them with all his ability.
This is my greatest desire, and that I may be true and faithful, and useful in doing good, proclaiming the word of God, sustaining the authorities of the Church, and in looking out for your general welfare. May God give me this power; and if so, I will covenant—if He will give me strength, to overcome my weaknesses and to resist the evil of this world. I do covenant with you, as I have done with my God and do now with my God, that I will seek with all the power which He will give me and which He has given me, to be a faithful servant unto you, and to dedicate my life and all the energies which God has given me to the building up of His kingdom and to the proclaiming of His word. (Woodruff 1897, 45)
He already had the most important characteristic of a special witness of Christ. He had a strong testimony and he loved to share it.
I feel very thankful to the Lord for a testimony of the divinity of this work, for a knowledge that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, and that Joseph Smith was divinely commissioned of our Heavenly Father to establish this work, which has attracted the attention and the interest, either for or against it, of so many people. (Woodruff 1904, 34)
I love the work in which we are engaged. I have faith in it and in its final outcome. I believe in God the Eternal Father, and I know that we are able to approach Him. In His loving kindness He is mindful of us. We have access to Him, and He answers our prayers. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, and that this is His work, and that it will come out triumphant. I thank God that I have faith in the leaders of this people. I have faith and confidence in Joseph F. Smith, the man who stands at the head of this Church; I know him to be inspired of God. The Lord is with him, and with the help of God I want to follow his leadership, observe his counsels, and do the will of the Father as it shall be expressed through him. (Woodruff 1904, 37)
However, he didn’t have the natural boldness of some. He had some difficulty in speaking before the Church.
I feel a natural spirit of timidity in standing before this vast congregation, but I have an unshaken confidence in God, and I know that by His help and the aid and the sympathy and prayers of my brethren and sisters, I may be able to say something that will be of benefit to the Latter-day Saints who have gathered here in this conference for the purpose of being fed with the bread of everlasting life. (Woodruff 1902, 30)
He also expressed his reliance on the Lord to give him the words that he needed to speak.
I have no other desire in standing before you than to give you that which the Lord may reveal unto me, and I desire to so live that whenever I am called upon to occupy a position of this kind, the Lord may be pleased to favor me with His Holy Spirit, that I may not be left to depend upon the wisdom of man. (Woodruff 1900, 36)
However, he also felt strongly about the virtue of punctuality.
I tried to handle a subject this morning in five minutes, and there are about two minutes left this afternoon. I wish to say just a few words, and I will try to get through in time for us to get out of here by 4 o'clock. I not only believe in beginning our meetings on time, but in quitting on time as well. (Woodruff 1902, 48)
The family was a topic that was very important to him. He also believed in plural marriage and the responsibility to rear children in light and truth.
Those who fought the system of plural marriage in years gone by were people who were, as a rule, opposed to the large families of the Latter-day Saints, and took steps themselves to prevent spirits coming to them to be tabernacled, in some cases going so far as to be guilty of murdering the unborn innocents. Upon such the curse of God will rest. … Thank God for posterity. Thank God for the large families of the Latter-day Saints. I wish that we had millions more of them today, and that the world were full of this class of people, who fear God and who desire to serve Him and keep His commandments, and whose sons and daughters are reared in the principles of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Woodruff 1900, 39-40)
He also felt that children were inherently honest. He taught parents:
I also think it is not a good thing for the Latter-day Saint parents to doubt the integrity or honesty of their children. Personally, I cannot conceive of anything that could have shaken my faith more in my parents or associates, when a boy, than to have had them ask me something regarding myself, or regarding anything, and then have them doubt my answer. I believe it would be better for the parents to enquire of their sons and daughters in regard to their habits, and, in nine cases out of ten, they will tell you the truth. (Woodruff 1902, 78-79)
Of Abraham O. Woodruff, it was said:
The strongest qualities of the Woodruff family are, perhaps, natural honesty, child-like simplicity, implicit faith in God, and a due reverence for just and holy men. These very estimable qualities, combined with a gift of industriousness, and a total absence of ostentation, are the splendid endowments which Apostle Woodruff possesses in high degree. These qualities, under a wise and tender mother's training, in his earlier years, and the powerful influence of a true father, in later years, constitute the agencies which formed his character, and determined his high course in life. (Morris 1900, 771)
Ironically, however, the author of the article also said:
It is altogether too early to write his life, as it has only just begun. It is pleasing to contemplate, however, that, like a vessel that has left its moorings, with sails spread and full and bending to the wind, we see him well on in his splendid career. Along the pathway of safe and honest purpose, will he, too, speed on, guided by true principle and impelled by a high sense of duty. (Morris 1900, 772)
This was published less than four years before his unexpected death.
On the occasion of his death, The Improvement Era said this about him.
There was a simplicity and kindness about Brother Woodruff that won men to him. There was a willingness to do that made him a leader whom men would readily follow; and in his nature was the touch of sympathy that won all classes to his bidding. He was active as a colonizer, and possessed that broad nature so predominant in the pioneer. His speech, clear, simple, logical and deliberate, was like soothing music to the irritable, and it ofttime humor turned anger into jovial pleasantry. … He minced no words where chastisement was due, but when repentance came to the heart of the chastened, he was first to sooth with words of love and acts of consideration. The characteristic spirituality, the unparalleled energy, and the trusting faith of his revered father, had received lodgment in his heart, and well may the youth of Israel weep when we think of what might have been, if these had found full fruition in mature manhood, instead of being cut short in the very budding. (Anderson and Done 1904, 743)
After his premature death, the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association General Board said of him, “…we recognize and commend the life of Elder Abraham Owen Woodruff as the perfect example of what a young man's life should be…” (Anderson and Done 1904, 745)
Conclusion
What kind of man was Elder Abraham O. Woodruff? He was a simple, sincere person. He stood up for correct principles and had learned so much about people and about the gospel at such a young age, that his mission in life was fulfilled at age 31. Undoubtedly, he would have continued to work as diligently and as faithfully had he lived to be 100.
He had a special bond with the young people, being so young himself. He censured in such a way that the one censured still loved him as much afterward as before. He had a personable way about him that drew people to him. He was kind and compassionate and loved his home and family. He refused to allow anyone else to nurse his wife when she developed small pox. He was truly wise and kind beyond his years.
Anderson, Edward H., and Willard Done. 1904. "In Memoriam." The Improvement Era, August: 743-746.
Cannon, Ann M. 1904. "Abraham Owen Woodruff." The Young Woman's Journal, July: 296-299.
Jenson, Andrew. 1901. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1920. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
—. 1914. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company.
Morris, Nephi L. 1900. "Lives of Our Leaders--The Apostles. Abraham Owen Woodruff." The Juvenile Instructor, December 1: 769-772.
The Juvenile Instructor. 1904. "The Death of Apostle Woodruff." July 15: 433-434.
Woodruff, Abraham O. 1899. Sixty-Ninth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 5-8; 56-57.
—. 1900. Seventieth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 36-40.
—. 1902. Seventy-Second Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 30-35; 78-79.
—. 1904. Seventy-Fourth Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 34-37.
—. 1897. Sixty-Eighth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Deseret News Publishing Company. 45; 56-58.
—. 1901. Seventy-Second Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 11-14; 53-55.
—. 1902. Seventy-Third Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Deseret News. 32-34; 48-49.
—. 1901. "The Importance of Family Devotions." The Juvenile Instructor, December 15: 747-748.
[a] Sometimes mistakenly listed as 1896, all sources have been reviewed and the most compelling evidence that 1897 was truly the correct date was a review of the Conference Reports, where it is clear that he wasn't sustained for the first time until October 1897, when he also gave his first Conference address.