Charles Armijo Woodruff Explained

Charles Armijo Woodruff
Office:Governor of American Samoa
Term Start:December 6, 1914
Term End:March 1, 1915
Predecessor:Nathan Post
Successor:John Martin Poyer
Birth Date:January 12, 1884
Birth Place:Santa Fe, New Mexico
Death Place:Hotel Bossert, Brooklyn, New York City
Alma Mater:United States Naval Academy
Occupation:Ship captain
Allegiance: United States
Branch: United States Navy
Rank: Commander
Commands:USS Pampanga (PG-39)

Charles Armijo Woodruff (January 12, 1884  - November 23, 1945) was a United States Navy officer and the governor of American Samoa from December 6, 1914, to March 1, 1915. He captained multiple ships in both the Navy and the United States Merchant Marine. He served only briefly as governor, for a few months before ceding the office to John Martin Poyer.

Life

Woodruff was born on January 12, 1884, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the son of Charles Woodruff and Louise (Duff) Woodruff.[1] After leaving the United States Navy, Woodruff became a part of the United States Merchant Marine, captaining a ship. On November 23, 1945, Woodruff die by suicide by hanging in an apartment in Hotel Bossert, Brooklyn, New York City, using the venetian blinds cord in his room. A suicide note claimed he had killed himself because he had no means of making money and "missed his boat", and that suicide provided the "easiest way out".[2]

Naval career

Woodruff was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from Pennsylvania on September 24, 1902.[3] In 1906, he commanded the USS Pampanga (PG-39) as a Lieutenant (junior grade).[4] Woodruff retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander.[2]

Governorship

Woodruff relieved Nathan Post of the governor's office on December 6, 1914, serving until March 1, 1915.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lieutenant Charles Armijo Woodruff. Governors. Government of American Samoa. 30 June 2010. 2009.
  2. News: Ship Captain Ends Life: Despondent, He Hangs Himself in Room in a Brooklyn Hotel. The New York Times. 24 November 1945. The New York Times Company. New York City. 21.
  3. Book: List and station of the commissioned and warrant officers of the Navy of the United States: and of the Marine Corps, on the active list, and officers on the retired list employed on active duty. 1898. United States Government Printing Office. Charles Armijo Woodruff.. 30 June 2010. 48. Washington, D.C..
  4. Book: United States Congressional Serial Set. 1912. United States Government Printing Office. 30 June 2010. Washington, D.C.. 42. 6220.