Adams County Wisconsin Genealogy

Source: Adams County Times, May 30, 1930, Page 1

Mrs. Mary Woodruff is Laid to Rest in Quincy

Mrs. Mary H. Woodruff passed away at her home in Quincy, Wisconsin, Thursday, May 22, 1930, after an illness of about 8 months. Her faculties were wonderfully alert and she remained mentally active, despite the infirmities of illness and age.

Mary H. Hadlock was born in the state of New Hampshire, Sept. 12, 1838. She came with her parents to Quincy, Wis., when about 12 years old. In her nineteenth year she was united in marriage to Samuel H. Chase, who died while serving in the Civil War. To this union were born four children: Alvin J., George W., Samuel H. and Josephine, the latter of whom preceded her mother in death.

In 1867, she was united in marriage to Martin R. Woodruff, who preceded her in death 16 years ago. Four children were born to this marriage: Alice M., Anna R., Winthrop and Amanda. Amanda died in infancy. Mrs. Woodruff was, at the time of her death, 92 years, 8 months and 10 days old. Her husband had cared for her tenderly until he was called from his happy home, and her devoted children have since cared for her, leaving nothing undone to make her comfortable during her illness. No attention was too small and nothing was too great. She had a large circle of friends, and to know her was to love her. She was very charitable to others' needs. Surely, there is much to comfort us all in her passing.

Mrs. Woodruff came from New Hampshire to Wisconsin some 80 years ago, when this state was still a territory, and lived at Quincy the remainder of he rlife. The journey here was made partway by canal boat and the rest of the way by ox team and covered wagon. Three white families were in Quincy when they arrived here, with many Indian wigwams scattered here and there. The aboriginals seemed friendly and there were not any disturbances whatever. Deer roamed in the forests and the call of the prairie chickens was a frequent sound which she delighted to hear.

Soon other settlers came in and a little Congregational church was organized in 1858. They met in a schoolhouse nearby, often at "early candlelight." A very interesting Sabbath school was held there which was enjoyed by young and old, and the nearby woods seemed almost to echo the words of the dear old hymns which they sang.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday May 25th. Rev. Mr. Davis of Kilbourn conducted the services and she was laid to rest in the Quincy cemetery, a large concourse of friends following the casket to the grave.

Mrs. Woodruff leaves to mourn her loss six children: Alvin J. Chase, George W. Chase, Samuel H. Chase, Mrs. Alice M. Austin, Anna R. Woodruff and Winthrop Woodruff; also many nieces and nephews.

"Yet again we hope to meet thee, When the day of life is fled,Then in heaven with joy to greet thee,Where no farewell tear is shed."

Those from a distance who attended the funeral included: Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Alwin of Baraboo; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Reich of Oconomowoc; Mr. and Mrs. John Austin of Mukwonago, Wis.; and C. W. Smith of Portage.