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 died 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]
References
- ^ a b "Lieutenant Charles Armijo Woodruff". Governors. Government of American Samoa. 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b "Ship Captain Ends Life: Despondent, He Hangs Himself in Room in a Brooklyn Hotel". The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. 24 November 1945. p. 21.
- ^ 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. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1898. p. 48. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
Charles Armijo Woodruff.
- ^ United States Congressional Serial Set. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1912. p. 42. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
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