Charles Armijo Woodruff

Charles Armijo Woodruff
At Annapolis in 1906
Governor of American Samoa
In office
December 6, 1914 – March 1, 1915
Preceded byNathan Post
Succeeded byJohn Martin Poyer
Personal details
BornJanuary 12, 1884
Santa Fe, New Mexico
DiedNovember 23, 1945(1945-11-23) (aged 61)
Hotel Bossert, Brooklyn, New York City
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
OccupationShip captain
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy Seal United States Navy
Rank Commander
CommandsUSS 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 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]

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

  1. ^ a b "Lieutenant Charles Armijo Woodruff". Governors. Government of American Samoa. 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ United States Congressional Serial Set. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1912. p. 42. Retrieved 30 June 2010.