Nansemond County-Suffolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Woodward, Hersey Sr., 1932 

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HERSEY WOODWARD SR. 

HERSEY WOODWARD, SR., LONG PROMINENT SUFFOLK CIVIC LEADER, DIES AT AGE OF 77 

Had Served As Councilman Under Both Old and New City Governments 

   Suffolk, Nov. 10 - All Suffolk mourned today when the news of the sudden 
death of one of the best loved citizens of the community became known - that 
of Hersey Woodward, Sr., who succumbed to a heart attack shortly after 12 
o’clock at the home on North Main Street, aged 77 years.

   Mr. Woodward, who for the past 43 years had been teller at the Farmers’ 
Bank of Nansemond, and who was known to thousands of people in this city and 
community, was at his post stricken with an acute attack early this morning, 
and so desperate did his case appear, that his sons and daughter were summoned 
to his bedside.

   He rallied later, and hopes were entertained for his recovery, when he grew 
worse and the end came.

   Affectionately called by scores of his intimate friends "The Sage," Mr. 
Woodward was looked upon as an authority on Suffolk’s early history.  The 
encroaching years had not dimmed his brilliant mind, nor deadened his memory, 
which was regarded as remarkable.  He was the son of Richard Lafayette 
Woodward and Missouri Lassiter Woodward, and was born in the house in which he 
died, and in which five generations of Woodwards had been born.

Served City on Council 

   His early live in Suffolk was spent in the mercantile business, and in 1889 
he accepted the position of teller at the Farmer Bank of Nansemond, then 
housed in the little brick building on North Main Street, long since torn down.

   He was a member of the Suffolk City Council when that body became effective 
under the City Manager form of government, and was asked by a committee of 
citizens to serve.

   He was a member of a committee which interviewed four other leading Suffolk 
citizens and asked them so serve on this council under the new form of 
government.

   He served on this council as chairman of the finance committee, until the 
expiration of his second term, when he declined re-election.

   He was for many years teacher of the Twentieth Century Baraca Class of the 
Suffolk Christian Church, in which he had held membership for a long number of 
years, and served the church for years as treasurer.

   He also served for a term of years as treasurer of the Eastern Virginia 
Conference.

   He was for a half century and six years a member of the Suffolk Lodge No. 
30 A.F. & A.M., his half century mark as a member of this order having been 
celebrated several years ago with a banquet given in his honor by his fellow 
Masons.  He held membership in Hiram Lodge No. 340, A.F. & A.M.

   He also was a member of Mount Nebo Royal Arch Chapter No. 20, and of the 
Order of the Eastern Star, in which he served for several terms of office as 
worthy patron; of the Order of Pythians, in which he was charter member, and 
of the Order of Odd Fellows.

   He served as secretary of both Suffolk Lodge No. 30, A.F.& A.M. and of 
Mount Nebo Royal Arch Chapter NO. 20 for more than 35 years.

   He also was a charter member of Suffolk Lodge No. 685, B.P.O. Elks.

   Widely read, of rare qualities of mind and heart, possessing a fine sense 
of humor, of good judgment and of tolerance, and having dispensed charity in 
its best sense for many years, his loss in this city and community will be 
keenly felt.

   Surviving his are his wife, Mrs. Augusta Saunders Woodward; five sons, 
Hersey Woodward, Jr., postmaster at Suffolk; Richard L. Woodward of Goldsboro, 
N.C.; James S. Woodward of Phoebus; Marmaduke E. Woodward and Thomas L. 
Woodward, of Suffolk; a daughter, Miss Marie Woodward, of Franklin; one 
brother, Richard L. Woodward, of Suffolk, and one sister, Mrs. R.H. Rawles, of 
Suffolk; seven grandchildren, Jacob Woodward, University of Virginia; Miss 
Sara Woodward, of Suffolk; Richard Delves, Hume and John Woodward, of Suffolk; 
Saunders and Frank Woodward of Phoebus; two nephews, Rawles Woodward, of 
Suffolk, and John Woodward, of South America.

   Funeral services will be held at the Suffolk Christian Church Saturday 
afternoon at 3 o’clock, conducted by the Rev. H.S. Hardcastle, pastor, and the 
Rev. Dr. H.J. Goodwin, pastor of the First Baptist Church, and the Rev. H.N. 
Tucker, rector of St. Paul’s P.E. Church.

   Interment will be made with Masonic rites at the grave in Cedar Hill 
Cemetery.

   Members of both Suffolk Lodge No. 30, A.F. & A.M., and Hiram Lodge No. 340, 
A.F. & A.M., will be in charge.

   Members of Suffolk Lodge No. 685, B.P.O. Elks, will attend in a body.

****************************************************************************** 

Hersey Woodward, Sr., Succumbs 

DEATH COMES TO ONE OF SUFFOLK'S LEADING CITIZENS 

Stricken Yesterday With Heart Attack, Aged Banker and Fraternal Man Rallies 
   During Night But Recurrence of Malady Fatal. 

LONG PROMINENT IN LIFE OF COMMUNITY 

Born Here in 1875 [sic; 1855], Spent 43 Years In Service of The Farmers Bank 
   and Was The Dean of Its Staff; Active In Community. 

  Hersey Woodward, Sr., died at his home on North Main street this afternoon 
at 12:45.  Ill for several days, the family had considered his condition 
improved this morning.  He was conscious until a few moments before death. 

  Mr. Woodward's condition was regarded as critical yesterday and his daughter 
and five sons were at his side.  This morning, with his condition apparently 
improved, Thomas L. Woodward attended federal court at Norfolk but was called 
back when his father's condition took a sudden turn for the worse. 

  Funeral services had not been determined this afternoon.  Mr. Woodward had 
observed his 77th birthday on October 2, having been born at his home here on 
that date, 1855. 

Elder Business Man 

  Mr. Woodward was one of Suffolk's elder business men and was held in high 
esteem throughout the city and section.  He led an active life, devoting a 
great portion of his time, despite a physical handicap, to fraternal, 
religious and civic affairs. 

  Forty-three years of his business life were spent in the service of the 
Farmer's Bank of Nansemond, where he was dean of the staff. 

  Mr. Woodward, as a boy, saw Suffolk occupied by Union soldiers during the 
War Between the States.  As a young man he started in business at a time when 
the state was desolated and when military supervision directed affairs.  He 
entered the merchandising business and operated a general store until 
suffering a paralytic stroke.  Recovering from his illness, he entered the 
Farmers Bank and remained with the institution until his death. 

  Mr. Woodward was active in the Christian church for sixty years.  He 
organized the Twentieth-Century Bible Class and was its teacher for many 
years.  He was treasurer of the Suffolk church and of the Eastern Virginia 
Christian Conference.  As a member of the official board of the church, he was 
closely associated with the late Dr. W.W. Staley in the movement to remove 
bodies from Willow Hill cemetery to Cedar Hill.  Just before his death he 
negotiated with the city council looking to the purchase by the city of the 
Willow Hill property as a public playground. 

  Mr. Woodward was probably the city's most active fraternalist during the 
past quarter century.  He joined Suffolk Lodge No. 30, A.F. & A.M., as a young 
man just turned 21.  He held membership in the lodge for 55 years, many of 
which he served, as Past Master.  He was secretary of Mt. Nebo Royal Arch 
Chapter for 35 years; was a charter member of Welcome No. 50, Knights of 
Pythias, which was organized in Suffolk in 1879; was a charter member of 
Suffolk Lodge 685, B.P.O. Elks, which was organized in 1901, was a charter 
member of the Odd Fellows and retained his membership until the local lodge 
was discontinued.  He was also Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star. 

  On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his installation in the 
Masonic order, Mr. Woodward was the recipient of a testimonial dinner attended 
by all local Masonic bodies. 

  When the managerial form of government was adopted in Suffolk, Mr. Woodward 
was drafted as one of the five members of the new council.  He served on the 
council in the important post of chairman of the finance committee.  After the 
system was well established, Mr. Woodward resigned his seat and refused to 
stand for re-election. 

  Mr. Woodward was the son of the late Richard L. and Missouri Lassiter 
Woodward.  He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Augusta Saunders Woodward; a 
daughter, Miss Marie Woodward, of Franklin; five sons, Hersey Woodward, Jr., 
R.L. Woodward, Jr., of Goldsboro, N.C.; James S. Woodward, of Phoebus; 
Marmaduke Woodward, and Thomas L. Woodward, of Suffolk; a brother, R.L. 
Woodward, and a sister, Mrs. R.H. Rawles, of Suffolk.  Seven grand-children, 
Jacob Woodward, of the University of Virginia; Sarah, Richard D., Hume and 
John Woodward, of Suffolk; Saunders and Frank Woodward, of Phoebus.  Two 
nephews, Rawles Woodward, of Suffolk, and John Woodward, of South America. 

****************************************************************************** 

WOODWARD RITES SATURDAY 3 P.M. 

Service At Suffolk Christian Church; 
   Burial At Cedar Hill With Masonic Honors. 

  Funeral rites for Hersey Woodward, Sr., who died yesterday shortly after 
noon, will be conducted at the Suffolk Christian church tomorrow afternoon at 
3 o'clock.  The Rev. H.S. Hardcastle, pastor of the Christian Church, the Rev. 
Harry J. Goodwin, pastor of the First Baptist Church, and the Rev. Herbert N. 
Tucker, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church will be in charge of the 
service. 

  Burial with Masonic rites will be made at Cedar Hill cemetery.  Members of 
the two local blue lodges, Suffolk Lodge 30, A.F. & A.M., and Hiram Lodge 340, 
A.F. & A.M., will be in charge. 

  The five sons of Mr. Woodward will serve as active pall-bearers. 

  Three other groups which Mr. Woodward was instrumental in founding, the 
Twentieth Century Bible Class of which he was long teacher, Suffolk Lodge 685, 
B.P.O. Elks, and Welcome Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias, will attend the 
services in a body. 

[photo, headed:] 
Leader Passes 

[captioned:] 
  Hersey Woodward, Sr., whose death occurred yesterday afternoon in his home 
on North Main Street. - (Photo by Hamblin.) 


Society 

[...] 

  Jacob Woodward, a student at the University of Virginia, arrived last night 
to attend the funeral of his grandfather, Hersey Woodward, which will take 
place, on Saturday afternoon. 


SUFFOLK SUSTAINS ANOTHER LOSS 

  In the death yesterday afternoon of Hersey Woodward, Sr., Suffolk has 
sustained another major loss to its' galaxy of outstanding citizens who 
through the years have contributed splendidly to its material and spiritual 
growth.  The passing of Mr. Woodward came as a great shock to his thousands 
of friends in Suffolk and all the surrounding country which knew him and loved 
and admired him for his sterling qualities of heart and mind.  Although a man 
of strong and positive convictions, he entertained high respect for the 
opinions and beliefs of other people who differed with him which won for him 
respect in the same kind and degree. 

  Hersey Woodward was one of the finest types of the Virginia gentleman about 
whom we read in books.  His unfailing courtesy, his gentle demeanor, his love 
for his friends and devotion to his city and its interests commanded instant 
respect and admiration from all who came into contact with him, and they were 
legion.  Although not a patriarch in years, he was regarded by many as one of 
the landmarks of the city, perhaps, because he seemed like a breath from the 
"olden days and golden" when chivalry was in flower.  He reflected the flavor 
of that delightful and engrossing period of Virginia's history when a good 
name and character counted more than possessions and when good breeding and 
clean living were the standard measurements of men. 

  Mr. Woodward retained many of the characteristics of the fine American 
pioneer stock from which he sprang.  It was written in his face and portrayed 
in his attitude toward his fellow man.  His sturdy Americanism, his faith in 
his neighbors, loyalty to his associates in business and social circles, his 
deep devotion to his friends and family, marked him as an exceptional man in 
a sordid, selfish and purely materialistic age.  Changing conditions never 
warped him from the living truths which were the guide posts of his well 
ordered life.  And during all the years he walked humbly with his God whose 
servant he was all his days.  A good man, an upright citizen, a manly man has 
departed hence, but he leaves the world richer and better for having lived in 
it.  His friends have lost a wise counsellor, his community a devoted, 
unselfish citizen whose love for it was unstinted, and his family a model 
husband and father.  His life was full of good deeds and kindly sympathetic 
acts, the only things men may take with them into the life everlasting. 


NOTICE! 

  All members of B. P. O. E. Lodge No. 685 are requested to meet at the lodge 
room tomorrow, Saturday, November 12, 2:30 P. M., to attend in a body the 
funeral of Brother H. Woodward, Sr. 
      JAMES E. BABB, JR., Secretary. 

NOTICE! 

  It is desired to have all members of the Twentieth Century Baracca Bible 
Class attend the funeral of its founder, Mr. Hersey Woodward, Sr.  All members 
will please meet at the church at 2:45 Saturday afternoon to attend these 
services in a body. 
      A. J. POWELL, Pres. 

****************************************************************************** 

Local Paragraphs 

[...] 

  Miss Marie Woodward has returned to Franklin from her home in Suffolk where 
she was called by the illness and death of her father, Hersey Woodward, Sr. 

****************************************************************************** 

CITY MAY LEASE WILLOW HILL LOT 

Not Ready to Buy Former Cemetery As Playground But Willing to Lease 
   For Five Years; No Change In License Fees. 

  The city of Suffolk is willing to entertain a proposition from the official 
board of the Christian church for the leasing of Willow Hill as a playground 
for a period of five years, with privilige to purchase, city council decided 
last night it its final November meeting. 

  The move to have the city purchase the former cemetery plot as a playground 
was instituted by the late H. Woodward, Sr., who handled the matter for the 
church board.  Council decided that the city is not in position to buy the 
plot now but would desire to continue renting it with the privilege to buy 
after five years. 

  Mayor Smith, reporting for the committee on law and public safety, 
recommended no change in the present license tax imposed on automobile 
wrecking trucks or repair shops.  The committee did recommend that the city 
manager secure information for a comparison of the local repair shop license 
with that imposed by other Virginia cities of its class and, if out of line, 
to recommend changes at the proper time. 

  The matter of violations of the ordinance regulating signs overhanging the 
street was discussed and the city building inspector asked to report at the 
next meeting. 

  A petition of property owners on Forrest street requesting street lighting 
was referred to the city manager for investigation and report. 

  At a recess members of council informally discussed matters of interest, it 
was said, but no report was available. 


Elks to Hear Eulogy of Late H. Woodward, Sr. 

  Memorial services will be held tonight at the regular meeting of Suffolk 
Lodge number 685 B.P.O. Elks, for the late Hersey Woodward, Sr., who was a 
charter member of the lodge. 

  Col. E.E. Holland will deliver an address on the life of Mr. Woodward and 
Mrs. Ethel Saunders will sing "The Vucant Chair," accompanied by E.K. 
Richardson.  The meeting will be presided over by H. L. Jacobs, exalted ruler. 

****************************************************************************** 

Pinner Eulogizes The Late H. Woodward, Sr. At Elks' Memorial 

  Due to the illness of Col. E.E. Holland, John B. Pinner delivered an address 
on the late Hersey Woodward, Sr., at the Elks club last night.  Col. Holland, 
who was scheduled to speak on the life of Mr. Woodward, was too ill to do so. 

  Members of the lodge voted that a portrait of the late Mr. Woodward be 
placed in the lodge. 

  Mrs. Ethel Saunders sang "The Vacant Chair," accompanied by E.K Richardson. 
Exalted Ruler H.L. Jacobs presided over the meeting. 

LET IT BE HIS MEMORIAL 

  Council has proposed to the official board of the Christian Church to lease 
the parcel of land within the corporate limits, known as "Willow Hill," with 
the option of its purchase five years hence for public playground purposes. 
We have no doubt that, the owners of the property will accede to that request 
and that the city will remain in possession of the property as lessee until 
it is financially able to close the deal.  It is ideally located to serve 
that section of the city and should not be permitted to pass under private 
ownership.  Suffolk has too few recreational sites and the future welfare of 
its citizens demands more playgrounds and playground facilities.  In this 
particular Suffolk is far behind almost every other city of its size in the 
state. 

  In view of the fact that the lamented Hersey Woodward, Sr., of revered 
memory, was father of the movement to have the city purchase this attractive 
site and carried on the negotiations between the church board of which he was 
chairman and city council, it would be a fitting tribute to his memory for 
the city to purchase the old cemetery plot, giving it the name of Woodward 
playground or park as a perpetual memorial to that most worthy citizen. 
There is nothing either historical or otherwise significant in the present 
name while that of the Woodward family reaches back into the early beginning 
of the commonwealth. 

  While we are on this subject, The News-Herald would call attention of its 
Suffolk readers that little or nothing has been done to perpetuate the memory 
of former citizens of this city who labored in its behalf.  Outstanding men, 
who wrought well in their time, have not been immortalized in marble or bronze 
or in some tangible way that would serve to keep their noble lives before 
succeeding generations as an inspiration for our young people.  Great 
characters have come upon the stage here to play their little part and then 
pass on, but except in memory there is no tangible indication that they ever 
lived.  In this connection we are reminded "that a land without monuments is 
a land without memories," to which we might add and without ideals and those 
high sentiments necessary to inspire the desire in others to emulate the 
career of their sires. 


Hersey WOODWARD, Sr., bank teller & former Suffolk City Councilman, 
b. 2 Oct 1855, d. 10 Nov 1932, at home (birthplace), Suffolk, 
interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery (Block C, Lot 8*), Suffolk, 12 Nov 1932, 
donated obit, publication unknown; 
"Suffolk (VA) News-Herald," Vol. 10, No. 199, Thurs., Nov. 10, 1932, 
   pp. 1 & 6; 
"Suffolk (VA) News-Herald," Vol. 10, No. 200, Fri., Nov. 11, 1932, 
   pp. 1, 3, 4, 8; 
"Tidewater News" (Franklin, VA), Vol. 28, No. 6, Fri., Nov. 18, 1932, p. 5; 
"Suffolk (VA) News-Herald," Vol. 10, No. 206, Fri., Nov. 18, 1932, p. 1; 
"Suffolk (VA) News-Herald," Vol. 10, No. 207, Sat., Nov. 19, 1932, p. 1 & 4 

*Additional information: 

His parents are buried in Block C, Lot 24. 
   Cedar Hill list, an extension of the Southampton County Historical Society 
   {SCHS} Cemetery Project: 
   http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/cemeteries/cedar_v.txt 

Photos of his monument - added by Jake Dog - are posted with 
   Find a Grave Memorial #92445363. 

D.Cert. 24180 (Suffolk #379) 

His widow's obit ("Suffolk News-Herald," Sep. 11, 1941) is posted at: 
   http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/obits/w363a1ob.txt 

His mother's obit ("Virginian-Pilot," Feb. 14, 1900, p. 8) is posted at: 
   http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/obits/w363m2ob.txt 


Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by 
Mrs. Bruce Saunders (bs4403@verizon.net), 
and re-formatted by File Manager. 

file at: 
http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/obits/w363h1ob.txt