William N. Woodward
Anne Arundel County Court Clerk, 1918-1925
MSA SC 3520-13113
Biography:
William Nicholas Woodward was born on September 12, 1860 in Woodwardville.1 He was the only son of John Randolph and Caroline Virginia Gardener Woodward. He had two sisters: Annie V. Shipley and Laura Moore. On December 31, 1891 he married Jennie Ashwell of New Brunswick, New Jersey and together they had several children: Nicholas Dodge, George Ashwell, James G., Edith A. Wicker, Helen G., and Emily.2
Woodward began his service in the Clerk's office on May 4, 1887 when he was appointed Deputy Clerk. He was later appointed Chief Deputy Clerk. He held that position until the death of Clerk George Wells in 1918 when Woodward was appointed to finish the rest of the term. In 1919 Woodward himself was elected to the Clerk's position.3 He was the last Clerk elected to a six-year term, for in 1926 the term was reduced to four years. Woodward took ill in 1924 at which time Wiliam Martin Brady became the acting Clerk.4 One year later Woodward, who had been suffering from general arterisclerosis, died on July 4, 1925.5 His remains were taken to St. Anne's Cemetary in Annapolis.6 Woodward left some of his estate to his sisters and children, and the rest of the estate to his wife.7 The estimated value of his estate was $33,345.75, mostly from various stocks such as General Motors.8 According to the Evening Capital, Woodward "mastered the details of his work early" and was the "highest type of public official."9
Born - September 12 1860 in Woodwardville
Family - only son of John R. and Caroline Virgina Gardener Woodward; two sisters - Annie Shipley and Laura Moore
Education -
Occupation -
Married - Jennie Ashwell of New Jersey
Children - three sons: Nicolas D, George Ashwell, James G.; three daughters: Edith A. Wicker, Helen G., Emily
Political Highlights -
1887, Deputy Clerk - appointed on May 4
?, Chief Deputy Clerk
1918, appointed Clerk of Court - appointed after the death of Dr. George Wells to serve until next regular election
1919, elected Clerk of Court - elected to regular six-year term
as Clerk in November
Death - July 4, 1925 from general arteriosclerosis
while still in office; remains to St. Anne's Cemetary, Annapolis; left
some of his estate to his sisters and children, the rest of the estate
went to his wife; estimated value of estate: $33,345.75 mostly from
various stocks such as General Motors
Return to list of Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerks
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