Charles Armijo Woodruff

Charles Armijo Woodruff
11th Governor of American Samoa
In office December 6, 1914 – March 1, 1915
Preceded by	Nathan Post
Succeeded by	John Martin Poyer
Personal details
Born	January 12, 1884 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Died	November 23, 1945 (aged 61) Hotel Bossert, Brooklyn, New York City
Alma mater	United States Naval Academy
Occupation	Ship captain
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Rank	Commander
Commands	USS Pampanga (PG-39)

Charles Armijo Woodruff (January 12, 1884 – November 23, 1945) was a United States Navy officer and the 11th 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 Marines. 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.^[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 committed 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

1. "Lieutenant Charles Armijo Woodruff". Governors. Government of American Samoa. 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
2. "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.
4. United States Congressional Serial Set. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1912. p. 42. Retrieved 30 June 2010.