Woodring, H. H.
H. H. Woodring taken from History of Montgomery County, Kansas 1903
Grain dealer and buyer of Elk City needs no word of introduction to the citizens of Montgomery county, for he has always been here; at least so long that the "mind of man runneth not to the contrary,". There are comparatively few now living in the county who relate occurrences personally observed as far back as the spring of 1871, but our subject is one of these few, and a continued residence since that date, together with a life that has been an open book to all, has made him a person of much interest and of much personal popularity.
Mr. Woodring's ancestors were Holland Dutch, his paternal grandparents, John and Christina (Wolf) Woodring, having come to America in 1778. They reared a family of twelve children, all of whom, save the father of Mr. Woodring, lived to an advanced age. On the maternal side, the grandparents, Christian and Margaret (Miller) Hahn, were of German and Scotch descent, respectively, the latter living to the remarkable age of ninety-eight years.
Our subject's parents were Jacob and Mary A. (Hahn) Woodring. Jacob Hahn was born in Pennsylvania, and his wife in Kentucky. Jacob was a man of fine qualities, a member of the United Baptist church, and of good influence in his community. Mrs. Woodring is remembered as a superior woman, a most devout member of the Methodist church, and of great devotion to her family. She died, at the home of her son in Elk City February 10, 1878, at the age of seventy-seven years. The husband had preceded her, August 28, 1852, at the age of fifty-four. The family born to them consisted of ten children, but three of whom survive; George, who lives at Louisburg, Tennessee, aged eighty years; Dr. W. W. Woodring, of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, aged sixty three; and the subject of this sketch.
H. Woodring was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, January 29, 1836. In youth, he learned the painter's trade, which, with farming and grain buying, he constituted his occupation during life. He lived in Kentucky and Boone county, Indiana, until his removal to Montgomery county in 1871. In 1864, he enlisted in Company "B" One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. This regiment was a part of the Army of the Potomac, his company arriving in time to participate in the spectacular fight of Winchester, where Black Jack Logan did such in the guarding of commissary supplies at Stevenson's Station, Virginia. His discharge dated August 13, 1965.
Upon his arrival in Elk City our subject opened a butcher shop, but after seven months took up a claim, seven miles northwest of the village. A five year period here was followed by a year on the farm a mile north of town. He then came to town and began the business which he has since followed, that of handling all kinds of grain. During 1898-99, Mr. Woodring resided at Parsons, having been appointed Assistant State Grain Inspector, with headquarters there. In local affairs, he has been a prominent factor, having served as Mayer, Councilman, and in the several other responsible offices. In social and religious lines, he is equally prominent. He is trustee of the Masonic Lodge, Sergeant Major of the G. A. R. and he and his entire family are valued workers in the Christian church, of which he is a deacon.
Mrs. Woodring was Miss Melissa J. Cooper, her marriage having been an event of April 3, 1866. She was the daughter of Burnside and Eliza (Bennett) Cooper, of Thorntown, Indiana. Six children have been born to the union: Effie, Mrs. J. J. Carroll, of Neodesha, one child, Faye; Dollie, deceised at three years; Claudine, wife of S. H. Piper, an attorney at Independence, two children: Alpha W. and Genevieve; Linda C., at home: Grace E. Mrs. A. B. Shafffer of Elk City, one child: Alberta; Harry H. the oungest is a bright student of the high school.
It is not to much to say that Mr. Woodring and his family constitute an important factor in the life of Elk City, exerting an influence which cannot be overestimated in its power for good.
S. E. Kansas Tribune dated March 22, 1911
Among the large party of Neodesha society people who came down Thursday to listen to Olga Nethersole at the Beldorf, was our former Elk City friends H. H. Woodring and wife. Hi is an old line Kentucky Democrat, who has flourished through the thick and thin of Kansas for thirty nine years and is now living on easy street and enjoying more pleasures than many a millionaire. He served his country in the Union army and has just reason to be proud of the record he made and on the semi-centennial of Kansas he rounded his 75th annual milestone, and in pretty good health. Through Senator Chas. Curtis he reminded Uncle Sam of the fact, and hereafter his pension checks will read "Sixty dollars" instead of "thirty-six" as heretofore. His friends extend congratulations.
Independence Daily Reporter dated Monday Oct. 2, 1916 Social Affairs
Saturday's Neodesha Sun had this to say of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. H. Woodring who are the grandparents of Mrs. Lewis C. Boys of this city; Mr. and Mrs H. Woodring, 7601 North Eighth street, are celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary today. They were married at the home of Mrs. Woodring's parents, near Thorntown, Indiana, September 30, 1866. They came to Kansas in 1871 locating in Montgomery county and moved to Neodesha in 1909. Mr. Woodring is constable of Neodesha city. Their children are Mrs. Effie Carroll, Miss Lida Woodring, Mrs. Grace F. Schaffer and Harry H. Woodring. The couple have seven grandchildren, all girls, Mr. Woodring is 80 years of age and his wife 67 years.
S. E. Kansas Tribune dated Wed. Feb. 8, 1921
High Woodring 85 years old - Neodesha Register:
H. Woodring celebrated his 85th birthday Saturday. He was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kirwin for dinner and later in the day was presented with a fine bouquet of cut flowers by the Ladies Aid of the Christian church. That evening he pleasantly completed the day by taking supper with his daughter, Mrs. J. J. Carroll and husband. Mr. Woodring, though a Democrat all his life, says he voted for eleven Republicans last November and every one of them elected. However, he is still young enough in actions to live it down. High has held office many years but never was able to get one from the Democratic party, but was always elected by his friends.
S. E. Kansas Tribune dated November 2, 1921
High Woodring of Neodesha, one of the prehistoric of Elk City but for years of Neodesha, was visiting the family of his son-in-law, S. H. Piper Monday. He was of the pioneers of our county fifty years ago, and has been elected to serve the public forty-seven of those years, but has retired, and will enjoy life with his friends.
The Evening Star dated Jan. 17, 1918
Mrs. Woodring will be buried in Elk City Cemetery.
The body of Mrs. Hines Woodring was brought to this city from Neodesha yesterday on the afternoon Pacific passenger train after funeral services had been held at Neodesha. The body was placed in the mausoleum and as soon as the weather conditions permit. It will be taken to Elk City and buried in the Fairview cemetery. NOTE: Elk City cemetery is Oak Hill
Mrs. Woodring was the victim of a severe illness together with a stroke of apoplexy which she suffered last Sunday morning. Following is taken from the Neodesha Sun regarding Mrs. Woodring.
She leaves her husband, three daughters and one son to mourn her loss.
Melissa Jane Cooper was born near Thorntown, Indiana, March 5, 1849 Her parents were Edghill Barnside Cooper and Eliza Bennett Cooper. It was at Thorntown, September 30, 1866 that she was married to Hines Woodring. Seven years later they moved to Elk City, Kansas where they lived for nearly thirty-five years and two years in Parsons, coming to Neodesha about nine years ago. Mrs. Woodring's father, mother, two sisters and two brothers soon followed her to Kansas and the sisters and brothers survive here. They are Mrs. William Lucas, Mrs. George E. Fitzgibbons, Mr. Calvin C. Cooper and Mr. William Cooper all of Longton, Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodring came to Kansas forty-five years ago, before railroads were numerous in this part of the country and endured all the hardships of pioneer life in those early days.
Six children were born to them: Effa, now Mrs. J. J. Carroll; Dolly, who died when three years old. Claudine, who grew to beautiful young womanhood married Attorney R. H. Piper, of Independence, Kansas and died eleven year ago leaving three daughters; Grace now Mrs. A. B. Schaffer and Lida Cooper and Harry Hines. who live with their parents.
There are six grandchildren; Miss Faye Crooke, Mrs. Alpha Piper Boys, Genevieve and Elizabeth Carroll Piper and Alberta and Shirley Schaffer.
Mrs. Woodring was a consistent member of the Christian church for many years, but it was in the home that she was best known. She was a faithful and devoted wife, a mother whose children rise up and call her blessed and a beloved grandmother. A kind neighbor and friend and is mourned by all who knew her.