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This page is the ancestry of my maternal Gr Gr Grandmother
Francis
Elvira Woodruff (born 1852) and her father, John Willis Woodruff who
lived in Hopkins County, Kentucky who can be found near the bottom of the second
Woodruff page. This line came from England,
settled in
South Hampton, Long Island, New York,
migrated over to
New Jersey, went south into
Virginia, went further south into
North Carolina, on to
South Carolina and finally over to Kentucky
where my John Willis and Frances lived and died.
One source for the early information on this line comes from
"The Family of Moses Woodruff", Published by Delwood S. Jackson in the
Second Edition c. 1988 Cincinnati, Ohio.
Our Woodruff Line -
English
Woodruff also Woodroof, from Wood-reeve, the governor or keeper
of a woods, a forester
(English surname) variations: Woodroof, Woodrough, Woodruffe, May be derived
from the term Woodreeve, or Woodriff. This was a combination games keeper,
police officer, and tax collector, similar to a 'shire-reeve' or sheriff (think
of the Sheriff of Nottingham in the Robin Hood stories)
Dereck Woodroffe also sent me this: There is a short description of where
we think the Woodroffe (and woodruff) surnames come from on our web site
http://www.roffesoft.co.uk/woodroffes select "history of the woodroffes". |
Generation One
Richard Woodruff was born about 1350 in Yorkshire England and died in Great,
Yarmouth, England. Married unknown.
i.
John Woderove was born about 1416 in Great, Yarmouth, England, died in 1497
in Great, Yarmouth, England and was buried in Wolley England.
Generation Two
 John
Woderove was born about 1416 in Great, Yarmouth, England, died in 1497 in
Great, Yarmouth, England and was buried in Wolley England.
This was John, of Woolley, Yorkshire. In His will dated
1497, he states that he wishes to be buried at Normanton at the feet of his
mother. He and his wife Elizabeth were buried in the Chapel at Wolley and are
represented in figures on the windows, on one a man in armor with the Arms of
Woodruff on his breast and on another a woman with the Arms of
Hammerton. On another window, inscriptions to their son Sir Richard
Woderove.
John married Elizabeth Hammerton.
(Elizabeth Hammerton was born in Great, Yarmouth, England and died in Wolley
England.)
Elizabeth, of Wooley, Yorkshire Daughter of Laurence Hammerton of England.
i.
Sir Richard Woderove was born in 1446 and died in 1522.
Generation Three
Sir Richard Woderove was born in 1446 and died in 1522.
This was Sir Richard
K'nt of Woolley. Richard married Beatrice William. (Beatrice
William was born in 1446.). Daughter of Sir Thomas Fitz William of
England.
Surety:3 (does anyone know what this
note "Surety 3" means?)
i. Thomas Woderove was
born in 1508 in Fordwich County, Kent, England and died in 1552 in Kent,
England.
ii. James Lanley Woderove.
Richard next married Jane Wortley.
(Jane Wortley was born in 1450.)
Surety:3
Generation Four
Thomas Woderove was born in 1508 in Fordwich County, Kent, England and died
in 1552 in Kent, England.
Per Delwood Jackson:
"In 1508, at the end of King Henry VII's reign, Thomas Woodrove was the
first Woodruff name to appear on the records of Fordwich, in Kent, England.
Fordwich (Forewic) was a quaint little town on the banks of the river Stour,
below the city of Canterbury, of which long ago, it was the port.
Now an inland village, Fordwich was a customs station, whose commercial
importance declined as silt built up in the river. Thomas Woodrove
was a trusted envoy of the town and later a Jurat (judge or legislator) involved
in the distribution of the possessions of the St. Augustine monastery."
"In Roman times and up to the Middle Ages, Thanet was an Island, separated from
Kent by a channel some miles wide called the Wantsum. An arm of the sea
came as far as Canterbury and was navigable as far as Fordwich. Thus Fordwich
became the port of Canterbury, very important as water was the only practical
means of transport for goods at the time. Fordwich was described in the Doomsday
Book as 'Small Burgh', one of only seven boroughs in Kent. It became
self-governing from the eleventh century and received a Merchant Gild Charter
from Henry II in 1184. The Mayor was elected in the Church together with twelve
Jurats and other officers, on the first Monday after the Feast of St. Andrew,
should he refuse the office when elected, the Mayor was fined, or else had his
house pulled down to the ground by the populace. The first known Mayor was John
Maynard in 1292 and the town remained incorporated until 1886, when the Town
property was passed into the hands of the body of Trustees.
Fordwich became a corporate limb of
the Cinque Port of Sandwich in about 1050, before the Norman conquest, and as
such helped to provide ships and men to fight for the Crown as required. In
return the Town was allowed self government and freed from many national taxes.
Later, the provision of ships was changed to the payment of money, and Fordwich
still to this day pays its 'Ship Money' of fort old pence (40d) to its Head Port
of Sandwich at a ceremony held annually in the Guildhall."
From Ceylon Newton
Woodruff: "Fordwich a peaceful little Kentish village, dozing the
centuries away beside its quiet stream, Thomas Woodrove first appears in the
town records in 1508, at the end of the reign of King Henry VII. He was
the town's trusted envoy on hazardous journeys during the days of King Henry
VIII. The great Saint Augustine monastery at nearby Canterbury, was
ravaged in 1538, and its estates were seized by the Crown. In 1539 Thomas
Woodrove, as Jurat, sat with his fellow magistrates in the court at Fordwich to
arrange the conveyance of part of the despoiled estates to favored individuals.
He died in 1552. These meager details are all the information available
concerning the progenitor of the Woodruff family, whose direct descendents now
number thousands. It is not known when Thomas Woodrove was born(
although it was probably circa 1485), when or whom he married, or if he had
other children besides William."
Surety:3
Thomas married Elizabeth Waterson.
(Elizabeth Waterson was born in 1508.) Thomas married in 1530.
Surety:3
i.
William Woodroffe was born in 1521/1528 in Redwood Hertford, ?, England (or
Fordwich, records differ) and died about 1587.
ii. Robert Woodroffe?
Generation Five
 William
WOODRUFF was born 1521/28 (records are conflicting) in Fordwich, Kent,
England. Little is known concerning William Woodruff Sr. He is
recorded as a Jurat of Fordwich in 1579 and may have been the Senior Jurtat
since he generally signed the minutes of the borough court, probably for the
mayor in his absence.
He likewise held the
honorable office of Key-Keeper of the Town Chest, which was conferred upon the
most respectable men of the borough. Records show he had two sons, William
Jr. and Robert Woodroffe." He died in 1587 in Fordwich, Kent, England.
Spouse unknown.
(CNW I p 26.
William Woodroffe was born in 1528 in Redwood Hertford, ?, England and died
about 1587.
From Francis E.
Woodruff, Woodruffs of New Jersey:
"....during its life time Fordwich, now freed from the restrictions imposed by
the Abbot of St. Augustine, was encouraged to rebuild its Court Hall, and the
unpretentious little building of timber and plaster, on the banks of the Stour,
remains today in much the same condition, both outwardly and inwardly, as when
it was completed in 1555. William took an active part in municipal affairs, and
became a Jurat. From his generally signing the minutes of the Court, he
apparently presided, perhaps as senior Jurat, in the frequent absences of the
Mayor. He was also a 'Key Keeper of the Town Chest', a very honorable office
conferred upon 'the two best men of the Liberty'.
The 'Chest' was for the safe custody of deeds and other important records, fees
being charged for the service. There is little further mention of him in
the annals other than the entry in the Fordwich muster roll of 1573 that 'Willyam
Wodruf the elder with his men Robert Woodrufe and Edward Parker wt his
furniture' is credited with 'one calyver furny shed one almon rivett furny
shed'. (The caliver was a handgun that was fired from the shoulder, the heavier
musket of the day requiring a rest)."
More About WILLIAM WOODROFFE: Fact 1:
Yeoman (freeholder & owner of small amount of property. Fact 2: Of Saxon
blood.
William and unknown had two known children:
i. John "Robert" Woodruffe was born about 1547 in
Forwich, Kent, England and died in 1611 and married Alice Russel.
ii. William Woodroffe, JR. was born in 1550 in Fordwich County, Kent,
England and died in 1587 in Fordwich County, Kent, England.
Generation Six
 Robert
WOODRUFF, born 1547 in
Fordwich, Kent, England. Records show he married
Alice Russell in 1573 in the
Parish of Saint Mary Northgate, in the city of Canterbury, Kent. Both he
and his brother William Jr. appear in the Fordwich town books as "freemen"
entitled to the privileges of the borough. Robert is recorded as a Jurat and as
a church warden in 1584. He died in 1611. Little is known of William Jr.
and his family became extinct in Fordwich in 1673. Robert
married
Alice RUSSELL b: 1552 in Canterbury, Kent, England. (Picture
on left is St. Mary the Virgin @ Fordwich).
(CNW I p 27 -28).
Robert Woodruff and
Alice Russell had one
known child: John Woodruff, born circa 1574 in Fordwich, Kent,
England.
Generation Seven
 John
WOODRUFF Birth: 1574 in Fordwich, Kent, England where his Uncle William
Russell, was church warden. His will, dated in September 1611, and proved
in October of that year, provided that he be "buried at the discretion of my
well beloved wyffe," made minor legacies to his young and only son John, and to
others, and bequeathed the remainder of "Goods and chattills" to his wife
Elizabeth. The witness to this will was John Gosmer. (Canterbury and St
Mary Northgate Wills). Death: 1611 in Saint Mary Northgate, England.
He married
Elizabeth CARTWRIGHT b: 1582 in Fordwich, Kent, England
They were Married:
1601 in Saint Mary Northgate, England.
Of St. Mary Northgate-moved there as an adult. Died at age 37.
Was a yeomen and of Saxon blood. Per: Extracts from A Branch of the
Woodruff Stock by Frances E. Woodruff, Grafton Press, NY, 1908.
Woodruff Chronicles-A Genealogy of the Long Island, New Jersey Family of John
Woodruffe, Vol, I by Ceylon Newton Woodruff, 1967. Woodruff Notes, a
collection by C. E. Townley of New Jersey, a Woodruff authority and descendant.
"His will proved 1611 named 'my only son, John', to whom he made legacies and
left the residue of his estate to his wife Elizabeth. The latter then married
Mr. John Gosmer, a prominent resident of Fordwick"
(C E Woodruff's search and correspondence.) (CNW I p 28)
Generation Eight
 This
is the Family of John Woodruff,
The Immigrant, who was born in 1604 in the
Parish of Saint Mary Northgate, Canterbury, Kent, England. He was baptized
at St Mary Northgate, England, where his great uncle, William Russell was church
warden in Kent, England. and died at
Southampton, Long Island, New York, America, in 1670. John is the
Patriarch of the all the Woodruffs who first settled in Southampton, then moved
on to New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, and eventually to all
the fifty states.
Notes:
Recorded as a church warden in Fordwich in 1636, where he had married Ann___,
and their infant
son John was baptized in 1637 in the adjoining parish of Sturry, Kent,
England. He arrived at Lynn, MA in 1639
and was an original settler of Southampton, LI, NY with his wife, infant son,
and stepfather, John Gosmer and mother. He signed the Southampton
Plantation Contract of 1640.
He died on 9 MAY 1670 in Southampton, LI, NY
"It is indicative of John Gosmer's
regard for his stepson that on February 20, 1660, "Mr John Gosmer gave and
assigned unto John Woodruff Senr that mesuage or tenement scituate over
against the said Mr. Gosmer his home lot, which tenement he bought of John
Topping, with all the appurtenances to the said tenement belonging, with all the
land, fencing, and the privileges thereunto appertaining, according as was
formerly purchased as aforesaid. Allsoe the said Mr. Gosmer gave unto him the
said John Woodruff Senr the five acres was laid out to him the said John
Gosmer instead of land he gave up in the ox pasture, doth acknowledge to be unto
him the said John Woodruff
his heirs executors administrators and assigns forever. -
Witness: Henry Pierson, register." (RS II, p 136)"
The will of John Woodruff was proved July 1, 1670, "at the court of Sessions at
Southold, devised to his "Eldest son John Woodruff of Elizabeth Town, New
Jersey," a "half Crown Piece in full of all portions and patrimony to be
expected of me; 20 pounds each were left to his daughters Anne Wooley and
Elizabeth Dayton, and the residue of his estate to his wife Ann and "Youngest
son John Woodruffe,"
and appointed them executors. The witnesses were
Christopher Foster and
John Laughton. The probate includes this testimony:
"Know all men by this that the above written will is of my own handwriting and
that I saw ye said John Woodruff
set to his mark and take off ye seale or stamp the wax. As witness my hand,
John Laughton." The inventory of the estate, taken May 24, 1670, was appraised
as 122 pounds, 7 shillings, 8 pence, and "one half of ye land and housing and
accommodation is already clearly by deed of fit disposed of to his son John, the
other we apprize at 55 pounds. John Howell, Henry Pierson, Edward Howell, John
Jennings."
(Abstracts of Wills in the Surrogate's office City of New York and published in
Collections of the New York Historical Society, 1892, p 17)" * History of Long
Island by Benjamin F Thompson, p 147 - CNW I p 28 -38)
Came to American in 1639 from Sturry, Kent England. First
settled in Southampton Long Island then moved to New Jersey. Some sources show
Ann Gosmer as John's wife (daughter of John Gosmer). John's mother married
John Gosmer after her husband died (in England).
Per Melanie Flippo: "John Woodruffe, baptized 1604, only son of John Woodruffe,
having by there marriage of his mother, Elizabeth, become the stepson of Mr.
John Gosmer, of Fordwich. The above John known as John Woodruffe, the Immigrant,
migrated in 1639 (deed, 10 March 1639) to Lynn, Mass with his mother and
stepfather John Gosmer, his wife Ann and their son, John. By 1640 they had
settled in South Hampton, Long Island. It has been suggested but not proven that
his wife Anne was a daughter of John Gosmer by a first wife. "Per Audrey Lee
Woodruff's Notes: "It appears that John and Ann Woodruff lived in the same house
hold with John Gosmer. John had four children, John (Jr.) born in Kent, and the
remaining three, Anne (m. Robert Wooley), Elizabeth (m. Robert Dayton), and
John, the Younger, were all born in America.
"John Woodruff is first mentioned on the list of 1657. Hill will mentions John,
his eldest son, living in Elizabeth NJ, his youngest son living in South
Hampton. The latter was heir to John Gosmer, and probably married his daughter
and lived on the present homestead of Mr. Josiah Foster. I presume some of this
name in New Jersey are descended from the John of Elizabeth (History of South
Hampton., Long Island, New York"
1. Alt. Birth; 1643; South Hampton, Suffolk, New York. Birth Surety:3
John married Anne Hyde Gosmer in Kent, England. (Anne Hyde Gosmer was born
about 1615 in Of, Fordwich, Kent, England.)
Per Sunny Seidel: Anne/Anna Hyde wife of John Woodruff - source Compendium
of American Genealogy. pp. 74-75.
Per Notes of Audrey Lee Woodruff's notes provided by Donald Rumsey:
"John Woodruff, the Immigrant, in 1636 at the age of 32, married at Kent,
England to Ann (maiden name unknown, but believed to be daughter of John Gosmer,
his step-father)."
 John
Woodruff the immigrant married
Ann
(possibly Gosmer) and were married
in Saint Mary Northgate, England. Picture on right is of the Woodruff-Pelletreau
House, 1649, at Southampton, Long Island, New York from Ceylon Newton Woodruff's
book. Pictured left is Seth Woodruff who ended up in
Indiana, was a preacher and was from New Jersey so I am certain that he fits in
our family line somewhere, somehow.
John Woodruff the immigrant who married Ann (Gosmer?) had the following
children:
| i |
John WOODRUFF Jr. b: 1637 in Sturry, Kent, England -
(The Elder) the Elizabeth Town Woodruff's are descended from the "Elder".
Arrived with his parents at Lynn MA 1639, settled in 1640 Southampton, LI, NY as
one of the first families; The Southampton contract of 10 March 1640 names
amongst the settlers John Woodruff, John Gosmer, Henry Pierson, Abraham Pierson,
John Lum and Benjamin Haynes. One of the founding fathers and influential
men in Elizabethtown, NJ; an original Elizabethtown associate of 1664; received
a 3rd lot right.
Inherited from his "adopted" father, John Gosmer,
extensive land holdings in Southampton, LI, NY, which he used to purchase land
in Elizabethtown, NJ
Married 2nd Mary Parkhurst, sister of Benjamin
Parkhurst
Officers of the Militia sworne in, 1673; Capt. Jacob Melyn,
Lieut. Isaac Whitehead and Ensign John Woodruff
Constable for
Elizabethtown, 1675; High Sheriff of Essex Co., 1684
"He is first
mentioned in the Southampton Records on April 30, 1657, when he and his father
were among 40 persons to whom powder was issued to repel a threatened attack by
Indians. As early as February 20, 1659, he was a land owner in Southampton, and
at about that time he married Sarah Ogden, daughter of the prominent "Mr.
John Ogden" of that town. In confirmation, is the acknowledging entry of
September 7, 1665, (RS LL, p 236,) whereby "Mr. John Ogden doth acknowledge that
what land or housing or privileges thereunto belonging, which he bought of his
COUSIN John Ogden, he ye said Mr. Ogden did make over all the same unto his sone
in law John Woodruff, that it became his." On May 1st, 1663, John
Woodruff Jr. and Samuel Clark were chosen "constables" to execute according to
warrant upon the water as well as at land within our limits. (RS II, p 221)"
"On July 19, 1663, James Herrick transferred to him 1 1/2 acres in Halsey's Neck
in exchange for 1 acre "sometime belonging unto Mr. John Ogden, & lying by ye
side of the said James Herrick his home lot, unto which exchange the said John
Woodruff consenteth." By deed of October 18, 1663, "John woodruff Junr. has sold
to William Ludlam his interest in a parcel of land lying at the head of the mill
pond, 36 acres, for which he has received full satisfaction. (signed) John
Woodruff Junr." He also made an exchange of land with Edmond Howell whereby
Howell transferred 4 acres in Halsey's neck, 5 acres in the 10 acre lot furlong,
next to the plain gate, and 2 acres in saik furlong, next to John Woodruff Sen.
in exchange for 8 acres in Cooper's Neck, next to Howell's land. (RS II, p 223,
225.)"
"In 1665, in preparation for his removal to Elizabeth Town with
John Ogden, his father in law, Elder brother John Woodruff disposed of
the following holdings, in addition to the Obadiah Rogers and Isaac Halsey
transactions; August 29th, to Francis Sayre, 8 acres at Captain's Neck, bounded
north by Thomas Sayre and south by Joshua Barnes. (RS II p 48,); September 2, to
William Russell, a 50 acre commonage (RS II p 48); September 6, 1665 to Ann
Phillips, the 4 acres he had purchased form Edmond Howell; to Robert Wooley, the
acre of land in Captain's Neck (RS II p 236); and on the following day,
September 7, 1665, "John Woodruff Jun. doth acknowledge to have should and
delivered unto Robert Wooley all that housing and land and privileges of John
Ogden of Southampton, and which ye said Mr. Ogden made over unto him the said
John Woodruff, ye said bargain being on record in this book. (RS II p 236.)"
" Elder brother John Woodruff removed to and became one of the founders of
Elizabeth Town, where is first mentioned "Rights of land due, according to the
concessions of the Lords Proprietors of the Province of East Jersey of 10
February 1664, were each assigned to John Woodruff of Elizabeth town, his wife,
and three servants."
On October 28, 1664, the Indians of Staten Island
sold to John Bailey, Daniel Denton and Luke Watson, a tract of land lying
between the Raritan River and the Passaic River, extending westward from Newark
Bay. The tract extended about 34 miles between the two rivers and about 17 miles
westward from Newark Bay, comprising 500,000 acres. It included what
is now the City of Elizabeth. The purchase price was 20 fathoms of trading
cloth, two "made" coats, two guns, two kettles, ten bars of lead, 20 handsful of
powder, and 400 fathoms of white wampum. The purchase price was payable in one
year after the territory was occupied, indicating that even this small sum was
difficult to meet in those early days. Permission to purchase from the
Indians was granted by Colonel Richard Nicolls who was Governor of all the
territories in North America. Colonel Nicolls was Governor by virtue of
appointment by the then Duke of York, who had been granted the territories in
North America by King Charles the Second of England. The deed of
conveyance from the Indians was delivered on December 1, 1664 to John Baker,
John Ogden, John Bailey and Luke Watson (Denton having sold his interest to
Baker and Ogden). The four grantees took possession of the tract by building at
least four houses before April1665 and thus the settlement and development of
Elizabeth began. Neither Governor Nicolls nor the purchasers knew that on
June 24, 1664, the Duke of York had conveyed to Lord John Berkeley and Sir
George Carteret the tract of land known as New Jersey. Berkeley and Carteret
commissioned Philip Carteret, a relative of Sir George, as Governor of New
Jersey and he arrived in August 1665 with a group of settlers and servants.
Colonel Nicolls and Governor Carteret worked together, despite the confusion as
to ownership of the land and developed the new town which they called
Elizabethtown, probably so named in honor of Elizabeth, the wife of Sir George
Carteret. Houses were constructed by the settlers and also a church where the
First Presbyterian Church now stands on Broad Street next to the Courthouse.
Governor Carteret made Elizabethtown the capital of the province of New Jersey
and the first legislature met here on May 30, 1668.
"There is on record a
"Patent of land to John Woodruff of Elizabeth Town, dated 10 June 1676, for 1. a
part of a home lot of 1 1/2 acres bounded south , north, and east by highways
and west by John Ogden Jr.; 2. a farm of 292 acres along the Dismal Swamp and
John Parker; 3. 30 acres of meadow adjoining the Great Island and north of John
Parker; 4. 15 acres on the north neck, 5. 5 acres east of the preceeding and
northwest of Leonard Headley; 6. 8 acres in the rear of Jonathan and Joseph
Ogden, 7. 4 acres of meadow upon said creek, east of Peter Wolverson; 9. 6 acres
of upland adjoining John Parkhurst's home lot, east of John Wilson; 10. 4 acres
of swampy meadow adjoining parcels No. 7." (AJN XXI, p 23.)"
"By deed of
September 18, 1685, John Woodruff of Elizabeth Town, to his eldest son John
Woodruff, for one-half of his dwelling house in Elizabethtown, with half the
barn and orchards; also a piece of meadow near the mouth of Elizabeth Town
creek, bought of Isaac Whitehead, and a lot of meadow bought of Stephen Osburne
of Elizabeth Town." (AJN XXI, p 164.) By deed of July 5, 1686,
Elder brother John Woodruff transferred to his son Jonathan Woodruff
50 acres on the north side of the town and the brook running past his house,
excepting 4 acres between the meadow and barnfield. (AJN XXI, p 164.)"
"On August 16, 1686, a patent of land was issued to
John Woodruff Sr. of Elizabeth Town for; 1.
43 acres, being an island or hammock in the great meadow; 2. 26 acres bounded
south by grantee, north and east round about the brook in the swamp; 3. 32 acres
of hammocks bounded south by George Morriesse, east by a creek, and west by
grantee, 4. 12 acres bounded northeast by the road from Elizabeth Town to
Governor's Point, southeast by Ephraim Baker, northeast by a little gully, west
by the commons; 6. 5 acres of meadow bounded south by Hur Thompson, north by
Leonard Headley, west by common lands, east by the Newark Bay. (ANJ XXI, p
88.)"
"The Last Will and Testament of Mr. John Woodruffe of Elizabeth Town"
" I John Woodruffe Sr. of Elizabeth towne in the county of Essex in the province
of East-New Jersey being in the hazard of life by reason of distempers
prevailing upon me yet in sound memory and judgment Doe make this my last will
and testament as followed. Imprimis I resign my immortal soul into the hand of
my blessed redeemer in hopes of eternal salvation through his grace. And my body
to Christian burial in the earth, in faith of a glorious resurrection. As for my
worldly Estate, I doe hereby Dispose as followeth.
I give unto my beloved wife Mary, Forty pounds & a mare called Bonny, to be
to her, her heirs and assigns forever, which is according to agreement between
us in law of all demands dower or thirds that otherwise might be challenged, &
she ye said Mary my wife is herewith fully satisfied and contented, & doth
hereby free my estate from any further claims to any part thereof, as her
subscription to this my will doth testify.
Item -I give unto my
said beloved wife one book entitled Closet Prayer or the private Key to heaven,
& liberty to live in and freely enjoy convenient room in my house at the farm as
long as she shall remain my widow.
Item -I give unto my son John
Woodruff for ye enlargement of his yard, from ye Norwest corner of his garden to
the s w corner of the barn & so by the great doors to the street upon a straight
line, and an acre and half of meadow in the Creek, which was formerly John
Dickensons, & half that piece of land lying at ye rear of Jonathan and Joseph
Ogdens lotte.
Item -I give unto my son Benjamin Woodruff the
remaining half of my
home lotts at Towne with the reminder of the pitte (part?) not already given
to my son John Woodruff, & the remaining half of that land at ye rear of
Jonathan & Joseph Ogdens lotts, & my lott of meadow in the creek, & one half of
the barn at the Towne.
Item -I give unto my son Joseph Woodruff my
house, barn & other buildings at ye farm, with that part of the clear land that
is bounded by Jonathan of the north a white oak bushe marked on two sides the
line running from said marked tree south'ly to a corner of a swamp & themce to
John Parker's line- and upon the west bounded by the brook & on the east the
meadow adjoining to said land, also the 3d meadow bounded by the brook & on the
east by the great creek, & on the south by the creek that parts the two hamocks,
together with the hassocks within sais bounds, also ten acres of land adjoining
Jonathan Woodruff on north & to rum to ye easterly putting out of ye swamp, &
the brook by the house on the east & my will is that said son Joseph Woodruff
shall pay six pounds ten shillings to his brother Benjamin Woodruff, & also six
punds ten shillings to his brother Daniel Woodruff, my son.
Item -
I give unto my son David Woodruff fourty and five acres at my farm, beginning at
the south line of Joseph's ten acres, with the brook eastward and southward & so
to run in length to the east line of my farme, also fifteen acres of meadow
bounded on the West by the gravel creek & on the south by John Parker's land.
Item - I give unto my son Daniel Woodruff that tract of land at my farme
bounded northly by the highway, on the east by Joseph Woodruff's land & by John
Parkers's lines on ye south and west, and all that tract of meadow on the south
of the creek that parts the two hammocks & by the great creek on the east, my
lines of meadow being the south and west bounds thereof.
Item - I
will the rest of my land and meadow shall be equally divided to my five sons,
Jonathan, David, Joseph, & Daniel & Benjamin Woodruff.
Item -
For my moveables, my younger sons first being made equal with that what John &
Jonathan have had of me in moveables & my daughter Elizabeth equal with here
sister Sarah and Hannah, the rest of my movealbes shall by equally divided to my
nine children.
Item - I constitute and appoint my sons John,
Jonathan, David, & Joseph Woodruff Executors of this my last will & testament &
John Harriman, Jonathan Ogden & John Parker overseers, as witness my hand and
seal this twenty-seventh of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand, six
hundred, ninety and one & in the third year of the Reign of our sourvern Lord &
Lady William and Mary by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France, &
Ireland & Queen, defenders of the faith etc. John Woodruff senr.; Mary Woodruff
May 11, 1691, Isaac Whitehead, witnesses, attests May 11, 1691, William Brown,
Witness, attests." Transcript of original will in Vol 4, unrecorded Wills, p 289
The original will recorded in Book D of Deed, pps 283 -285
"Letters
Testimonial. The will of John Woodruff senior late of Elizabeth Town in the
county of Essex, deceased, & hereunto annexed the 15th day of May 1691 was
proven before Richard Townlie and Henry Lyon Esquires, two the their Majesties
of the peace for the said country of Essec." Grants administration of the goods
and chattels & credits of said deceased unto John, Jonathan, David, and Joseph
Woodruff the executors thereof named
(A brief abstract of the above will
appear in ANJ, XXI, p 186)
* CNW I p 36 -50
Name: John Woodruff,
Senior
Date: 27 Apr 1691
Location: Elizabeth Town
Calendar of New
Jersey Wills, Vol. I 1670-1730
N. J. Archives, XXI., p. 186 will of.
Wife, Mary. Sons--John, Jonathan, Benjamin, Joseph, David, Daniel.
Daughters--Elizabeth, Sarah, Hanna. Real and personal estate. Executors--sons
John, Jonathan, David and Joseph, with John Herriman, Jonathan Ogden and John
Parker as overseers. Witnesses--Isaac Whitehead, William Browne. Proved May 11,
1691. Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. II 1730-1750. Part II
Appendix 1691, April [May?], 16. Letters issued to the executors named.
1691 May 4. Inventory of the personal estate, £184.-.-; made by George Ross and
Benjamin Griffith.
Death: 27 APR 1691 in Elizabethtown, NJ
Marriage 1 Sarah OGDEN b: 1643 in Stamford, CT Married: in
Southampton, LI, NY
|
| ii |
Anne WOODRUFF #999 b: ABT 1639 in Southampton, LI, NY -
Marriage 1 Robert WOOLEY b: 1615 in of Southampton, LI, NY |
| iii |
Elizabeth WOODRUFF #998 b: 1640 in Southampton, LI, NY -
Birth: 1640 in Southampton, LI, NY, Marriage 1 Robert DAYTON b:
1628 in of Easthampton, LI, NY Children Beriah DAYTON b: ABT 1660 in East
Hampton, LI, NY Samuel DAYTON b: ABT 1660 in East Hampton, LI, NY |
| iv |
John WOODRUFF #02
b: 1650 in Southampton, LI, NY (THE YOUNGER) - The "Cranford-Westfield
Woodruffs, descend from the "Younger" brother of the "elder" John Woodruff
thru his second living son Joseph Woodruff, 1676-1742, wife Hannah unknown.
I have a hunch that the Hannah unknown who he married, was his first cousin,
Hannah Woodruff, daughter of Joseph Woodruff and Hannah Wright. Francis E.
Woodruff, memorable author of the Woodruff's of New Jersey, 1909,
recorded his descent from this Joseph Woodruff and Hannah unknown. |
The Woodruff's migrated from Long Island, New York (South Hampton) over to New
Jersey in the Elizabeth Town Area.
 Excerpts from “Isles of Shells” Long Island by George L Weeks, 1965 pp 58-59
Boundary Dispute Marred Early Days of East Hampton
This deed carries the date of April 29, 1648. It was witnessed by Richard
Woodhull, Thomas Stanton, Robert Bond and Job Sayre. Disputes over the
boundaries between East Hampton and Southampton were settled by decision of the
General Court held at Hartford, Ct on May 16, 1695. It was declared by this
decision that the bounds should forever be and remain at the stakes set down by
Capt. Howe. The western bounds were about two miles from the east of Sackaponock
Pond.
.......this grant was to Thomas Baker, Robert Bond, Thomas James, Lion Gardiner,
John Hand, Benjamin Price and their associates, the inhabitants of East Hampton.
Excerpt from History of Long Island by On East Hampton: p88 The title (for
Easthampton) thus acquired by Eaton and Hopkins was, in the spring of 1651,
transferred to the settlers, whose names, and those associated with them soon
after, were:
...the original settlers were: John Hand, Sen. (d.1663), John Stretton, sen.,
Thomas Tallmage, jun., Robert Bond, John Mulford, Thomas Tomson, Daniel Howe,
Joshua Barnes, Robert Rose, Thomas James, ....those who came later were: William
Mulford, Richard Stretton (d 1670), Ananias
Conklin, John Miller, Luke Lilles, Benjamin Price, Thomas Osborn, sen (d.
1712), William Hedges, Ralph Dayton (d.1657), Thomas Chatfield, Thomas Osborn,
jun., William Edwards, William Ffithian, Richard Brookes, William Symonds,
Richard Shaw (d. 1708), Samuel Beltnapp, Charles Barnes, Samuel Parsons, Joshua
Garlick (d 1701), fluke David (or Davis), Nathaniel Bishop, William Barnes (d
1700), Lion Gardner, John Osborn, Jeremiah Veale (or Neals), Stephen Hand,
Thomas Baker, Jeremiah Meacham ....in 1654 the following names were added:
Robert Deighton (Dayton), John Foster, Andrew Miller (son of John), Roger Smith,
George Miller (son of John), Arthur Howell, and Nathaniel Birdsall.
Excerpts from “Isles of Shells” Long Island by George L
Weeks, 1965 pp 69 -70 Hempstead Town Area bought 1643 from the Indians
The Town of Hempstead in Nassau County was originally settled by families from
the colony of New Haven. It was in 1643 that the Rev. Richard Denton, Capt John
Underhill, Andrew Ward, Jonas Wood, Thurston Raynor, Matthew Mitchell, Robert
Coe, Richard Gildersleeve, Robert Fordham, John Ogden, Robert Jackson, John
Carman, Capt. John Seaman and others sent Robert Fordam and John Carmen to Long
Island, and on Dec 13 they bought from the Indians of Marsapeque, Mericock and
Rockaway about two thirds of the territory which now constitutes the Town
of Hempstead. This document is found in the Colonial records at Albany. To
the aforementioned document is found the marks (or signatures) of Tackapausha,
sachem of Marsapeag, and Jorrane, Pamaman, Remos, Wamis, Whanege, and Gerasco.
In the year 1644, the entire company crossed the Sound and erected dwellings
upon or near the site of the present village of Hempstead. The settlers, having
knowledge that Hempstead was within the limits of the councils of New Netherland
took measures to obtain the approval of the Dutch governor, William Kieft, esq.,
and on Nov 16, 1644 a patent was issued. The first division of land took
place in 1647 and shows the following names to have been freeholders of the
town: Richard Denton, Thomas Wilson, Robert Ashman, Henry Pierson, Robert
Coe, Joseph Scott, John Carmen, Henry Whitson, Jeremy Woodr, Richard Lewis,
Richard Gildersleeve, Thomas Stephenson, William Raynor, Joe Coe, Benjamin Coe,
William Scott, John Ogden, John Storge, Samuel Strickland, William Williams,
John Toppin, James Smith, Jonas Wood, William Rogers, John Fordam, Richard
Ogden, William Lawrence, Robert Jackson, Henry Hudson. Also, John Foucke,
Thomas Irelan, John Lawrence, Richard Valentine, Daniel Denton, William Thickstone, William Washburne, Nicholas Tanner, Nathaniel Denton, William Smith,
Thomas Sherman, Edmond Wood, Francis Yates, John Smith Jr., John Ellison,
Richard Denton Jr., Abraham Smith, John Hicks, William Shading, Samuel Denton,
Thomas Foster, Thomas Armitage, Roger Lines, Simon Learing, John Lewis, Terry
Wood, Christophe Foster, Samuel Clark, Edward Raynor, John Hudd, John Sewall,
Thomas Pope, John Smith Sr., Daniel Whithead, Samuel Baccus, Robert Williams and
John Strickland.A document dated July 4, 1657 is in the
Colonial archives of the State of NY showing that Capt. John Seaman and Robert
Jackson and others purchased for the Indians in 1643 that part of the Town of
Hempstead which is now Seaford and Wantagh.
The original agreement between Farret (Lord Stirling’s deput) and Capt. David
Howe, Job Sayre, and their associates is dated Apr 17 1640, by which they were
fully authorized to make purchases for the Indians of Long Island and settle
thereupon; with as full and free liberty, both in church order and civil
government, as the plantations in Mass. enjoyed....
The names of the settlers who had arrived during the first twelve months were:
Daniel Howe, Thomas Goldsmith, John Oldfields, Samuel Dayton, Thomas Burnet,
John Howell, Thomas Sayre, Edward Howell, William Odell, Thomas Topping,
JOHN WOODRUFF, Allen Breed, Edmund Farrington, Isaac Hillman, John
Cooper, George Woods, Henry Pierson, Richard Post, Obadiah Rogers, John
Fordham, John Lum, Samuel Osman, John Rose, James Herrick, Christopher Foster,
Joseph Raynor, Ellis Cook, John Jagger, Richard Smith, Thomas Hildreth, John
Hampton, Joshual Barnes, Abraham Pierson, Edward Needham, Samuel James,
JOHN GOSMER,
John Bishop, John White, William Payne, John Jessup, Josiah Howe, Henry Walton,
William Harker, John Jennings, Benjamin Haynes, George Wells, Job Sayre.
The conveyance for eight miles square of land from the agent of Lord Stirling to
the above named persons, is recorded as follows: “MEMORANDUM; It is agreed
upon, between James Farret, agent and Edward Howell,
JOHN GOSMER, Edmund Farrington, Daniel Howe, Thomas Halsey, Edward
Needham, Allen Breed, Thomas Sayre, Henry Waslton, George Well, William Harker,
and Job Sayre; that whereupon it is agreed upon in a covenant passed between us
touching the extente of a plantation in Long Island, that the aforesaid Mr.
Edward Howell and his co-partners shall enjoy eight miles square of land, or so
much as the said eight miles shall containe, and that now lie in said bounds,
being layd out and agreed uppon: It is to begin at a place westward form
Shinnecock, entitled the name of the place where the Indians drawe over their
cannoes out of the north bay, over to the south side of the island, and from
there to run along that neck of land eastward the whole breadth between the bays
aforesaid, to the easterly end of an island or neck of land lying over against
the island commonly known by the name of Mr. Farret’s Island. To enjoy all and
every parte thereof, according as y is expressed in our agreement elsewhere,
with that island or neck, lying over aginst Mr. Farret’s Island, formerly
expressed. “JAMES FARRET.” Witnesses: Thomas Dexter, Richard Walker
A deed was subsequently obtained for the same lands from Pomotork, Mondugh, and
other principal Indians to JOHN GOSMER, Edward Howell, Edmund Farrington, George
Wells, Edward Needham, Thomas Sayre, Job Sayre, Edmund Halsey, Thomas Halsey,
Henry Walton, Daniel Howell, John Cooper, Allen Breed, and William Harker,
bearing date December 13, 1640, for the consideration of sixteen coats already
received, and also fourscore bushels of Indian corn, to be paid upon lawful
demand by the last of September, 1641; and upon further consideration “ that the
said English shall defend us the sayed Indians from the injust violence of any
Indians that shall illegally assaile us.”
Most of the names mentioned above will be found in the histories of Lynn and
other places in the vicinity of Boston. Many of the persons probably came to
Boston with Governor Winthrop, some years before their removal to Long Island.
They were generally of a superior class, and of greater intelligence than some
who came subsequently to other towns, being both respectable in character and
education.
Edward Howell was the owner of 500 acres at Lynn, and possessed a large estate
here at his death, leaving a family whose posterity are very numerous at this
day. This same may be said of Sayre, Halsey, Cooper, Post, Rogers, White, Rose,
Wells, Foster, and Pierson. Daniel Howe was the first lieu. of the artillery
company at Lynn in 1637, having been admitted freeman in 1634, and was a
representative in 1636 and 37. He removed from this place to Easthampton, where
he was associated with the first planters, and finally to New England, where he
died.....Capt Howe in 1645 transferred his possession here to
John Gosmer for L4, payable in wampum, 2 cows
and 10 bushels of barley.....
|
Generation Nine
John WOODRUFF "the Younger" was born in
1650 in Southampton, LI, NY and died prior to his father's will of 1703.
1. John Woodruff died prior to the will of
1703
2. Samuel Woodruff his will of 29 Dec 1715, names wife Hester,
inherited Woodruff Home site in Southampton, LI, son Samuel migrated to West
Jersey New York City Wills 1706 -90, p?
"In the name of God, Amen. December 29, 1715. I, Samuel
Woodruff, of Southampton, in Suffolk Co., yeoman, being well in health. All
debts and duties to be paid. I leave to my wife Hester, the east end of my
dwelling house with ye Chamber and garett over the same, with the east part
of the lean to joining the house, and 1/3 of the cellar and barn, and the
free use of the well, during her natural life. And 1/3 of all lands,
meadows, and Commanage, and a negro slave, John, and I 20. I leave to my son
Samuel, under age, and I have no other son, I leave the same to my eldest
daughter, Mary Woodruff, the said dwelling house and barn where I now live,
with my Home lot of land adjoining to the same. And all my land lying east
of and adjoining to my home lot, and my 2 acres of land at Captain's Neck.
All the rest of my lands I leave to the rest of my children. I leave to my
daughter Mary, I25 when of age, and the use of the second row of apple
trees, running east and west, on the south side of my orchard at Seabonack.
I leave to my daughter Hester, I15, when of age. I leave to that child my
wife is now big with, if a son I40, if a daughter, I15. The rest of my
movable estate to my wife and my son Samuel. I make my beloved brother-in
law, John Davis, of East Hampton, and my friend, Ephraim White, of
Southampton, and my wife, executors.
Note: The homestead of Samuel Woodruff, and of his father before him, on the
east side of Southampton St, was sold by his son Samuel to Francis
Pelletreau in 1726, and now belongs to the heirs of Josiah Foster. The
Woodruff farm included all the land on the south side of the road to
Bridgehampton, east of the homestead, and extended to Old Town St. The son
Samuel Woodruff, moved to New Jersey, and was a very prominent man. The old
Woodruff house, sold to Francis Pelletreau, was the last on Long Island
which retained the old-fashioned rhomboidal panes of glass, once in
universal use, and for this reason was known as the "House with Diamond
Windows." --W S P
3. Joseph Woodruff, above
4. Benjamin Woodruff d 1750 at Bridgehampton, m Sep 12, 1704 Margaret Davis
of East Hampton; children: Daniel, David and Timothy (Howell's History of
Southampton, p 407)
New York City Wills 1744 -58, p 282
In the name of God, Amen, December 6, 1750, I Benjamin Woodruff, of the town
of Southampton, in Suffolk County, being sick. I leave to my son David 1/2
of a I50 right in my half lot in the Great North Division, and "all my right
in the Cedar Swamp near Fannings," and 1/2 of a lot near Red Creek. i leave
to my son John I8. I leave to my grandson, John Woodruff, all my lands and
meadows in Bruchy Neck, and 1 lot of meadow I purchased of Jonathan Jagger,
and 1/6 of my Commonage; and his mother is to have the use of 2/3 of the
same while she remains a widow. And my grandson, John Woodruff, shall pay to
his brother Elias, I25. I leave to my grandson, Benjamin Woodruff, all my
meadows adjoining to Brushy Nesk, form the fence that encloses said neck to
the woods, and from the woods to the bay, and 1/6 of my Commonage, and 1/3
of my right in a lot in the Great North Division; also my home lot with all
the buildings, and he is to pay to his sister Mary, I25, and his mother is
to have the use of two thirds. I leave to my grandson, Samuel Woodruff, all
the rest of my lands and tenements, meadow, and Commonage. His mother,
Abigail Woodruff, to have the use of the same. I leave to my daughter
Edwards, 5 shillings, and I make my son David executor. Note: Benjamin
lived at Bridge Hampton, probably on the homestead of late Elias Woodruff.
In an old burying ground at Scuttle Hole is a tombstone of Benjamin
Woodruff, who died in 1808, aged 73, (b. 1735.) This may possibly be the
grandson, Benjamin, mentioned in the will. --W S P
a. John, named in will above, b. Daniel, "refugee of LI to CT," relocated
from Bridgehampton to East Haddam, CT on Sept 20, 1776 with three in the
family & goods by Capt. Joshua Griffeth. Daniel served in the 1st line, in
1775, he signed the Association and also the Woolworth Agreement in 1787;
children: Benjamin, John, Elias and Mary son Benjamin went to Guilford, CT,
"as his sheep were put in flock there;" he was in the Privateer Service on
the Oliver Cromwell and the Putman, he also served in NY and CT in the
Revolution.
He signed the Association in 1775 and the
Woolworth Agreement in 1787; children: Jesse (1765 -1857), Job (1776 -1857),
and Elisha, who had a son Jesse There is a Daniel Woodruff (b. 1747), buried
at Scuttle Hole, Bridgehampton, d. 22 July, 1825, age 78 and a Benjamin
Woodruff, (b1735) d. Feb 23, 1808, age 73 ...FEW (Francis Eben Woodruff)
Refugees of 1776 from Long Island to Connecticut, by Frederick Gregory
Mather, p 644 c. David, "refugee of LI to CT," asked permission to cross
from CT to LI in Nov 1780, signed the Association in 1775, and the Woolworth
Agreement in 1787; "probably" was the one who served in Col. Smith's Reg. in
the 4th line, participated in the CT general Assembly in 1778 children:
David and Joshua d. Timothy, named in will above; son Silas Woodruff from
Bridgehampton, LI, served in Col. Smith's Reg; signed the Association in
1775 and the Woolworth Agreement in 1787; children: Elias of Plattsburg, NY,
Silas, Abigail and Joseph of Orange Co., NY and "probably" had a daughter,
Hannah who m Phineas Paine
There is a Silas Woodruff who d 27 Apr
1829, age 80, buried at Scuttle Hole ...FEW; Refugees of 1776 from Long
Island to Connecticut, by Frederick Gregory Mather, p 644 DAR records:
Timothy Woodruff m to Elizabeth Parsons (???? Elizabeth m to Timothy
Woodruff Jr. of Etown or could all of this ancestry belong to the Etown
Woodruffs??); son, Silas Woodruff m to Hannah ?; son, Elias Woodruff m to
Abigail Leeke; son Benjamin Leeke Woodruff m to Maria S Greene; daughter,
Kate Woodruff DAR # 33489 m to James Shaw , born in Plattsburgh, NY.
Silas Woodruff (1744 -1849) enlisted in Capt. Zephaniah Rogers company, Col.
Josiah Smith' regiment 1776 for the protection of Long Island. He was born in Southampton, NY, where he
died.
5. Nathaniel Woodruff 1680 -1725 m 24 Oct 1705, Abigail Leake
1687 dau of Ebenezer Leake and Hannah Baker of Easthampton, LI, NY children:
Nathaniel Woodruff Jr. and Isaac Woodruff left Southampton in 1740 to settle
in Deerfield, Cumberland Co., NJ with the Leaks, Strattons, Fithians and
others from LI, NY. Nathaniel Woodruff Jr. m Abigail Brooks, he d
1751; CNW II p 193 New York City Wills 1708 -28, p 322 In the name of God,
Amen, December 21, 1725.
I, Nathaniel Woodruff, of Southampton, in
Suffock County, weaver, being sick. I leave to my wife Abigail the use
of one third of my lands and household goods, and the lower room in my
dwelling house during her widowhood. I leave to my sons Nathaniel and Isaac
my home lot, to be divided equally between them. Also my new lot of land in
the woods, also my upland and meadow at Brushy Neck, and a U50 right of
commanage from the Canoe Place to East Hampton bounds. I leave to my sons
Isaac and Nathaniel each 5 shillings, to be paid when of age. I leave to my
children Abigail, Sarah, Ebenezer, Jonathan, Amy, Mary, and Stephen, all my
goods and movabels, after my wife's decease. My executors are to sell my
right of commonage in Quogue Purchase.
6. Isaac Woodruff
7. Sarah Woodruff m ? Davis
New York City Wills 1708 -28, p 506 Zechariah Davis. In the name of God,
Amen. January 2, 1715, I Zechariah Davis of the town of Southampton in
Suffolk county. I leave to my wife Lydia, all estate, both real and
personal, that she was possessed of before her marriage to me. My will is
that all my land lying between the widow Mary Cooper, and the house that was
formerly in the possession of John Earl, deceased, and my close (?) at the
Seven Ponds, and 1 1/2 acres of meadow at Little Nayack, shall be sold by my
executors. I leave to my youngest son, Joseph Davis, all buildings and
orchards adjoining to my homestead, being 10 acres, more or less, with a
pigtell of upland and meadow. Also all my meadow at the hither wading place,
and 1/4 U50 right of Commage, throughout the bounds of Southampton. I leave
all the rest of my lands, meadows, and Commonage to my eldest son, John
Davis, and all the movabel estate to my daughter, Sarah Davis. I make by
brother-in-law, Samuel Woodruff and my friend, Ephraim White, executors.
Note: Zechariah Davis probably lived near Northsea, in the town of
Southampton. He married Sarah, daughter of John Woodruff. --W S P
8. Hannah Woodruff
9. Abigail Woodruff
10. Elizabeth Woodruff
1800 FEDERAL CENSUS, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
1800 NY census Suffolk co. Brookhaven Town pg 6,pt 4
Woodruff, Nath'l, 2,0,1,1,0, 0,0,0,0,1, 0,0
1800 NY census Suffolk co. Brookhaven Town pg
Woodruff, Jacob, 0,0,1,0,0, 2,0,1,0,0, 0,0
1800 NY census Suffolk co. South Hampton pg 73
Woodruf, Lemuel, 0,0,0,1,0, 1,0,1,0,0, 0,0
1800 NY census Suffolk co. South Hampton pg 76
Woodruff, Daniel, 1,2,1,0,1, 0,1,1,0,1, 0,0
1800 NY census Suffolk co. South Hampton pg 77
Woodruff, Benjamin, 0,0,1,0,1, 0,0,0,0,0, 0,0
Woodruff, Jessee, 0,1,0,1,0, 0,0,0,1,0, 0,0
Woodruff, Silas, 0,1,1,1,1, 0,1,0,0,1, 0,0
Woodruff, James, 2,0,1,0,0, 0,1,2,0,0, 0,1
Samuel Woodruff Death: 1703 in Southampton, LI, NY |
Generation Ten
Joseph WOODRUFF #03 b: 1676 in Southampton, LI, NY,
Death: 2 FEB 1741 in Westfield, NJ
- Migrated in 1701 to Cranford, "Westfields," Essex Co., NJ
From Hattfield's History of Elizabeth, NJ p 307-8;
"James Emott had obtained, April, 1686, of the Proprietors, a Patent for 300
acres of land on the West side of the Rahway river, within the town bounds, and
claimed by the Associates as part of their lands in common. In the division of
1699 -1700, Lot 148, (actually "Number 149 for
Joseph Woodrufe,") containing 100 acres,
surveyed by John Harriman, Jr., and the Town Committee, was assigned to
Joseph Woodruff. It covered a part of the land that had been
surveyed, March 20, 1685, by John Reid (Surveyor for the Proprietors,) for John
Emott. At the decease of Emott, this claim came into the possession of his
widow, Mary Lawrence, the step-daughter of first of Gov. Carteret, and then of
Col. Townley; and so into the hands of the Rev. Edward Vaughan, the Episcopal
Minister of this Tow, by her marriage to him in 1714.
Whereupon, in the November
Term of the Supreme Court of NJ, 1714, Mr. Vaughan brought an Action of Ejectment against Joseph Woodruff. The Cause came to trial, in May 1716, the
judges being, as was alleged, in the Proprietary interest. A special verdict was
found; and, for several Terms, the case was argued at length on both sides,
resulting, May 1718, in a judgment by the Court in favor of Vaughan. Thereupon,
writ of Error, Woodruff carried the Cause before the Governor and
Council, intending, if judgment were given against him there, to appeal it to
the King in Council; but "the Governor and Council would never be prevailed upon
to give a Judgment in the said Cause; but after about ten or twelve years delay,
and a vast expense in the cause, the said Case dropt without being decided."
 "Joseph
Woodruff's will, Essex Co., NJ proved 10 Feb 1741 and witnessed by George
Ross, George Ross Jr., and Charles Hol, begins as follows: "In the name of God,
Amen: The fifteenth Day of January In the year of our Lord Christ, One Thousand
Seven hundred forty one alias Two I Joseph Woodruff Junr
(CNW II part II)
First Families of Westfield website; the Greaves
Papers; From the manuscript of Barton C Woodruff by Lewis D Cook:
"The will of Joseph Woodruff Junr, of the Borough of Elizabeth, dated 15 Jan
1741/2 and proved Feb 1741/2: "devises to
his sons John, Jonathan, William, Samuel and to
daughter Abigail Gould; 5 shillings each. To sons
Thomas and Hezekiah Woodruff: "all my Homestead Plantation which I
now live on, situate lying and being adjoining to the west side of the Rahway
River, within the limits of the Borough aforesaid, and two pieces of salt meadow
at the bottom of Trembly's Neck, all to be divided equally between them and they
to pay to
my son Benjamin Woodruff L40 at 8 shillings per
pound when he is 16 years of age. To son Joseph
Woodruff; that house and lands which I purchased of Daniel Talmage by
deed of release dated 11 Dec 1741. To
son Nathaniel Woodruff; my house and
plantation bought of Joseph Bird, of said borough, lately deceased, he to pay to
my son Isaac Woodruff, L30. To said
son Isaac Woodruff, a piece of salt meadow, by Marsh's Creek, to son
Benjamin Woodruff, my negro boy. To my
two daughters Sarah and
Joanna
Woodruff, L16, each. To
my wife Hannah; the best room in my now
dwelling house and one third of the improvement of my lands, one third of my
movable estate as my widow. Executors appointed said wife Hannah and friend
William Miller and my son Thomas Woodruff. (NJA XXX p 545)
Note: Regarding Joseph Woodruff Sr. #6 and
his cousin Joseph Woodruff Sr. #03 of Westfield. After reading CNW's accounts of
the two men and Hatfield's History of Elizabeth, NJ, it is difficult to
distinguish the separate identities of these two contemporaries. It appears that
Joseph Woodruff #6 was involved in the dispute of town boundaries with Elizabeth
and Newark, NJ and
Joseph Woodruff #03 was involved in the dispute over land ownership with
the Associators and the Proprietors.
 From
Hatfield's history of Elizabeth, NJ, p 311-12
On Nov 18, 1729, "The names of the Associates present are attached, with their
seals, to a paper, previously recorded, of the same date in which are recited
briefly the Nature of their Title-Deeds, the names of the Original Associates,
and those of 1699 additional, together with a statement of the Loss of the Town
Books, and an Agreement to allow the new Book to be regarded as a Lawful Record
of Surveys and Conveyances."
The Woodruff signatures were John Woodruff, Joseph Woodruff, Joseph Woodruff,
Ben Woodruff, Timothy Woodruff, Thomas Woodruff, Caleb Woodruff, and Samuel
Woodruff. Trustees were appointed or "Committee Men," as they were
called for "the disposal of the common lands of the town, and for the systematic
and organized defense of the people's title to their inheritance, of which they
or their fathers had now been in possession more than fifty years." Named to the
Committee in 1729 was Benjamin Bond,
Joseph Woodruff, and John Harriman. Joseph Woodruff Sr. #6 more than likely
served on the Committee above representing the Woodruff interest in the original
associators.
 Note
the differences in spelling of the Joseph Woodruffs. Joseph Woodruff #6 had
inherited property, (shared with his brothers,) Lot Number 67, from his father
John in 1691. It is likely that Joseph Woodruff Jr. #675 next inherited his land
since he willed land "belonging to his father." Note Joseph Sr.'s sons, Ben and
Samuel Woodruff's signatures, perhaps they already owned land in 1729.
Joseph Woodruff Sr. #03 does not appear in New Jersey
until 1699/1700. Joseph Woodruff Sr. #6's land would not be in dispute
since the "Elizabethtown" Woodruffs were in possession of the property since
1664. It is probable that Joseph Woodruff Sr. #03
was involved in the property dispute between the associators and
proprietors that is well documented.
Name: Joseph Woodruff, Jun'r
Date: 15 Jan 1741-2
Location: Borough of Elizabeth, Essex Co.
Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol. II 1730-1750. Part II
Yeoman; will of. Children--John, Jonathan, William, Samuel, Abigail Gold,
Thomas, Hezekiah, Benjamin (not 16). Joseph, Nathaniel, Isaac, Sarah and Joanna.
Lands purchased of Daniel Talmage, deceased, Dec. 11, 1741, and Joseph Bird,
deceased. Executors--wife, Hannah, friend William Miller, and son Thomas.
Witnesses--George Ross, George Ross, Jun'r, Charles Hole. Proved Feb. 10, 1741.
 Calendar
of New Jersey Wills, Vol. II 1730-1750. Part II Lib. C, p. 475. 1741-2,
Feb. 22.
Inventory of estate (£304.05.06) includes bonds of Thomas Gold,
Jonathan Marsh, Thomas Jeffery; old loom at
Nath'll Woodruff's; 3 hides at Mr. Robert Ogden's; negro boy. Made
by Charles Hole, schoolmaster, and George Ross, wheelwright. 1742, May 10.
Accompt. Payments to John Shotwell. John Rolph,
Joseph Woodruff, Isaac Terrill, Abraham
Clarke. Thomas Clarke, Esq., Zebulon Jennings, John Pintard, Robert Little,
Isaac Ogden, Samuel More, George Ross, Sarah Woodruff
(her legacy), Ebenezer Sayre,
Hezekiah Woodruff, John Clarke, Joseph Man,
Samuel Woodruff, Gershom Moore, Jonathan Hampton, Josiah Crane (being
his wife's legacy from her father), Caleb Jefferys,
Isaac Woodruff, Sarah Jefferys, David Miller, George Stead, Henry
Gathwait, Henry Bagnell, John Cleverly, Henry Shotwell, Charles Hole, Henry
Jaques, Joseph Shotwell, John Cragie, John Hall, Peter Tremly, William Winans,
Capt. Dehart,
Nathaniel Woodruff, John Ross, William
Ogden, Thomas Price, Richard Hall, John Rattan, Thomas Edgar, John Tucker, Henry
Demony, Richard Clarke, Nathaniel Hubbell,
John Woodruff, Thomas Scudder, Richard Hall, Robert Ogden,
Jonathan Woodruff, Charles Marsh, Dennis Springer, Abraham Clarke,
Edward Willmot, Ephraim Terrill, Will'm Ogden, Samuel Jaquess, Ichabod Burnet,
Thomas Woodruff, William Miller; negro boy given to
Benjamin Woodruff; bay mare
Joseph Woodruff had given him by his mother.
Joseph Woodruff and Hannah Unknown had:
| i |
Deacon John WOODRUFF b
1704 at Westfield, NJ
m. Eleanor Donnington, d. 24 September 1768 at Westfield, NJ - 2. Deacon John
Woodruff |
| ii |
Jonathan WOODRUFF Sr. b: 15 MAR 1706 in Westfield, NJ, m. Jannet Megie, d. 15
July 1777 at Westfield, NJ
d. 15 July 1777 at Westfield, NJ; #284 FPCW |
| iii |
William WOODRUFF b: 1708 in Westfield, NJ,
m. Phebe Williams #1 b. 1702 dau of Joseph
Williams 1678 - 21 February 1737; of Wethersfield, CT |
| iv |
Deacon Samuel WOODRUFF b: 1710 in Westfield, NJ,
m. Abigail Megie at Westfield, NJ, d. 30 August
1754 at Westfield, NJ |
| v |
Abigail WOODRUFF b: 12 SEP 1712 in Westfield, NJ,
b. 12 September 1712 at Westfield, NJ m. John
Gould III |
| vi |
Isaac WOODRUFF Sr. b: 1715 in Westfield, NJ, b. 1715 at Westfield, NJ, m. Mary ? |
| vii |
Joanna WOODRUFF b: AFT 1715 in Westfield, NJ, b. aft. 1715 at Westfield, NJ, *
m to Joseph Crane? no other info |
| viii |
Joseph WOODRUFF Jr. b: AFT 1715 in Westfield, NJ, b. aft. 1715 at Westfield,
NJ, m. Ann Scudder * referred to in father's will, no issue, m Ann Scudder; b.
1734 at Westfield, NJ, d. 28 June 1757 dau of Capt. John Scudder, b. 1700 at
Westfield, NJ, d. 1777, * CNW II p 183; no other info |
| ix |
Nathaniel WOODRUFF Sr.
b. 14 October 1719 at Westfield, NJ d. ca 1780/90 at Spartanburg Co., SC,*
lived at Ashswamp, NJ; named in his father's will of 1742; *CNW II p 183; no
other info from Woodruff Chronicles, believed to be the Nathaniel Woodruff who
settled in Spartanburg County, SC, see pages on Nathaniel Woodruff SC -
this is our line, more on next page. |
| x |
Capt. Thomas WOODRUFF b: 1722 in Westfield, NJ, b. 1722 at Westfield, NJ, m.
Mary ? #9, m. Anna Scudder, 6 December 1753, m. Rebecca Merry , 31 January 1763,
d. 2 April 1801 at Westfield, NJ |
| xi |
Hezekiah WOODRUFF b: 1724 in Westfield, NJ,
b. 1724 at Westfield, NJ, m. Mary Stites, 1746, d.
22 October 1776 at Westfield, NJ |
| xii |
Sarah WOODRUFF b: 1725 in Westfield, NJ,
b. 1725 at Westfield, NJ, m. Capt. Enos Baldwin, aft. 1755, d. 4 November 1797
at Livingston, NJ |
| xiii |
Lieut. Benjamin WOODRUFF b: 1726 in Westfield, NJ, Lieutenant Benjamin
Woodruff, b. 1726 at Westfield, NJ, d. 1786 |
Because this page has gotten so large; I've divided into two sections for those
of you working with slower connections. To see the rest of my Woodruff
material, click on this link (my
line to goes to VA, then NC, SC then to KY).
New Jersey Archives
First Series
VOL. XXXIV
Abstracts of Wills
VOL. V
1771-1780
pg. 595
1779, Feb. 22. Woodruff, Abner, of Essex Co. Ward. Son of John Woodruff, of said
Co., deceased. Said Ward makes choice of Amos Potter, as his Guardian.
Guardian--Amos Potter. Fellowbondsman--Jacob Morrell; both of said co. Lib. 22,
p. 56.
pg 596
1780, March 1. Woodruff, Abner, of Essex Co. Ward. Son of John Woodruff, of said
Co., deceased. Said Ward makes choice of Nathaniel Mill as his Guardian.
Guardian--Nathaniel Miller. Fellowbondsman--Timothy Day; both of said Co. Lib.
22. p. 71
pg 596
1772, Dec. 14. Woodruff, Abraham, of Borough of Elizabeth, Essex Co.; will of.
Real estate to be sold. Wife, Abigail, 1/3 of the interest arising from the
produce of my real estate. Sons, William, Abraham, David and Isaac Watts, the
2/3 of the money, when they are 21. At wife's death, my daughters, Ann, Susannah
and Abigail, to have 1/3; Susannah and Abigail, to have their parts, when 18.
Executors--wife Abigail, and my friend, William
Herriman. Witnesses--Mary Thane, Jean Thane, Elias Boudinot. Proved Feb. 8,
1773. Lib K, p. 538
pg 597
1770, April 22. Woodruff, Moses, of Borough of Elizabeth, Essex Co., yeoman;
will of. My debts to be paid out of the remaining part of my legacy, left by my
father, Timothy Woodruff. To my wife the rest of my personal estate, to bring up
my children. Executors--brother, Nathan Woodruff, and my nephew, Ezekiel
Woodruff, Jr. Witnesses--Daniel Woodruff, Michael Woodruff, Abraham Woodruff,
Jr. Proved April 1, 1771. Lib. K, p. 451
pg 596
1776, Oct. 25. Woodruff, Hezekiah, of Essex Co.; will of. Son, Richard Woodruff,
some live stock, for term of one year. Personal and real estate to be sold, and
money to be put to interest, for 5 years, for the support of my children and
grandchildren, which are now with me. At the end of 5 years I give my son,
Hezekiah, 50 (lbs), and my daughter, Hannah Winants, 5 (lbs), and the children
of my daughter, Abigail Paiks, 5 (lbs), and to my daughter, Margaret Woodruff,
30 (lbs), and my daughter, Mary Woodruff, 30 (lbs), and my daughter, Sarah
Woodruff, 30 (lbs), and the rest of my estate to my 5 sons, Stites Woodruff,
Richard Woodruff, Hiram Woodruff, Benjamin Woodruff and John Woodruff. My
Executors are to be Guardians of my children and grandchildren, who are not of
age. Executors--father, John Stites, and my friend, Abner Cory. Witnesses--Jacob
Winans, Noah
Williams, Samuel Winans. Proved April 13, 1778. Lib. 20, p. 37.
pg. 596
1778, Jan. 10. Woodruff, John, of Springfield, Essex Co.; will of. Wife, Sarah,
1/3 my moveable estate. Son, Simeon Woodruff, my plantation and he to pay the
legacies. Sons, Abner and Samuel, my plantation in Springfield where I live,
but, if they die, then to my son, Simeon. Daughters, Elenor Connet, Rhoda
Woolley, Phebe Fordice, Abigail Woodruff, and the children of my deceased son,
Stephen, and the children of my daughter, Sarah Smith, 6 equal parts. Daughter,
Abigail, 65 (lbs). Daughter, Ellinor, 50 (lbs). Daughter, Rhoda, 50 (lbs).
Daughter, Phebe, 50 (lbs). Son, Simeon, 200 (lbs). Executors--friend, Jacob
Brookfield, and my son, Simeon. Witnesses--Nathaniel Miller, William Miller,
Amos Potter. Proved Jan. 27, 1778. Lib. 19, p. 446
pg. 596
1772, June 20. Woodruff, Jonathan, of Borough of Elizabeth, Essex Co.; will of.
Wife, Prudence, use of 1/3 of my house and land , that I had of my father,
Joseph Woodruff, deceased. Daughter, Mary Scudder, 5 shillings. Daughter, Anne
Dadgley, 5 shillings. Son, Noah, the land which was formerly my brother Samuel
Woodruff's, on which he lives; also 1/3 of my salt marsh; also 1/2 of my rights
in unlocated lands in the Elizabeth Town Purchase. Son, Aaron, the land which I
had of my father, except what I give to my son, Daniel; also 1/3 my salt marsh;
also 1/2 of my unlocated land in said Purchase. Son, Daniel, 30 acres of my
homestead; also 1/3 my salt marsh. Grandson, Eliphalet Marsh, 10 shillings.
Children, Mary, Anne, Noah, Aaron and Daniel, rest of estate. Executors--son,
Noah, and friend, Jonathan Cory, and Jonathan J. Dayton. Witnesses--Edward
Vaughan Dongan, Matthias Meeker, John Durand. Proved Feb. 18, 1778. 1777, June
17. Inventory, made by Thomas Woodruff, and John
Cory. Lib. 18, p. 645
pg 597
1774, Dec. 31. Woodruff, Joseph, of Borough of Elizabeth, weaver; will of. Son,
Henry, my 2 home lots; also a lot called the Great Pasture; also 1/2 of my part
of the Great Island and marsh; and 1/2 of the meadow called Dick Meadow; also
1/2 of the Bay lot; also salt meadow at Oyster Creek. Son, Samuel, 6 acres of
pasture; also lot I
bought of Matthias Baldwin; also land in Woodruff Neck, given to me by my
father; also 1/2 of my part of the Great Island; also 1/2 of the Dick Meadow;
also 1/2 of the Bay lot. Wife, Puah 50 (lbs), and the goods she brought with
her, and, if she dies, to my children, Henry Woodruff, Marthew Cather, Samuel
and Mary Woodruff. Daughter,
Mary Woodruff, 180 (lbs), when she is 18. Wife, Puah, use of 180 (lbs).
Executors--wife, Puah, Isaac Woodruff, and my sones, Henry and Samuel.
Witnesses--Nathan Woodruff, Abraham Woodruff, William Harriman. Proved Aug. 28,
1778. Lib. 20, p. 45
pg. 597
1773, Aug. 24. Woodruff, Noah, of Essex Co. Int. Adm'rs--
Thomas Woodruff and Aaron Woodruff. Fellow bondsman--Matthias Hetfield, Jr.; all
of said Co. 1773, Aug. 23. Renunciation, by Hannah Woodruff, widow of said
deceased, in favor of Thomas Woodruff and Aaron Woodruff. Witness--Zophar
Hetfield. 1773, Aug. 25. Inventory, made by Andrew Hetfield and Jonathan Cory.
Lib. K, p. 451
pg 597
1780, Aug. 1. Woodruff, Richard, of Essex Co. Int. Adm'rs-- Stites Woodruff and
Samuel Winans; both of said Co. Lib. 24, p. 22
pg 597
1779, Feb. 28. Woodruff, Samuel Allen, of Essex Co. Ward. Son of John Woodruff,
of said Co., deceased. Guardian--Amos Potter. Fellow bondsman--George Everson;
both of said Co. Lib. 22, p. 64
pg 597
1780, March 1. Woodruff, Samuel Allen, of Essex Co. Ward. Son of John Woodruff,
of said Co., deceased. Guardian--Nathaniel Miller. Fellow bondsman--Timothy Day;
both of said Co. Lib. 22, p. 71
pg 597
1778, June 20. Woodruff, Stephen, of Essex Co. Int. Adm'r--
Jacob Briant. Fellow bondsman--John Blanchard; both of said Co.
Witness--Nathaniel Bonnel. Lib. 16, p. 510
pg 597
1774, March 24. Woodruff, Uzal, of Essex So. Int. Adm'rs--Elias
Woodruff and Oliver Spencer. Fellow bondsman--Robert Ogden; all
of said Co. 1774, March 23. Renunciation by Elizabeth Woodruff, widow of the
said deceased, in favor of "my brother Elias Woodruff and my friend, Oliver
Spencer." Witnesses--William Woodruff and Elihu
Ogden. Lib. L, p. 155
Preceding records donated by Mary Jean Williams.
Page 2
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