Edward Nelson Woodruff
repeat mayor of Peoria, Illinois
Edward Nelson Woodruff (1862-1947) was an American politician from Peoria, Illinois, who served as that city's longest serving mayor. First elected in 1903 for a two-year term, Woodruff was a Republican. He served in that position for 24 years non-consecutively.
Early life
Woodruff was born on February 2, 1862, to Nelson Lot and Mary Ann (Monroe) Woodruff. His father owned the Woodruff Ice Company, which Edward would later take over and make a small fortune from. Woodruff was married to Anna Schmidt for more than forty years. They had one daughter, Mary, who took care of Woodruff after the death of his wife.
Political career
Woodruff began his career in elected office as alderman for the 1st ward for two terms starting in 1899. Peoria historian Norm Kelley said it was in this first position that Woodruff learned how to effectively spar with his political adversaries. After serving as Alderman, he was elected mayor for the first time in 1903 and was subsequently reelected to two-year terms in 1909, 1911, 1913, 1915, 1917, 1919, 1923, 1929 and 1935.
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