Biography of Patrick Cleburn Woodruff, M. D.

In the passing of Dr. Patrick Cleburn Woodruff the medical profession lost a representative member. For twelve years he resided in Stilwell and during that time endeared himself to every one in the community. A man of great charity, he served rich and poor alike and his sudden demise, on the 29th of December, 1914, came as a severe shock to his many friends.

A native of Mississippi, Dr. Woodruff was born on the 31st of January, 1865, a son of T. P. and Elizabeth (Leatherwood) Woodruff, both natives of that state. In 1871 they removed to Paris, Texas, and resided there until 1898, when they located in Rogers, Arkansas. There the father engaged in the fruit growing business on a large scale and achieved gratifying success in that connection. They were among the representative and progressive citizens of Rogers, -where they lived until death. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff eight children were born, of whom three girls and three boys are living. Patrick Cleburn Woodruff, whose name initiates this review, was the third in order of birth.

In the acquirement of an education Patrick Cleburn Woodruff attended the public schools of Paris, Texas, and upon determining to enter the medical profession, he enrolled as a student in the Louisville Medical College, from which institution he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1888. He then located at Mount Joy, Texas, where he established offices for the practice of his profession and remained six months, at the termination of which time he went to Roxton, practicing there until 1900.

In that year he moved to Rogers, Arkansas, where he spent one year and after practicing in Pea Ridge one year he came to Stilwell, then in Indian Territory, where he practiced until his demise. Dr. Woodruff soon built up an extensive and lucrative patronage and became recognized as a representative member of the medical profession in this section of the state. He was ever careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment was sound and reliable. His work commanded the respect of his professional brethren, who appreciated his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics and the ability which he displayed in the administration of remedial agencies. Dr. Woodruff was ready at any time to go to the aid of those who needed him, whether rich or poor, and he was well known throughout the county for his great charity. Just the day before his demise he had performed several operations. The suddenness of his death came as a severe blow to his family and many friends.

On the 8th of April, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Woodruff to Miss Mattie Warren, a daughter of Dr. P. H. and Theresa (Drake) Warren, residents of Paris, Texas. The Warrens are an old and prominent Tennessee family. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Woodruff the following children were born: Theresa E., now the wife of Howard Kilpatrick of Comanche, Texas ; Irene, now Mrs. J. A. Wright of Stilwell ; Madge B., who is the wife of H. D. Pitchford of Sallisaw; Edward, who married Miss Dollie Whittaker of Stilwell and resides at Marble City; Cleburn; and Leta Mae.

Mrs. Woodruff is well known in this community, where she has many friends. She is a woman of much culture and refinement.

Throughout his life Dr. Woodruff gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and the Masons. He was ever a constant student of his profession and took several postgraduate courses in Chicago. Along the line of his profession he was identified with the American Medical Association and the Oklahoma Medical Society. A short time before his demise he was unanimously elected president of the Adair County Medical Association.


Surnames:
Woodruff,

Topics:
Biography,

Collection:
Benedict, John Downing. Muskogee and Northeastern Oklahoma: including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922.

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