The herald., 1898-09-03
MORMONS IN MOURNING
FOE THE DEATH OF PREsIpENT
wooDFoRD
ALMOST A CENTURY OF LIFE
Spent In Earnest Effort for the Ad-
vancement Of Mormon Peace and
Good Will
Associated Press Special wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
SALT LAKE. Sept. IA private tele-
gram received from Hon. George q. can
non, who is now in San Francisco, an
nounces the death Of the president OF the
Mormon church, MILFORD woodruff Mr.
Woodruff died at $40 this morning. He had
been troubled with kidney complaint for
some time and went to the Pacific coast for
the Improvement of his health about
month ago.
He apparently slept well last night and
0ied this morning without struggle.
Mr. Woodruff was born at Pennington.
Conn. in 1907 and was one Of the original
147 pioneers who reached the Salt Lake val
ley in 1s47.
He has been president Of the church for
The last ten years.
Mr. Woodruff was first ordained to the
apostleship In the Mormon church at the
village of Far West, in Missouri In 1889.
Prior to that time he was travelling mis-
s!onary. In 1850 he was elected to the sen.
ale Of the provisional state of Deseret, and
for twenty-one years served In the terri
torial legislature OF Utah. He was presi-
dent OF the Utah Horticultural society
from its foundation in 1855. and president OF
the Agricultural and Mining society and
was also Identified with nearly every public
movement and organization for the adj
vancement Of the territory.
From his first connection with the church
Mr.. Woodruff has made speciality Of
church history. He was appointed church
historian In 1875 and held that position I'M
til his succession to the presidency.
temple in Washington county, Utah. he
was made president Of the temple.
Upon the ACCESSION Of President Taylc.
TO the presidency Of the Mormon church
Mr.. Woodruff became president Of the
twelve apostles, which position he held
untf 1889, when he became president Of the
church. His administration OF the church
has been characterised by successful efforts
in establishing peace and good will. and he
was held in high esteem by all citizens Of
the state.
From the beginning Of his ministry IN
1884. Mr.. Woodruff Travelled 1880 miles,
held 1855 meetings. preached 1926 discourses,
organised flfty-one branches OF the church
and f1fty-seven preaching stations. He
Travelled In England, Scotland and Wales
and in twenty-three states and Ave terri
tories Of the Union.
A Hale Old Man
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 2-wilYord
Woodruff. president Of the Mormon church,
died today at the residence Of Colonel
Isaac Trumbo in this city. Al his death
bed were his wife and several close friends,
Including George @. Cannon, vice-president
and counselor Of the church. and Bishop
Hiram B. Clawson.
For some time he had suffered from KID
ney and bladder troubles. but In appearance
he was vigorous and though over 81 years
OF age, II was predicted that he would live
to pass the century mark.
A few months ago he showed signs of
weakness and in July came to this city TO
secure much-nee6ed rest. He seemed
benefited by the change of climate and at q
dinner given In his honor at the Bohemian
club few nights ago, at which no man I'M
der 80 years old was seated, he was declared
10 be the most active Of the party. Yester-
day he spoke Of going out fishing, but in the
evening he complained Of feeling Ill. DR..
Anderson, his ply sician n, called in Drs. Nc
Mutt and Buckley and after consultation
they decided that there was little hope.
The aged president Pc ssed away peacefully
about o'clock this morning. His body was
Placed in special funeral car attached TO
the train which left for Salt Lake at 8
o'clock this evening. Mrs. woodruff, Vice.
President Cannon and Bishop Clawson ac-
companied the remains.