Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-18

was then suggested that he should no to
Dickinson, and lt the result was he took the
years had elapsed since that time. Mr..
Woodward said he had still vivid recol-
lection of the stage coach and of the driver
he retained now, in his ,eightieth year, Mr..
Woodward said hts only way of explaining
1t was that he had alWaysliived to do his
duty and had honored his father and moth
er. and he believed the scriptural promise
Of long life had been fulfilled He also re-
ferred to the practice, which he still kept
up. of each day takingfA cold plunge bath
with deep interest, and the occasional
laughter. -
Personal greetings.
After he had finished speaking. America
was sung by the audience, and an oppor-
tunity was given to altpressnt to take Mr..
Woodward by the hand. Refreshments
were served by the ladies of the church,
and many of those present fingered to chat
over old times. -
Personal "Reminiscences.
A Star reporter had a chat yesterday with
Mr. Woodward at his residence. 431 9th
street northwest. Although re has been
sixty years out of college and is by at least
ten years the senior member of the Wash
ington bar. Mr. Woodward does not give
the impression of old age. He referred to
the fact that he Is In his eightieth year, and
there are certain facts in addition to those
above mentioned which would indicate he
had lived beyond the allotted age of man.
even II for any reason he should desire to
conceal his age, which, of course, he does
not. Indeed. he is not at all sensitive on
this subject, and says the only way in
which he is made to realize his age is his
inability to move about as much as he has
been accustomed to,
Some of the striking figures In regard to
Mr.. Woodward are these: Entered Dickin-
son College sixty-fiye years ago: admitted
city fifty-seven years ago; Joined the Meth
odist Church about the same time: has
lived in the same house where he now lives
for the past forty-five years. and has been
trustee of Dickinson College for the past
thirty-nine years
Above Average Height,
Mr.. woodward's stalwart frame Is only
slightly bent, and when he straightens up
and stands at his full height he measures
six feet two inches. His face is clean
shaver and strongly marked, and his head
is crowned by luxuriant growth of hair
that is now only partially gray. He does
not look his age and he admits that with
characteristic vivacity. He believes In
laughter and has always practiced his
up to few years ago, when he had some
trouble with his eyes and he was obliged
to give up active business on account OF
defective vision. Otherwise his health is
good. In accounting for that fact as well
as his long life Mr.. Woodward says he has
always been temperate in his habits. Both
his parents died some thirty years ago at
an advanced age
Born in Georgetown.
II was born," said Mr.. Woodward, In
giving a brief sketch of his life, seventy
nine years ago in my parents house on
Bridge street. Georgetown, near the Farm
ers and Mechanics Bank. My father was
a merchant in Georgetown, having come
to that place from Prince Georges county,
Nd, where he was born. When l was
fourteen years of age was sent to Massa-
chusetts to attend school,
There were but few boys in Dickinson
College when 1 entered, but 1 well remem-
Der one who afterward became the cele-
brated Bishop Bowman. He graduated be-
fore did. % 81 4,.
After graduating, which was sixty years
ago, / returned home and then went to the
law school of Harvard University, where /
was also librarian. l subsequently entered
the law office of Judge Cox's father and
was admitted to the Bar III 1S4l, and am
the senior member Of the Bar by some ten
years. Gradually drifted into the business
Of examining titles, ana some years ago a
title company was formed of which my
son is now president.
RecoIIecuons OF the City.
In further conversation MIR. Woodward
said his recollections II the city, covering
as they do such a long pegiod. were of a
varied nature. He had seen the city de-
velop from a stragglingI collection of houses
into the present beautiful sand attractive
place. He recalls John Quincy Adams.
while President, lifting the first spade of
earth in digging the Chesapeake and Ohio
canal. He also recalls the Inauguration OF
Andrew Jackson. n
While Mr.. Woodward knew the various
mayors and the principal officers, and was
always Interested as citizen in public af-
fairs, he never held a local office except one
in the municipality of Georgetown. unless
his services Of ten years as member Of
the board Of school trustees of the District
can be regarded in that light. He also was
clerk Of the commission which determined
the compensation to be paid the owners of
slaves in the District. He has been active
and prominent In the affairs of Wesley
Chapel and has always enjoyed the respect
and confidence of the entire community
Mr.. Woodward Is naturally gratifed for the
expressions of regard which come TO him
on thu occasion of the meeting in his honor
and appreciates the kind sentiments then
and since expressed.
STAMP TAXES.
Inc Urn Nf3n II