When Thomas Woodruff was born in 1771, in Westfield, Union, New Jersey, United States, his father, Thomas Woodruff Jr., was 49 and his mother, Rebecca Marry, was 39. He married Sarah Scudder on 8 February 1792, in Westfield, Union, New Jersey, United States. They were the parents of at least 5 sons and 3 daughters. He died on 27 January 1813, in his hometown, at the age of 42, and was buried in Westfield, Union, New Jersey, United States.
Do you know Thomas? Do you have a story about him that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account
+3 More Children
+2 More Children
During the six-year Revolutionary war, more of the fights took place in New Jersey than any other colony. Over 296 engagements between opposing forces were recorded. One of the largest conflicts of the entire war took place between Morristown and Middlebrook, referred to as the "Ten Crucial Days" and remembered by the famous phrase "the times that try men's souls". The revolution won some of their most desperately needed victories during this time.
Thomas Jefferson's American Declaration of Independence endorsed by Congress. Colonies declare independence.
The Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris which gave the new nation boundries on which they could expand and trade with other countries without any problems.
English: from Middle English woderove ‘woodruff, sweet woodruff’ (Old English wudurofe), a sweet-scented plant. The leaves of the plant have a sweet smell and the surname may also have been a nickname for one who used it as a perfume, or perhaps an ironical nickname for a malodorous person. Alternatively, perhaps a topographic name for someone who lived at or near a place where woodruff grew. There may have been some confusion with Woodrow .
History: Two English families brought the name Woodruff to the American colonies: those of Matthew Woodruff and of John and Ann Woodruffe. The latter migrated to Lynn, MA, from Kent, and moved to Southampton, Long Island, NY, before 1640. John and Ann's many descendants were established in NJ, NC, and SC by 1790. The city of Woodruff, SC, is named for this family. The name is variously spelled Woodrove, Woodroffe, Woodruffe, Woodrough, and Woodruff in colonial records.
Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.
Possible Related NamesAs a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.