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Judge Jared Ryker WOODFILL is a native of Indiana, born in Jefferson
County, December 8, 1827, son of Andrew and Mary S. (RYKER) WOODFILL, both native of Kentucky. The Woodfills were originally from Wales, and the first emigrants to this country settled in Pennsylvania, and afterward in Kentucky. Andrew Woodfill, like his progenitors, followed agricultural pursuits. He made a settlement in Indiana when a young man, and there married Miss Mary S. RYKER, daughter of G. RYKER, of Kentucky. They are both now living, and are residents of Jefferson County, Ind. Their son, Judge Jared R. Woodfill, grew to manhood on his father's farm, and obtained a good literary education in Michigan, and completed at Wabash South Hanover College, Indiana, from which institution he graduated in a full classical and scientific course in 1854, with the degree of B. A., receiving from his alma mater, in 1864, the degree of Master of Arts. In order to obtain means for completing his collegiate course, Judge Woodfill taught school and after finishing at college he again resumed teaching, filling several positions as principal, in Belleville Academy, Edinburg High-school, etc. In 1857 he removed to Missouri and located in Gentry County, where he followed the occupation of teaching and farming until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and at the battle of Lexington, Tex., he was taken prisoner and paroled, after which he returned to Indiana. At the close of the war he returned to Missouri, where he followed farming, and in connection taught school in Peirce City and other points. He filled the position of superintendent of schools from 1872 to 1873, and afterward taught for several terms. He had meanwhile accepted the position of railroad agent and telegraph operator, and after leaving the school-room he engaged in the railroad business as agent at Aurora. After serving in that capacity for over eleven years he moved to Lawrence County, Mo., where he filled the same position, making in all fifteen years and three months in that capacity. He took an active part in the establishment of a college at Mount Vernon, in connection with the work of the Christian Church of Missouri, and was elected to the presidency of it, a position he filled acceptably during the existence of that body. While living in Indiana he married Miss Melinda STORMS, whom he buried there in 1853. He was married
the second time at Belleville, Ind., to Miss Susan A. IRONS, daughter of Thomas and Sarah IRONS, both natives of Tennessee. Judge and Mrs. Woodfill have reared two sons and one daughter: John Irons (agent and operator at Nichols Junction), Jared Ryker (manager of the Monett telegraph office), Susan A. (wife of Albert W. MENDAY, of Nichols Station). Judge Woodfill lost his second wife December 19, 1876. She was a worth and consistent member of the Christian Church. He formed a third marriage with Miss Martha K. CHASTAIN, of Lawrence County, Mo. The Judge served as justice of the peace for several years, and is still serving in that capacity at this place. He is agent for Lombard Investment Company, loaning money, and has been notary public for the last fifteen years. He took an active part in Masonic and Odd Fellowship work, but since the war has not affiliated with either. He is an original member of the G. A. R. post. He owns good mining land, and is the manager of the Woodfill Mining Company. He contributes largely to all charitable and benevolent institutions.
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