Timothy L. Woodruff

Timothy Lester Woodruff (August 4, 1858 – October 12, 1913) was an American businessman and politician. A leader of the Republican Party in the state of New York, Woodruff is best remembered for having been elected three terms as the lieutenant governor of the state, serving in that capacity from 1897 to 1902.

Early life Timothy Lester Woodruff was born August 4, 1858, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the son of a United States Congressman, Rep. John Woodruff and his wife, the former Harriet Jane Lester.

Woodruff graduated from Yale College in 1879, where he was a member of the secret society Skull and Bones. Following graduation from Yale, Woodruff enrolled in Eastman Business College of Poughkeepsie, New York, in preparation for a career in business and commerce. He was president of the New York State Agricultural Society in 1900.

From 1896 to 1908, Woodruff served as the First President of the Adelphi College Board of Trustees. In 1908, Woodruff stepped down from the presidency but remained an active member until his death in 1913.

Personal life In 1880 he married Cora Eastman, the daughter of the founder of Eastman Business College. His funeral was held at the Central Congregational Church in Brooklyn on October 15, and he was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery. Recalling his days as New York State Governor, Theodore Roosevelt stated, "He was my staunch friend throughout the term of our joint service."

Legacy A collection of Woodruff's correspondence with his father is housed at the Yale University Library in New Haven, Connecticut. Included are 13 reels of microfilm which include 11,643 frames of published and unpublished material documenting Woodruff's career.

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