Urban A. Woodbury

Urban Andrain Woodbury (July 11, 1838 – April 15, 1915) was an American Civil War veteran, an entrepreneur and a U.S. politician of the Republican Party. He served as mayor of Burlington, 37th lieutenant governor, and as the 45th governor of Vermont.

A native of Acworth, New Hampshire, Woodbury was raised and educated in Morrisville, Vermont and received his medical degree from the University of Vermont in 1859. In 1861, Woodbury enlisted in the Union Army for the American Civil War and quickly rose to first sergeant of Company H, 2nd Vermont Infantry Regiment. He was wounded at the First Battle of Bull Run and lost his right arm. Woodbury later served as commander of Company D, 11th Vermont Infantry with the rank of captain, and then joined the Veteran Reserve Corps, with which he served until the end of the war.

After his wartime service, Woodbury became a resident of Burlington, Vermont and embarked on a long career in the lumber business. In addition, he became proprietor of the Van Ness House, Burlington's largest hotel. He also served as an executive or director of several other Burlington businesses. A Republican, Woodbury served as a Burlington alderman and president of the board of aldermen. From 1885 to 1887, he was mayor of Burlington. From 1888 to 1890, Woodbury served as lieutenant governor. From 1894 to 1896, he served as governor.

After leaving office, Woodbury resumed his business interests. He maintained an interest in politics and government, including service on a commission that investigated the United States Department of War's activities during the Spanish–American War and member of the board of visitors at the United States Military Academy. Woodbury died in Burlington on April 15, 1915 and was buried at Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington.

Early life Urban A. Woodbury was born in Acworth, New Hampshire on July 11, 1838. His father, Albert M. Woodbury, was a native of Cavendish, Vermont. Woodbury was descended from Massachusetts colonial governors Simon Bradstreet and Thomas Dudley. He was also a descendant of John Porter, a founder of Rhode Island. Woodbury intended on a career as a physician, but he never practiced medicine because he decided to enlist in the Union Army for the American Civil War. From 1874 to 1876, he was employed by C. Blodgett & Sons.

Woodbury's other business activities included serving as president of the Mead Manufacturing Company, Crystal Confectionery Company, and Queen City Cotton Company.

Political career A Republican, he was elected alderman in Burlington's 2nd Ward in 1881 and 1882, and he was president of the board in his second year. He was mayor of Burlington in 1885 and 1886. During the presidential administration of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodbury was appointed to the United States Military Academy's Board of Visitors.

Woodbury hosted three U.S. presidents during their visits to Burlington.