Western Woodard

Western Woodard (April 6, 1857 – April 19, 1944) was an American sheep farmer and Republican politician from Chippewa County, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 1915 and 1917 sessions. The town of Woodmohr, Wisconsin, was named in his honor.

Biography Western Woodard was born April 6, 1857, near Melrose, Wisconsin. As a child, he moved with his family to a farm outside the village of Bloomer, in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. For several years, he was employed as foreman of the Mississippi River Lumber Company's logging operations on the Chippewa River, where his father worked as a contractor for the company. He also operated his own farm, specializing in pure bred sheep.

He became involved in local politics with the Republican Party of Wisconsin, and was elected chairman of the town of Bloomer, and also served at least four years as chairman of the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors. and went on to defeat Democrat Otto Friege in the 1914 general election. and went on to succeed Woodard in the 54th Legislature.

Personal life and family Woodard's father, Thomas C. Woodard, was an enlisted volunteer in the Union Army through most of the American Civil War. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant, serving in Company F of the 25th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, and witnessed the surrender of Robert E. Lee.