Stewart L. Woodford

A picturesque career closed with the death of General Stewart Lyndon Woodford. No son of New York had passed through a wider range of public service, as lawyer, soldier, politician, diplomat. From his admission to the bar in 1857, at the age of twenty-two, he was actively interested in public affairs until the year of his death. He was a delegate in 1860 to the National Convention which nominated Lincoln, and some time afterwards was appointed Assistant United States District Attorney; but resigned to enter the army in August, 1862. His war-record was one of bravery and efficiency until he was mustered out a brevet brigadier-general in 1865. Lieutenant-Governor of New York in ’66, elector-at-large in ’72, at National Conventions twice withdrawing his name as candidate for the winning vice-presidential nomination, Congressman, United States District Attorney, the tale of service is a long one. He was appointed by President McKinley Minister to Spain in 1897; and honor and gratitude are due to this old soldier for his efforts to avert the Spanish war. His last public function was the presidency of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration Commission.

Henry Osborn Taylor
1914 Century Association Yearbook