Rollin Simmons Woodruff, since his youth a resident of New Haven, has grown up with the city's life and business progress, and by his admirable record in public and business life has gained the respect and honor of all his fellow citizens. His industry and integrity have placed his name in the front rank of the makers of New Haven, and a most distinguished service as governor of the state, crowning an honorable career in politics, has given him an enviable place on the roster of servants of the commonwealth. Though a native of New York state (he was born in Rochester, July 14, 1854) he came to New Haven at the age of fifteen, and he has caught fully the spirit and has always been loyal to the traditions of the state of his adoption.

Governor Woodruff's father was the Rev. Jeremiah Woodruff and his mother Mrs. Clarissa Thompson, and he received his early education in the common schools of New York state, supplemented by a brief period in a school at Lansing, Iowa. Soon after coming to New Haven, he began his business career as an errand boy in a hardware store. He had the merit of industry and ambition which did not escape the attention of his employers, and his upward progress was steady. He went from one position to another, always im-proving his condition and prospects, until he was able to make investment for himself, which was in the C. S. Mersick Company, then one of the most promising wholesale dealers in iron and steel in New Haven, now one of the most extensive in New England. Mr. Woodruff's progress and that of the firm had such connected significance that when the business was incorporated in 1905 he was elected its president, which position he still holds. His sound business plan and foresight, his sterling business principles, have been much of the cause of the advance of The C. S. Mersick & Company, as the name of the firm now is, to a position of national prominence among the concerns dealing in a wide range of plumbers' supplies and house fittings.

Governor Woodruff has other important business connections, being a director of the Mechanics Bank of New Haven, the American Hardware Company of New Britain and the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company of New York. He has been active in many public business enterprises, among which should be counted his valuable service on the New Haven permanent paving commission. He has long been a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was at one time its president.

Always deeply interested in political affairs, Governor Woodruff nevertheless resisted the temptations of office until 1898, when Governor George E. Lounsliury named him an aide de camp on his staff, with the rank of colonel. In 1902 he was elected a state senator and made so good a record at Hartford that his nomination and election, two years later, as lieutenant governor seemed a natural promotion and was welcomed by the senate over which he presided. Again his election, two years after that, as governor was in the line of that natural, steady progress which has been characteristic of his career. He carried his ideas of business sense and business integrity to the governor's office—not altogether to the liking of some of the politicians. He enforced them upon the legislature, and though a veto power that was only nominal kept him from effecting his purpose in all legislation, his acts had a moral influence which the state still feels. His administration was an effort for reform against obstacles; it was a healthy protest. His standing in the state is well summed up by the expression of one leading newspaper, which said: "Popular, honest, honorable, spotless in character, a plain man of the people, a devoted citizen of the state, unostentatious but true blue always—that is Rollin S. Woodruff."

In January, 1885, Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Kaomeo E. Perkins, who was born in New Haven, July 25, 1850, daughter of Nathaniel Perkins. Two children were born to them, both of whom died in early years.

Governor Woodruff has been prominent in Masonry, having membership in Hiram Lodge. No. 1. F. & A. M.; Franklin Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M.; Harmony Council, No. 8, R. & S. M.; New Haven Commandery, No. 2, K. T.; and Lafayette Consistory, S. P. R. S. He is a member of the Union League Club, the Quinnipiac Club and the Young Men's Republican Club. Since 1896 he has been a member of the Second Company, Governor's Foot Guard, and served as lieutenant for about two years. In 1908 Wesleyan University conferred on him the degree of LL. D.