Charles Armijo Woodruff


Charles Armijo Woodruff was a United States Navy officer and the 11th Governor of American Samoa from December 6, 1914 to March 1, 1915. He captained multiple ships in both the Navy and the United States Merchant Marine. He served only briefly as governor, for a few months before ceding the office to John Martin Poyer.

Life

Woodruff was born on January 12, 1884 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After leaving the United States Navy, Woodruff became a part of the United States Merchant Marine, captaining a ship. On November 23, 1945, Woodruff committed suicide by hanging in an apartment in Hotel Bossert, Brooklyn, New York City, using the venetian blinds cord in his room. A suicide note claimed he had killed himself because he had no means of making money and "missed his boat", and that suicide provided the "easiest way out".

Naval career

Woodruff was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from Pennsylvania on September 24, 1902. In 1906, he commanded the USS Pampanga as a Lieutenant. Woodruff retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander.

Governorship

Woodruff relieved Nathan Post of the governor's office on December 6, 1914, serving until March 1, 1915.