Arthur Wellington Woodworth, also known as the Honorable Arthur Woodworth (b. May 7, 1823), was the founder and President of the First National Bank of Enosburgh, a Vermont State Senator and Representative, and member of the Woodworth political family

Woodworth political family

The Woodworth political family is a collection of American and Canadian politicians who descend directly from colonial settler Walter Woodworth. They rose to prominence in the 19th century, serving in several states, in the United States House of Representatives, the Canadian House of Commons, and...

.

Early life

Arthur was born in 1823 in Enosburgh, Vermont, the son of William S. Woodworth and Patience Stevens. He was educated in the local village schools, while receiving career training as a carpenter from his father. He labored in that field until 1844, when he went to work in St. Albans for a local judge as a farmhand. He returned to Enosburgh where he purchased his own farm.

Business interests

Woodworth became a director of the Central Vermont Railyard, and owned the Lumber Manufacturing Co. until 1900. He also served as a director of the St. Albans Savings Bank and Trust Co. After retiring from the lumber industry, he devoted his time to his other business and real estate interests, which included 1400 acres (5.7 km²) and a sawmill in Westfield

Westfield, Vermont

Westfield is a town in Orleans County, Vermont in the United States. The population was 503 at the 2000 census. It is the least densely populated town in the county...

, 500 acres (2 km²) in Sheldon

Sheldon, Vermont

Sheldon is a town in Franklin County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,990 at the 2000 census. It contains the unincorporated village of Sheldon Springs.-Geography:...

, several farms, a mill in Sampsonville and a creamery in Enosburg.

Woodworth was described as a self-made man of integrity and sound judgment who always had a hand out to those in need.

First National Bank of Enosburgh

In 1905, Woodworth founded the First National Bank of Enosburgh, becoming the President and one of the directors. The bank began with capital of $25,000 and steadily grew thereafter under his leadership.

Politics

Woodworth cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay

Henry Clay

Henry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives...

 in 1846, and became a Republican

Republican Party (United States)

The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...

 in the near future, serving as a selectman, constable, and lister. In 1858, he was elected to the Vermont General Assembly

Vermont General Assembly

The Vermont General Assembly is the legislative body of the U.S. state of Vermont. The Legislature is formally known as the "General Assembly," but the style of "Legislature" is commonly used, including by the body itself...

, serving a term. In 1879, he was elected to the State Senate, where he served on the General and Grand List Committees.

It was said that Woodworth was above political tricks and cheap intrigues often found in public life.

Protection of domestic animals

As a Senator in 1880, Woodworth introduced S. 67, which provided for the protection of domestic animals.

Marriage and children

Woodworth married Adaline Ladd, daughter of Alpheus Ladd and Jane French. They had one daughter, Linnie, who married Walter V. Phelps, a business partner of her father who was also a State Representative and eventual nominee for State Treasurer.