Woodman, William E.

Description

William Ezra Woodman was born on May 19, 1893, in Vergennes, Vermont, the son of William Dana Woodman and Anna Cleora Labor. He was raised in Vermont and later relocated to New York, establishing residence in Rye, New York, where he lived on Elmwood Avenue. His early life combined a traditional New England upbringing with increasing connection to the New York metropolitan area, where he pursued a career in sales.

By the time of his draft registration in 1917, Woodman was employed as a salesman with a tire and rubber company in New York City. His background reflects the transition of many young men from rural origins into commercial and professional roles in the expanding urban economy of the early twentieth century.

World War I Service

William E. Woodman entered military service in January 1918 as a Second Lieutenant in the Officers’ Reserve Corps of the United States Army. He was assigned to training and organizational duties within engineer and construction-related battalions, including service with multiple battalion companies at training centers in Texas, Virginia, and other locations.

His service included duty at major Army installations such as Camp Lee, Virginia, and assignments that involved preparing and organizing troops for deployment. Contemporary accounts note that he was responsible for drilling and preparing a large body of enlisted men for overseas service, reflecting a leadership role consistent with his officer rank.

Woodman served overseas from June 29, 1918, to May 3, 1919, as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, contributing to the logistical and organizational framework supporting American operations in Europe. While no specific combat engagements or wounds are recorded, his role was integral to the preparation and sustainment of forces during the war.

He was honorably discharged on June 5, 1919, following the conclusion of his overseas service and the broader demobilization of American forces.

Life After Service

Following his return from military service, Woodman established a successful career in finance and business. He married Ruth Pond Cornwall in 1925, and the couple had two children. He rose to become vice president and New York manager of a Pacific Coast bond brokerage firm, reflecting significant professional achievement in the financial sector.

He remained connected to Rye, New York, where he lived on Loudon Road and was active in the community. His life reflects the trajectory of a World War I officer who transitioned into leadership roles in business during the interwar period.

William Ezra Woodman died on February 22, 1946, in Stowe, Vermont, at the age of fifty-two, while on vacation.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Ruth Cornwall Woodman; his son, William E. Woodman Jr.; his daughter, Natalie W. Woodman; his brother, Henry S. Woodman of Ridgewood, New Jersey; and his sisters, Miss Louise Woodman of Vermont and Mrs. Kenneth Hughes of New York.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Rye, and he was buried in Vermont.