The esteemed gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article is one of the younger men who are making of the reservation portion of Nez Perces County one of the most valuable farming regions in the state of Idaho. His estate of one quarter section is situated three miles west from Peck. He has devoted himself with industry and skill to its improvement and culture since taking it in the year of the opening of the reservation.
Frank W. Woodin was born in Osceola County, Michigan, on May 8, 1876, being the son of Professor Frank E. and Urena V. (Benscootter) Woodin. Professor Woodin is a man of considerable note, being an expert artist and lecturer. Especially has he gained prestige in Michigan, his home state. He handles the caricatures of the Toledo Blade and other journals. He was born in Wayne County, Michigan, in August, 1853. The mother of our subject was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1853, and died in 1892. Her father was one of the sturdy pioneers of the early days.
Frank W. grew to manhood and gained his education in Detroit, Michigan. In 18Q2 he graduated from the high school in that city and then devoted himself to the mastery of the tinner’s art. This being accomplished, he came to southern Minnesota, after traveling around considerably in other portions of the country, and in Minnesota he engaged in firing on the railroad for a time. In 1895, on account of the sickness of his brother, Charles, who died in September, 1898, he came west and remained with him on American Ridge for a time.
In 1895, at the opening of the reservation, Mr. Woodin took a claim near Nezperce, but becoming involved in a contest, he abandoned the claim and came to the vicinity of Peck. Here he found a settler on his present place who was willing to abandon for a horse and saddle that Mr. Woodin had, and the trade was soon was consummated. Mr. Woodin then went to work to get a little start, for he had scanty capital at that date, and for two years he worked in the neighborhood. He has steadily devoted himself to the improvement of his farm and now has a good place. Mr. Woodin has brothers and sisters as follows: Bessie Pearl, is one of the successful educators of the County and keeps house for our subject; Charles E., deceased; Bertha L., in Toledo, Ohio, holding the position of stenographer for the Cressor Company, ladies furnishers; William M. S., in this County with our subject; Elizabeth M. E., in Toledo, Ohio, with her father.
Mr. Woodin is a member of the M. W. A., at Peck, and a Republican in politics and is a good citizen possessed of many friends. His uncle, Captain Ira Ennis, was a volunteer from Michigan in the Civil war, and is now superintending a railroad in Cuba. His uncle, Al Beorry was in the Civil War and languished a year in Libby prison.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903