Biographical Sketch of Silas Woodson, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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Silas Woodson, ex-Governor of the State of Missouri, and for twenty
seven years a resident of St. Joseph, was born in Knox County, Kentucky
May 18, 1819.  He worked on his father's farm, attended the log cabin
school house of the neighborhood, and occupied his leisure time in 
reading and study.  His stout heart, resolute will, and untiring indus-
try have resulted in achieving for him the distinction of a self made
man.  At the age of eighteen, he left the farm and engaged for a short
time, in selling goods.  This occupation failing to prove congenial to 
his taste, he commenced the study of law, and in 1839, was licensed to
practice.  Success crowned his efforts.  In 1842 at the early age of
twenty three, he was elected a member of the General Assembly.  At the
expiration of his term, he declined re-election devoting his time to 
his profession, his ability in which was fully recognized by Judge
Owsley, who appointed him to the position of Circuit Attorney for the
Twelfth judicial District.  Reappointed, he soon after resigned the 
position, his growing and lucrative practice demanding his entire time.
In 1849, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention in
Kentucky.  In 1853, he was again elected a member of the Legislature,
and with the expiration of this term closed his official career in
Kentucky.  In August, 1854 he moved to Missouri, settling in St. Joseph
his present home, where he continued successfully to practice his pro-
fession until 1860 when he was elected Judge of the Twelfth Judical
Circuit, in the discharge of the duties of which position he achieved
an enviable reputation, and at the close of his term, again resumed the
lucrative practice of his profession.  In August, 1872 he was nominated
by the State Democratic Convention to the office of Governor of Missouri.
The presentation of his name on this occasion, during the progress of the
fourth ballot, was received with such enthusiasm that the nomination
was carried substantially by acclamation.  His election over his com-
petitor, Hon. J. B. Henderson, was carried by a majority of 35,442.
The manner in which Governor Woodson discharged, during the two years 
of service in this exalted position, the duties of the same, is a 
matter of just pride to his numerous constituents.  At the expiration
of his official term he again resumed the practice of his profession in
St. Joseph.  Governor Woodson has been three times married.  His last
marriage occurred December 27, 1866, to Miss Jennie Lard, daughter of
Moses E. Lard, of Kentucky, one of the most distinguished ministers of
the Christian Church in the United States.  By this union they have
several children.

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