James W. Woodruff, a drayman, was born in Licking County, Ohio, November 22, 1835; he is a son of John and Julia (Cunningham) Woodruff, natives of Licking County, of German and English descent.  His father was a shoe-maker and farmer, and settled in Claibourne Township in 1841, and at that late day is said to have shot deer and wild turkeys from his cabin door.  Our subject was raised on the farm, receiving a common school education, and remained on the farm until 1881.  In 1855, he married Emily Collier, a native of Licking County, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Mary (Ford) Collier. By this union three children were born, viz.: Minerva Ann, wife of F. Merritt, Benjamin (deceased) and Houston.  Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff are members of the Baptist Church of Richwood.