On Monday, October 9, 1944, Furman Woodington celebrated his 84th birthday. The following Sunday, his daughter, Ethel (“Mrs. Monroe Hope” in the article below, my grandmother), hosted a birthday celebration for him. The local newspaper wrote the following article:

OLDEST IN TOWN HAS BIRTHDAY

Furman C. Woodington of Cassville is 84

Cassville, Wis. — Special: Cassville’s oldest native citizen, Furman Clarke Woodington observed his 84th birthday this week, and Sunday was honored at a dinner given by his daughter, Mrs. Monroe Hope, with whom he makes his home.

Mr. Woodington was born in Cassville, Oct. 9, [1860], and in his youth was employed as a stone mason apprentice. He also worked on the Canadian Pacific railroad and on steamboats which rafted logs down the Mississippi river.

He was custodian of the Cassville public school for 27 years, during which time his six children went through grade and high school. At the same time he served as mail messenger.

His wife, the former Dollie Sturmer, died in 1937. His children are Mrs. Hope, Cassville; Jennings Woodington, Deerfield, Wis.; Walter Woodington, Bagley, Wis.; Marc Woodington, Chicago, Ill.; and Robert Woodington, Rock Island, Ill. Another son, Rolland, who served overseas in World War I, died in 1930.

Mr. Woodington retired from active duty about 12 years ago, due to injuries received in a fall from a ladder. He enjoys good health and makes daily trips to town.