Abraham O. Woodruff

Who was Abraham O. Woodruff?

Abraham Owen Woodruff, born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also the son of LDS Church president Wilford Woodruff. He was ordained an apostle at the young age of 23, but served less than 8 years due to his death.

Woodruff was born November 23, 1872 to Wilford Woodruff and Emma Smith Woodruff just south of Salt Lake City in a log house built by his father. He attended Latter-day Saints' College after he graduated from high school. Upon completion of his studies, he became employed in a bank at the age of 18. In 1893, at 21 years of age, he was called to the Swiss-German Mission. While on his mission, he had to endure persecution against the missionaries and Latter-day Saints in Germany. He had to dress and act like a common worker in the cities, and preach in secret in private homes at night. He was released after three years of service in 1896.

After his mission, Woodruff returned to work at the bank. On June 30, 1896, he married Helen May Winters. That October, in General Conference, he was called by his father as an apostle at the very young age of 23. He was ordained by his father on October 7, 1896. Like other apostles, he helped establish settlements, stakes, and the church throughout the area. He developed a close and very personal relationship with his father during this time as well.