John Woodruff was the son of weaver Samuel Woodruff and Jane Hodgson, and was born in Shuttle Street, Preston in 1883. In 1891 he was living at 1 Bond Street, Lancaster, and was at school. In 1901 he was living at 35 East Street, Lancaster, and was a blacksmith’s striker. In 1911 he was living at 112 Aberdeen Road, Lancaster, and was working as a blacksmith’s striker. He married Margaret Ellen Simpson in Blackburn in 1914.

Sources
• 1. Parish Registers, Preston, St Matthew, 1880-1889. Oct 21, 1883. John [son of] Samuel & Jane Woodruff. Shuttle Street. Weaver. • 2. 1891 Census. 1 Bond Street, Lancaster. John Woodruff. Son. Age 7. Born Lancaster [sic]. • 3. 1901 Census. 3 East Street, Lancaster. John Woodruff. Son. Age 18. Blacksmith’s striker. Born Preston. • 4. 1911 Census. 112 Aberdeen Road, Lancaster. John Woodruff. Son. Age 27. Blacksmith’s striker. Born Preston.