Samuel Woodruff was born in Fishwick, Preston, Lancashire in 1861, and was the son of John Woodruff and Elizabeth Heaps. In 1861 he was living at 81 London Road, Fishwick. In 1871 he was living at 81 London Road and working as a cotton jobber. In 1881 he was living at 1 Lily Terrace and was a cotton weaver.

Sources
• 1. 1861 Census. 81 London Road, Fishwick. Samuel Woodruff. Son. Age 1 month. Born Preston. • 2. 1871 Census. 81 London Road, Fishwick. Samuel Woodruff. Son. Age 10. Cotton jobber. Born Fishwick. • 3. 1881 census. 1 Lily Terrace, Preston. Samuel woodruff. Son. Age 20. Cotton weaver. Born Preston.