Ancestry of
William Woodbridge

2nd Governor of Michigan

William Woodbridge

View famous kin of William Woodbridge

• • 1st Generation
  • Ahnentafel No:
  • 1 
  • Father:
  • Dudley Woodbridge 
  • Mother:
  • Lucy Backus   
  • Birth Date:
  • 20 Aug 1780 
  • Birth Location:
  • Norwich, New London, Connecticut 
  • Christening Date:
  •  
  • Christening Location:
  •  
  • Death Date:
  • 20 Oct 1861 
  • Death Location:
  • Detroit, Wayne, Michigan 
  • Burial Date:
  •  
  • Burial Location:
  • Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, Wayne, Michigan 
  • Notes: 

  • 2nd Governor of Michigan

    United States Senator from Michigan

    William Woodbridge was an influential figure in early American politics and a prominent statesman who served as Michigan's second governor. Born on August 20, 1780, in Norwich, Connecticut, Woodbridge pursued a career in law and established a successful legal practice before entering public service.

    Woodbridge's political journey began in 1807 when he became a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and in 1808 when he was elected to the Ohio Senate. In 1814 he accepted appointments from President James Madison as Secretary of the Michigan Territory and collector of customs at the Port of Detroit. He actively participated in shaping Michigan's territorial government and played a key role in advocating for Michigan's statehood. As a strong proponent of state sovereignty, Woodbridge fiercely defended Michigan's interests during the contentious boundary disputes with Ohio. In 1817, he became a trustee of the University of Michigan.

    In 1840, Woodbridge became Michigan's second governor after winning the gubernatorial election. His tenure was short when a year later he resigned as governor and took a seat as a United States Senator from Michigan. He served in the Senate until 1847 when he did not seek reelection.

    William Woodbridge was remembered for his integrity, dedication to public service, and contributions to Michigan's progress. He passed away on October 20, 1861, leaving behind a legacy of statesmanship and commitment to the betterment of his beloved state. His contributions continue to shape Michigan's political and educational landscape, making him a revered figure in the state's history.

• Marriages for William Woodbridge

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  • Spouse:
  • Juliana Trumbull
  • Marriage Date:
  • 29 Jun 1806
  • Marriage Location:
  • Hartford, Hartford Co., Connecticut

• Sources for William Woodbridge

  • ¹ Federal Census, MI, Wayne County, 1850, Springwells, Image 30 of 31.
  • ² General Society of Mayflower Descendants Membership Applications, 1620-1920, General No. 18349, Membership application for Marjorie Woodbridge (Metcalf) Edgar.
  • ³ Gravestone image at FindAGrave.com, (accessed 06/23/2023).
  • ⁴ U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970, National No. 66952, Membership application for David Malcolm Edgar.
  • ⁵ Backus, William W., A Genealogical Memoir of the Backus Family, Norwich, Connecticut: Press of the Bulletin Co. (1889), 13.
  • ⁶ Walworth, Reuben H., Hyde Genealogy; or the Descendants in the Female as well as in the Male Lines, from William Hyde, of Norwich (2 vols.), Albany, NY: J. Munsell (1864), 923-925.
  • ⁷ Wikipedia, "William Woodbridge", (accessed 06/23/2023).