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MARION U. WOODRUFF , one of the leading young attorneys of Springfield, belonging to the firm of Woodruff & Galligan, was born in Sangamon County on the 24th of June, 1863, and is the second child in a family of six children born unto Thomas and Mildred (Tackett) Woodruff, who were natives of Kentucky and Illinois respectively. His father came to the State of Illinois in the year 1860 and the following year was united in marriage with Miss Tackett, the union being celebrated in Springfield. By occupation he was a farmer and followed that business throughout his entire life. He died July 13, 1882, respected by all who knew him. Of the children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff all are yet living, namely: Ella, wife of John Dreudle, a farmer; Marion U., of this sketch; Lorin and Sherman, who are engaged in farming; Ida, a resident of Chicago. The Woodruffs are an old Virginian family and were represented in the Revolutionary War by the great-grandfather of our subject, Nodiah Woodruff, who wore the blue and buff.

Marion Woodruff received excellent educational advantages in his youth. He acquired his primary education in the common schools which was supplemented by a course in the colleges of Valparaiso, Ind., and Champaign, Ill. He began the study of law under Capt. Smith, of the latter place, and was admitted to the bar in Mt. Vernon, Ill., in the spring of 1888. Immediately thereafter he formed a partnership with Bartholomew Galligan and opened an office in Springfield. The firm does business under the style of Woodruff & Galligan, general practitioners. Mr. Woodruff is a member of the Order of Modern Woodmen and is popular in social and business circles.

The other member of the firm, Bartholomew Galligan, is a native of this county, born if Irish parentage. He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 4th of April, 1859, his parents being Bartholomew and Ellen (Reilly) Galligan, both of whom are natives of the emerald Isle, but in childhood they left that land and came to America. In their family are seven children yet living, and one daughter Maggie died in early childhood. The living are: Mary Ann, wife of Joseph Faith; Bartholomew, Jr.; Agnes, Phillip, Ella, Anna and John.

Bartholomew Galligan, whose name heads this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead and assisted in the cultivation of the farm, but on making choice of a vocation for a life work, he chose a professional career and to the practice of law devoted his energies. He was educated in the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, where he pursued his studies one year and then took a four years' course in the college of Valparaiso, Ind., graduating from the law department of that institution in the class of '88. His native county has been the scene of his manhood's efforts as well as his boyhood's plays. Immediately after his graduation he came to Springfield and the office of Woodruff & Galligan was opened. In politics he is a supporter of the Democracy, and socially is a member of the Modern Woodmen.

The gentlemen comprising the firm of Woodruff & Galligan are representatives of early and respected families of the county, and their business ability is such as to win them an honored place among their professional brethren. They already have a lucrative practice which is constantly increasing.