Wooddy Family History & Genealogy

I have an old studio photograph of Mrs. C. A. WOODDY which was taken at the Pearl Studio in Rochester, NY sometime in the 1880's. Mrs. WOODDY appears to be in her 20's at the time the photograph was taken. I believe that this is a photograph of Martha "Mattie" Mays KIRBY WOODDY, the wife of Rev. Claiborne Alphonso WOODDY.

Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding Mattie and her family:

Martha “Mattie” or “Matty” Mays or Jane KIRBY was b. 29 Nov 1856 in Newberg, OR to parents John Brammer KIRBY (1808-1870) and Rachel B. KIRBY (1821-1871). Mattie had two full siblings, a brother George William KIRBY (1862-1864) and William KIRBY (b. 1853) and four half siblings including Sarah; Joel Anderson; Mary Jane; and John Henry KIRBY, all born between 1832 and 1849.

Mattie married Claiborne Alphonso WOODDY (1856-1918) on 30 Jun 1879 in McMinnville, OR and they had three children including Merle Hilda WOODDY FINLEY (1885-1973); Carroll Hill WOODDY (1891-1935); and Marie Hazel or Sarah WOODDY (1905-1980). Mattie died 27 Feb 1936 in Portland, OR and is buried in the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Portland, OR.

Mattie’s obituary lists her surviving family including daughters Mrs. Joseph A. FINLEY of Portland; Miss Marie WOODDY of Portland; her brother-in-law Edward WOODDY of Chehalis, WA; and a nephew Joel KIRBY of Peshastin, WA.

Mattie’s husband was b. 8 Feb 1856 in Brownsville, OR to parents Reuben Burrow WOODDY (1828-1899) and Sydney Anna HILL (1824-1860). Claiborne was one of two children born to this couple including as sister Mary Jane WOODDY WALKER (1859-1944). After his mother died his father remarried and three additional children were born including Martha Ellen; Theodosia Elisabeth; and Robert Edwin WOODDY, all born between 1862 and 1867.

Claiborne attended McMinnville College, University of Oregon (class of 1881), and the Rochester Theological Seminary obtaining his degree there in 1884. The couple was still living in Rochester, NY in 1887-1888. Claiborne was a minister in Pendleton, Weston, and Amity, OR. He was also the principal at the Indian Industrial School in Chemawa, OR. Claiborne came to Portland, OR in 1890 to become the editor of the Pacific Baptist weekly.

Then in 1902 he became superintendent of missions for the pacific region and Claiborne died 9 Nov 1918 in Portland, OR and is buried in the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Portland.

I’d like to get this wonderful old photograph to a family member and would appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family or know someone who might be.

Thanks,
Shelley