Thomas WOODWARD

                   Thomas Woodward occupied the larger portion of the house now owned by his son, Ralph E. Woodward; he was son of James and Rebecca Woodward; was born in Lynnfield, in 1773; was a very ingenious mechanic and nice workman; was the original manufacturer of the celebrated "Woodward's Awls," and other improved shoe-tools.  The original invention or suggestion of "Emerson's Elastic Razor Straps," has been credited to Mr. Woodward.  He was an honest, industrious, and kind-hearted man, but possessed some peculiarities of character; he had an inquiring and rather credulous mind; any new idea, either in physic, physics, or ethics, he was ever ready to adopt, and if he thought it valuable, he was disposed to pursue it with great sincerity and pertinacity of purpose; hence we find him ever trying some new experiment in manufacturing, using some newly invented pills or cordial, making a "Tincure," that becomes and still continues a popular medicine, becoming an anti-Mason and abolitionist of the most approved patterns, and an honest and sincere believer in Millerism.  He was, however, a very useful citizen.  He lived to be aged, and his body outlived his mind.  He died 1860, age 87 1/2 years.