University of Virginia Library

ROBERT H. WOODRUM

Robert H. Woodrum, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia,
May 5th, 1856, and is a son of Jordan and Margaret
(Tompkins) Woodrum.

Jordan Woodrum was
a practicing attorney of
Fincastle, and was also
engaged in the publishing
business, having
founded the "Fincastle
Herald," the first newspaper
published in
Botetourt County.

Later he removed to
Salem, Virginia, and became
identified with the
"Salem Register," of
which Jordan Woodrum
and Milton J. Jones
were the editors.

Robert H. Woodrum
received his early education
in the schools of
Roanoke County and at Roanoke College from which
he graduated in 1876.

After graduating from college he studied law in the
office of D. B. Strouse at Salem, and later began the
practice of his profession in Roanoke, and was the
first attorney for the Commonwealth elected by the
people of the city of Roanoke.

During the early nineties he was prominently
identified with large real estate transactions and extensive
building operations, having at one time over
fifteen houses in course of construction. He was also
one of the principal investors in the company which
built the present Academy of Music, and was the
prime mover in the enterprise.

For many years he was engaged in handling the
affairs of various large corporations doing business
both in the United States and Europe.

Forty years ago, Colonel Woodrum planted for his
father what is now known as the "Woodrum Apple
Orchard," and which is doubtless one of the most
valuable apple orchards in the State of Virginia.

He subsequently engaged in the planting of apple
and peach orchards on an extensive scale in Roanoke
County, and is now President and Manager of the
R. H. Woodrum Orchard Corporation, which is engaged
in the development of the business along modern
lines.

Colonel Woodrum has been eminently successful in
his business undertakings, and has taken a prominent
part in the development of the county and in the up-building
of the city.