Robert Patterson Woods (1870-1958) Papers (0625kc)

Native Sons Archives (NSA)

Robert Woods was born in Buffalo, New York. He began his career as a civil engineer in Buffalo in 1888. From there, he worked as chief engineer on rail, sewer, and irrigation projects in Indiana, New Mexico, and in Kansas City, Missouri. The Woods family finally settled in Kansas City, where Robert served as president of Research Hospital from 1922-23; president of Consumer Tie Service Company from 1925 to 1948; and president of the Midwest Electric Railway Association from 1931-32. In addition, he served as Street Railway Commissioner from 1940 to 1945, and local War Transportation Administrator from 1942-46. Woods and his wife Bertha were active in many civic, political, and benevolent associations in Kansas City. In addition, Bertha was a life-long member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

This collection contains documents and material pertaining to the personal and corporate life of Woods, such as correspondence, project notebooks, newspaper clippings, residential inventories, photographs, and bank statements. A genealogical study of Bertha's family is included, dating back to 1747. The collection also contains files pertaining to the history and growth of Research Hospital. ca. 1889-1963.

11 cubic feet

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri

updated: Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
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