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 SAMUEL WALTER WOODWARD OODWARD, SAMUEL WALTER, a prominent merchant of Washington, District of Columbia, through force of character, business ability and generous philanthropy has made his mark on the life of the National Capital. The large commercial interests of his firm give occupation for a part or all the year to over one thousand persons. The principles and methods on which his widely varied business affairs are conducted are such as to give tone to trade; and the solidity and thoroughness of such business houses help to give security to the whole fabric of local business.

In 1880, while still in early manhood, he established a partnership with Alvin Lothrop in the dry-goods business; and their business has steadily grown until it is the largest department store in Washington and one of the most extensive in the United States. Mr. Woodward's sterling character is a strong influence for good on the young men of the city, with many of whom he comes into contact through business relations, and also through the active efforts he makes for their welfare. In official and in personal relations, through the church and Sunday school, as president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and as the employer of many persons, his circle of influence is wide. The conduct of his store is a constant education and a moral support to all his employees, who feel the bracing effect of strict but kind oversight. His accuracy, his integrity and his large-mindedness in all business relations are an ideal on which young business men may safely form themselves.

His helpfulness in the religious and spiritual life of the city is felt in the generous support he gives to every good cause. To his own church, the Calvary Baptist, he has recently given over one hundred thousand dollars for an additional church building. His gifts to the work of the Young Men's Christian Association (whose membership in 1906 is twenty-two hundred), are constant, and to the building extensions recently completed he has not only made large gifts of money but he exerts an influence upon others to give. His giving is of the contagious kind.