William Hartman Woodin

William Woodin was our 51st Secretary of the Treasury. He came into office during a time of national economic ill health, and left office during a time of personal ill health. It was Woodin who carried out President Roosevelt's orders when the president declared a national "Banking Holiday." Woodin oversaw the assessment of the closed banks, and the issuance of millions of dollars of emergency Federal Reserve Bank Notes.

Woodin was born in Pennsylvania, graduated from Columbia University, and took positions of responsibility within his father's business. He was a successful businessman, serving as the Chairman of the Board of at least four companies in railroad equipment manufacturing.

Woodin fell ill shortly after taking office as Secretary of the Treasury, causing him to resign his post. He died just over four months following his resignation.