Woodhull Irwin Spitler (1887-1962)

From the Lafayette Journal and Courier, January 9, 1962.

   After an extended visit in New Mexico, the Strangest Names In American Political History makes its first stop in Indiana in 2019 with an article on Woodhull Irwin Spitler, a World War I veteran and railway security department official who was elected to two terms as municipal judge for West Lafayette, Indiana. A lifelong Hoosier, Woodhull I. Spitler was born Rensselaer on December 14, 1887, the son of Charles Guy (1868-1926) and Mildred Belle (Powell) Spitler (1867-1953). Born into a family prominent in public service in Jasper County, Woodhull Spitler's grandfather Marion Lycurgus had served a term in the state legislature and was also elected to two terms as Jasper County clerk. Spitler's father Charles was a past mayor of Rensselaer, serving eight years in office (1914-22).

  A student in schools local to Jasper County, Spitler later attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his degree in law in 1910. He would subsequently practice law in Rensselaer, and joined his father in specializing in abstract and real estate law. In 1913 Spitler wed Edna Marie Hauter (1891-1975), and later had two sons, Woodhull Irwin Jr. (1916-2001) and Thomas Hauter Spitler (1922-1969). 

  Following America's entering into World War I, Spitler enlisted for service and underwent training at military installations in both the United States and England, including Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, Camp Custer in Michigan, Camp Merritt in New Jersey, Camp Mills in New York, and lastly Camp Stony Brook in the United Kingdom. After completing his training Spitler was assigned to the 339th Infantry, 85th division in a machine gun company and in November 1917 received the rank of second lieutenant. He would see action throughout 1918 (including "detached service in Northern Russia") and served from July 22, 1918, until his discharge in July of the next year. Spitler was subsequently awarded the Croix de Guerre with bronze star for valor in battle during engagements in October 1918. 

  After his return from service, Spitler resettled with his wife in Lafayette, Indiana in 1921, and beginning in 1922 became affiliated with the Chicago, Indianapolis, and Louisville Railway (also referred to as the Monon Railway). His early years with the railway saw him with the claims department and in the late 1920s had assumed the post of chief special agent for the railroad's security department. His two decade-plus tenure as railway police chief also saw Spitler undertake an additional role as a lecturer in law at Indiana University's Institute of Criminal Law Administration, holding that post for six years.

Spitler (pictured left) during his time as police chief of the CI & L Railroad.

  Woodhull I. Spitler retired from the CI&L Railway in 1953 and shortly after his retirement joined the financial planning firm of Waddell and Reed. In 1955 he held the chairmanship of the Lafayette Republican city committee and in January 1956 was elected as municipal judge for West Lafayette, Indiana. He would win reelection to the bench in 1959 and died in office on January 8, 1962, of a heart attack suffered at his home. Spitler was survived by his wife Edna and following funeral services was interred at the Grand View Cemetery in West Lafayette.

From the Lafayette Journal and Courier, January 9, 1962.