Woods, Arthur

Woods, Arthur (1870–1942) public official, businessman; born in Boston, Mass. His career ranged from teaching, reporting, and running a lumber business in Mexico (1907), to police work and philanthropy. Named deputy police commissioner of New York City (1907–09), he became police commissioner (1909–14). During World War I he helped direct the U.S. propaganda efforts abroad, was staff director of military aeronautics, and later helped to reestablish servicemen in civilian life (1919). After chairing the president's Committee for Employment (1930–31), he became the first chairman of Colonial Williamsburg and author of several books.