Dates

• Existence: 1886 - 1964

Biographical History

Angus M. Woodbury (1886-1964) was a writer in Utah and professor of Biology.

Angus M. Woodbury was born in Saint George, Utah on July 11, 1886 to John Taylor Woodbury and Mary Evans Woodbury. He attended the Brigham Young University in 1906, after which he became assistant Forest Ranger in 1908. He married Grace Atkin on January 15, 1909. They had six children.

Woodbury retired from the forest service in 1920, having advanced to that of deputy supervisor. From 1920 to 1926 he was engaged in agricultural work and was teaching assistant at Dixie Junior College. In 1926 he again attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in zoology. In the fall of 1927 Dr. Woodbury began his graduate work in zoology at the University of Utah. He was granted a Master of Science Degree in the spring of 1928. After serving as an instructor in 1929 he made preparations to continue his training in zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, from which institution he graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in 1931. In 1925 he was appointed Park Naturalist at Zion National Park which position he held during the summers until 1933. While serving as a pioneer naturalist, he became interested in ecology, which resulted in his two major contributions in this field: Biotic Relationships of Zion Canyon, Utah with Special Reference to Succession, 1933, and Principles of General Ecology, 1953. In 1931 Woodbury attained the rank of Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, and advanced to Associate Professor in 1939, and Professor in 1942. He was made head of the Department of Vertebrate Zoology in 1948 and retired as Emeritus professor in 1952. In 1957 he was made director of Ecological Research on the Colorado River Project which position he held until 1964. Professor Woodbury's publications, which include several books, number over 100 and cover a wide range of subject matter, from Utah history to bird classifications, history of national parks, and catalogs of reptiles. Professor Woodbury was an active and enthusiastic supporter of a number of professional organizations, including being a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Ornithological Union (member of the council of this organization), Herpetological League, Utah Academy, Science, Arts and Letters, and a member of various other organizations related to biological studies, such as the Nature Conservancy, American Museum Natural History, and Audubon Society Program in Utah.

Angus Munn Woodbury and his wife both died on August 1, 1964.

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