William Woodward Jr. was born on December 6, 1920, in New York City. He was the heir to the Hanover National Bank fortune, and from a young age, he was groomed to take over the family business.
William married Ann Crowell and together they had two sons, William III and James. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in tragedy when Ann mistakenly shot William, believing him to be a burglar. This incident would later be dubbed the "Shooting of the Century" by Life magazine.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, William Jr. went on to become the director of the Hanover Bank. However, his true passion lay in horse breeding. He became one of America's most highly esteemed horse breeders, known for his expertise and dedication to the craft.
William Jr.'s untimely death was a shock to many, and his story captured the attention of the public. His tragic end was even immortalized in Truman Capote's unfinished novel, "Answered Prayers." Despite the circumstances surrounding his death, William Jr. is remembered for his contributions to both the banking and horse breeding industries.
William Woodward Jr.'s life may have been cut short, but his impact on the worlds of finance and horse breeding will always be remembered.
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