Due to growing political tensions and subsequent military operations leading up to the Texas Revolution, the Woodruffs moved a number of times, finally settling in Houston.

He was buried at Founders Memorial Cemetery,[2][failed verification] and a cenotaph remains at this site for Mary Smith Jones as well.

On May 17, 1840, Mary wed Austin physician Anson Jones, whom she had met when he rented a room at her mother's boarding house.

Prior to his marriage to Mary, he had held positions in both the private sector, and in the government of the Republic of Texas.

[3] The suicide of Anson Jones left Mary and the children strapped for money, and forced to sell their land and home at Washington-on-the-Brazos.