Edwin Dilworth Woolley, second Bishop of the 13th Ward in Salt Lake City was the son of John Woolley and Rachel Dilworth and was born in West Chester, Chester Co., Penns., 28 June 1807. He passed his early boyhood at Newlin, Chester Co., His father was a well-to-do farmer and Edwin was raised to that occupation. He usually worked on the farm in the summer and received most of his schooling during the winter months. He acquired a good common school education and being naturally of a practical nature he could apply what knowledge he acquired in a way to be useful.
His mother died in 1826 and his father followed six years later (1832) leaving a family of seven children. Edwin being the oldest child the responsibility now fell upon him and he assumed the trust with the faithfulness and willingness characteristic of his nature and although the youngest child was but seven years old, Edwin performed the part of father to all of them until they were capable of caring for themselves.
The year after his fathers death he moved with his family to East Rochester, Columbiana Co., Ohio. Before moving to Ohio he had become acquainted with a young girl, Mary Wickersham and an attachment had been made between them, but Mary’s family moved from Pennsylvania to Ohion causing a separation for some time. Finally Edwin D. made the long trip over the Allegeheny Mountains on horse back to Ohio where he was united in marriage to the woman of his choice March 24, 1831. He made the return trip with his wife as company. After their return to Penn. they remained about a year and then moved with his wife and brothers and sisters.
While living at East Rochester he heard of the Prophet Joseph Smith who was then living in Kirtland. During the year 1837 he visited Kirtland for the purpose of seeing and conversing with the Prophet, but Joseph did not have the opportunity of meeting him at that time…
… more to come …
Did Edwin have a brother Thomas C Woolley married twice in Ohio and my GG-Grandfather. I know not when he came to Ohio or where he died. I just find his second wife and some of the children that weren’t living with others on the 1880 census.
I have been told, can’t prove his middle name was Chandler or close to that. His second wife, Rhoda was born 1826 and I don’t remember Nancy’s dob.
On 2 different census for my G-Grandfather, it has his Father came to 2 different places.
Knowing of the wagon train Edwin Woolley, Wooley took with many other Woolley’s etc, I keep hoping to find one that my GG-Grandfather was related. I have both of his wives families researched and though Woolley, Wooley shows up many times related to some of the family, don’t seem to be able to connect my GG-Grandfather.
I recently found the final resting place of my G-Grandmother and Grandmother in Ohio. There are no markers or stones, so I guess in the move they didn’t get there. The Sexton of the Cemetery pointed out thier site.
I have about 7 different lines I can’t seem to pull together and prove them as ancestors of my GG-Grandfather. I have found notes to verify my G-Grandfather was given to another family to raise, perhaps to learn a vocation. He was born 1854 died 1933 and lived with the mentioned family even after his marriage for some time.
Then my G-Grandparents lived with my Grandparents to the end.
I have a picture of someone, I don’t know if it is my Grandfather or G-Grandfather with a grand daughter. Notes state my G-Grandfather lived in NE for awhile.
I don’t know if my GG-Grandfather was in service during the Black Hawk Indian War during the ‘Trail of Tears’ or if he died of old age. I just know he left his wife a widow living with her widower Father by 1880.
I researched Jedediah Woolley Jr, extensively for a librarian when the town he had founded celebrated their 150 anniversary. I could not determine how or if Jedediah was related to Edwin or not.
I did find Edwin was the Father of many children and if I remember correctly had a number of wives as was the way of his belief in those days.
If anyone can help me shed light on my family connections of which many of the surnames mentioned within your site are some of those Mom mentioned over the years as related I would be so grateful.
Thank you for having this space available for comments.