My Genealogy Hound

WOOLEY, N. C. dealer in hardware, was born in Hartford, Washington County, New York, July 20, 1820, was the son of David and Laura Wooley, whose maiden name was Hodge. The Wooleys are of English descent. In Feb. 1822, the subject of this sketch, in company with his parents, emigrated to this country, went in a sleigh to Clean Point, where they exchanged their sleigh for a wagon, and there built two boats and then loaded their wagon and horses thereon and in company with three or four families, they sailed down the river in their craft, and landed at Shawneetown, Ills., where they sold their boats, and stopped in Hamilton County. The father of this sketch not finding this locality congenial to his tastes he left his family and went up to Morgan County, where he partially contracted for a piece of land, but the trade falling through with he turned his attention to the millwright business, that being his trade; was engaged in building bridges and horse-mills, continued at this business until the Fall of 1822, when he moved his family west of White Hall, where he cropped awhile, then finally bought and settled upon a piece of land—80 acres. There is quite an interesting circumstance connected with the purchase of that land that will be of interest to the patrons of this work. (See the history of Bluffdale Precinct.) The subject of this sketch remained at home until he attained his majority, attended school and worked at home, and with his father, at his trade which he had learned. In his school days he had very good advantages—also that immediate neighborhood—for his teacher was Prof. Russell, who is the author of that piece entitled, “The worm of the still.” Could speak sixteen languages. This educational prodigy lived in that locality and his influence was felt in the community, and the children were well instructed, and all those who were so fortunate as to be pupils of his were truly favored. Mr. Wooley came to Greenfield in 1845, and entered into partnership with his brother-in-law in the carpenter and furniture business, which compact lasted until 1850. On Jan. 25, 1848, he was married to Sarah Speaks, sister of William Speaks, Jr.; by this union they had two children: Blanche and Lillie May, both of whom are now living with their parents. In 1850 he embarked in the business in which he is now engaged. Mr. Wooley has always lived a retired life, has never sought or wanted office, being content to attend to his own affairs and let those who have inclinations in that direction enjoy them. Mr. Wooley has done a deal of trading in real estate and has never bought or traded any property upon which there was a mortgage, or vendor’s lien, at the time of trading it; neither has he ever given a mortgage or a deed of trust upon any of his property during his life time. He has an excellent storeroom and has studied the wants and wishes of his customers, and by square dealing has built up a flourishing trade, and has by his genial and social nature made many warm friends.