My Genealogy Hound

EMILIUS J. WOOLCOTT, proprietor of the Woolcott House, at Watervliet, and the owner of three well-improved farms in Berrien County, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, November 13, 1848, being the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Blake) Woolcott. His paternal grandfather, Warren Woolcott, was born in Massachusetts and followed farming pursuits in the old Bay State. About fifty-five years ago he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1851 came to Watervliet, Mich., where he soon became prominently identified with the progress of the community. In his political views he was a Democrat and wielded no small influence in the ranks of his chosen party. When he passed away, in 1877, his fellow-citizens united with the immediate members of the family in mourning the loss of this public-spirited man, devoted husband and affectionate father. His first wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Lester, bore him one son and two daughters; there were no children of the second union.

The father of our subject, Samuel Woolcott, was born in Massachusetts and accompanied the other members of the family to Ohio, where he resided for a number of years in Cleveland. In 1851 he came to Watervliet, where he purchased two hundred and six acres of unimproved land, to the cultivation of which he has since given his attention, the result being that he has one of the best farms in the vicinity. He is also the owner of an hotel in Hartford. A Democrat in his political opinions, he has served with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens in a number of local offices. He and his estimable wife reared four children: Emilius J., Mrs. Margaret Huston (deceased), Elmer and Mario One child died at the age of five years.

A child of three years when he accompanied his parents to Berrien County, the subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of the home district, and at the age of twenty-two commenced to operate as a farmer upon land rented on the old homestead. In 1872 he purchased forty acres on section 22, Watervliet Township, and to this he gradually added until he is now the owner of three farms, one consisting of ninety-four acres, another of forty and the third of forty-six. From these he derives a good income and is well situated financially. In 1885 he built the Woolcott House, in Watervliet, now one of the most popular hotels of the village.

April 16, 1872, Mr. Woolcott was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Alonzo and Harriet (Ducolon) Hauer, natives respectively of Oakland County, Mich., and Canada. The father, who followed the trade of a carpenter and also engaged in farming pursuits, died in Berrien County in 1862; his wife still survives. He was one of the earliest settlers of Oakland County and for many years contributed to its progress and was an interested witness of its development. In his religious views he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife is also identified. They were the parents of four children, Mrs. Woolcott having three sisters. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Woolcott were Henry and Wealthy (Joy) Hauer, who were of German descent. Her maternal grandparents were Stephen and Sallie (Baxter) Ducolon. Mr. and Mrs. Woolcott were the parents of three children: Mark A., Etta (who died aged seven years) and Nina. The family occupies a position of prominence in the community and is highly regarded in social circles.