Edwin Dilworth Woolley Sr. was born 28 Jun 1807 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He became a guardian to his 6 younger brothers and sisters when his mother and father died when he was 9 and 15, respectively. He and many other Quakers followed Mary Wickersham’s family west to the Ohio in the early 1830’s, and he married her on one of his visits.
“Late in 1837 Edwin decided it was time to separate the man from the myth. He wanted to meet Joseph Smith and see if he looked and spoke like a prophet. One morning he arose, saddled his best horse, and rode off for Kirtland. He made the eighty-five mile trip by sundown (Rachel wrote that it was recorded in the county files as 'Ed Woolley's wild ride to see the prophet Joseph Smith').” Arrington, p. 64.
Joseph was not there, but Edwin persuaded Joseph Sr. to move from New Portage to East Rochester, Columbiana, Ohio for a few months. They brought the Egyptian mummies along to Edwin’s home.
Edwin was baptized and made preparations to join the Mormons fleeing Kirtland to Far West, Missouri. Before they finished the journey, they were met by Joseph Smith in Quincy, and advised to join the group there, as many saints were now fleeing Far West.
He was one of the first to settle Nauvoo, he set up four shops in town, the last of which was 1 ½ blocks east of the temple on Mulholland where the old seed store had been in 1846. He farmed as well. He completed 4 different proselyting missions back East while living in Nauvoo. Despite his many absences, his businesses and family prospered, enabling him to afford plenty of provisions for a large household group when they left, including:
Edwin Senior's 2 brothers that he had raised and each of their newlywed wives:
- John Mills b. 20 Nov 1822 in Newlin, Chester, Pennsylvania married 9 Jan 1846 in Nauvoo Maria Lucy Dewey b. 3 Aug 1823 in Westfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts
- Samuel Amos b. 11 Sep 1825 in Newlin, married 21 May 1846 in Nauvoo Catherine Elizabeth Mehring b. 19 Nov 1826 in Greenbank, East Earl, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Edwin Senior's 3 wives:
- Mary Wickersham b. 4 Nov 1808 in Newlin married 24 Mar 1831,
- Ellen Wilding b. 8 Apr 1820 in Leon, Lancaster, England married 28 Dec 1843,
- Mary Louisa Chapin Gordon married 28 Dec 1843 in Nauvoo.
His 1st wife Mary’s 6 children:
- John Wickersham b. 30 Dec 1831 in Newlin, Franklin Benjamin b. 11 Jun 1834 in Ohio,
- Franklin Benjamin b. 11 June 1834 in Ohio,
- Rachel Emma b. 7 Aug 1836 in Ohio,
- Samuel Wickersham b. 2 Apr 1840 in Nauvoo,
- Henrietta b. 5 Jan 1843 in Nauvoo,
- Edwin Dilworth, Jr. b. 30 April 1845 in Nauvoo,
and
- Mary Louisa’s baby, Edwin Gordon b. 30 July 1845 in Nauvoo.
After leaving Nauvoo, he married three more wives and had 17 more children.
If you have any further information or questions, please contact the author, a 3rd great-granddaughter of Edwin Jr. by e-mail MomRahman@byu.net.
Full source documentation can be found below:
Edwin Dilworth Woolley Sr. [Parents] 1, 2, 3 was born 4 on 28 Jun 1807 in , West Chester, Chester, Pennsylvania. He died 5, 6 on 14 Oct 1881 in , Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. He was buried on 16 Oct 1881 in City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. He married 7, 8 Mary Wickersham on 24 Mar 1831 in , East Rochester, Columbia, Ohio. Edwin was employed 9, 10 as Merchant in , Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois. He served as proprietor of the "church store". He was employed 12 as Stockman. He served a mission 13, 14 in Pennsylvania. He served as territorial legislator in , Utah. He was ordained 16, 17, 18 Bishop in 13th Ward, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. He was employed 19 as incorporator of the Desert Telegraph Company. He was employed 20 as Brigham Young's personal business manager. He served as county recorder in , Salt Lake, Utah. He was employed 22 as Farmer. He attended a good common school. He moved 24 in 1833 to East Rochester, Columbiana, Ohio. He was ordained 25 Branch President in 1837 in East Rochester, Columbiana, Ohio. He joined religion 26 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 24 Dec 1837 in East Rochester, Columbiana, Ohio. He was ordained 27 high priest on 25 Dec 1837 in East Rochester, Columbiana, Ohio. He was employed 28 as a Church Historian in , Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois. He moved 29 in 1839 to , Quincy, Adams, Illinois. He moved 30 in 1840 to Commerce, Hancock, Illinois. He served a mission 31 about 1 Jan 1843 in Westfield, Hampden, Massachusetts. He emigrated 32 on 27 May 1848 from Winter Quarters, Pottawattamie, Iowa. He immigrated on 21 Sep 1848 to , , , Utah.
Other marriages:
Olpin, Mary Ann
Wilding, Ellen
Jackman, Elizabeth
Gordon, Mary Louisa
FitzRandolph, Betsey Ann
Mary Wickersham [Parents] was born 1 on 4 Nov 1808 in , Newlin, Chester, Pennsylvania. She died 2 on 29 Mar 1859 in , Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. She was buried on 31 Mar 1859 in , Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. She married 3, 4 Edwin Dilworth Woolley Sr. on 24 Mar 1831 in , East Rochester, Columbia, Ohio. Mary resided 5 in 1843 in , Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois. She emigrated 6 on 27 May 1848 from Winter Quarters, Pottawattamie, Iowa. She immigrated 7 on 21 Sep 1848 to , , , Utah. She resided 8 about 1850 in Third South and Third East, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah.
They had the following children:
MiJohn Wickersham Woolley
MiiFranklin Benjamin Woolley
FiiiRachel Emma Woolley
MivSamuel Wickersham Woolley
FvHeneieta Woolley
MviEdwin Dilworth Woolley Jr.
FviiMary Louisa Woolley
MviiiMarcellus Simmons Wooley
1The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, International Genealogical Index (R), Copyright (c) 1980, 1997, data as of February 1997, Family History Library - Salt Lake City, 35 N. West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA.
2#3, Batch #: 5010103, Sheet #: 26, Source Call #: 1553807, Family History Library - Salt Lake City, 35 N. West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 USA, 1553807. Source Media Type: Film.
3Taylor, Glen N., Family Group Record. "." Sources of Information:
Woolley family records in posession of Preston W. Parkinson Other wives: Ellen Wilding, Louisa Chopin Gordon, Ann Olpin, Betsy Ann Jackman, Elizabeth Marshal.
4Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1976, xii, in posession of Rachel Lynn Carroll Rahman, 2045 Knight Street, Nauvoo, IL 62354.
5Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, Land and Records Office, Nauvoo, IL 62354.
6Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "SPOUSE: Edwin D. Woolley MARRIED: 24 Mar 1831 East Rochester, Ohio DEATH SP: 14 Oct 1881 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah." Entry for Mary Wickersham Woolley.
7Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "SPOUSE: Edwin D. Woolley MARRIED: 24 Mar 1831 East Rochester, Ohio . . . Mary's family were Quakers, and they moved to eastern Ohio settling in Columbia County. At the time of the move, Mary was keeping company with her future husband, Edwin D. Woolley. They were married on March 24, 1831. Following this marriage, Mary and Edwin rode on horseback to his father's home in Pennsylvania where they lived for two years." Entry for Mary Wickersham Woolley.
8Taylor, Glen N., Family Group Record. "#1 John md (2) 4 OCT 1886 EVERINGTON, Ann and (3) 23 MAR 1919 FISHER Annie;
#2 Franklin md (2) 9 APR 1868 SNOW, Artimesia;
#4 Samuel md (2) 28 June 1868 CAHOON, Rachel and (3) FEB 1991 TOLMAN, Poly;
#6 Edwin D. md (2) 12 APR SNOW, Florence." Other Marriages:
#1 John md (2) 4 OCT 1886 EVERINGTON, Ann and (3) 23 MAR 1919 FISHER
Annie;
#2 Franklin md (2) 9 APR 1868 SNOW, Artimesia;
#4 Samuel md (2) 28 June 1868 CAHOON, Rachel and (3) FEB 1991 TOLMAN,
Poly;
#6 Edwin D. md (2) 12 APR SNOW, Florence.
9Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
10Jenson, Andrew , Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 4 vols. , Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901-36, 1:632. "Thus he could walk into a Nauvoo store and say, "Brother Wooley, we want all of your goods for the building up of the Kingdom of God." Brother Wooley (with what inner turbulences we can only guess) set about loading his merchandise into boxes, excepting only some goods on consignment from St. Louis. Calling the Prophet he offered to pack them also. The Prophet asked searchingly, "Are you really willing, Brother Wooley, to give us all of your store goods?" "Yes." Joseph, with deep feeling, embraced his shoulder and said, "then replace them on your shelves."." Actual text as Paraphrased by Dr. Truman G Madsen in "Joseph Smith and the Sources of Love" Twenty-Third Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermon, December 5, 1965.
11Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
12Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
13Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii.
14Barnes, Lorenzo, Letter, From the Elders Abroad., Times and Seasons, vol. 1 (November 1839-October 1840), Vol. 1 No. 1 November, 1839 28, Sept. 10th 1839. "After elder Sagers and myself had visited the saints in Virginia and Ohio, (and accomplished our business with them as far as circumstances would permit,) in company with Elders E. D. Woolly, and Elisha H. Davis, started for the eastern countries, crossed the Alleghany mountains in the cold month of January, proclaiming the everlasting gospel when ever an opportunity was presented; visited the saints in Bedford co. and after a journey of four weeks, arrived in Chester co. Pa. Here we planted the standard of truth among Elder Woolly's friends and acquaintances; doors were open on the right and left, and in a very short time whole neighborhoods were in an uproar, on account of the strange drctrine as they called it, which had come to their ears. Mormonism, as it was termed, was the principle subject of discussion. The dust was brushed from many a bible which I presume had lain useless for years, and a general search of the scriptures was made, so that it was said, and I think in truth, the bible was read more by the people in a few weeks after we arrived in the place, than it had been before for many years. Indeed, a certain doctor acknowledged in public that he had read the bible more within 3 days than he had in 15 years before—Soon after arriving in the co. Elder Woolly and myself visited West Chester, the county seat, a town containing about 2,000 inhabitants, and held several meetings in the old fellows' hall. . . . We continued our preaching in different places through the county for several weeks, when 4 came forward and obeyed the gospel; Elder Wooley then left us for his family in Ohio, . . . The church in Chester county, now number 30 members, and many more are believing, whom, I trust will obey the gospel soon. The Lord has commenced a great and good work among this people, and I feel strong in the spirit, and am determined to thrust in my sickle, and reap, while the harvest lasts so that when we return, we may return laden with sheaves, pray for us dear brother, and may the Lord help us all, Amen. Yours, in the bond, of the new and everlasting covenant. LORENZO BARNES Monmouth Co. N. J. Sept. 10th 1839. D. C. Smith and E. Robinson."
15Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
16Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
17Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "Edwin D. Woolley was the Bishop of the 13th Ward for twenty-seven years." Entry for Mary Wickersham Woolley.
18Madsen, Susan Arrington , The Lord Needed a Prophet, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1996, p. 109. "Heber and his mother were members of Salt Lake City's Thirteenth Ward, and it was here that his testimony of the gospel was born. Some of the most prominent Church leaders were members of this ward, and Heber loved to hear them speak. He sometimes found himself with tears in his eyes after hearing a humble brother or sister bear testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith or tell a miraculous missionary experience. However, if a speaker began to go on too long in sacrament meeting, Heber chuckled to see Bishop Edwin D. Wooley reach out and tug the long-winded preacher on the coattails. That was the signal to sit down."
19Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
20Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
21Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
22Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, x.
23Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii.
24Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii. "A year after his father's death he reestablished his family in East Rochester, Columbiana County, Ohio, where he married Mary Wickersham in 1831."
25Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii.
26Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii. "Edwin heard of the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr., and went some ninety miles to Kirtland, Ohio, to meet him. The Prophet was away at the time; Edwin instead met the father, Joseph Smith, Sr., and invited him to spend the winter of 1837-38 with him in East Rochester, which Mr. Smith did. (At the time, Joseph Smith, Sr., was the Patriarch to the Church,) On December 24, 1837, Edwin Woolley was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the following day was ordained a high priest. He was set apart to preside over the branch of the Church at East Rochester. He undertook an early mission for the Church to Pennsylvania and was instrumental in converting Edward Hunter, . . ."
27Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii.
28Coray, Howard , Autobiography (The Writing of Joseph Smith's History by Dean C. Jessee Fn, BYU St, Church Historian's Office, pp. 17, 19-20. "I was then requested by bro. Joseph to undertake, in connection with E.D. Woolley, the compilation of the Church History. This I felt to decline, as writing books was something, in which I had had no experience. But bro. Joseph insisted on my undertaking it, saying, if I would do so, it would prove a blessing to me as long as I should live. His persuasive arguments prevailed; and accordingly in a short time, bro. Woolley and myself, were busily engaged in compiling the Church history. The Prophet was to furnish all the materials; and our business, was not only to combine, and arrange in chronological order, but to spread out or amplify not a little, in as good historical style as may be. Bro. Woolley's education not being equal to mine, he was to get the matter furnished him in as good shape as he could; and my part was to go after him, and fix his up as well as I could, making such improvement and such corrections in his grammar and style as I might deem necessary. On seeing his work, I at once discovered, that I had no small job on my hands, as he knew nothing whatever of grammar; however, I concluded to make the best I could of a bad job, and thus went to work upsetting and recasting; as well as casting out not a little. Seeing how his work was handled, he became considerably discouraged; and rather took offence at the way and manner in which I was doing things, and consequently soon withdrew from the business. Immediately after bro. Woolley left, I succeeded in obtaining the services of Dr. Miller;."
29Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii. "In 1839 Edwin moved his family to Quincy, Illinois, where he first met Joseph Smith, Jr., and Joseph's brother Hyrum."
30Arrington, Leonard J., From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley, xii.
31Shurtliff, Luman Andros, Biographical Sketch of the Life of Luman Andros Shurtliff, typescript, BYU-S, BYU Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
32Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "PIONEER: 20 Sep 1848 Brigham Young Wagon Train . . . On May 27, 1848, Edwin D. and Samuel A. Woolley families left Winter Quarters for the West in Brigham Young's second company. They experienced many hardships, but exciting ones also, with Indian skirmishes and buffalo hunts. After six weeks of tedious travel. Mary gave birth to her seventh child, who was born near what is now Keith County, Nebraska. She had one more child when in Utah. They arrived on September 21, 1848 and went to the "Old Fort."." Entry for Mary Wickersham Woolley.
Mary Wickersham
1Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463, Land and Records Office, Nauvoo, IL 62354. "BIRTHDATE: 4 Nov 1808 Chester Co., Pennsylvania."
2Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "DEATH: 29 May 1859 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah."
3Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "SPOUSE: Edwin D. Woolley MARRIED: 24 Mar 1831 East Rochester, Ohio . . . Mary's family were Quakers, and they moved to eastern Ohio settling in Columbia County. At the time of the move, Mary was keeping company with her future husband, Edwin D. Woolley. They were married on March 24, 1831. Following this marriage, Mary and Edwin rode on horseback to his father's home in Pennsylvania where they lived for two years." Entry for Mary Wickersham Woolley.
4Taylor, Glen N., Family Group Record. "#1 John md (2) 4 OCT 1886 EVERINGTON, Ann and (3) 23 MAR 1919 FISHER Annie;
#2 Franklin md (2) 9 APR 1868 SNOW, Artimesia;
#4 Samuel md (2) 28 June 1868 CAHOON, Rachel and (3) FEB 1991 TOLMAN, Poly;
#6 Edwin D. md (2) 12 APR SNOW, Florence." Other Marriages:
#1 John md (2) 4 OCT 1886 EVERINGTON, Ann and (3) 23 MAR 1919 FISHER
Annie;
#2 Franklin md (2) 9 APR 1868 SNOW, Artimesia;
#4 Samuel md (2) 28 June 1868 CAHOON, Rachel and (3) FEB 1991 TOLMAN,
Poly;
#6 Edwin D. md (2) 12 APR SNOW, Florence.
5Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, Minutes, 7 Jul 1843. "Mrs. Durfee presented the case of Porter Rockwell-expressed much feeling of sympathy awakened in her heart by recent recitals of his sufferings-recommended the sisters to unite like the ancient saints in faith and prayer for his deliverance. Sister Wooley said she has red yarn which she purposed for a carpet, but thinks it will do more good in mittens, and will contribute it for the sisters to knit."
6Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "PIONEER: 20 Sep 1848 Brigham Young Wagon Train . . . On May 27, 1848, Edwin D. and Samuel A. Woolley families left Winter Quarters for the West in Brigham Young's second company. They experienced many hardships, but exciting ones also, with Indian skirmishes and buffalo hunts. After six weeks of tedious travel. Mary gave birth to her seventh child, who was born near what is now Keith County, Nebraska. She had one more child when in Utah. They arrived on September 21, 1848 and went to the "Old Fort."."
7Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "PIONEER: 20 Sep 1848 Brigham Young Wagon Train . . . On May 27, 1848, Edwin D. and Samuel A. Woolley families left Winter Quarters for the West in Brigham Young's second company. . . . They arrived on September 21, 1848 and went to the "Old Fort."."
8Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, p. 3463. "They spent their first winter living in their wagon box. Mary's first home was then located on Third South and Third East Streets with some of his other families."
If you have any further information or questions, please contact the author, a 3rd great-granddaughter of Edwin Jr. by e-mail MomRahman@byu.net.