George Woolsey
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George Woolsey, son of Thomas Woolsey and Elizabeth Waters, was born at Bedford, Westchester Co., New York, in 17481 and was probably buried at Woolsey Valley Cemetery, Edmonson Co., Kentucky, now within the bounds of Mammoth Cave National Park.1 He died at Warren Co., Kentucky, before 7 July 1817, when his will was proved.2
George married Mary Hopkins, daughter of Francis Hopkins and Mary Joslin, at Bedford 1769.3,1
George Woolsey is first of record in April 1775, when shortly after, and in response to, the action at Lexington and Concord, he signed, at New Marlborough, the New York Articles of Association, pledging to abide by the orders and resolutions of the Continental Congress and Provincial Convention:4
He is said to have served at the battles of Bunker Hill (1775) and the Cowpens (1781) during the revolution, but contemporary records of that or any other military service in the revolution have not been located. However, Colonel William Campbell (the same William Campbell who executed Francis Hopkins), did lead a contingent of Washington County militia to King's Mountain in October 1780, and his brother, Colonel Arthur Campbell, was involved at Cowpens in January, 1781, with more Washington Co. militia.5,6 George Woolsey was a near neighbor to Col William Campbell, their properties both being mentioned as abutting a 1782 land survey for Andrew Smathers, and George was listed in Col Arthur Campell's company in a personal property tax return in 1784.7,8
George (and four others including his brother, Zephaniah), each posted a £200 bond as security for Francis Hopkins in Washington Co., Virginia, 20 August 1778. Later, Francis escaped but was caught soon after and hung without a trial. The security bonds were probably forfeit, but the hanging was of dubious legality (the legislature later indemnified the vigilantes) and the court may have come to some settlement with the bondsmen. This Francis Hopkins is probably the brother of George's wife, Mary Hopkins but there is conflicting evidence of that.5
At a court held in Washington Co., Virginia, 19 August 1779, James Bates charged George Wolsey with trespass, assault & battery. The jury found George not guilty and the court ordered "the plaintiff take nothing by his Bill but for his false claims be in Mercy etc. and the said defendant go hence without day [delay?] and recover against the plaintiff his costs by him about this defence in his behalf expended." There are no further court records regarding George recovering his costs.9
Washington Co. survey for George Woolsey: 197 acres of land in Washington County . . . lying on the waters of the Middle Fork of the Hostein River. Beginning on a black oak corner with Thomas Wolseys land and with his line . . . to a white oak with Wolsey crossing a spring branch . . . to a small sugar tree down Spring branch . . . to a white oak off from a Lynn thence with Richd Higgens line . . . to a large white oak by a sink . . . to a buckey on the side of a steep hill So. west side of a spring . . . to a small white oak corner with Joseph Cole's land . . . to a small sugar tree with [ditto with Joseph Cole's land] . . . to a buckeye & white walnut in a sink with Jos.Cole . . . to a gum on Cole & Wolseys line-corner. . .(dated) 28 May 1782 .
We the Commissioners . . . certify that George Wolsey assignee of Thomas Woolsey who was assee. of Rouse Potter is entitled to 300 acres of land lying in Washington County on a South branch ofthe Middle Fork of Holstein, 151 acres of which was surveyed for Rouse Potter 11 Jun 1774 by virtue of an order of Council dated 16 Dec 1773 to include the improovement he having proved to the Court . . . actual settlement made in 1773 . . . (dated) 31 Aug 1781 Teste: . . .10,11
The 1790 & 1800 census records are lost for both Kentucky and Virginia, but tax lists indicate his residences:
In 1810, George appears in the census for Warren Co., Kentucky as "George Woosey," just below his son William H.: 0-1-1-0-1=0-0-0-0-1.25
In Warren Co., 17 Mar 1813, a deed from John Rountree to Green Collier conveys a parcel touching the lines of George Woolsey, Gregory Doyl, William Shackelford, and Ezekel Hamby. George and Eldridge Woolsey were witnesses to that deed.26 This same parcel is transferred again on 16 Apr 1814, and that record shows the same four abutters.27
17 Dec 1814, in Warren Co., John Rowntree conveys to George Woolsey for £100, 170 acres on the waters of the Green River beginning on the line of Ezekiel Hamby. Witnessed by Caleb Linsey, Wm H Woolsey, & Eldridge Woolsey.28
George left a will dated 18 April 1817, and proved 7 July 1817:29
George married Mary Hopkins, daughter of Francis Hopkins and Mary Joslin, at Bedford 1769.3,1
George Woolsey is first of record in April 1775, when shortly after, and in response to, the action at Lexington and Concord, he signed, at New Marlborough, the New York Articles of Association, pledging to abide by the orders and resolutions of the Continental Congress and Provincial Convention:4
Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depends, under God, on the firm union of the inhabitants in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of government, we, the Freemen, Freeholders, and Inhabitants (of the City and County of New York), being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now settling in the Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves; and do associate under all the ties of religion, honor, and love to our country to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive Acts of the Brittish Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America on Constitutional Principals (which we most ardently desire) can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our General committee, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and private property.
He is said to have served at the battles of Bunker Hill (1775) and the Cowpens (1781) during the revolution, but contemporary records of that or any other military service in the revolution have not been located. However, Colonel William Campbell (the same William Campbell who executed Francis Hopkins), did lead a contingent of Washington County militia to King's Mountain in October 1780, and his brother, Colonel Arthur Campbell, was involved at Cowpens in January, 1781, with more Washington Co. militia.5,6 George Woolsey was a near neighbor to Col William Campbell, their properties both being mentioned as abutting a 1782 land survey for Andrew Smathers, and George was listed in Col Arthur Campell's company in a personal property tax return in 1784.7,8
George (and four others including his brother, Zephaniah), each posted a £200 bond as security for Francis Hopkins in Washington Co., Virginia, 20 August 1778. Later, Francis escaped but was caught soon after and hung without a trial. The security bonds were probably forfeit, but the hanging was of dubious legality (the legislature later indemnified the vigilantes) and the court may have come to some settlement with the bondsmen. This Francis Hopkins is probably the brother of George's wife, Mary Hopkins but there is conflicting evidence of that.5
At a court held in Washington Co., Virginia, 19 August 1779, James Bates charged George Wolsey with trespass, assault & battery. The jury found George not guilty and the court ordered "the plaintiff take nothing by his Bill but for his false claims be in Mercy etc. and the said defendant go hence without day [delay?] and recover against the plaintiff his costs by him about this defence in his behalf expended." There are no further court records regarding George recovering his costs.9
Washington Co. survey for George Woolsey: 197 acres of land in Washington County . . . lying on the waters of the Middle Fork of the Hostein River. Beginning on a black oak corner with Thomas Wolseys land and with his line . . . to a white oak with Wolsey crossing a spring branch . . . to a small sugar tree down Spring branch . . . to a white oak off from a Lynn thence with Richd Higgens line . . . to a large white oak by a sink . . . to a buckey on the side of a steep hill So. west side of a spring . . . to a small white oak corner with Joseph Cole's land . . . to a small sugar tree with [ditto with Joseph Cole's land] . . . to a buckeye & white walnut in a sink with Jos.Cole . . . to a gum on Cole & Wolseys line-corner. . .(dated) 28 May 1782 .
We the Commissioners . . . certify that George Wolsey assignee of Thomas Woolsey who was assee. of Rouse Potter is entitled to 300 acres of land lying in Washington County on a South branch ofthe Middle Fork of Holstein, 151 acres of which was surveyed for Rouse Potter 11 Jun 1774 by virtue of an order of Council dated 16 Dec 1773 to include the improovement he having proved to the Court . . . actual settlement made in 1773 . . . (dated) 31 Aug 1781 Teste: . . .10,11
The 1790 & 1800 census records are lost for both Kentucky and Virginia, but tax lists indicate his residences:
1782 Land tax list for Washington Co., Virginia; 200 acres at £15-0-1/612
1784 Washington Co., Virginia13
1787 Lincoln Co., Virginia (later divided into several counties in Kentucky) charged with himself, 3 horses, and 7 head of cattle (no males 16-21 and no blacks)14
1789 Madison Co., Kentucky15
1792 Madison Co., Kentucky16
1794 Madison Co., Kentucky17
1797 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21 and four horses (no acreage).18
1799 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, one between 16 & 21, and five horses (no acreage).19
1800 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, one between 16 & 21, and five horses (no acreage).20
1801 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, two between 16 & 21, and nine horses (no acreage).21
1802 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21 and eight horses (no acreage).22
1803 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, eight horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1803 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, eight horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1804 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, eight horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1805 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, six horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1807 Warren Co., Kentucky on the "G River," apparently purchased from "Hamby."24
1784 Washington Co., Virginia13
1787 Lincoln Co., Virginia (later divided into several counties in Kentucky) charged with himself, 3 horses, and 7 head of cattle (no males 16-21 and no blacks)14
1789 Madison Co., Kentucky15
1792 Madison Co., Kentucky16
1794 Madison Co., Kentucky17
1797 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21 and four horses (no acreage).18
1799 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, one between 16 & 21, and five horses (no acreage).19
1800 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, one between 16 & 21, and five horses (no acreage).20
1801 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, two between 16 & 21, and nine horses (no acreage).21
1802 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21 and eight horses (no acreage).22
1803 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, eight horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1803 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, eight horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1804 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, eight horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1805 Montgomery Co., Kentucky with 1 male over 21, six horses, and 117 acres on Flat Creek.23
1807 Warren Co., Kentucky on the "G River," apparently purchased from "Hamby."24
In 1810, George appears in the census for Warren Co., Kentucky as "George Woosey," just below his son William H.: 0-1-1-0-1=0-0-0-0-1.25
In Warren Co., 17 Mar 1813, a deed from John Rountree to Green Collier conveys a parcel touching the lines of George Woolsey, Gregory Doyl, William Shackelford, and Ezekel Hamby. George and Eldridge Woolsey were witnesses to that deed.26 This same parcel is transferred again on 16 Apr 1814, and that record shows the same four abutters.27
17 Dec 1814, in Warren Co., John Rowntree conveys to George Woolsey for £100, 170 acres on the waters of the Green River beginning on the line of Ezekiel Hamby. Witnessed by Caleb Linsey, Wm H Woolsey, & Eldridge Woolsey.28
George left a will dated 18 April 1817, and proved 7 July 1817:29
In the name of God Amen. I George Woolsey of Warren County, State of Kentucky being in a low state of health and knowing it is appointed for all men to die do make constitute and ordain this my last will and Testament. To wit
First I bequeath my body to the parent earth from whence it came to be buried in a decent Christian like burial. Secondly my soul to my creator who gave it. Thirdly my wish is that my just debts be paid out of my estate first and then my property including lands and personal estate of every description I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Woolsey to be by her possessed and enjoyed during her life naturally or her state of widdowhood, And it is my wish that my said wife Mary Woolsey at her death beqeath my said estate or that which may then remain to whom she may think proper.
I do hereby constitute my said wife Mary the sole executrix of this my last will and testament Hereby annulling and making void all other and former wills and testaments. I do ratify and confirm this my last and final testament In testimony whereof I hereunto Set my and affix my seal this 18 day of April 1817.
First I bequeath my body to the parent earth from whence it came to be buried in a decent Christian like burial. Secondly my soul to my creator who gave it. Thirdly my wish is that my just debts be paid out of my estate first and then my property including lands and personal estate of every description I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Woolsey to be by her possessed and enjoyed during her life naturally or her state of widdowhood, And it is my wish that my said wife Mary Woolsey at her death beqeath my said estate or that which may then remain to whom she may think proper.
I do hereby constitute my said wife Mary the sole executrix of this my last will and testament Hereby annulling and making void all other and former wills and testaments. I do ratify and confirm this my last and final testament In testimony whereof I hereunto Set my and affix my seal this 18 day of April 1817.
Family | Mary Hopkins b. 9 Apr 1753, d. bt 1822 - 1829 |
| Children |
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| This person was last edited on | 27 Jan 2020 |
Citations
- [S817] Wilford Whitaker and Carolyn Woolsey Wilkerson, Woolsey Genealogy Website, online https://homepages.rootsweb.com/~woolsey/, George and Mary Hopkins Woolsey. Hereinafter cited as Whitaker and Wilkerson, Woolsey Genealogy.
- [S826] Warren Co., Kentucky, Probate Records 1797-1985, B:163, FHL microfilm 339884, further cited as Warren Co., KY Probate. See also the original in "loose papers", FHL Film #273010 #2 at frame 18.
- [S854] Laura Flebbe. Hopkins Genealogy, online https://homepages.rootsweb.com/~flebbe/surnames/hopkins.html, viewed 6/3/2007.
- [S1750] Nathaniel Bartlett Sylvester, History of Ulster County, New York, With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of it's Prominent Men and Pioneers (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Everts & Peck, 1880), 1:76, further cited as Sylvester, History of Ulster Co., New York.
- [S817] Whitaker and Wilkerson, Woolsey Genealogy, online https://homepages.rootsweb.com/~woolsey/
- [S1731] Agnes Graham Sanders Riley, Publications of the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia (Series II, No. 22, Abingdon, Virginia: The Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia, May, 1985), 18-19, further cited as Riley, Brigadier General William Campbell.
- [S1748] Richmond, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Lists of Washington County, 1782-1850, 3, further cited as Tax Lists of Washington Co.
- [S1717] Tom Colley, Washington County Virginia: Surveys & Commissioners' Certificates, 1781-1797 (Athens, Georgia: Iberian Publishing, 1999), 168-169, further cited as Colley, Washington Co. Surveys.
- [S1778] Washington County Courthouse, Abingdon, Virginia, Minute Books, 1777-1903, 1:73, FHL Film #34382, further cited as Washington Co., Minute Books.
- [S1717] Colley, Washington Co. Surveys, 147.
- [S821] Goodridge Wilson, Smyth County History and Traditions (Kingsport, Tennessee: Kingsport Press, 1932), 44, further cited as Wilson, Smyth County.
- [S1738] Keith Nickles, transcriber, 1782 Land Tax List of Washington Co., VA for the first battallion: A list of Proprietors of land with their several quantities & value thereof as assertained by the commissioners of the land tax for the first batalion in the County of Washington 1782 No. 2 (url: http://www.clinchmountainhome.com/Nickels/taxlistB3.html, viewed 24 Sep 2011), further cited as Nickles, 1782 Land Tax List for Washington Co., VA.
- [S1748] Tax Lists of Washington Co., 3, FHL Film #1905744.
- [S1736] Netti Schreiner-Yantis and Florene Speakman Love, The Personal Property Tax Lists for the Year 1787 [for Virginia] [title varies] (Springfield, Virginia: Genealogical Books in Print, 1987), 15:308 (Lincoln County), further cited as Schreiner-Yantis and Love, Personal Property Tax Lists for 1787.
- [S1718] , Madison County, Kentucky Taxpayers, 1787-1799 (Miami Beach, Florida: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1992), 13, further cited as Madison Co. Taxpayers.
- [S1718] Madison Co. Taxpayers, 35.
- [S1718] Madison Co. Taxpayers, 50.
- [S1719] Thelma M. Willoughby Dunn, transcriber, Montgomery County Kentucky: Tax Records: 1797-1799-1800 (Atoka, Tennessee: p.p., 1996), 18, further cited as Dunn, Montgomery Co. Tax Records.
- [S1719] Dunn, Montgomery Co. Tax Records, 37.
- [S1719] Dunn, Montgomery Co. Tax Records, 50.
- [S1720] Thelma M. Willoughby Dunn, transcriber, Montgomery County Kentucky: County Clerk Tax Assessment Records: 1801-1802-1803-1804-1805 (Atoka, Tennessee: p.p., 1996), 21, further cited as Dunn, Montgomery Co. Tax Assessments.
- [S1720] Dunn, Montgomery Co. Tax Assessments, 36.
- [S1720] Dunn, Montgomery Co. Tax Assessments, 71.
- [S1726] Barbara O. Ford and Patricia E. Reid, Early Tax Lists of Warren County, Kentucky: 1797-1807 (Bowling Green, Kentucky: s.p., 1986), 178, 240, further cited as Ford and Reid, Early Tax Lists of Warren Co.
- [S1143] United States Census for 1810, Third Census of the United States, Warren Co., Kentucky, 249, George Woosey Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com), digital images by subscription (Provo, Utah: The Generations Network, Inc., 2005); original data: National Archives and Records Administration micropublication M252, 71 rolls, roll 8.
- [S1727] Joyce Martin Murray, Deed Abstracts of Warren County, Kentucky: 1812-1821 (Deed Books F-6, G-7, H-8, I-9) (Dallas, Texas: p.p., 1986), 20, further cited as Murray, Deed Abstracts of Warren Co.
- [S1727] Murray, Deed Abstracts of Warren Co., 35.
- [S1727] Murray, Deed Abstracts of Warren Co., 30.
- [S826] Warren Co., KY Probate, B:163, FHL Film #339884.
- [S817] Whitaker and Wilkerson, Woolsey Genealogy, online https://homepages.rootsweb.com/~woolsey/, George Woolsey page, viewed 6/3/2007.
- [S1081] Helen Thomas, Mary Rabold, Elizabeth Price and Van A. Stilley, editor, Warren County, KY, Marriages 1797-1851 (Melber, Kentucky: Simmons Historical Publications, 1993), 75, further cited as Thomas et al., Warren Co. Marriages.