Richard Woolsey 1697 - 1782







Descendants of Richard Woolsey 1697 - 1782






RICHARD WOOLSEY (THOMAS4 , GEORGE "JORIS"3 , GEORGE SR2 , WILLIAM WOLSEY1 )was born 1697 in NY - Jamaica, Queens, Long Island, and died December 12, 1782 in NY - Marlborough, Ulster. He married SARAH FOWLER January 24, 1717/18 in NY - Jamaica, Queens, Long Island, daughter of WILLIAM FOWLER and MARY THORN. She was born 1698 in NY - Flushing, Queens, Long Island, and died Aft. 1779 in NY - Marlborough, Ulster.

REF: Jeff's Work in Progress
  WILL: Probated Dec. 12, 1782, Bedford, New York _ Written ? Apr. 21, 1779

NOTES: This line marries back into the Woolsey family in Greene County, Tenn., Via Zepaniah and Sarah Woolsey Woolsey's children.

The quoted from: "Family of George Wood Woolsey & Sarah Nelson" by Hester Woolsey Brewer 1939." When Richard removed from Bedford to Ulster County, New York, about 1730, he was over thirty years of age, and it is thought he must have married Sarah Fowler while still a resident of Bedford, Westchester County.

In 1754 Richard Woolsey bought eight hundred acres of land from Daniel and Abraham Gomez, on the west side of the Hudson River in the precinct of Highland, Ulster County, and 1770 we notice his transfer of two hundred and eleven acres in Newburgh precinct to Thomas Knowlton. In 1760 Richard converyed other land to his sons, Benjamin and John, which John left to his son Henry.

While residing at Marlborough, in 1774, Richard was road commissioner. At the time of the first settlement of this community, it was the custom of branding cattle, so that each owner might readily distinquish his property, and those of Richard were identified by "a crop ye left ear and two slits in the right ear".

In 1763 Richard was on the list of those subscribing to the Presbyterian Society and Church at Marlborough. In April 1775 he signed the pledge to stand by the orders and resolutions of the Continental and Provincial Congress, sent to all precincts from the convention at New Platz, Ulster County. Before this time he had been appointed Commissioner of Highways."

CORR:
1999 March through August from Wilford W. Whitaker

As I look at Richard Woolsey and Sarah Fowler's children, I find myself wanting to know more about this couple. Several of their sons and grandsons served in the Revolutionary War, and that was when Westchester and some in Ulster county, NY was a hot bed of Loyalist activity, but many more Loyalists in Westchester.

I have often wondered how a family from Rhode Island (Hopkins) could meet a family in Washington County, Virginia (Woolseys) before either came to Virginia, as their children met and married somewhere before coming to Virginia.

Then I find the following interesting bit of information: Meeting at Newburgh (which included Marlborough), at Nehemiah Denton's first Tuesday in April 1770: Richard Woolsey, Commissioner of Roads (with others) (wife Sarah Fowler) John Woolsey, Path master from Dubois's line to Halleck's mill Brook (wife Chlorene Peck, son of Richard Woolsey and Sarah Fowler. FRANCIS HOPKINS, Path master from the head of ten stone meadow, eastward to Jonathan Hicks's house.

So here we have Francis Hopkins in Marlborough, Ulster county, New York in 1770. This makes me think that George Woolsey and Mary Hopkins were married in Marlborough (or New Marlborough as it was known then), Ulster, New York.

Thomas Woolsey is Richard Woolsey and Sarah Fowler's oldest son (and is so designated in Richard's Will). I have found Thomas Woolsey in Ulster County, NY

CORR:
Nancy Thoben:
Cyprian Meech Woolsey, who wrote that fine "History of Marlborough", stated that his great-grandparents Richard Woolsey and Sarah Fowler had 12 children, 4 girls and 8 boys. I have 13 children listed for them, but he is probably the more correct.

PROBATE: In the Name of God, amen. [21 Apr 1779] I Richard Wolsey of Bedford in Westminister County and State of New York, being Weakly in Body But of perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be given unto God, calling to mind the Mortality of my body and Knowing that it is appointed to all Men once to Die, Do make and ordain this My Last Will and Testament That is to Say Principally and first of all I give and Recommend My Soul into the Hand of Almighty God that gave it and My Body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian Manner at the Discretion of My Executors Nothing Doubting but at the general Resurection I Shall Receive the Same again by the Mighty Power of God, and as touching Such Worldly Estate Wherewith it has Pleased God to Bless me in this Life I give demise and Dispose of the same in the following Manner and Form:

First I make Daniel Wolsey of New Palze and Jacob Griffin of Fish Kills the Sole Executors of this My Last Will and Testament.

I give to Sarah My well beloved Wife all My Estate During her life and after her Decease to be Divided in the following Manner:

First I give to my Eldest Son Thomas ten pounds New York Money the Rest of my Estate I give to my three Daughters that is Ruth, Sarah and Hannah to be divided Equally Between the three, and I do hereby Utterly disallow Revoke and Disanul all and every other former Testament Wills Legacies Bequests and Executons, by me in any ways Before Named Willed and Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be My Last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto Set My Hand and Seal this twenty first Day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine.

Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by
the Said Richard Woley as his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us Who in his Presence and in the Presence of Each other have here to subscribed our names.
Justes Harris
James Clark
Richard Wooley
Bettey Clark
Dutchess County, New York Probates Records. p. 413. [12 Dec 1782] Dutchess County FS Be it remembered that on the twelfth day of Decemb. one thousand Seven hundred and eighty two personally came and appeared before me Thomas Tredwell Judge of the Court of Probates of the State of New York James Clark of Bedford in the County of Westchester yeoman and being duly sworn on his oath declared that he did see Richard Wolley Sign and seal the within written Instrument purporting to be the Will of the said Richard Wooley bearing date the twenty first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine and heard him publish and
declare the same as and for his last Will and testament. That at the time thereof he the said Richard Wooley was of Sound disposing mind and memory to the best of the knowledge and belief of him the deponent and that his name subscribed to the said will is of his own proper hand writing when he subscribed as a Witness to the said Will in the presence of the Testator and that he the deponent saw Gustes Harris and Betty Clark the other witnesses to the said Will subscribe their names as Witnesses thereto in the Testators presence.
Thomas Tredwell Judge of Probates
Dutchess County FS Be it also Remembered that on the same day Jacob Griffin one of the Executors of the within written will of Richard Wooley likewise appeared before me the said Thomas Tredwell and was duly sworn to the true execution and performance of the said will by taking the oath of Executor as by law appointed before me.
Thomas Tredwell Judge of Probates

2002 June 23 from Wilford Whitaker
Richard Woolsey and Sarah Fowler, of Westchester and Ulster Cos., NY. They must have been an outstanding couple. Most of their 6, 7, or 8, sons were in the Revolutionary War, and Richard himself, signed the Articles of Association, though at an advanced age, giving him Revolutionary War service.

Much of the material I have used on these families can be obtained from the Family History Branch Library of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints.

HIST: The New York Genealogical and Biographical RECORD. Vol. 132. Number 3. July 2001. p. 171ff. "Customers and Others in the Ledger of Caleb Fowler of New Castle 1754-1760". A transcript of all names which appear in the store and tavern ledger of Caleb Fowler (c. 1708-c.1776-78). He seems to have taken over a tavern run by his father, William, and his brother, Moses. Its exact location has not yet been identified, but it was in the old town of North Castle somewhere near the Philipsburgh line and the Bronx River.

Caleb Fowler was a "resident of the West Patent of north Castle [i.e. present New Castle] where he owned a great deal of property" [J. Thomas Scharf, HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY, New York, 1886 1:527) . . . " A microfilm copy was obtained by the NYG&B Society Library.
p. 173. Green, John 47. sub[sidiary] Thomas Wright 6, Benjamin Brown, Richard Woolsie, Sr. 165.
    Green, John, Jr. 47; sub[sidiary] Gilburt Wright 99; John Woolsey 152; Moses Fountain, Sr. 175.
p. 176. Woolsey/Woolsie, John, John, sub John Green 47 and sub Daniel Totten 20.
    Woolsie, Benjamin 110
    Woolsey, Jr. "son of Richard 14
    Woolsie, John "son of William" 152 [ " for your brother Jonathan Woolsey" ]
    Woolsie, Jonathan, Sr. 144.
    Woolsie, Richard, Sr. 165.
    Woolsie, Richard "carpenter son of William" 61.

HIST: Cochrane, Charles H. THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK. ILLUSTRATED. POUGHKEEPSIE 1887. p. 171
The Woolsey Family. William and John Woolsey were brought up in Dutchess County, but came to Marlborough some time prior to 1763. John Woolsey's name appears among the contributors to the fund raised in 1763 to build the Presbyterian Church in Marlborough. William Woolsey was an ensign in the Continental army. He left a son, Richard I., who md Chlorine Woolsey, his cousin. Their children were: David Woolsey, Thomas Woolsey and John Woolsey, who all lived and died in this town. David md Lucy T. Meech, of Westfield, Mass. Their children were: George, William , Richard, C. Meech, Mary, Ellen. William and Richard lived in Milton, but are now dead. Mary md John Atkins and went to Cornwall where she died. Ellen is the wife of Ira Wood and lives in Cornwall. C. Meech is a lawyer, living in Milton. He has been honored with many public positions, from justice of the peace to the state legislature. At present he represents the town in the Board of Supervisors. [Richard Woolsey, of Marlborough, ancestor of Peter V. L. Purdy, John Ed. Woolsey, Mrs. John Lawson and others, is thought to have been a brother or cousin of William and John Woolsey.] William Woolsey (2) md a cousin Chlorine Woolsey, and settled in Jersey City, and had children: David, Thomas, John and Electa.

GENE: Wilford W. Whitaker, Murray,UT descends through Thomas & Sarah Pierce
GENE: James W. Woolsey, Richland, WA descends through Josiah & Mary Owen.
GENE: Donald C. Hart, Santa Cruz, CA descends through Henry & Abigail --.
GENE: Grace Woolsey Nelson, Onamia, MN descends through Jos. & Mary Haight.
GENE: James C. McKnight,Ft Collins,CO descends through Thomas & Sarah Pierce
GENE: C. M. Woolsey, Bedford, NY descends through Rev. Benjamin & Abigail.
GENE: Marjorie Young, descends through John & Abigail Whitehead
GENE: Hart, Donald C. "A Woolsey Family of America 1623-1975". 929.273 W887a. Santa Cruz, CA.
GENE: Woolsey, Robert M. Merrimack, NH

HIST: Woolsey, Cyprian Meech. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER, NEW YORK, from its earliest discovery. Albany. J. B. Lyon Co., 1908. 471 p. facsims. maps, ports. photocopy of original, 1992. includes index. p. 355. 30 Dec 1765.
This day was chosen a committee for Marlbough Society (of Presbyterians) & a Moderator. Thomas Knowlton, Moderator; Capt. Richard Woolsey, Lieut. Lewis Du Bois, Eliphalet Platt & Daniel Thurston, Committee.

ON-LINE: 1763 List of the Freeholders in Westchester County, New York
William Woolsey, yeoman. Bedford.
Richar Woolsey, yeoman. Bedford.
William Woolsey, yeoman. Pound Ridge.

ON-LINE: 1770 TAX ROLLS - Town of Amenia, Dutchess County, New York.
Woolsey, Denton
Woolsie, Richard

ON-LINE: 1772 TAX ROLLS - Town of Amenia, Dutchess County, New York.
Woolsey, Richard

HIST: Woolsey, Cyprian Meech. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER, NEW YORK, from its earliest discovery. Albany. J. B. Lyon Co., 1908. 471 p. facsims. maps, ports. photocopy of original, 1992. includes index. p. 201. Cattle Marks - At the time of the first settlemnt of this community, it was the custom to brand cattle that each owner might readily distinguish his property from that of his neighbors. Following is a description of some of the various brands, from 1750 to 1790, approximately:
Richard Woolsey - A crop in ye Left & with Slits and a Slit in the right Ear
Richard Woolsey - A Crop of the Left Ear a Slit in the Crop a half penny the under Side of the Same Ear a Slit in the Right Ear a half penny the back Side of the Same.

HIST: Woolsey, Cyprian Meech. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER, NEW YORK, from its earliest discovery. Albany. J. B. Lyon Co., 1908. 471 p. facsims. maps, ports. photocopy of original, 1992. includes index. p. 305. "The Marlborough Presbyterian churchyard is almost as old as the first two spoken of; the first interment there was in Mar, 1764 - a child of James Merritt; and the following are some of the oldest graves I find there: Richard Woolsey, born 1697, died 1777, [wrote his will 1779] aged 80 years. Sarah Fowler, wife of Richard Woolsey, died 1770. [Will probated 12 Dec 1782, see below]

HIST: The New York Genealogical and Biographical RECORD. Vol. 132. Number 3.
July 2001. p. 171ff. "Customers and Others in the Ledger of Caleb Fowler of New Castle 1754-1760". A transcript of all names which appear in the store and tavern ledger of Caleb Fowler (c. 1708-c.1776-78). He seems to have taken over a tavern run by his father, William, and his brother, Moses. Its exact location has not yet been identified, but it was in the old town of North Castle somewhere near the Philipsburgh line and the Bronx River.

Caleb Fowler was a "resident of the West Patent of north Castle [i.e. present New Castle] where he owned a great deal of property" [J. Thomas Scharf, HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY, New York, 1886 1:527) . . . " A microfilm copy was
obtained by the NYG&B Society Library.
p. 173. Green, John 47. sub[sidiary] Thomas Wright 6, Benjamin Brown, Richard Woolsie, Sr. 165.
    Green, John, Jr. 47; sub[sidiary] Gilburt Wright 99; John Woolsey 152; Moses
Fountain, Sr. 175.
p. 176. Woolsey/Woolsie, John, John, sub John Green 47 and sub Daniel Totten 20.
    Woolsie, Benjamin 110
    Woolsey, Jr. "son of Richard 14
    Woolsie, John "son of William" 152 [ " for your brother Jonathan Woolsey" ]
    Woolsie, Jonathan, Sr. 144.
    Woolsie, Richard, Sr. 165.
    Woolsie, Richard "carpenter son of William" 61.

LAND: Ulster County, New York DEEDS. FHL film #944756. 26:414. 2 May 1754
Richard Woolsey of Bedford, Westchester County, New York, yeoman TO Richard Harcourt of Precinct of Highlands in Ulster County, yeoman for 425 pounds - land on W side of Hudsons River in Precinct of Highlands in Ulster County - Begin at a pitch pine sapling marked on 4 sides with stones round it thence N 73 degree W 79 chains to a S &S round it thence S 1 degree 36 chains to a stake with a heap of stones round it thence S 73 degrees E 71 chains & 50 links to Hudsons River to a white pine bush marked on 4 sides with a heap of stones round it thence along the river to the place where it begun. 256 acres. Bounded N & W by Richard Woolsey's land and E by Hudsons River.Signed: Richard Woolsey
Witnesses: Thomas Knowlton, Benjamin Woolsey, Thomas Woolsey. 12 Feb 1761
Thomas Knowlton appeared and swore he was a witness to above deed and Richard's Thomas Knowlton appeared and swore he was a witness to above deed and Richard's SIGNATURE. Recorded 25 Feb 1825.

LAND: Ulster County, County Clerk, Kingston, New York.
"In 1770, Richard conveyed to Thomas Knowlton 211 acres of land. I think he was the original Richard." (C.M. Woolsey 1 Sep 1920 to W. Herbert Wood.)

LAND: Ulster County, New York DEEDS FHL film# 944743 GG:339. 28 Apr 1770.
Richard Woolsey of Bedford in County of Westchester and Province of New York, yeoman, of the 1st part and sold to Thomas Knowlton, yeoman of Precinct of Newburgh County of Ulster for 220 pounds - all of land being in precinct of New Burgh begin at Hudson River at a pitch pine sapling - standing in the NE corner of Richard Harcourt's farm marked on 4 sided with stones runs N 73 degrees W 82 chains and 40 links to a chestnut tree N 1 degree W 34 chains & 60 links - S 63 degrees 92 chains and 50 links to Hudson river to beginning. 211 acres.
Witnessed by Richard Woolsey and Joseph Woolsey.     signed by Richard Woolsey /seal/

ON-LINE: Descendants of Thomas Knowlton of Bedford, Westchester, New York.
July 2002. - Thomas Knowlton, b 7 Apr 1720, Bedford, Westchester Co, NY, d abt 1800/01, Ontario, Canada. a Farmer. probably had different mother if this is his correct birthdate. 1752 - wit deed in Marlborough, Ulster Co, NY. 1763 - signed subscription pledge for Marlborough Presbyterian church. 1770 conveyed 200 acres in Ulster Co, by Richard Woolsey. - md abt 1746, Bedford, Anna ____?, b 4 Jul 1725. children:
i. Enoch Knowlton, b 1760, d 1827/28, Leeds Co, Ontario, Canada, farmer.
ii. Thomas Knowlton, b 6 Jul 1761, Bethlehem, Albany Co, NY, d. Canada, farmer.

"In 1801, John Woolsey, (son of above Richard), conveyed to Henry Woolsey his son, 203 acres of land in 1801." (C.M. Woolsey 1 Sep 1920 to W.H. Wood)

"In 1811, Moses Woolsey, son of Daniel Woolsey, and Abigail his wife gave a deed. (ibid cm. woolsey to wh wood) 4444"In 1811, Thomas Woolsey & Rebecca his wife gave a deed 117 acres. (ibid)

"In 1823, David Woolsey and Rebecca his wife, deed dated 1822, also gave a deed in 1823." (ibid)

"In 1824, Richard S. Woolsey and Phebe his wife gave a deed." (ibid)

"In 1754, Richard Woolsey of Bedford, Westchester Co. have a deed to Richard Harcourt. 256 acres. This was the first Richard Woolsey. Witnessed by Benjamin
Woolsey and Thomas Woolsey. (ibid)

CEM: Town of Bedford Cemeteries 1681-1975. FHL # 974.7277/B1 N2b Vol. 8 p. 393. "Richard Woolsey [1697 - 1777] Son of Thomas Woolsey." BU 7

LAND: Woolsey, C. M. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK, From its Earliest Discovery. Illus. Albany. J. B. Lyon Company. 1908. Designated as "CMW"
p. 353. Subscriptions for the Presbyterian Church, Marlborough, 8 Aug 1763, includes Thos Woolsey, 2 lbs, John Woolsey, 2 lbs, Benj. Woolsey, 3 lbs, Richard Woolsey, 3 lbs.

LAND: Woolsey, C. M. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK, From its Earliest Discovery. Illus. Albany. J. B. Lyon Company. 1908. Designated as "CMW"
The First Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths. Presbyterian Churchyard, Marlborough, Ulster, New York.
p. 305. Richard Woolsey, born 1697, died 1777, aged 80 years. [wrote his will 1779) aged 80 years. Sarah Fowler, wife of Richard Woolsey, died 1770. (Will probated 12 Dec 1782, (in Sarah's File)[Will probated 12 Dec 1782, see below]

HIST: C. M. Woolsey - writer of "History of Ulster" He says his great grandfather had 8 boys and 4 girls and he can hardly give his own descent, let any one else's. Correspondence of C. M. Woolsey, attorney at Law and Real Estate, Milton, NY, 7 Nov 1923 to W. Herbert Wood. "I am not yet satisfied about when and where Richard Woolsey died, nor Sarah Fowler. I had always supposed that they died here. I am positive that Richard built a log house and afterward added a stone addition to it in this town. And that they raised a part if not all of their twelve children here. I find by ancient records that he was identified with this town for years. He was among the early subscribers to the erection of the Presbyterian Church, and had a patent of land here and held offices. His name appears in many records - in assessment to work on highways, etc. If he died anywhere else he must have gone there in his old age. After his son John, my great grandfather, took the premises that Richard lived with him. There is an ancient field stone marked "R.W." in the Presbyterian graveyard near his son John's grave. There is no WILL of his recorded in Ulster or Westchester counties. Then I wrote to Albany about his and his wife's WILL and there is no record there. In your letter of August to me, you speak of finding his WILL in NY city. Did you find it in
the Surrogates Office? Or where did you find it? I am positive that this Richard Woolsey is the original Richard. Please give me what information you can. Very truly yours, C. M. Woolsey.

Richard & Sarah moved from Jamaica, L.I. to near Bedford, NY, about 1719, just prior to the birth of their first child. Richard's father Thomas followed to Westchester Co, abt 1721. J. W. Woolsey believed that Richard moved to Dutchess Co., NY abt 1721. Here he purchased land and moved onto it. This is where he died, and left a WILL. But many years later his grave was moved to the Old Burying Ground Cemetery at Bedford, NY. That is where it is to be found today - 1982. But the dates on his tomb stone do not agree with some dates in his WILL. A large percent of the American Woolsey Family can trace their Family back to one of the children of this family.

There are some problems with dates here, as the later dates show children being born to Sarah when she was over 50 years old. More research needed! One of the biggest problem start right with his will which states clearly it was written in 1779 and probated in 1782, while the tombstone dates state 1777 was when he died.

HIST:
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME by Robert Bolton Jr. . New York. Alexander s. Gould. 1848. p. 548-549. Use this article with great care, many mistakes and problems.

GENE: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Vol. 58. 1927. check index for pages.

GENE: File sent by Ronald L. Gilliland. "Descendants of John Wolsey". p.12.

LAND: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Jan 1925. Westchester County, New York Miscellaneous Land and Property. p. 322. Gilbert Palmer sold to Jacob Griffin of Fishkill in Dutchess County, executor for Richard Wolsey of Bedford, dec'd, land in Bedford, bounded by land formerly belonging to Josiah Woolsey, dec'd. 16 May 1787.

LAND: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Jan 1925. Westchester County, New York Miscellaneous Land and Property. p. 244. James McDonalds mortgaged land in Beford, bounded by land late the property of Richard Woolsey, dec'd, and of "Mathew" Fountain, late dec'd. 28 May 1789.

CORR:
1998 November 2 from Van Gorden, Mary E. 809 North 8th Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615. Working on a book for family members for the past 25 years.

ON-LINE: Woolsey List. Posted 6 Oct 1999 by Renee' and John Sykes
"My husband's line joins in through George's son Thomas, to Richard, to Daniel, to Sarah Woolsey, to Noah Woolsey Kelsey, to Benjamin Fuller Kelsey, to Lavina Augusta Kelsey, to Clayton Frank Dickinson, to Joanne Carol Dickinson (my husband's mother) also the lines cross at Richard's (1697) son Henry, to Daniel, to Richard (1779), to Sarah Woolsey and she md Noal Woolsey Kelsey down through their son Benjamin. Very confusing, only took me several days to figure it out and four wall charts. It is from George back and some dates before. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Renee' and John."

DAR: Daughters of the American Revolution Graves Index. FHL film# 860330. 3:106. Bedford, Westchester Co., NY. Union Cemetery abt 2 miles W of village a little S of the main road to Bedford Station - opened abt 1850 - older stones moved here with bodies - 1730-1901.
3:106. Woolsey, Josiah 1738 - 17880, s/o Richard Woolsey
    Thomas 1772 - 1839, s/o Richard Woolsey (s/b Josiah Woolsey?)
    Tamar 1772 - 1867 (s/b 1857?) his wife (wife of Thomas Woolsey)

MONUMENT
Family from Robert Woolsey of Ipswich, England, the father of Cardinal Woolsey through George Woolsey, b 1647 at Flushing, Long Island, New York and from him come Col. Melancthon Taylor Woolsey b 1720 Dosoris, L. I., NY, died in Canadian French War in 1758.

Major General Melancthon Taylor (s/b Lloyd) Woolsey b Dosoris, L. I. in 1758, died in Trenton, NJ. 1819.
Col. Melancthon Taylor Woolsey b Dosoris, L. I. 1780 d Utica, NY 1838. Record of all family are in same plot.

DAR: Personal correspondence and DAR application papers of Carolyn Woolsey Fillers Jennings. May 2002. - Richard Woolsey, resided at New Marlborough, Ulster Co, NY assisted in estab. American Independence, while acting in the capacity of Road Commissioner and signer of ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION FOR CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 29 Apr 1775 in Ulster Co, NY. from NEW MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER CO, NY, IN THE REVOLUTION, edited by Ruth P. Heidgerd 1997, pg 20 - "signers of Articles of Association from New Marlborough".

ON-LINE: Alliance Chapter, NSDAR - Chapter ancestors - Roll of Honor - Woolsey, Richard (Sara) - Pennsylvania - Supposition by Wilford Whitaker - doesn't know of another Richard Woolsey, wife Sarah, of PA.??

DOCUMENTS: [Sent 19 Aug 2002 - by E. W. Knowlton, 361 Arizona Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.]

PETITION OF INHABITANTS OF NORTH CASTLE, approximate date . . . 1736-1743 . . . . [From Westchester Documents - Edward Raymond Collection - Town Historians' Collection] "
"To the Right Honorable George Clarke Esq Commander in Chief of the Province of New york, &c. - The Petition of the Inhabitants of North Castle and bordering neighbors Hunibly Sheweth, That your poore petitioners are greivously oprest by francies Pellem Esqr Justice of the peach for this county for that the said Justice Is a man that is given to Drinking and for the most part apears a party and Is very Rash In way of Speaking in Liccor that If it Was not for the Law of man he would kill a man before night, and he will have Special warrants and Send for poore men and then perswade them it Will be Charge to them and If they would not give him some money In pocket and treat him with puch which I his usal drink, and ye sd compleaner was forsd so to do and when money has been paid and a Receit given he has given
Judgment again for some of that money by - By these and many other Like actions wee are much oprest therefore wee yoour Honours poore petione's pray you would Suspend him from acting as a Justice any Longer that we may Injoy peace and wee shall Ever pray for your long administration ouer us, and In the main time beg Leive to subscribe our Selves your Honours most obedient Humble Servants.
William Dusinberre Rychard Wooley Reuben Hallam Dauid Febe
Robert Knoulton Jacob Forman Robert Carpenter Joseph Sarls
Joseph Fowler Richard Honeywell Henery Dusinberre [ abt 1750 ]

THE NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD VOLUME XXV., 1894.
Carpenter. ? The following is extracted from MS. records in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, and may be of interest to the readers of the Record :
On Dec. 4, 1721, the following petition.was sent to (Governor William Burnett : "The humble Petition of Joseph Carpenter and Job Wright Inhabitants within the county of Westchester in behalf of themselves and nine others of the new settlers back in the woods between Rye and Bedford showetli that your petitioners about three years ago having with sixteen others purchased from Capt. Robert Walter and company a tract of land contiguous in the back of Rye and within the limit of said township, have at their own very great cost and expense and labors settled themselves thereon, and by their industry and number, they being upwards than Thirty able men, tho' poor, cultivated and improved the same for the subsistence and livelyhood of themselves and their families ? a thing very hard to perform by new settlers," etc., etc. . . . .

The balance of the petition, a very long document, recites the high rate of their taxes, which they think have been unjustly levied upon them by the authorities of Rye.

We can easily believe they were " poor," for by tradition they " bonded their town " in order to buy a grindstone; but if they had only told us the names of the nine, sixteen, and thirty others we would have liked it. But perhaps the following will give a little information on that point and also show their " Temperance proclivities."

BURIAL:
Richard and Sarah Fowler Woolsey are buried in NY - Marlborough, Ulster - Presbyterian Church Cemetery
Residence: NY - Westchester County
Source of Information: Nancy Curran
HIST: Fowler, Christian Cecilia. "History of the Fowler Family". DAR# 265987 - Fowler motto: "He is wise who Watches." -
INTERNET: Thorn(e) Genealogy. http://thorn.pair.com/williamthorne1/d829.htm
GENE: The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Vol. 58. 1927. check index for pages.

GENE: File sent by Ronald L. Gilliland."Descendants of John Wolsey". p.12-13
PROBATE: Collections of the New-York Historical Society for the year 1893. Publication Fund Series. New York. Printed for the Society. 1893. p. 132-3. Abstracts of Wills - Liber 8:[p. 323]. In the name of God, Amen, this 24 Jan 1711. I, William Fowler of Flushing, in Queens County, yeoman, being in perfect health. . . . My son Joseph is to pay to my daughter Sarah, 30 pounds, when she is 18, and to my daughter Hannah, the same. . . . I leave to my daughter, Mary Dusenbury, a negro girl, and to my daughter Rebecca another, and 30 pounds to each. . . . To my daughters Sarah and Hannah, 20 pounds. I leave to my son, Benjamin Fowler, all my lands and meadows in Flushing and he shall pay to his mother 100 pounds, and 25 pounds to each of my daughters Rebecca, Sarah, and Hannah. I make my wife Mary Fowler and Jeremiah Fowler of Eastchester, and William Thorne of Flushing, exeutors. Witnesses, Joseph Hunt, Thyomas Cook, Daniel Clarke. Proved 25 May 1714.

GENE: Purdy, Clayton C GILBERT PURDY OF NEWBURGH, NY 1721-1778 - 30 Meadowbrook Road, Syosset, NY 11791.1981.929.273 P972pc v.5. pt.1. p.3707.
In 1762 the old Precinct of the Highlands was divided into the Precincts of New Windsor and Newburgh - Newburgh embracing the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill in Ulster County, and the present town of Newburgh in Orange County. and Also: 16 Apr 1770, Samuel Fowler, Stephen Wiggins, Leonard Smith and Nathan Purdy petitioned Governor Cadwallader Colden for a "Royal Charter of Incorporation of St. George's Church in thne Parish of Newburgh and County of Ulster". The Charter was granted 2 May 1770. Also: Among the persons who refused to sign a pledge of association drawn up by a Committee of Safety and Observation in 1775. "Those who refused to sign were "deemed enemies of their country" - American Archives, Vol.ume 2, 4th Series, page 471 + "History of Orange County and Newburgh". E. M. Ruttenber 1875, p. 197 et seq.) were: - Nehemiah Fowler md Abigail Purdy, Stephen Wiggins md miss Purdy, Isaiah Purdy, Gilbert Purdy, Nathan Purdy, John Wiggins, John Wiggins, Jr., Abel Flewwelling, Jonathan Pine Samuel Fowler, Jonathan Brundage, Nathan Purdy, Jun., Daniel Purdy, Daniel Purdy Jun., David Horton, Daniel Durland, John Morrell, Daniel Gedney, Joseph Gedney, Daniel Denton md a dau of David Purdy, Daniel Denton, Jun.

HIST: Fowler, Christian Cecilia. "History of the Fowler Family". DAR# 265987 - Fowler motto: "He is wise who Watches." - Sara Fowler, born after 1698/9 md Richard Woolsey and settled at Beford, NY. Sara was the dau of William Fowler and Mary Thorn. She and her brothers and sisters were all (probably) born at Flushing, Long Island, New York.

CORR: From Jon Thew:
Bingo, I have been trying to identify Isaac's connection for years. I have suspected Isaac's grandfather to be Richard Woolsey Jr b.1730 d.1811, but don't know which of his 9 children with Ann Fuller is his father. I know Issac b.1790 was 20 years older than his wife Louisa Hubbard b. 1810. Harriet Woolsey and Wm L Church had 5 children; Ralph, William, Lewis, Kaherine and Bertha Louisa my grandmother who married Martin E. Thew. My mother's connection to the Woolsey's is through Sarah b.1772. Sarah's father was Josiah Woolsey b.1738 one of Richard Woolsey Sr b.1697 sons. So, who is Isaac's father? Jon T. Thew 11810 Tree Fern Court Reston, VA 20191-4238

LAND: Woolsey, C. M. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARLBOROUGH, ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK, From its Earliest Idscovery. Illus. Albany. J. B. Lyon Company. 1908. Designated as "CMW" The First Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths. Presbyterian Churchyard, Marlborough, Ulster, New York. p. 305. Richard Woolsey, born 1697, died 1777, aged 80 years. [Discrepancy here - s/
b 1779?? www] Sarah Fowler, wife of Richard Woolsey, died 1770.

PROBATE: Hoff, Henry B. editor. LONG ISLAND SOURCE RECORDS. from the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore. 1987. FHL# 974.721 H29L. 2:181.
Mary Thorne b abt 1669; d not earlier than 1714. Abt 1687 md William Fowler b Providence, R.I; bur 11 May 1714 in Flushing, a son of Henry and Rebecca (Newell) Fowler of Providence.
2:181. The family of William and Mary (Thorne) Fowler appear in the Flushing Census of 1698 as: William ffowler Carp [enter] and Mary his wife 8 (The "8" indicates 8 persons in the family)
William   John   Joseph   Benj   Mary   Rebeca
Negro Jack   1   (The "1" indicates 1 slave)   (DHNY:1:662-3).
2:181. On 29 Nov 1711, "Mary ye wife of Wm Fowler" and daughter Mary were baptized at Flushing by the Rev. Thomas Poyer (Grace Church, Jamaica, p. 269).
2:181. William Fowler was a carpenter and blacksmith in Flushing who invested heavily in land in Harrison's Purchase at Rye, including property recently a part of the Whitelaw Reid estate. before his death William Fowler transferred 720 acres of his Westchester holdings to his sons William, John and Joseph (Rec:58:264-5). In his will, executed 24 Jan 1711 and proved 25 May 1714, he left all lands and meadows in Flushing together with "his shope and tools of the smith's trade" to his son benjamin, when of age, and dived 900 acres of land in Westchester County between his sons Jeremiah, Thomas and Henry, also when they came of age. His four daughters received a total of 80 pounds, plus a Negro girl for the eldest, who was then married. Reference was made in the will to "50 pounds due from Father Thorne," an item which appeared in the will of John Thorne as a bequest to Daughter mary Fowler." His wife, together with Jeremiah Fowler of Eastchester and "William Thorne of Flushing," presumably his brother-in-law William Thorne, were named executors WNYHS:2:132 cf N.Y. Co. Wills:8:323). The children of William and Mary (Thorne) Fowler, the first six in the order of the Flushing Census, and the others as named in the will, were: [Then follows a list of 11 children].
2:182. Sarah Fowler b abt 1700; md Richard Woolsey and settled in Bedford (Rec:58: 265).

Children of RICHARD WOOLSEY and SARAH FOWLER are:

  1. THOMAS WOOLSEY, was born November 1719 in NY - Bedford, Westchester, and died Bet. February 26, 1794 in VA - Washington County (later Smythe County). He married abt 1739 in New York, to (1) ELIZABETH WATERS, daughter of ANTHONY WATERS of Jamaica, Long Island, the mother of all his children, and SARAH PIERCE in NY - Bedford, Westchester, and died February 26, 1794 in VA - Marian, Washington County (later Smythe County).


  2. HANNAH WOOLSEY, b. September 25, 1720, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. November 07, 1829; m. JOSEPH SARLES, 1776, NY - Westchester County.

  3. DANIEL FOWLER WOOLSEY, b. 1721, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. August 1801, NY - Bedford, Westchester; m. MARY DEYO, 1756, Bedford, Westchester, New York.

  4. RUTH WOOLSEY, b. 1723, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. 1783, NY - Fishkill, Dutchess; m. JACOB GRIFFIN, Abt. 1756, NY - Westchester.
    Mrs. Garretta P. Hagemeyer.
    DAR ID Number: 11638
    Born in New York.
    Wife of Francis E. Hagemeyer.
    Descendant of Lieut. Col. Jacob Griffin and of Maj. Richard Van Wyck, of New York.
    Daughter of Rev. David V. M. Johnson and Cathcrine Griffin Van Wyck, his wife.
    Granddaughter of Jacob Van Wyck and Cornelia Polhemus, his wife.
    Gr.-granddaughter of Theodorus Van Wyck and Hannah Griffin, his wife.
    Gr.-gr.-granddaughter of Jacob Griffin and Ruth Woolsey, his wife; Richard Van Wyck and Barbara Van Voorhees, his wife.
    Richard Van Wyck 1775, was commissioned major of infantry by the Provincial Congress. He was born at Hempstead, 1727, and died at Fishkill, 1810.
    Jacob Griffin, 1775, was lieutenant colonel in the Rombout Precinct and subsequently served under Col. Roswell Hopkins, Dutchess county militia.
    _______
    Mrs. Elizabeth Clarey Rich.
    DAR ID Number: 155454
    Born in Richview, Ill.
    Wife of Arnold Rich.
    Descendant of Lieut. Col. Jacob Griffin, as follows:
    1. Maurice Clarey (1858-1900) m. 1895 Margaret Wilgus (b. 1869).
    2. Griffin Wilgus (1823-95) m. 1846 Lydia Margaret Talmage (1824-69).
    3. Abel Wilgus m. Ann Ackerman (1801-79).
    4. Casper Ackerman m. Elizabeth Griffin (1761-1846).
    5. Jacob Griffin m. Ruth Woolsey (1736-1825).
    Jacob Griffin (1731-1800) was commissioned captain, 1775, and lieutenant colonel, 1778, in the Dutchess County, New York militia. He was born and died in Westchester County, N. Y.

  5. RICHARD WOOLSEY, b. 1725, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. 1811, NY - Bedford, Westchester.

  6. BENJAMIN M WOOLSEY, b. 1728, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. 1795, NY - Marlborough, Ulster; m. MARGAIETE TELLER, December 22, 1761, NY - Rumbout/Poughkeepsie, Dutchess; b. 1731; d. 1811.

  7. RICHARD JR WOOLSEY, b. 1730, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. 1811, NY - Hillsdale, Columbia; m. ANN FULLER, 1760, NY - New Salem.

  8. JOHN WOOLSEY, b. May 24, 1731, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. December 12, 1815, NY - Marlborough, Ulster; m. CHLORINE "CLOE" PECK, January 06, 1757, NY - Salem, Westchester; b. 1731, CT - Stamford, Fairfield; d. July 27, 1816, NY - Marlborough, Ulster.

  9. HENRY C WOOLSEY, b. 1734, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. 1811, NY - Marlborough, Ulster; m. ABIGAIL (WRIGHT) WOOLSEY, 1754, NY - Westchester; b. 1730, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. 1830, OH - Willoughby, Lake.

  10. SARAH WOOLSEY, b. 1736, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. NY - Ulster County; m. EDWIN HAIGHT, 1758, NY - Westchester County.

  11. JOSIAH SR WOOLSEY, b. 1738, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. October 03, 1779, NY - Bedford, Westchester - Sugar House Prison; m. MARY OWEN, 1757, NY - Bedford, Westchester.

  12. MARY WOOLSEY, b. 1740, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. NY - Albany; m. LOTON, 1763, NY - Westchester County.

  13. JOSEPH W WOOLSEY, b. 1742, NY - Bedford, Westchester; d. August 1800, NY - Bedford, Westchester; m. MARY HAIGHT, September 10, 1766, NY - Bedford, Westchester. Joseph is buried in NY - Bedford, Westchester. It is said that Joseph and Mary had eight children but I only have three of those children.

  14. RUTH WOOLSEY, b. 1752, NY - Bedford, Westchester.









Main Index

E-mail Contacts