Edwin D. Woolley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edwin D. Woolley, Sr. |
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| Members of the House of Representatives of the Utah Territorial Legislature | |
| In office | |
| September 22, 1851 – January 21, 1853 | |
| In office | |
| 1855 – 1856 | |
| In office | |
| 1858 – 1861 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Edwin Dilworth Woolley June 28, 1807 West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | October 12, 1881 (aged 74) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37.92″N 111°51′28.8″W / 40.7772000°N 111.858000°W |
Edwin Dilworth Woolley, Sr. (born June 28, 1807 – died October 12, 1881) was an important Mormon pioneer. He was an early leader, called a bishop, in Salt Lake City. He was also a successful businessman in early Utah Territory. He owned and ran mills.
Woolley was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a Quaker family. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the 1830s. Later, he served as a missionary in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.
In 1851, Woolley became a member of the Utah Territorial Legislature. This was like being a representative for the area. For many years, he was the bishop of the 13th Ward in Salt Lake City. A ward is a local church group. He was known for being very direct. He once called a young church member, Heber J. Grant, "lazy." This was a surprising thing to say about someone who would later become a church president.
Edwin D. Woolley was the grandfather of several important Latter-day Saint leaders. These included J. Reuben Clark and Spencer W. Kimball.
Growing Up and Joining the Church
Edwin Dilworth Woolley was born and grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His family were members of the Quakers. His mother passed away in 1826. In 1831, Woolley married Mary Wickersham.
After his father died in 1832, Edwin and Mary moved. They went with Edwin's six brothers and sisters to East Rochester, Ohio. They lived near Mary's family home. Edwin opened a general store there. He also started a mining business when coal was found on his land.
He met missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His wife, Mary, was the first in their family to join the church. After meeting Joseph Smith's family, Edwin decided to join in 1837. His family and some of Mary's family soon followed. Because Edwin was a respected and wealthy man, he was chosen to lead the church's branch in East Rochester. He continued to do well in business. He even helped finance church projects and loaned money to Joseph Smith. He also served as a missionary in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Life in Nauvoo
In 1839, the Latter-day Saint community moved across the Mississippi River. They first settled in Quincy, Illinois. Then, in 1840, they moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. This town was once called Commerce, Illinois. Woolley opened another general store in Nauvoo.
Life in Nauvoo became difficult. There was a lot of conflict between church members and others. Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in 1844. The Illinois government then asked the Latter-day Saints to leave Illinois. In 1846, Woolley and his family began a long journey west. They were heading to their new home in Utah. At that time, Utah was part of Mexico.
Life in Utah
The Woolley family arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1848. They were given a plot of land where downtown Salt Lake City is now. Edwin also farmed land just south of the city. He continued his business activities, buying and selling goods.
He was later chosen to manage the many businesses of Brigham Young, a church leader. Edwin was also appointed as the bishop of the 13th Ward in Salt Lake City. A bishop is like a local church leader, and a ward is a local congregation. He served in this role from 1854 to 1881.
Woolley also served several terms as a representative in the Utah Territorial Legislature. He was also the Salt Lake County Recorder, keeping official records. In business, he helped create the Deseret Telegraph Company. This company helped send messages across long distances. He also helped start Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI), a large store.
