A. Woolever

A. Woolever is a pioneer of California, having resided in the State continuously for the last thirty years. He was born in New York, February 24, 1820, the son of Samuel Woolever, a native of Pennsylvania, one of that hardy race of well-to-do people, the Pennsylvania Dutch. His mother's maiden name was Effie Glaspie, a native of New Jersey, daughter of William Glaspie, a valiant soldier in the Continental Army. They were of Scotch ancestry.

    At the age of nine years Mr. Woolever was cast upon his own resources; so that hard work interfered with his getting a liberal education, and his opportunities in that direction were limited. In 1845 he removed to Illinois, and, after years of hard work he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land, on which he built a home and lived until 1860, when he sold out and came to California. He first lived in El Dorado two years, then removed removed to Yolo County, where he bought 160 acres of improved land. This he sold in 1864 and went to Gilroy, Santa Clara County, bought a house and lot and lived there seven years, doing some speculating and other business. He sold that and purchased a ranch of fifty acres, three miles west of Santa Paula, on which he made many improvements. Mrs. Woolever is entitled to the honor of planting the large grove of eucalyptus trees, now about 100 feet high, and many of the other fruit trees on the property. She says that her greatest regret in parting with the place was having to leave that fine grove. Mr. Woolever has bought property in Santa Paula, a very pleasant home with large yard and garden, where he has retired from active business, and is living upon what he has saved in a life of frugal industry. His time is occupied in his garden and in the cultivation of the flowers and shrubs which beautify his home.

     In 1844 Mr. Woolever was united in marriage to Miss Maria Sovereign, a native of New York, and daughter of Richard Sovereign, of New Jersey. Of the nine children born to them, five are living. Those born in Illinois are: Samuel, in 1850; Izettus, 1852; and Mary j., 1858. Louisa was born in California, and is now at home with her parents. Politically, Mr. Woolever is a Republican. He has never sought or held office, but has often served as a member of school boards. Mrs. Woolever is a member of the Presbyterian Church. She has the old family Bible which she brought with her and read on their long and tedious journey across the plains. She says when it was not in her lap it was under her feet, in the wagon, where she could easily get it.

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