The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-25
DEATH OF OLD CITIZEN
WILLIAM WESLEY wOOLLEN PASSES
AWAY AT HIS HOME.
He Had Been an Invalid for Several
Years-FormerIy Active i'm Bust
ness and Politics.

William Wesley woollen, one of the city's
early residents. died yesterday morning at
his home, 314 East Ohio street, from a
paralytic stroke. He also suffered from
weak heart action, and, being in an en-
feebled condition owing to his advanced
years, his end came speedily. For the past
eight years Mr.. Woollen has suffered from
spinal paralysis. which deprived him of the
use of his legs. Up to the time of his
death he was conscious and chatted freely
with the members of his family The last
paralytic stroke occurred two weeks ago,
and since that time the members of the
family have looked forward to the end.
During the eight years that Mr.. Woollen
has been deprived Of the use of his legs,
he has spent his time reading, writing and
in conversation with his friends who called.
He had a large acquaintance, and many
came and talked to him because he was
versed in all important matters.
DIR. Woollen was one of three brothers,
he being the eldest, all of whom were born In
Dorchester county. Maryland. The brothers
later moved to Indiana and took an active
part in the affairs of the State The two
other brothers were Thomas wooIlen, of
Franklin. who became attorney general.
and Levin w. Woollen, of Vevay, we'll
known as a physician.
Mr.. w. w. Woollen was born June q.
1928. When he was fourteen years old he
left his fathers farm and took employment
in country store. and later went to a
dry goods house in fredericksburg, Md. A
few years later young Woollen started
West, and arrived at Cincinnati. Later he
proceeded to Madison, Ind, and became a
school teacher. He saved his money and
at he n he 81
lowing years he entered college. After
leaving college he entered the office of the
auditor of jefferson county.
STUDIED Law AT NIGHT.
During his evenings he studied law. Part
of the time he held the position of deputy
in the clerks office. On the resignation
of the auditor Mr.. Woollen was appointed
to fill out the term. He was later nominat-
ed by the Wing party for treasurer of JEFF
ferson county. He was elected, and during
his term purchased half interest in the
Madison Banner
In 1854 when the Wing party disbanded
Mr.. Woollen became affiliated with the
Democratic party. For a number of years
following he was identified with large
banking interests in Franklin and Indian
apols. At one time he was secretary of the
clearing house association. He was one of
the organizers of the Indiana Banking Com
pany.
During Mr.. Woollen's residence in this
city he was actively identified with Demo
cratic politics. During Mayor Sullivans
term under the new charter Mr.. Woollen
was the first city controller of Indianapolis
At time he was a member of the City
Council.
Aside from his business affairs Mr.. Wool
len took an interest in literary work. He
was contributor to the Journal for sew
eral years. In 1850 he wrote book entitled
Representative Men of Indiana" which is
considered a work of value. He was inter
ested in the Masonic lodge and, when the
Masonic Mutual Benefit Society was es-
tablished he elected vice president
Mr. Woollen leaves a widow who was
Miss Sarah T.. Young. daughter of Thomas
ID. Young, of Hanover, to whom he was
married in 1s4S. Four children were born
10 them-Mrs. Susan Applegate, who made
her home with him in his late years; Mrs
| Frank Ritzinger, OF Burlington. Iowa: Mrs
W. II. Hubbard. of Monrovia. and William
| w Woollen. jr.. of this city. The funeral
arrangements have not yet been completed
| owing to the absence from the city of sew
| eral relatives.