WOOLARY, EMMER, now living retired from active life at Chatham, Ill., was born in Wilmington, Ohio, November 28, 1846, and is a son of Michael and Rosanna (Small) Woolary, son of Michael and Rosanna (Small) Woolary, the former born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1812, and the latter born in Waynesville, Ohio, in 1815. The father was a carpenter by trade and for many years lived in Wilmington, where both he and his wife died. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War. His parents and those of his wife were early settlers of Ohio.
Emmer Woolary spent his childhood in his native State and there received his education. He followed farming until the breaking out of the Civil War, and enlisted, in March, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, and served to the end of the war, being mustered out at Camp Chase, in December, 1865. He had participated in the Battles of Chattanooga, Buzzard's Roost, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, and the Siege of Atlanta. He took part in the March to the Sea, and in many skirmishes, serving under Captains Wilkins and Joe Taylor. For three months Mr. Woolary carried messages for his General. During the campaign in Georgia he was for three months without change of clothing, and endured great hardships. He is an active member of the G. A. R.
At the close of the war Mr. Woolary returned to Ohio and soon afterward moved to Springfield, Ill., where he worked for twenty years. He has been a resident of Chatham since about 1903 and is one of the best known and most respected citizens of his community. He was married, at Sharonville, Ohio, in July, 1866, to Miss Annie Gorman, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, daughter of Henry and Rachel Gorman, both of whom spent their entire lives in Ohio, and were farmers. Eight children were born to Mr. Woolary and his wife, of whom six survive: George W., born in Hamilton County, Ohio, July 24, 1867; Rosa, July 14, 1868; Jennie, January 1, 1875; Mary, born in October, 1871, died in 1873; Harry, born in July, 1872, died the same year; Joseph, born in October, 1880; Emmer Jr., March 17, 1883; and Nora, July 20, 1876.
Mr. Woolary is a member of the Red Men and in politics is a Democrat, but in local affairs votes for the man rather than for the party. He is not a member of any church, but endeavors to follow the Golden Rule in his actions, and his relations with his fellow men are very pleasant. He has lived retired for several years past, but had previously worked hard all his life and managed his affairs in an able manner, so that he acquired a competency.