From members of the Woolever family has come some interesting bits of information on several family members but on "Dize" or Dirza in particular
Dirza was short and stout, but with kind of a charm. She had a little odd dance she would do when she felt someone was provoked with her, and the person would soon be laughing.
Dirza was a sister to Deborah Woolever who married Harvey Presnell. There was also a brother Michael, called Mike. He hunted and fished a lot, practically living in the woods. Another sister Elizabeth, married Joel Ashworth and had but two children, one of which we are indebted to for this family history--Michael married a sister of Joel, Sally Ashworth, Dirza never married.
All of these children of Henry Woolever and Barbara Luther, were born in Randolph Co. NC in what is called "Little River Country". Henry had in all, nine children, but the other five are unidentified save perhaps for, one name Aaron or Mason, it is not known which is correct.
Concerning Elizabeth (Woolever) Ashworth; William Russell Ashworth, son of Eliz. wrote a newspaper article in memory of his father and stated; "Elizabeth Woolever was unable to read or write at the time of her marriage. Her husband afterward sent her to public school taught at Flag Springs by Alexander Spencer, an excellent teacher , where she learned to read and write. She died in 1891." W R Ashworth further adds,"after he was old enough to go to school he and his mother studied their lessons together. (The portrait of Eliz. and Joel Ashworth is available if you would like a picture of same, Brw.)
The Woolevesr family is a difficult one to trace inasmuch as Henry seemingly was the only one of this name to settle in Randolph Co. Tradition says others of this family have lived in Montgomery and adjoining counties, but no one can refer me to any one person by the name. The name seems to have died out, even though the "blood" is still there.
Mrs. Sidney Walker states---"Of all my people I'm more curious about the Woolevers than any of them.... perhaps because they seemed a little odd. Mike hunted and fished and roamed the woods all the time--living the life of Riley....Dize could dance with a bucket of water on her head....she had other dances for fitting the occasion......Elizaeth was very attractive- she had a good figure, and dressed stylishly- managing somehow to obtain cosmetics of some kind in a country where they were not in general use. Her husband remained very much in love with her as long as she lived. She attracted young couples for miles around with her ability to read their fortunes with coffee grounds. Some called her a witch!! Old people say she could go to her door and blow on a fork when she wanted the woman who did her washing to come and she would soon appear!! She also removed warts, etc."
The Woolevers are reportedly "Dutch", which could also mean German and if this is the case it will be quite difficult to find the correct spelling, but probably Americanized spelling of the original.
Mrs. Walker again. "One more little "human interest" happening comes to mind. My Aunt and Uncle were engaged in a little family tiff and he angrily told her that the "Old Wolfevil" (Woolever) blood was showing up in her. From that time on the whole family has had fun out of the "Wolfevil" in us all..... not that we think they were so bad....they were"different". and I'm glad, Viva Wolfevil!
Mrs. Sidney Walker
Served in the King's militia in the French and Indian War. James with his brothers John and Jacob served in the Militian of North and South Carolina in the Rev. War
Killed in a timber felling accident. Went to AL in 1818
Went North to IN ? Served with his brothers James and John in the Militia of North and South Carolina in the Rev. War.
George and one or two brothers came to America from England and landed in NC. They were fishermen by trade...one of the number drowned during the boyage to America. George came from VA toNC and settled in what is now known as Randolph Co.
One record says her name was not Mary Ann that she had a sister named Mary...
With his brothers William and Daniel were Quakers.
One record says he was born in England or in Virginia...(certainly not in France)