Naval officer; born in New York, in 1782; studied law for a while, but entered the navy as a midshipman, April 9, 1800.
He served with credit in the
West Indies and the Mediterranean.
In 1807 he was commissioned a lieutenant, and in 1808 was sent to
Sackett's Harbor to superintend the construction of the
Oneida.
He served with credit under
Commodore Chauncey on
Lake Ontario during the
War of 1812-15.
Woolsey was made master-commandant in July, 1813, and captain in April, 1816.
He commanded the
Constellation in the
West Indies in 1825-26; had charge of the
Pensacola navy-yard in 1827, and performed his last duty afloat on the coast of
Brazil.
He died in
Utica, N. Y., May 18, 1838.