Childhood in England
On March 6, 1815, Eli G. Woolfenden was christened at St. Paul's, Royton, England.
Childhood in Catonsville, MD
During the 1830 and 1840 U.S. Census for the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD, in the village of Catonsville, Eli G. Woolfenden is believed to have lived with his parents, James and Hannah Woolfenden.
Marriage and Family, Catonsville Years
On May 31, 1840 Eli married Sarah Bailey. The wedding was performed by Rev. Isaac P. Cook and is listed in the records of City Station Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD.
By 1844, the year that the Maryland Historical Society was founded, Maryland had a population of 526,526. During 1844, both national political parties, the Whigs and Democrats, had their conventions in Baltimore. James K. Polk (D) was elected the 11th President of the U.S.
In 1850, Eli's home was in the 1st District of Baltimore County, Maryland in the community of Catonsville. (See map by J.C. Sidney of the County and City of Baltimore of 1850.) The home was located on Frederick Turn Pike Road, between Rolling Road and the first intersection heading towards Baltimore City. It was approximately 3 miles east of Ellicott Mills (now known as Ellicott City). The site is near the present day intersection of Bloomsbury Avenue and Frederick Road (Route 144).
In the 1850 US Census Eli is listed as a farmer in the 1st District of Baltimore County, age 34, owning $1,000 dollars of real estate, who was born in England. His wife is not listed. His children include James age 9, Thomas age 7, Sarah E. age 4, and Hannah age 2. A 12 year old Josephine Williams is also listed in the household. The reason for this is unknown. James and Thomas are listed as having attended school in the last year. This listing was recorded on August 30, 1850.
On October 8, 1859, Eli and his brother Thomas are listed in an indenture agreement with Joshua and Elizabeth Mellon of Howard County, Maryland which refers to an indenture agreement between the Mellons and James Woolfenden, the father of Thomas and Eli. The first indenture was unpaid in full because of the death of James in 1844, causing the land to descend to Thomas and Eli. This mortgage is listed as released on September 10, 1860 by Thomas Woolfenden.
In the 1860 US Census, 1st District of Baltimore County, Eli is listed as Eli Wolfington, age 44, farmhand, born in England, with $200 dollars as the value of his land. Three of his children are listed in his household, Thomas age 16 who was born in Maryland and who is a farmhand, Sara age 14, and Hannah age 12. Also listed in the household is Eliza Banks age 45.
Later Years, Baltimore City
In 1868-1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872 Eli appears in the Baltimore City Directories as residing at 461 W Lomard Avenue (page 576). His occupation is first listed in 1871. It is as a carpenter.
In 1873 and 1874 his address is listed in the Baltimore City Directories as residing at Loudon Avenue near Millington. During these two years, Eil is listed as being a constable. He is listed as joining the Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) on April 2, 1876. The church is located at 433 Millington Avenue in Baltimore City.
In 1882 and 1883 Eli is listed in the Baltimore City as residing at 6 Marriot.
On October 10, 1884 Eli leased property from Hearrie Steever and Annie Steever in the City of Baltimore.
In 1886 Eli is listed as a real estate agent at blds. 70 & Sharp in the Baltimore City Directory.
In 1890 and 1891 Eli is listed as a real estate agent at 2005 W. Pratt in the Baltimore City Directory.
In the 1893 Baltimore City Directory Eli is listed as a real estate agent at 2 Marriott W.
Death
Eli passed away on January 16, 1893. Funeral arrangements at The Church of the Holy Cross were handled by his grand daughters, Mary Burton Woolfenden and Lottie Louisa Woolfenden, both of whom are daughters of Eli's elder son, James. Burial was on January 19, 1893 at Loudon Park Cemetary, in a plot which was purchased by his two sons, James and Thomas, on April 25, 1872. (See file, Death Records) (Certificate #81, Lot #40, Section W, containing 160 square feet)