Friends of Historic Woolsey

In the southern community of Woolsey in Fayette County, Georgia, the story of Arvazenia “Arva” Hutcheson Wood Woolsey unfolds as a testament to resilience, devotion, and timeless grace. Though often remembered as the wife of Dr. Isaac Gray Woolsey, Arva’s own life of service, love, and hospitality left an indelible mark on her family and community.

Arvazenia “Arva” Frances Hutcheson was born in Tennessee on August 1, 1834 into a family known for faith, hard work, and strong community ties. Her parents Alfred and Matilda Hutcheson instilled in her the patience and fortitude that would carry her through both joy and heartbreak.

In her early adulthood, Arva married M. A. Wood, with whom she had three children. Tragically, typhoid fever claimed the lives of her husband and all three children before the 1860 U.S. Census. Widowhood and loss came early, yet Arva endured with a quiet strength and faith that would shape the rest of her life.

On October 30, 1863, Arva married widowed Dr. Isaac Gray Woolsey. His first wife, Emeline Clemanza Reagan Woolsey, had died at the age of 29, leaving him to care for their four children. 

Together, Arva and Dr. Woolsey created a home in Fayette County, Georgia. The Woolsey children from Dr. Woolsey’s first marriage quickly grew to love Arva as a devoted stepmother. The Woolseys purchased roughly 500 acres from Thomas Bolling Gay in 1875, laying the foundation for the community that would later be named Woolsey, Georgia. Their home became a hub of hospitality, comfort, and care for neighbors, parishioners, and travelers alike.

Arva was celebrated for her beautiful gardens surrounding the Woolsey home, which reflected the same careful attention and nurturing spirit she gave to her family. The Woolsey home was not only a residence but a place of warmth and welcome for all who entered. The Woolsey family used their home to accommodate travelers. At that time, drummers (another name for salesmen) would come in their buggies and stay at the Woolsey home until they had worked all the surrounding countryside. After a long day of riding, they were welcomed to a supper of beans, corn, tomatoes, fried chicken, ham, pie, cake, and pitchers of buttermilk and sweet milk cooled in a well.

As a stepmother, Arva’s love and guidance shaped the lives of Dr. Woolsey’s children. Neighbors and family alike remembered her as a loving and devoted mother and a gracious hostess, whose presence brought stability and kindness to a household often bustling with activity.
Faith was the foundation of Arva’s life. She played an active role in the family’s church activities and helped support the founding of Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church in 1888, which later became Woolsey Baptist Church.

On their 25th wedding anniversary, October 20, 1888, Dr. Woolsey expressed his admiration for Arva in a handwritten note, writing:

"To my beloved wife who for twenty five years, through sunshine and storm, in adversity and prosperity, amidst the praise of family, and the persecutions of enemies, in sickness and health has ever remained the same faithful, devoted, loving companion is this book presented.”
            – Rev. Isaac Gray Woolsey, MD

This personal note captured the essence of Arva’s unwavering devotion, her strength through adversity, and the profound love she shared with her family.

Arva passed away on June 23, 1915, at the age of 80, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Woolsey Cemetery, overlooking the church and land they helped shape. Her life was one of quiet heroism: enduring unimaginable personal loss, yet giving generously to her stepchildren, community, and church. Arvazenia “Arva” Frances Hutcheson Wood Woolsey’s legacy lives on in the town of Woolsey, the Historic Woolsey Church, and in the memories of generations who knew her grace, hospitality, and steadfast faith.

Arva’s story reminds us that history is made not only through public achievements but through daily acts of love, care, and devotion. Her gardens, her home, and the hearts she touched continue to bear witness to a life of service, family, and unwavering faith.

Sources:

Ann Woolsey Jackson, From Whence We Came - A Family Profile. (Rome, 2011).
Census Reports
The Fayetteville News
James L. Wilcox, Notes from Woolsey Family, unpublished book
The History of Fayette County 1821 - 1971, Fayette County Historical Society, Inc. ©1971
Town of Woolsey - http://www.woolseyga.com