The Woolsey family in America descend from Manhattan pre-1650 resident George (Joris) Woolsey, who emigrated to the colonies from England via Holland for religious reasons. He settled in New Amsterdam where he managed a warehouse at what is 170 Pearl Street in Manhattan for Isaac Allerton, the sixth richest man in the colony. He married Rebecca Cornell, daughter of Thomas Cornell. His descendants number in the thousands and have played major roles in American history, from academia and government service to business, law, the clergy and the arts.