My surname has always intrigued me. I rarely encountered people with the Woodfork surname when I was growing up in Washington, DC. Whenever I would encounter a directory or list of names, I would always scan it in search of the Woodfork surname. Oftentimes there were little or no Woodforks listed. I have been told that Woodfork and its derivatives is a common surname in the Spotsylvania County, VA area.
I became interested in genealogy as a teenager after Alex Haley’s book and movie Roots became popular in the 1970’s. My research at that time mainly consisted of talking to a few relatives and reviewing census microfilm. As a young adult, college, career, marriage and motherhood caused me to put my research aside; however, every once in awhile I would do a little research.
Now that my children are older, I have more time to devote to my research. In 2004, I began researching with a vengeance. My family is very private, so I have not been able to rely on oral history for my research. Technology has changed greatly since I first started my research back in the 1970’s. The internet has provided me access to a vast amount of information and people that were previously unavailable. I subscribe to Ancestry.com and have access to a wealth of genealogy databases (the Census, Social Security Death Index, City Directories and Phone books, Draft Registration Cards etc).
In the August of 2005, I located and contacted Hausey Woodfolk III, the great-grandson of William "Willie" Woolfolk (my great-uncle). He put me in touch with several of his relatives who still lived in Caroline County, VA. Through them I have acquired a wealth of information and have been able to locate other descendants of William and Louisa Woolfolk in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, DC and Georgia.
I enjoy genealogy for many reasons. Learning my family history gives me a better understanding of my family and how they came to be the people they are today. Family history gives me a sense of heritage and identity. I also enjoy learning about American and local history. I am intrigued and inspired by the challenges that my ancestors faced and how they persevered. When I learn about the horrors of slavery, racism, and other adversities my ancestors had to overcome, I realize that the problems I face in my lifetime are minuscule in comparison. I am strengthened by the knowledge that my ancestors could not only survive, but prosper, under the horrid conditions in which they lived and realize that I can flourish with the opportunities that I have today. I believe there is a life lesson in every situation (good and bad) and I aspire to learn from other’s experiences. My genealogy motto is: Discover the past, to understand the present and prepare for the future.
Thank You, Marion Woodfork Simmons
Granddaughter of Sylvester and Ethel Woodfork Great Granddaughter of Overton and Katie Woodfork Great Great Granddaughter of William and Louisa Woolfolk Great Great Great Granddaughter of Sancho/Sanker and Lucinda Shakespeare