Suggested edit: The Courier-Journal
Louisville, Kentucky
June 13 1885
Capt. Woolfolk Dead.
The Veteran River Man Makes His Last Voyage
Special to the Courier Journal
Memphis, June 12--Capt. R.H. Woolfolk, of Louisville, who was stricken with paralysis yesterday, died to night. His remains will be sent home for interment.
Sketch of Capt. Woolfolk's Life
Capt Richard Henry Woolfolk was born as Columbus, Ind., on May 12, 1823. he was the son of Samuel A.T. Woolfolk, who is still living in Breckinridge county, KY., where he moved many years since. The subject of this sketch came to Louisville over forty years ago, and was the delivery clerk in the post-office for several years. On leaving that position, which he filled with great credit, he became a clerk on one of the New Orleans steamboats, and has been identified with river interests ever since. This was when the Mississippi river boats were the pride of all the river cities. From the position of clerk Mr. Woolfolk rose to that of Captain and boat-owner. He was the Captain on some of the finest boats that ran between here and New Orleans. he commanded the R.G. Ward, the famous Thompson Dean and the splendid Richmond. Of the last two he was a part owner.
Nearly thirty years ago Capt. Woolfolk abandoned an active life on the river, though for awhile he still made occasional trips in command of boats. On quitting the river he became a member of the firm of Sherley, Wookfolk & Co., Capt. Bell having removed to New Orleans. Capt. Woolfolk also became the secretary and treasurer and superintendent of the Louisville and Evansville Mail Line Company, occupying that position several years. After Capt. Sherley retired from the firm of which he was a member, Capt. Woolfolk continued the boat-store business until recently. At the time of his death he was the Secretary of the Cotton Transportation Company of New Orleans, this being the Cannon Packet line, running from New Orleans to Vicksburg.
On August 18, 1851, Capt Woolfolk married Miss Amanda Enders at Paducah, KY. His wife is still living, and was with him at the time of his death. He leaves five sons and one daughter, all of whom live in Louisville. About four years ago he had a paralytic stroke in the right side, since which time he has not been able to be actively engaged in business. On Sunday last he started for Arkansas to look after some lands owned there by himself and his sons. He preferred to go down the river by boat. Before reaching his destination he was again attacked by paralysis, and the members of his family joined him in Memphis. His aged mother is at his residence, No. 118 East Breckinridge street, in this city. His oldest son, Henry, and his daughter were away from home when their father was taken ill, and both were summoned by telegraph.
Capt Woolfolk had many strong friends here, especially among the old river men--those who made their fame and fortunes in the days when the two rivers constituted the highway for inland commerce. But few of these old gentlemen remain, and they have been sadly stricken by the death of one of the most popular of their number.