Our subject lived in his native shire until he was almost eight years old, and then spent the ensuing time until he was twenty-two in Newport, Monmouthshire. At that age, in the flush and vigor of early manhood, he came to this country to see what life held for him here and to build up a home under the favorable conditions offered to people of foreign birth by this government. Landing in New York City, he came directly to Peoria in the fall of 1855, and was employed in that city making brick until 1866. He then established himself as a manufacturer of brick in Richwoods Township, and has since been engaged in business here. He manufactured from a million to a million and a quarter of bricks each year, which were found by his patrons to be both durable and cheap, and from their sale he derived a very profitable income.

When our subject came to this country, he was a single man, but he left a sweetheart behind in the old Isle, who had agreed to share his home and fortunes with him in this new country, when he had prepared the way for her, and in 1860, he returned to his native land to secure his bride, Miss Mary Ann Lane, and their marriage was duly solemnized December 13, 1860. Mrs. Wookey is a daughter of the late Thomas and Ann Moore Lane, natives, respectively, of Cornwall and Devonshire, England. Her father died in Newport, Monmouthshire, England in 1887. Her mother survives at an advanced age. They had a family of four children, of whom Mrs. Wookey was the eldest. She was born in Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England, July 23, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Wookey's happy wedded life brought three children: Ella Louise, wife of Ernest W. Dickison, William T., and Benjamin L.

By those fine traits of character that marks Mr. Wookey as a sensible, progressive, far-seeing man of business, he not only built up his own prosperity, but has materially advanced the interests of his adopted county and township, and is classed among their best citizens. In the neat and finely appointed brick house that he erected here, hospitality reigns supreme under the guiding hand of the good housewife, who understands well how to control the affairs of the household, and seconds her husband in his efforts to entertain friend or stranger while under the shelter of their roof. They are among the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, taking an active part in all its good work. Mr. Wookey has aided very efficiently in the management of the affairs of the church in the various offices that he has held in connection with it, and especially as Superintendent of the Sunday school when he held that position. He has been influential in political affairs, and is an influence in the councils of the Republican Party in this part of the county. He has been a member of the North Peoria Board of Trustees, and made an excellent record as a public official who was to be trusted to work only for the interests of the community.