Schooly, M

The Schooleys were a large family that moved to Loudoun County in the mid-1700s. Many members of the Schooley family belonged to the Fairfax Monthly Meeting and Goose Creek Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, which were important institutions for Loudoun County’s sizeable Quaker population. Like most Quakers, the Schooleys were pacifists and refused to muster for militia service, which resulted in fines for being “delinquent.” Several members of the Schooley family established their residence in Waterford—a popular settlement for Quakers—where they farmed, practiced trades, and sold merchandise.

In November 1815, one of the members of the Schooley family assisted Thomas Birkby in repairing a wagon belonging to Stevens T. Mason, Jr. Since Birkby built and repaired carriages, it appears that the Schooley mentioned in Mason’s account book was either an apprentice or a tradesman who supported Birkby’s business. If that is the case, Mason was probably referring to Reuben Schooley, Mahlon Schooley, or William Schooley, all of whom were blacksmiths.

Reuben Schooley (1764-1825) operated a blacksmith shop in Leesburg until 1822 and frequently conducted business in the area around Mason’s Raspberry Plain estate. Besides their blacksmith shop, Reuben Schooley and his wife, Esther, were known for being particularly devoted to the Society of Friends, with Esther being appointed as a Quaker minister in 1813. However, two of their sons were later disowned from the Society of Friends for improper marriages, perhaps marrying outside the Quaker community.

In May 1818, the Masons recorded a transaction in their account book with  Mahlon Schooley (listed as “M Schooly”), who provided “blacksmith work” for the family. This may refer to Reuben’s son, Mahlon J. Schooley (1788-1871), but it is more likely referring to another Mahlon Schooley (b. 1764) who dwelt in Waterford with his wife, Elizabeth. Schooley was the owner of several properties in the village, including the eponymous Mahlon Schooley house that still stands at 15555 Second Street.

In 1803, the Stevens T. Mason, Sr. fiduciary lists a William Schooley as a “blacksmith,” who provided regular blacksmith services for the Mason family. William Schooley (1761-1834) and his wife, Hannah, were the parents of nine children. Like many other members of the Schooley family, William chose to move west in the early 1800s, eventually settling in Ohio. Prior to his departure from Loudoun County in 1823, Schooley sold his farm and most of his personal property, which included "one set of Blacksmith's tools and one turning lathe.”

By David Armstrong