When Alida was sixteen, her brother Henry married Sarah Welles, the granddaughter of Reverend Benjamin Woolsey of Long Island. Henry went to war under Colonel James Clinton. Four years later, with the Revolutionary War still ongoing, Alida married Sarah's first cousin, Melancthon Lloyd Woolsey, an army officer and military aide to James Clinton's brother, New York Governor George Clinton. Woolsey retained his political connections after the war, being named a Major General of the New York State Militia by Clinton, and Collector of U.S. Customs by Alexander Hamilton.

Of Alida and Melancthon's family, only two died - Charles and Catharine. Charles, the last of the brood, was born when Alida was 31, and died soon after his birth. By this time, Alida had already born 8 other children. In 1815, at the age of 18, their youngest living child, Catharine, died. Four years later, Catharine's father followed.

Alida chose not to remarry. In 1831, at the age of 63, Alida moved in with her daughter Susan and Susan's husband, James Platt, staying with the Platts until her death in 1843.

Jul 12 '77

"My brother-in-law Melancthon Welles came here according to agreement with Melancthon Lloyd Woolsey. I am to school and maintain him till he is grown up at his charge."

Nov 5 '79

"Melanchton Woolsey bought my spanish mare for one thousand dollars payable the 6th of April next with interest at 7 percent"

General Woolsey was, most likely, the young boy's godfather, and took on the care of the boy after the death of Rev. Welles, six months previous.

CHERRY VALLEY GAZETTE OCTOBER 8, 1818 - SEPTEMBER 19, 1826
Woolsey, Melancthon L. Gen. Death. At Trenton Oneida Co. Of Plattsburgh on June 28; 61y 1 m 20d. Dad of Com. Woolsey of Sacketts Harbor. Rev. War vet. Obit. CV 7-13-19 p.2 c.4