Wolfe Families of Mercer County, Illinois
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Wolfe Families
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Spelling Variations - Wolf, Wolfe, Wolff, Wolffe

Links - Willits, Orphan Willits Families, Marlatt, Boruff, Finch, Fleming, Mannon, Wade, Boyd, Martin, Myers, Pratt, Sheriff, Mercer County Fairs on the Social Life Page

Contacts - Stan Ball has kindly shared much data on the Wolf/Wolfe family with us; Dawn Elizabeth Wolfe-Fisher is a descendant of Solomon & Evaline Marlatt Wolfe. Dawn�s cousin Cathy Kaiser is descended from Alice Wolfe Kram. Bill Hubly is a descendant of Solomon Wolfe. Photos (courtesy Stan Ball) - Solomon and Evaline Marlatt Wolfe and Rebecca Marlatt Wolfe; Oscar and Emma Schoeni Wolfe, 1884 Photos (courtesy Bill Hubly ) Catherine Wolfe Dryden



Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe

We are much indebted to the Bible Records of Morgan and Mercer County, Illinois, compiled by Mrs. L. Boyd Finch, of Mercer County. Here we find the Wolfe Family Bible Records from a bible originally owned by Jacob Wolfe and his wife, Mary Yount Wolfe. At the time Mrs. Finch collected the records, the Bible was in the possession of Rebecca Wolfe, granddaughter, born 1848. Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe are the parents of several of the Wolfe family members found in Mercer County. And as usual, we can hardly confine ourselves to New Boston and Eliza Townships as they moved about a good bit.

According to the Bible Records, Jacob Wolfe was born October 3, 1794, and died August 18, 1861. He died in Center Township, Wayne County, Indiana. He wrote a will dated 22 March, 1861, and probated 28 August 1861 (see end of page). Mary Yount Wolfe was born January 10, 1798, and died October 18, 1838 (in Indiana). The History of Mercer County, Illinois, 1882 tells us more of the births of Jacob and Mary. The dates given in the History do not quite correlate with the Bible records but the geography might be correct. Jacob was born in Maryland near Harper's Ferry and Mary was born in North Carolina near the Shallow Ford of the Yadkin River. There were Quaker Yount families living in this area so Mary's ancestry might be Quaker. Jacob's parents moved to the State of Ohio in 1798 and settled twelve miles south of Dayton, near Germantown. Mary's parents removed to Ohio and settled in the same neighborhood. Jacob and Mary were married in Ohio in 1814 and moved to Indiana in 1822 where they raised their family.

Jacob Wolfe apparently had a brother George Wolfe who came to Mercer County sometime before 1860 and was living with Joseph Wolfe, son of Jacob in the 1860 census (more below under Joseph). Brother George was born 10 March 1792 in Washington County, MD, and died 24 December 1870 in Livington County, Missouri, per research of Stan Ball.

Children of Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe

The children listed in the Bible Records are: Solomon (b. 1815), Washington (b. 1816), Jacob and Joseph (twins b. 1818), Peter (b. 1820, died 1830), John (b. 1823, died 1825), Sarah Ann (b. 1826), Catherine (b. 1828), Ann Margaret (b. 1830), David Hoover (b. 1833), and Mary Elizabeth (b. 1834). Some were born in Ohio and some in Wayne County, Indiana. There were other Wolfe families in Wayne County as there are many marriage records there in the same time period as the marriages of these children.

Washington and Solomon Wolfe married sisters, Rebecca and Eveline Marlatt. They were daughters of Thomas & Elizabeth Beller Marlatt of Wayne County, Indiana. We have put up a Marlatt page as Thomas Marlatt, Jr., moved to New Boston as did three of his sisters: Rebecca and Eveline, wives of the Wolfe brothers; and Elizabeth, wife of Jeremiah Fall. Solomon and Evaline Marlatt Wolfe and Washington and Rebecca Marlatt Wolfe are buried in Greenmound Cemetery at Keithsburg. Washington died July 26, 1895; Rebecca died June 29, 1891; Solomon died 2/11/1898 and Evaline 9/28/1906. The date for Rebecca may not be correct as Washington Wolfe married Mrs. Catherine Hecker Helwig on 3/8/1891 in Mercer County.

Washington Wolfe Family

There is a sketch of Washington Wolfe in the History of Mercer County, Illinois, 1882. Washington Wolfe was born July 22, 1816, in Ohio. Rebecca Marlatt was born in Virginia, November 14, 1816. They were married in Wayne County, Indiana, on 10/17/1839 according to Wayne County marriage records. They moved to Mercer County, Illinois in 1844.

The History states there was then but one house on the Prairie road from Henderson Grove to the bluff and not a house could be seen from the bluff to Keithsburg. At that time there was not a proper house even in Keithsburg. Washington Wolfe told of seeing Bill Brewer shooting ducks where the Birch Building, owned by T. B. Cabeen was in 1882. Washington told of New Boston being a town when he arrived. He went to see it and said there was quite a crowd there, and every man carried a gun and was followed by one or more dogs. Most of the men wore the coon-skin cap with the tail hanging down the back. The bluffs were comparatively bare of timber by that time and Mr. Wolfe ultimately settled in the "bottoms" in Keithsburg Township.

Washington and Rebecca Marlatt Wolfe are found in New Boston Township in 1850 next door to Solomon and Evaline: Washington, 33, born Ohio; Rebecca, born Va; Mary Ellen, 10; Thomas, 8; George W., 6; Lydia A., 4, all born Indiana and Jacob, 2, born Illinois.

Washington Wolfe was a member of the Executive Committee for the Mercer County Annual Fair in 1857. The Aledo Weekly Record reported on October 16, 1860 that he had moved his stock to Keithsburg. He is found in Keithsburg in the 1860 census: Washington Wolff (sic), 44, farmer, born Ohio; Rebecca, 43, born Virginia; Mary E., 20; Thomas, 18; George, 16; Lydia, 14; Jacob, 12; all born Indiana; Richard, 8; and Kate Iris, 6, born Illinois. They had another child, William Henry, who died 2/19/1850 at the age of 5 weeks, 2 days, and is buried in the New Boston Cemetery next to babies of the Marlatt and Solomon Wolf family. No additional children are shown in the 1870 census. Mary E. Wolfe died 12/24/1889 and is buried in Greenmound Cemetery with her parents.

Thomas Wolfe

Son Thomas Wolfe married Emeline Frazier on 10/11/1866 in Mercer County. They are in Keithsburg in the 1870 census: Thomas, age 29, store clerk, born In; Emmeline, 23, born Pa. Thomas is apparently clerk for Edward Wolf next door, lumber dealer, born Pennsylvania, who may have been a cousin. Edward married Mary Jane Brisbin in Mercer County 11/12/1855 and they have children Eva B., Rosa M., and Stella.

George W. Wolfe

Son George Wolfe married Mary Anna Titherington 11/1/1865 in Henderson County, Illinois. Mary Anna was daughter of John and Keziah Wade Titherington. They had children Oona Wolfe (abt 1867), Glenn (abt 1869), Mary (abt 1872), Estella (abt 1876, Ca), Frederick (abt 1878, Ca).

Lydia Wolfe Wilson

Daughter Lydia married William F. Wilson 4/11/1866 in Mercer County. We have not identified his parents. We do not find them in Mercer in 1870.

Kate Iris Wolfe Scott

Daughter Kate Iris married Uriel Scott on 1/12/1876 in Mercer County.

Solomon Wolfe Family

Brother Solomon Wolfe married Evaline Marlatt, born 8/6/1820, sister of Rebecca, on 3/19/1839 in Wayne County, Indiana. They probably moved to Mercer County at the same time as Washington and Rebecca Wolfe, although a sketch of one of their children says 1846.

There is a short biography of Solomon in the 1903 History of Mercer County: "Solomon Wolfe (deceased), farmer and capitalist, Abington Township, Mercer County, was born in Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, March 28, 1815, son of Jacob and Mary (Yundt) Wolfe. He came to Mercer County in 1845, his energy being his only capital, and the next year purchased eighty acres of land in New Boston Township, but later moved to Abington Township, where he became an extensive land owner, having a home farm consisting of 600 acres, and several outlying farms. He was a promoter of the first bank of Keithsburg, The Farmers' National Bank, which had a capital of $50,000 and also made large loans on his own personal account. He never hoarded his wealth, but distributed it liberally among his children. Next to William Drury he was the wealthiest man in Mercer County and was largely instrumental in securing the railroads for Keithsburg. March 19, 1839, he was married to Eveline Marlatt, and to this union twelve children were born, two sons and ten daughters, of whom three daughters and one son died in early life. The eight children who grew to maturity are: Eveline, wife of David A. Davison (both of whom are now deceased); Sarah A., wife of James Bloomer, of Joy, Ill.; Catherine, widow of Cary Dryden, Aledo; Leanna, wife of W. B. McClure, Abingdon; Elizabeth, wife of William H. Boruff, Keithsburg; Ada, wife of Thomas Kiddoo, of Joy; Allie, wife of James Kramm, of Joy, and Grant M. of Keithsburg. Mr. Wolfe was always a friend and liberal supporter of the church, and in early days church services were held at his house. In early life he became a member of the United Brethren church, but in later life united with the Methodist church, of which he remained a member until the time of his death. Politically he was first a Whig and later a pioneer member of the Republican party, with which he ever after affiliated. Although never an office seeker, but being an earnest friend of education, he consented to fill the office of school director. Mr. Wolfe died Feb. 11, 1898.

Solomon and Evaline Marlatt Wolfe are found in New Boston Township in 1850 living next to Washington and Rebecca: Solomon Wolf, 35, born Ohio; Evalene, 29, born Va; Evalene, 8, In; Sarah A., 6, In; Catharine, 1, Ill.

Solomon was a judge in 1857 in the mule department at the Mercer County Annual Fair. This tells us he probably raised fine mules among his livestock.

Solomon Wolfe is found in Keithsburg Township in the 1860 Mercer County census: Solomon Wolff (sic), 45, farmer, born Ohio; Eveline, 40, born Virginia; Sarah, 16, born Indiana; Catharine, 12; Lee Anna, 9; Lizzie, 7; Ada, 3; and Alice 6/12, all born Illinois. In the 1870 Census in Abingdon Township they have additional children, Grant, 6, and Rose, 2. Rose died in 1875 and is buried in the Davis Cemetery. Additional children are found in cemetery records: Louise, died 1/6/1848, age 8 m 21d; Albert died 1/26/1865 age 1m 5d, buried New Boston Cemetery; Lola Maude age 7wk, 4 d, buried with Solomon and Evaline, no date.

Evaline Wolfe Davison

There is an Evaline Dodson, 17, born Indiana, censused in Solomon's household in 1860 as a domestic, but this is apparently an error. This is Solomon and Evaline's daughter Evaline, who married David A. Davison on 3/8/1860 in Mercer County. The young couple had apparently not yet gone to housekeeping when the census was taken, although there is a separate record for David A. Davison, 24, laborer, born Pennsylvania; and Evaline, 18, born Indiana. There is a sketch of David Davison in the History of Mercer County, Illinois, 1882. David was born in 1833 in Pennsylvania, son of Moses and Elizabeth Davison. Moses and Elizabeth died in Wells County, Pennsylvania. Son David came to Mercer County in 1859 and located in New Boston Township, where he remained two years, then moved to Keithsburg two years and finally to Millersburg township. This sketch tells us that Evaline Wolfe was born in 1842 and that her parents came to Mercer in 1846. The children of David and Evaline Wolfe Davison were: Ida (dec. by 1882), May (b. abt. 1862, Cora (abt. 1863), Ralph (abt.1865), Walter (abt. 1866), Edward (died bef 1880), Albert (b. abt. 1870), Clarence (abt. 1872), Morgan (abt. 1874), Grace (abt 1876), Rose (abt. 1868), and Maud (after 1880). Mr. Davison served three years in Company G, 124th Ill Vol. Inf. in the Civil War.

David and Evaline are found in Millersburg in 1880: David Davidson, 43, Pa; Evaline, 37, In; May,18; Cora, 17; Ralph, 15; Walter, 14; Bertie (male), 10; Clarence, 8; Morgan M., 6; Grace, 4; Rose 2 (all born Illinois).

Sarah Wolfe Fleming

Daughter Sarah married Charles B. Fleming 9/7/1865 in Mercer County. Charles Fleming enlisted in March 1864 from Keithsburg in Company E, 9th Ill Inf. Near the expiration of their term the 9th was reorganized and consolidated. Charles Fleming was chosen second lieutenant of Co A of the 9th Consolidated and was later promoted to First Lieutenant. We do not find Charles and Sarah in the 1870 census in Mercer County.

Catherine Wolfe Dryden

Daughter Catharine (Cassie) married Cary Dryden 3/14/1867 in Mercer County (see photo link at the top of the page). There is a sketch of the family in the 1882 Mercer County History. Cary Dryden was born in Ohio in 1840, son of J. M. and Elizabeth Ellis Dryden. J. M. and Elizabeth Dryden came first to Peoria County, Illinois, and then to Mercer County in 1853. In 1855 they went to Iowa, but returned to Mercer in 1864. Cary returned in 1858 to Mercer County. He is mistakenly censused as a female domestic, age 20, in the household of Thomas and Caroline Dryden Marlatt. Caroline Marlatt was Cary's sister. His brother Charles Dryden, age 23, is a laborer in the household. It is probably through this Marlatt connection that Cary met Cassie Wolfe. Cary Dryden served in Company G, 27th Ill Volunteers during the Civil War. His place of enlistment is shown as Montezuma, Iowa, probably home of his parents. He mustered out, wounded, on September 20, 1864, as a Sergeant. He was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. His enlistment is as a private but at the mustering in for the Company, reported in the Aledo Weekly Record in 1861, he is listed as Corporal. Cary and Cassie Dryden had four children: Eva (deceased by 1882), Mary (b. about 1868), Frederick (born about 1875), and Nellie L. (born after 1880). The 1870 census indicates that Eva, age 1, was actually Evaline, named for Cassie's mother.

Cary and Catherine are found in Millersburg in 1880: Cary Dryden, 41, farmer, Oh; Catharine, 31, Il; Mary, 12, Il; Freddy, 5, Il.

Leanna Wolfe McClure

Daughter Leanna married Warren McClure 9/29/1875 in Mercer County. There is a sketch of this family in the Mercer County History. Warren McClure was born in Meigs County, Ohio, November 5, 1848, and was son of James and Jane Ogle McClure. He served in the 13th Ohio Cavalry during the Civil War. He went to Clarke County, Missouri, in 1868 and from there to Mercer in 1871. Warren and Leana had three children: Clyde, Lula B., and Rose.

Elizabeth Wolfe Boruff

Daughter Lizzie is the Elizabeth Wolf who married William H. Boruff on 2/6/1878 in Mercer County. Ada Wolfe Kiddoo Daughter Ada married Thomas Kiddoo on 9/7/1876 in Mercer County. Her surname is given as Wolffe.

Alice Wolfe Kram

: Daughter Alice is the Allie Wolf who married James Monroe Kram on 1/21/1885. We have had a contact from Cathy Kaiser who is descended from this family. She is planning to put her family files online and we will link them here when she does.

Grant Marlatt Wolfe

Cathy Kaiser's cousin Dawn (link at top of the page) is descended from Grant Marlatt Wolfe, son of Solomon and Evaline. Cathy tells us Grant married Emma Lloyd from New Windsor. Descendants of Grant and Emma still operate the family farm in Mercer County.

There is a brief biography and a sketch of Grant M. Wolfe in the 1903 History of Mercer County: "Grant M. Wolfe, capitalist, Keithsburg, Ill., was born on his father's homestead, near Keithsburg, Mercer County, Ill., son of Solomon and Eveline (Marlatt) Wolfe. He obtained his education in the Aledo Academy, Lillibridge and Duncan's Business College (Davenport, Iowa), and in Hedding College, Abingdon, Ill. His early life was spent on the farm, which he left to enter the dry-goods business at Keithsburg as junior partner of the firm of McKnight & Wolfe, remaining in the dry-goods business for two years, then followed farming for one year. About 1891 he moved to Keithsburg, where he has since resided, being engaged in the management of his farm, loaning money and in other financial transactions. Mr. Wolfe has traveled extensively, visiting various parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada. In 1902 he visited Europe, touring the British Isles, and the principal countries of the continent. Politically he is a Republican."

Jacob and Joseph Wolfe Families

Twins Jacob and Joseph are possibly found in the 1860 Mercer County Census. A word of caution here: although the birth year of Joseph matches Joseph, son of Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe, this family did not arrive in Mercer County until just before 1860 and they have an elderly George Wolfe with them. Stan Ball tells us that Jacob Wolfe, Sr. had a brother George Wolfe and this is no doubt him.

Joseph Wolfe Family

In 1860 in New Boston Township: Joseph Wolf, 42, farmer, born Indiana; Elma, 45, born New Jersey; Rebecca, 14; George, 12; Tannis, 10; Catherine, 7; John H., 5; all born Indiana. There is an Edward Clark, 48, born Indiana, laborer, and a George Wolf, age 69, born Virginia with the family. The naming of a son George indicates the close relationship with the elder George Wolf. Joseph Wolf married Elmira Patterson, 1/19/1841 in Wayne County, Indiana. The 1850 Census in Wayne County, Indiana, Center Township lists: Joseph Wolf, age 32, born Ohio, farmer; Almirice, 32; Rebecca A., age 4; Spence, age 2, and William, age 1. The census records are not a close match, but apparently George and Spence are one and the same, and Tannis and William, one and the same.

Joseph and family are found in Morris, Carroll County, Missouri, in 1870: #372 Joseph Wolf, 53, farmer, born Oh; Elmira, 53, NJ; Rebecca, 23, In; Wm T., 20, In; Catherine, 17,In; John, 15, In; Irene, 8, Il; George, 78, boarding, born Merryland (sic). Household #339 is George G. Wolf, 23, farmer, born In; Ellen, 20, Il.

Joseph Wolfe is found in Grand River, Livingston County, Missouri, in 1880 after the death of Elmira: Joseph Wolf, 61, farmer, born Ohio, father born Va, mother born Ohio: Rebecca, 32, keeping house, Ind; Catharine, 26, keeping house, Ind; John, 24, farmer, Il; Burleigh, 18 (female), Ill, helping sister; Mary, 26, keeping house, daughter-in-law [John's wife], born Il, father New York, mother Vermont. Son William Tannis Wolfe is found nearby: W. T. Wolfe, 30, wagonmaker, born In, parents born In; Addie, 25, born In, parents born In; Harness, 2, Mo.

It is interesting that Joseph and Elmira Wolfe named their youngest daughter Irene Burleigh Wolfe. There is an Irene Burleigh found in Mercer County. She was age 16, working out as a domestic in 1860 and the Burleighs are not found near the Wolfe family. Since Irene Burleigh Wolfe was born in Illinois it is possible that Irene Burleigh was working for them in 1862 when the little girl was born?? If anyone can shed any light on this we would love to hear from them.

Joseph Wolfe died November 24, 1900 in Avalon, Missouri.

Jacob Wolfe family

Jacob Wolf is found in Keithsburg Township in the 1860 Mercer County Census: Jacob Wolf, 40, farmer, born Ohio; Lydia, 38, born Indiana; Margaret, 13, born Indiana; Joseph, 12; Mary E., 9; Nathan, 8, all born Illinois. Jacob married Lydia Crownover (Conover), daughter of Joseph and Mary Marlatt Crownover, 4/26/1846 in Wayne County, Indiana. The family is found in Keithsburg Township in 1870, with an additional son Oscar S., age 8. The birth dates and places of the children indicate they came to Mercer County about the same time as Solomon and Washington Wolfe. In the 1875 Mercer County Atlas, Jacob Wolfe, Jr. is shown owning S/2NE Sec 2 T13NR5W. Mary Eliza Wolfe Willits and Nathan Wolfe: Stan Ball shared with us from a history found in Smith County, Kansas, about son Nathan and daughter Mary E.: "Nate brought his livestock and furnishings in an immigrant car along with his brother-in-law, Laneau (Linnaeus) Willits, husband of Mary Eliza Wolfe. They unloaded at Kirwin, the railroad having reached that point. Willits purchased a relinquishment of a homestead and a tree claim from a Mr. Hogan. They moved into this place after harvest. Wheat was in the stack, a fair crop of growing corn and watermelons galore. The night before the final papers were to be signed a good rain came and Hogan refused to sign the papers unless Willitts would give him an additional $500.00, which he did. Crops were very poor to the north and Willitts gave much of his to his parents, Nate, and Joseph to help them through the winter. The Willitts lived from the time of their arrival until after harvest on the claim of his sister Margaret. In this one room home were four small windows; the roof consisted of rails, brush and sunflowers. Old bed sheets were tacked over the rails to keep out mice and snakes, but occasionally a huge centipede would drop down." Mary Elizabeth Wolfe married L. H. Willits on 10/13/1874 in Mercer County. They had a son Elmer Willits, born 1875, died 1876 in Mercer County, buried in the Davis Cemetery. Nathan Wolfe married Clara Nixon 11/13/1879 in Mercer County. Oscar Smith Wolfe:According to DAR Record 182744 Oscar Smith Wolfe married in 1884 to Emma Schoeni (in Kansas).

Jacob Wolfe died September 26, 1897, in Kensington, Smith County, Kansas. Wife Lydia was still living at that time.

Sarah Ann Wolfe Hollingsworth

Sarah Ann Wolfe, daughter of Jacob and Mary, was born June 29, 1826. She married John Hollingsworth on 9/24/1846 in Wayne County, Indiana. We find no evidence that they came to Mercer County. There is a widowed Sarah Hollingsworth in the 1870 census in New Boston Township, but she is too young (39) to be this Sarah, and she is widow of an Addison Hollingsworth.

Catherine Wolfe Neff Finch Family

Catherine Wolfe, daughter of Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe, was born 3/2/1828. She married first, Christian Neff on 3/1/1853 according to a Neff Family Bible Record collected by Mrs. L. Boyd Finch (according to Wayne County Marriage Book F, the date the license was taken out was 3/8/1853 so perhaps the Bible transcription should have been 3/10? However, licenses were sometimes taken out after the fact). Christian Neff was born 3/7/1818 and died 5/18/1858. Catherine Neff and children are found with Jacob Wolfe, Sr., in Center Township, Wayne County, Indiana in 1860. She is listed with real estate valued at $12,000 and a personal estate of $500. She was excluded from Jacob's will in 1861, probably because of her personal fortune.

Catherine Wolfe Neff married second to Pettis Finch 11/8/1860 (license date) in Wayne County, Indiana. Pettis was from Mercer County and brought Catherine and family back to Mercer. Both Catherine and Pettis had children from their first marriages so the family is complex. The 1870 Census record in New Boston Township clarifies it somewhat: Pettis Finch, 52, farmer, born Alabama; Catharine, 41, born Indiana; 6 Finch children including Esther born 1860, so previous wife of Pettis evidently died in childbirth; Charles, age 8, Edna, age 5, Willard, age 4, Omer, age 2. With the family are the children of Catherine's first marriage; Warner Neff, age 16, Mary C., age 14, and Anna, age 12, all born Indiana.

Neff Children

Daughter Mary Catherine Neff married Walter Pryne Finch, son of Pettis & Esther Rader Finch 4/1/1871 in New Boston; Warner Neff married Amanda Pullen. Anna Neff married Arthur Mannon, son of Cyrus and Jane Myers Mannon.

Finch Children

Charles Finch married Lenore Boyd . Edna Finch married James Fausett; Willard Finch married Stella Worthland; and Omer Finch married Jennie Martin (we will be putting up a Martin page).

Anne Margaret Wolfe Epperly

Ann Margaret Wolfe, daughter of Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe, was born December 3, 1830, and married George Epperly 4/4/1850 in Wayne County, Indiana. We find no evidence that they came to Mercer County, although there were Epperly families in Duncan Township.

David Hoover Wolfe Family

David Hoover Wolfe, son of Jacob and Mary Yount Wolfe, was born February 27, 1833 in Wayne County, Indiana. He married Mary J. Willits, daughter of John and Sarah Campbell Willits, on 3/4/1857 in Mercer County. David Wolfe came to Mercer County in 1852 looking for a place to settle. He returned in 1855 and located in New Boston Township where he engaged in farming. David and Mary J. Wolfe are found in Keithsburg Township in the 1860 census, with daughter Gertrude, age 2. David Wolfe enlisted in Company G, 30th Illinois Infantry on September 30, 1861, and was elected Sergeant. He reenlisted as a veteran on January 1, 1864 and was mustered out as one of three Captains of Company G on July 17, 1865. Upon his return from the war he started a mercantile business but was forced to discontinue it for loss of eyesight. He was treated in Chicago which resulted in partial recovery.

The family is found in the 1870 census in the town of Keithsburg: David, age 37, laborer, born Indiana; Mary, 36, born Indiana; Gertrude, 12, Josephine, 10, Sarah E., 8, all born Illinois. David Wolfe later owned a public house called the "Commercial House" in Keithsburg. The History of Mercer County, Illinois, 1882, tells us that the Commercial House was erected in 1849 by Matthew R. Patterson, for a private residence. In 1850 it was sold to S. S. Phelps and then about 1875 it was sold to David Wolfe who opened it as a public house.

Josephine Wolfe Pratt

: Daughter Josephine Wolfe married Harvey Hallett Pratt, son of Rezin and Mary Long Pratt, on 1/8/1879 in Mercer County. The Long family has been proven for DAR membership.

Other Wolfe Families

There were several other Wolf families in Mercer County which were not closely connected to Jacob and Mary's descendants as far as we know. As time permits we will add their census records to this page.

George S. Wolfe of Pennsylvania and Keithsburg

There is also a short biography of one George S. Wolf (not the one found above with Joseph) in the History of Mercer County 1882. He came to Keithsburg in 1869 from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He is found in the 1870 census in Keithsburg: George Wolf, 51, farmer, Pa; Mary C Wolf, 52, Pa; John H., 29, Pa; Hannah E., 20, Pa; Jacob L.,18, Pa; Isaiah, 15, Pa; Eddie, 12, Pa.

The biography gives George Wolf as born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on 11/7/1818, son of Christian and Sarah Sterner Wolfe. His grandfather was Henry Wolfe who immigrated to America near the middle of the 17th century. This date is not credible so may be an error for the middle of the 18th century. George married Mary C. Amweg 9/6/1838 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, daughter of William and Hannah Spirow Amweg. The 1900 census bears out the birthdate of George Wolfe as November 1818 and gives his parents also born Pennsylvania. He is a widower living in Keithsburg Township with a housekeeper, Harriett Stahl, age 68.

The History tells us George and Mary had children: William B. Wolf, John H. Wolf (b. about 1841), Adam A. Wolf (abt 1846), Hannah E. Wolf (abt 1850, dec by 1882), Jacob L. Wolf (abt 1852), Isaiah S. Wolf (abt. 1855), Edward Wolf (abt 1858). The dates included are approximate from census records.

Adam A. Wolf

Son Adam A. Wolf was a Methodist preacher in 1880 in Richland Grove. His wife was Anna and he had children Luther (b. abt 1869) and Tressie (b 2/1872). Tressie was a seamstress and was living with her mother in 1900.

William B. Wolf

Son William B. Wolfe married Rose Sheriff, daughter of Abram and Sara Drury Sheriff, on 10/29/1868 in Mercer County. We will be putting up a Sheriff page. A kind Wolfe researcher showed us to their 1880 census record in Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois: W. B. Wolfe, 41, born Pa, parents born Pa, bookkeeper; Rose Wolfe, 33, Il, father Pa, mother, Il, boarder. The census taker apparently meant "keeper of boarders" as Rose's occupation as there were three non-related individuals in the household. From the ages given in the census record we were able to show that this William B. Wolf was the one who married Rose Sheriff. About the only place he fit in the family was as eldest son, born about 1839. That would also make sense as he was no doubt named for William Amweg, parent of Mary Amweg Wolf; typical for an eldest son.

Will of Jacob Wolfe, Sr., of Wayne County Indiana (courtesy Stan Ball)

Probate, Wayne County, Will Book 4, Page 75
Record of the last will and testament of Jacob Wolf, late of Wayne County in the State of Indiana, deceased, filed in the Clerk's office in the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas, August 28th, 1861.
Know all men by these presents, that I, Jacob Wolf of the County of Wayne and State of Indiana, being of sound mind, do make and publish this last will and testament.
First, I do will and ordain that my body shall be decently and respectful interred, and all funeral expenses paid.
Second, Having given to my son, Solomon Wolf, the sum of Four Hundred and Thirty Dollars, which since I have charged to him, I give and bequeath to him the further sum of Five Hundred and Seventy dollars.
Third, Having given to my son, Washington Wolf, the sum of Four Hundred Dollars, which in like manner I have charged to him, I give and bequeath to him the further sum of Six Hundred Dollars.
Fourth, Having given to my son Jacob Wolf the sum of Five hundred Dollars, which said sum is charged to him, I give and bequeath to him the further sum of Five Hundred Dollars.
Fifth, Having given to my son Joseph Wolf the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, which I have likewise charged to him, I give and bequeath to him the further sum of Five Hundred Dollars.
Sixth, Having given to my daughter Sarah Ann Hollingsworth, Seven Hundred Dollars, which said sum is charged to her, I give and bequeath to her the further sum of Three Hundred Dollars.
Seventh, Having given to my daughter, Ann Epperly the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, which sum is charged to her, I give and bequeath to her the further sum of Eight Hundred Dollars.
Eighth, Having given to my son David Wolf the sum of Six Hundred and Twenty Three Dollars, which is charged to him, I give and bequeath to him the further sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Dollars.
Ninth, I have purposely omitted my two daughters, Catharine Finch and Mary Nugen, not intending to will either of them any portion of my estate.
Eleventh, Should there be any property remaining after the payment of the foregoing bequest, I ordain and order that it may equally divided between Solomon, Washington, Jacob, Joseph, and David Wolfe, Sarah A. Hollingsworth, and Ann Epperly; And if my estate should not reach to pay the amounts above specified, I ordain that the amounts of each shall be made equal. And I hereby ordain and appoint Thomas Wilson, Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby authorizing him to carry into full effect the same. In testimony hereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty Second day of March A. D. 1861.
/s/ Jacob Wolf (seal)
Signed and acknowledged by said Jacob Wolf as his last will and testament in our presence, and by us in his presence.
/s/ Sol Brumfield, Benj. Jernison





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