Wolfe, John W.

WOLFE, RILEY, SHAFF, HUDSON, BROWN

Posted By: Volunteer Subscribers
Date: 4/15/2003 at 18:27:15

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

JOHN W. WOLFE.

John W. Wolfe, a well-known general merchant of Low Moor, is a man whose sound common sense and vigorous, able management of his affairs have been important factors in his success, and with his undoubted integrity of character have given him an honorable position among his fellow men. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Green county, on the 26th of November, 1841, and is a son of Andrew J. Wolfe, whose birth occurred at the same place. His paternal grandfather, Christopher Wolfe, was of German ancestry. On reaching manhood Andrew J. Wolfe married Miss Lydia Riley, who was also a native of the Keystone state. He followed farming in Green county until 1852, when he came to Iowa and purchased land in Scott county, which he operated some years. He then removed to Camanche, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in March, 1870. His wife survived him a number of years, dying in 1890, and both were laid to rest in Camanche cemetery.

Our subject grew to manhood on the home farm in Scott county, and as soon as large enough commenced to aid in its cultivation. When the Civil war broke out he manifested his loyalty by enlisting in 1862 in Company K, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Thirteenth Army Corps, assigned to southwestern Mississippi. He participated in a number of engagements, the first being that of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. He assisted in the siege and capture of Vicksburg and also helped to take Fort Blakely. The war having ended and his services being no longer needed, he was honorably discharged at Clinton, Iowa, in August, 1865, and returned home.

For some time Mr. Wolfe assisted in carrying on the farm, and later purchased the place, which he operated for twenty-five years. Renting it in 1890, he removed to Clinton in order to give his children better educational advantages, and spent five years in that city. He then came to Low Moor and bought out a general store, since which time he has devoted his entire time and attention to mercantile pursuits. He carries a well-selected stock, and by fair and honorable dealing has built up a good trade, being one of the most successful business men of the village. Mr. Wolfe still owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Camanche township, and also built a good home while in Clinton, which he still owns.

On the 14th of November, 1867, in Clinton county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wolfe and Miss Mary A. Shaff, a daughter of Heman Shaff, who was one of the first settlers of the county, as well as one of the substantial citizens, having located here in 1837. Mrs. Wolfe was born, reared and educated in this county. Our subject and his wife have three children: Charles A., who is married and is now engaged in business with his father in Low Moor; Lydia E., wife of Albert Hudson, of the same place; and Luella, wife of William Brown, of Miles, Iowa. There was also another son, who died in early childhood.

Politically Mr. Wolfe has been a lifelong Republican, and has never failed to support that party since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln while in the army in 1864, but he has never cared for official honors. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Low Moor, and stand high socially, as they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances among the best people of the village.