Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 329-330; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Jeremiah P. Wolf. A prominent place among the agriculturists of
this county is the just meed of the efforts of the gentleman above
named, who is located on section 1, Canton Township. His farm, which
consists of two hundred and twenty-five acres, is a highly productive
tract, the fertility of which has been kept above par by a wise
rotation of crops and the use of the best fertilizing agents. A
first-class set of buildings has been erected upon it and the other
improvements made which stamp it as the home of one who believes in
progress and enterprise. Mr. Wolf lives surrounded with all the
comforts of life and may well be gratified with his financial standing.
Our subject is a son of Thomas F. and Joanna (Coleman) Wolf, the
former a native of Virginia and the latter of New Jersey. Their
marriage was the first celebrated in this county and they were the
first settlers in Orion Township, to which they removed after having
lived for a time in Canton Township. Mr. Wolf took an active part in
the political affairs of the vicinity and held numerous township
offices. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace. He breathed his
last February 3, 1863, in Orion Township, where the widow died July 27,
1881. Both had been active members of the Methodist Church and for many
years religious services were held at their home. They had a large
family, nine of their children living to maturity and five dying in
early life.
Jeremiah P. Wolf was the fifth child in the parental family and
born in Orion Township December 3, 1841. His studies were pursued in
the log school house of his native township, and in common with the
sons of other farmers he early learned the details of an agricultural
career. He resided under the parental roof until his marriage, first as
an inmate of his father's household, and after the death of that
parent, as his mother's helper and comfort. After his marriage he
purchased the old homestead on which he continued to reside until
December, 1881. At that time he sold the property and removed to Canton
Township where he had bought property some time before.
The ceremony which transformed Miss Emma Wise into Mrs. J. P.
Wolf, took place on the farm they now occupy, September 25, 1870. The
estate was then owned by the bride's parents, Samuel and Susan (Keller)
Wise, who were very early settlers in this county. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Wise were born in Pennsylvania and died on their farm in this township.
Upon coming to this section Mr. Wise had engaged in milling in Canton,
but after residing there several years turned his attention to
agriculture. He and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church
and constantly endeavored to carry out the principles of their faith in
their daily walk and conversation. Their family consisted of thirteen
children, of whom Mrs. Wolf was the youngest.
The wife of our subject was born in this township January 4,
1850, and educated in the county schools. She possesses one of those
noble characters which make the name of woman revered wherever it is
uttered, and is conscientious in the discharge of every duty which she
owes to her beloved companion and children. She has borne her husband
seven children Luella, George W., Bertha M., William C., Harry, Alta E.
and Jeremiah P. William C. and Harry died in their infancy.
Mr. Wolf is a representative Democrat, has taken an active part
in local affairs and has been called upon to serve his fellow-citizens
in various public capacities. He was Supervisor of Orion Township
twelve years, has held the same office in Canton Township three years,
and has been School Director for a quarter of a century. In 1882, he
was elected County Treasurer and honorably discharged the duties of the
office four years. He and his wife are active and efficient members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and are highly esteemed by those who
know them, for their consistent and useful lives.
