Wolfe - Aaron J
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, p 215
Aaron J. WOLFE was born in Armiesburg, Parke County, Indiana in 1854 and there resided until 1856. He received a liberal education in the common schools and in the Academy in Waveland. His father, Henry Wolfe was a native of PA, in which state he married afterward moving to Indiana. Soon after locating here the wife died, leaving a family of 7 children to miss her watchful care and gentle love. The mother of our subject was Miss Sarah F. Johnson a lady of most estimable character. After the father came to Indiana he followed the business of contractor and bridge builder until 1860, at which time he purchased land and commenced the life of a farmer. Aaron Wolfe dates his residence in this his county back to 1859. After attaining to years which necessitated his learning something of the practical side of life, he took a position as clerk in a store, where he remained until 1881. When 27 he concluded to start in business for himself and with that end in view purchased a sawmill in Waveland. His first venture was a crowning success, and now his mill produces from 2 to 3 million feet of lumber per year. In the year 1873, he was unite din marriage to Mrs. Martha M. KELSO a daughter of David M. HUMPHREY. This lady was native of Montgomery County and is held in high esteem by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have been born 7 children, 4 of whom died in infancy. The three living: Bessie, Pina and Blanche all interesting and intelligent. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have also reared and educated Fannie B. Hastings, a niece of Mr. Wolfe. A stepson, Reese D. Kelso, is a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago. He is a practicing physician of Waveland and is getting a good share of the practice of the village and surrounding country. Politically, Mr. Wolfe stands by the grand old Democratic party and is a firm believer in the success of its leaders. he has been identified with the worthy interests of this town for many years and is looked on as a model citizen in every respect. His career in municipal politics is a strong illustration of the office seeking the man and for 3 years he has held the position of Village Clerk in which capacity he has served with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He has also served as Trustee on the Village School Board and in 1890 was elected Township Trustee which office he was asked to fill for four years. Mr. Wolfe is distinguished for the attributes characteristic of a good citizen and his career has been marked from early years by the exhibition of loyalty and patriotism. He has a high personal standing in the town of Waveland as he is liberal in his ideas and opinions, granting to those who differ from him the same rights of expression which he personally demands. Both he and his wife are prominent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and noted for the liberal discrimination with which they dispense their aid to the needy. Socially, Mr. Wolfe is a Knight of Pythias and at the same time enjoys an honorable membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is mild and affable in manner and a man who naturally draws around him hosts of friends numbering among them the most prominent and cultured people in the community. - transcribed by kbz