My Genealogy Hound

N. A. Wolfe, who owns a fine farm of 170 acres in sections 17 and 20, Brandon township, Oakland County, is one of the substantial and representative citizens of his section. Mr. Wolfe was born at Utica, Oneida County, New York, in 1840, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Griner) Wolfe, both of whom were born in Bavaria, Germany.

Both of the parents of our subject came to America in 1835, and both located at Utica, New York, where they married; they continued to be residents of Oneida County until advanced in years, when they removed to Lewis County, New York. The mother died there, aged 50 years, the father surviving until the age of 73. He was a man of vigor and strength, and in his youth had been a soldier in the German Army. Our subject is the youngest member of his parents’ family, the others being: John, a farmer in Oneida County, New York; Mrs. John Byle, who is living at the Wolfe homestead in Lewis County, New York; Mrs. Charles Castle, of Ava, Oneida County, New York; and Matilda and Etta, both deceased, the former at the age of 21 and the latter at the age of eight.

Until he was 25 years of age our subject remained in New York, where he obtained his education in the common schools. In the fall of 1865 he came to Oakland County, Michigan, and located on his present farm, which is one of the best improved and most highly productive in Brandon township. He has engaged in general farming and fruit culture and through his excellent methods and business ability has attained more than usual success. His large possessions have been gained through his own endeavors, as Mr. Wolfe is a self-made man. His beautiful home is most conveniently situated as to the electric road, and thus he and his family are able to enjoy, with little trouble the conveniences of the city, while not giving up the comforts of the country. Mr. Wolfe has not spared either time or money in the fine improvements he has made on the place, and he has every reason to feel some pride in the ownership of so fine a farm and so ideal a country home.

Mr. Wolfe was married first to Emma D. Kent, who was born near Bald Eagle Lake, Brandon township, Oakland County, Michigan, and was a daughter of Ashal Kent, who came as a pioneer to Michigan from New York. Mrs. Wolfe was born September 27, 1839, and died November 3, 1901, aged 62 years. Two children survived her, namely: Millie M., who married M. G. Wylie, of Detroit, a member of the mercantile firm of Monroe, Rosenfield & Company, and has one daughter, — Marvel C., aged 12 years; and Ray D., born July 7, 1880, who is at home. As his second wife Mr. Wolfe married Mrs. Hannah S. (Maynard) Smith, widow of Andrew Smith, a most highly esteemed lady.

Mr. Wolfe is a Democrat, following family traditions. He has been called upon to assume the duties of a number of local offices, has been school director and highway commissioner and his service has always met the expectations of the public. He is very prominent in a number of fraternal organizations, belongs to Groveland Tent, No. no, Knights of the Maccabees, having served in all the chairs; and has been a very useful and enthusiastic member of the Grange, of Ortonville. In religious views he favors the Baptist Church. Mr. Wolfe is a type of the class of men who succeed in life, one who knows how to join a working arm to a thinking head, and one who also has the ability to make and keep warm friends. He is very warmly esteemed throughout Brandon township.