August Wolf

August Wolf
U.S. House of Representatives
President	Abraham Lincoln
Vice President	Andrew Johnson
In office March 4, 1860 – March 3, 1864
Personal details
Born	(1823-09-10)September 10, 1823 Wallmow, Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Prussia
Died	August 16, 1905(1905-08-16) (aged 81) Chicago, Illinois
Resting place	Bethlehem Cemetery
Nationality	German American
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	Bowdoin College

August Wolf (September 10, 1823- August 16, 1905) was a prominent landowner, abolitionist, and New York Politician. He served two terms in the United States House of Representatives from (1860-1864). A determined opponent of slavery and the spread of slavery in the years leading up to the American Civil War, he was a prominent figure in the Republican Party in its formative years.

Early life, and education

Born in Prenzlu, Prussia ( now Germany), Wolf was the son of English born-German businessman Frederick Wolf (1797-1829) and Charlotte Hapley Walk (1801-1852). He attended primary schools in his hometown of Prenzlu, and worked at his father's iron shop as a boy. In 1844, at the age of 20, he immigrated to the United States to attend Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine

Marriage and family

On August 30th, 1846, Wolf married German immigrant, Henrietta Hoepfner the daughter of wealthy German businessman, Johann Hoepfner. The Wolf's had four children, including sons, Augustus Bernard Wolf (1854-1929) and George August F. Wolf (1847-1913).

Early career

In 1849, Wolf settled in Niagara, New York, where he joined the Liberty Party, and later became the editor of two newspaper companies.

Political career

At the age of 35, Wolf was nominated to serve in the United States of Representatives, but lost the election. In 1860, he was again nominated, and this time he won, serving two terms until 1864. During his time in Congress, Wolf was known for his excellent speaking, giving numerous speeches against slavery. In 1855, Wolf left the Liberty Party, and joined the newly formed Republican Party. Wolf actively campaigned against slavery, often attacking the Fugitive Slave Law. Wolf supported the right of African-Americans to join the uniformed services and also supported them to receive equal pay and other benefits. In 1865, Wolf announces his run for the U.S Senate but dropped out in less than two months.

Retirement and later years

After losing the Senate Seat in 1865, Wolf retires from politics in Washington D.C. and relocated his family from Niagara, New York, to Effingham, Illinois. In 1871, Wolf bought 100-acres of land in Effingham, County, turning the land into a vineyard, which he managed until 1898, due to health problems.

Illness and death

Wolf's gravestone at Bethlehem Cemetery, in Altamont, Illinois.

On August 5th, 1905, Wolf suffered a stroke at his 2nd home in Chicago, Illinois. He died less than 2-weeks later, shortly after 7 a.m. on August 16th, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois. Wolf's body was moved to Altamont, Illinois, where he was buried at Bethlehem Cemetery.

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