This family is related to my own immigrant ancestor, Henry Jacob Wolf, jr..  Henry was born 26 Oct 1824 in Erlenbrunn, Pfalz, Bavaria and married Catherine Traxel in West Leyden on 25 Nov 1851.  They resided on a farm in Ava.  He is a nephew of Peter's.  If you are related to this family, I would enjoy hearing from you!  -  Lisa

1.  Peter Wolf

BORN
10 Jan 1812 in Erlenbrunn, Pfalz, Bavaria

Birth notes:
Gravestone indicates that his date of birth would have been 12 Jan 1812.  This corresponds with his birth date in the West Leyden Ev. Lutheran church records which was written sometime after 1840.  The church records gives his place of birth as "Nieder-Simten".  The village of Niedersimten is located in the parish of Pirmasens (as is Erlenbrunn) and is near Erlenbrunn.  The civil registry of Pirmasens states that he was born in Erlenbrunn on 10 Jan 1812 to Johann Wolf and Charlotte Schaetzel.

General notes:
Peter appears to have immigrated about 1838 and first resided in Utica.  By 1842 he moved to Ava, Oneida county, NY and about 1853 he moved to West Leyden where he resided the rest of his life.  By 1850 a nephew, Henry Jacob Wolfe, jr. had also immigrated and resided in Ava until his death in 1901.  Henry and his wife are also buried in the West Leyden cemetery.

DIED
9 Oct 1885 and is buried in West Leyden cemetery.
 
 

Obituary of Peter Wolf Ava, Oct 18, - Peter Wolf, who received a shock of paralysis on Friday evening, died a few hours later.  Mr. Wolf came from Germany about forty-seven years ago, he settled on a farm 1-1/2 miles west of West Leyden, where he remained until he died. About twenty-seven years ago, when the great church trouble occurred at West Leyden between the Evangelical and the Dutch Reformed Societies, which resulted in a lawsuit, Mr. Wolf was one of the principal witnesses.  Mr. W. was always an unwavering Democrat.  He has held office of public trust and always discharged his duties satisfactarily.  He leaves four children - Nicholas Wolf of Michigan who came in haste to attend the funeral, John Wolf and Mrs. Chas. Castle of Ava and Mrs. John Beyel of West Leyden.

MARRIED
Catharine Greiner, born Feb 1814 in Niedersimten.  Catharine died 9 Aug 1871, age 57 yrs, 6 mos.  She is buried at West Leyden cemetery.

CHILDREN OF PETER WOLF AND CATHARINE GREINER:

1.1  Matilda Wolf, b. 22 Sep 1838 in Utica, NY, d. 14 Feb 1859, buried at West Leyden cemetery.

1.2  Nicholas A. Wolfe, b. 15 Aug 1840 in Utica, NY, d. 10 Feb 1924 in MI, buried Ortonville cemetery, Ortonville, MI, m1. 31 Oct 1864 in Rome, NY to Emma Kent, m2. 1910 to Mrs. Huntoon,
 

Obituary of Nicholas A. Wolfe Nicholas A. Wolfe died Sunday at the home of his son Ray just south of town after a long illness.  A prayer service was held at the house Wednesday and funeral was held at the Ortonville Baptist church that afternoon, the text being "We all do fade as a leaf."  Rev. Burnett officiated, assisted by Rev. Musser of Ortonville and burial was in the Ortonville cemetery. Nicholas A. Wolfe was born in Utica, N.Y., Aug. 16, 1840, the eldest of a family of 4 children.  On Oct 31, 1863, he was married to Emma Kent of Rome, N.Y., and in the fall of 1865 they came to Michigan and settled on a farm in Brandon township near Ortonville.  To this union two children were born: Millie M. and Ray D. Mr. Wolfe resided on this farm for 45 years and through persistent effort became a prosperous farmer.  It was here that his first wife passed away, and after some years he married Mrs. Huntoon, and they came to Holly in 1910, where they have since resided.  He leaves his widow; son Ray at whose home he died; a sister in New York; 4 grandhcildren and 2 great grand children, besides other more distant relatives, and a large circuit of friends. [Note: West Leyden church records has his date of birth as 15 Aug. 1840] Obituary of Emma D. Kent Wolfe Emma D. Kent was born in Brandon, Oakland County, MI, September 27, 1839.  Her childhood and youth were passed on the farm where she was born. Miss Kent was united in marriage to Mr. Nicholas Wolfe of Ava, Oneida County, NY, Oct 31, 1864, at which place they resided one year.  The following year (1865) Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe came to Michigan, settling on the farm where the remainder of her life was passed.  Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe - Millie M. Wolfe-Wylie of Detroit and Roy D., who lives at home. The last illness of Mrs. Wolf was of comparatively short duration, during which she still retained clearness of mind and was susceptible of changes of conditions.  While cheerful, yet her usual candor was exhibited in revealing her convictions relative to her departure.  She had expressed a desire to go quietly to her rest in sleep, which knows no waking and God gave her peaceful slumber Sunday, November 3, 1901, at the age of 62 years, 1 month and 6 days. Mrs. Wolf was appreciative, rather than speculative and apprehensive:  her mind and heart were centered upon those things that were true, noble, pure and heroic.  These choice characteristics were exhibited in all circumstances and relations of life, her sense of duty was of the highest order, a loving and faithful companion, a mother of rare ability, affectionate, indulgent, yet firm and true to the highest conception of right.  She was a sympathetic friend, to which many cheerfully bear witness, and none more readily and heartily than myself and family.  While reassuring and quiet in her ministrations, yet her works testify of a heart consecrated to truth.  I wish to bear witness, that her faith in God was pronounced, and never did she swerve from a purpose which she recognized as being in accord with the will of God.  Her professions were simple, her life revealed, her strength, her love and her faith. We say a last, a final farewell, the star of hope beckons us on to the eternal everlasting morn. the funeral services were held from the late residence Thursday morning, Nov. 7, 1901.  Rev. J. I. Towner of Mayville, a former pastor officiating.

Children of Nicholas:

1.2.1  Permilla M. Wolfe, b. abt 1866 [married Milton Wyler]
1.2.2  Ray D. Wolfe, b. abt 1880

1.3  Charlotte Wolf, b.25 Jun 1842 in Ava, d. 23 Nov 1932 in Ava, m. Charles Castle, had children:

1.3.1  Frank Castle, b. abt 1864
1.3.2  Edwin Castle, b. abt 1866
1.3.3  Burton Castle, b. abt 1872

1.4  Katherine Wolf, b. 4 Nov 1844 in Ava, d. 31 Mar 1907, m. 18 Sep 1866 to John Philip Beyel.
 
 

Obituary of Katherine Wolf Beyel Mrs. John Beyel died at her home one mile west of this place on Sunday, after an illness of only one week.  She is survived by her husband, one son, John, and on daughter, Mrs. Oscar Garber of Turin; also two brothers, John Wolfe of this place and Nicholas Wolfe of Detroit, Michigan and one sister, mrs. Charles Castle of Ava.  The funeral will be held at the Union Church on Wednesday at 12 o'clock. Death of Mrs. John P. Beyel West Leyden, April 4 -- The hearts of the people in this village and vicinity were deeply touched with sorrow by hearing of the death of Mrs. Kathrine Wolfe Beyel which occurred at her home, about one mile west of this village, Sunday, after an illness of only one week.  All that tender loving hands could do seemed to no avail for her savior called on Easter day.  Mrs. Beyel was the daughter of Philip [should be Peter] and Kathrine Wolfe, and was born November 4, 1844.  When 14 years of age she united with the German Lutheran Church, of which she had since remained a member.  September 1, 1866, she was married to John P. Beyel, and since that time had lived on the same farm where most of her childhood days were spent, 53 years of her life being spent in the same house.  She was devotedly attached to her family and in constant, self-sacrificing love, always thinking of and planning for their welfare and happiness.  Her kind word and gentle smile won the hearts of all those with whom she associated.  Those who fell her loss most keenly are her husband, one son, John P., who resides at home, one daughter, Mrs Oscar J. Gerber of Turin, two brothers, John Wolfe of this palce and Nicholas A. Wolfe of Ortonville, Mich., one sister, Mrs. Charles Castle of Ava, and one grandson Lynn B. Gerber. The last tribute of respect to her memory was held Wednesday at 12 noon at the Union Church.  The floral offerings were numberous and showed the kindly sympathy of many loving friends, among them being a pillow from the West Leyden Grange, of which Mrs. Beyel was a faithful member.  Four nephews, Buton Castle, Fred C. and Frank E. Wolfe and Fred Grubel, acted as bearers.  Rev. D. R. Smith of Lee Center officiated, taking as his text Phil. [?]  "For to me to live is Christ. and to die is gain."  Comforting hymns were sung. "it is No Death to Die," "Thine Ever Unchanging" "Jesus Knows Our Sorrow" Interment was made in the family lot on West Leyden Cemetery.  The entire community extends their hearfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

John Philip Beyel and Katherine Wolf had the following children:

1.4.1  Emma M. Beyel, b. 27 Jul 1872, d. 29 Jan 1875, buried in West Leyden Cemetery
1.4.2  Myrtle May Beyel, b. 18 Jul 1876, d. 19 Aug 1877, buried in West Leyden Cemetery
1.4.3  Elma Beyel, b. abt 1878 [married Oscar Garber]
1.4.4  John Philip Beyel, b. abt 1884

1.5  John Wolfe, b. 4 Nov 1846 in Ava, d. 16 Oct 1923 in West Leyden, m. 24 Oct 1871 to Magdalena "Lena" Beyel.
 
 

Obituary of John Wolfe Rome, Oct 19, -- John Wolfe, an esteemed and well known resident of West Leyden, died at his home there 38 years. Deceased was born in Ava November 4, 1846, son of Peter and Catherine Greiner Wolfe.  In 1871 he married Lena Beyel of Ava who survives; also two sons, Fred C. of West Leyden and Frank E. of Rome, and one grandchild, Miss Laura E. Wolfe of West Leyden, and one brother N. A. Wolfe of Holly, Mich., and one sister, Mrs. Charlotte Castle of Ava. At the age of 14 Mr. Wolfe united with the German Lutheran Church, but of late years he was a member of the M. E. Church and Sunday school of Ava.  Two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe celebrated their golden wedding at their home in West Leyden.  He was a splendid citizen and one who had the confidence of all who knew him.

John Wolfe and "Lena" Beyel had the follwoing children:

1.5.1  Charles Wolfe, b. 15 Jun 1876, d. 29 Aug 1877 of Cholera, buried in West Leyden Cemetery
1.5.2  Frederick C. Wolfe, b. 7 Nov 1878, d. 1 Sep 1970, m. Myrtle M. Hurlbut
 

Obituary of Frederick C. Wolfe F. C. Wolfe, Area Native, Passes Away AVA - Fred C. Wolfe, 91, former long time resident of the Ava-West Leyden area died Tuesday at his home, 13 Brooklyn St., Portville. He had been in Failing health for two years. He was born Nov. 7, 1878, in West Leyden, the son of John and Lena Beyel Wolfe.  Most of his life was spent in the vicinity of West Leyden. Mr. Wolfe was a graduate of the Albany Business College, and for several years taught in schools in the West Leyden area. He later taught in the Drake Business School in New York City. He returned to the homestead farm in the Town of Ava and operated it for many years. He and the former Myrtle M. Hurlbut were married on Nov 23, 1904, in Ava. Mr. Wolfe was a member of the Ava Methodist Church and of the West Branch Grange from which he received his 75 year pin and certificate in 1967. He was the insurance agent for the Grange when he resided in the Ava area. He was also a member of the Senior League of Olean. He and Mrs. Wolfe moved to Portville in 1957 when he retired and sold the farm. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Mrs. John (Laura) Jopling, Portville. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 Saturday at the Trainor Funeral Home, Boonville, with the Rev. Albert C. Holhs, pastor of the Ava Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the West Leyden Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday, 7 to 9 and on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Obituary of Myrtle M. Hurlbut Wolfe West Leyden - mrs. Myrtle M. Wolfe, 97, of 13 Brooklyn St., Portville, a resident of the West Leyden - Ava area for many years, died Tuesday, July 3, 1979, in a nursing home in Olean after a long illness.  Born Sept 25, 1881, in Ava, she was the daughter of Henry and Jenetta Potter Hurlbut.  Her younger life was spent in Ava and she attended Boonville Teachers Training Class.  Mrs. Wolfe taught in Ava area schools for several years. On Nov. 23, 1901, she married Frederick C. Wolfe in Ava.  After their mattiage, the couple settled on Wolfe Farm near West Leyden and operated it until 1957.  The couple sold their farm and moved to Portville.  Mr. Wolfe died Sept. 1, 1979. Mrs. Wolfe was a member of the Ava Hilltop United Methodist Church, the West Branch Grange and the Senior League of Olean. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Laura Jopling of Portville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Trainor Funeral Home, Boonville Burial will be in West Leyden Cemetery. Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

1.5.3  Frank E. Wolfe, b. 22 Jan 1883 in West Leyden, d. 31 Jan 1961, m. Winifred Roser
 

Obituary of Winifred Roser Wolfe Mrs. Winnie R. Wolfe, 94, of the Rochester Methodist Home, Rochester, a native of Ava, died at the home on monday, Feb. 2, 1981, after a brief illness. Born on Sept. 12, 1886, she was the daughter of Charles and Amelia Gerwig Roser.  On Dec. 31, 1907, she was married to Frank E. Wolfe in Ava. He died Jan 31, 1961. Mrs. Wolfe was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rome. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Carlton (Eleanor) Anderson, Penfield; two grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. thursday at the Griffin and Aldridge Funeral Home, with burial in West Leyden Cemetery. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

1.6  Ettie M. Wolf, b. 27 Aug 1859 in West Leyden, d. 20 Jun 1868, buried in West Leyden Cemetery.  The West Leyden church records has her birth as 26 Aug 1869, but the dates I've given here from her gravestone.

Copyright © 2000:  Lisa K. Slaski
All rights reserved.