Abraham Simon Wolf

From Morais, The Jews of Philadelphia

Abraham Simon Wolf occupied a conspicuous place in the Jewish community of Philadelphia. He was born at Charlottesville, Virginia, September 15th, 1809. His mercantile career opened as a clerk in the employ of Mayer Arnold, at Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He subsequently started business in a country store in Meyerstown, in the same State. He worked on, meeting with success, and in 1838 took up his residence in Philadelphia, entering as a partner in the wholesale dry goods firm of Arnold, Cauffinan & Wolf, afterwards known as CaufFman & Wolf When this house dissolved, Mr. Wolf engaged in the clothing business, his firm being called Abraham S. Wolf & Company. Later on, Simon W. Arnold became a partner; the house being called Wolf, Arnold & Company.

After awhile Mr. Wolf quitted trade, and interested himself in coal lands and in other speculations. He was elected President of the Locust Gap Coal Company, and filled. that office until the Com- pany was absorbed by the Reading Railroad. He also served as a Director of the Consolidation Bank, of the Equitable Life Insur- ance Company, and as Vice-President of the Northern Savings Fund, Safe Deposit and Trust Company.

Thus in general affairs, Mr. Wolf's interest was manifested. But not because of that interest would he lay claim to particular notice. In the circles of his coreligionists, he performed those labors which have contributed to place his name on the roll of honor. An early member of the Hebrew Charity Association, he served as a Vice- President during a period when its annual dinners were leading events. He was among the first Directors, and served as President of the Hebrew Education Society from 1854 to 1862 ; and of the United Hebrew Beneficent Fuel Society, when that ^vas merged in the present Society of the United Hebrew Charities, and he was a charter- member and manager of the latter. He was among the founders, and the energetic President of the Jewish Hospital Asso- ciation from 1871 to 1878. He was besides connected with other societies and corporations, among them the first Jewish Publication Society in America — evincing in all a steadiness of purpose, and untiring exertions in behalf of their objects.

In the Congregation Mickveh Israel Mr. Wolf's counsel was sought, and he proved an earnest member and an active Trustee of that religious organization, which he also served as Treasurer, succeeding Hyman Gratz in 1856-1861. His work was not con- fined to a few institutions, but he sought in every way to promote the welfare of his coreligionists, and to that end, he gave his means, his time, and his strength.

Mr. Wolf early joined the Masonic fraternity, and was a member of Shekinah Lodge, Number 246, A. Y. M. In later years, he was also affiliated with the Independent Order Bene Berith. In 1860, he was united in marriage to Miriam H. Polock, a daughter of the venerable Hyman Polock, of this city.

Abraham S. Wolf died at Orkney Springs, West Virginia, on August 2d, 1880. His remains were brought to this city for inter- ment, and his obsequies were attended by men of note with whom he had associated, and who valued his friendship as the community re- spected him for his services.

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