Edwin Wolf

Edwin Wolf
Born	Template:Birth date Uhrichsville, Ohio, U.S.
Died	December 16, 1934(1934-12-16) (aged 79)
Occupation(s)	Industrialist, financier
Known for	Founder of Wolf Bros., president of the Jewish Publication Society of America, president of Philadelphia's Board of Public Education

Edwin Wolf (March 11, 1855 – December 16, 1934) was a Jewish-American industrialist and financier based in Philadelphia.

Life

Born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, Wolf was the son of Elias Wolf, an immigrant from Bavaria, Germany. His family relocated to Philadelphia when he was one year old. After completing his public school education, he entered his father's manufacturing enterprise and took over its management following his father's retirement in 1877. In 1882, together with his four brothers, he established a printing company that later expanded into the production of paper boxes, envelopes, and other paper goods under the name Wolf Bros. Subsequently, he manufactured hosiery knitting machines and assumed executive positions including treasurer of Standard Machine Co., director of Betzwood Film Co., and partner at the banking and brokerage firm Wolf Brothers & Co., a role he maintained from 1900 until his passing.

Beginning in 1901, Wolf contributed to Philadelphia’s Board of Public Education, where he introduced an accounting framework that remained in use until 1943. He made history as the first Jewish individual to serve as president of the Board in 1917 and stepped down from this position in 1920. In 1902, he was appointed president of the Jewish Publication Society of America, overseeing the release of its Bible edition. His governance extended to serving on the boards of the Free Library of Philadelphia and Dropsie College, as well as acting as governor of Eastern State Penitentiary. Wolf also engaged actively with organizations such as the Ohio Society and Manufacturers Club.

Wolf married Miriam Fleisher in 1882; their offspring included Blanche and Morris, with Morris becoming a distinguished lawyer and judge known for his public service contributions. Wolf passed away due to an intestinal condition at his daughter's residence on December 16, 1934. His funeral ceremony was led by Rabbi Louis Wolsey and attended by leading figures from the community. He was laid to rest at Mount Sinai Cemetery.