Early Life

William Henry Wolf was a shipbuilder, businessman born in Wendelsheim, Germany. He migrated to the US in 1836, after which he first visited Milwaukee in 1849.

Career Beginnings

He returned to Milwaukee in 1853 became a foreman in the shipyards of J. M. Jones. When Jones failed in the panic of 1857, Wolf formed a shipbuilding partnership with Theodore Lawrence in 1858. He continued in this capacity until 1863, when the business was sold to Ellsworth and Davidson. From 1863 to 1868, Wolf conducted a shipbuilding and lumber business in Green Bay, but in 1868 returned to Milwaukee, purchased Ellsworth's interest in his former company.

Late Life

The new firm of Wolf and Davidson soon became the largest shipbuilding enterprise in Milwaukee and one of the most favorably known on the Great Lakes. Wolf continued in this company until 1890 when the firm was sold to the Milwaukee Dry Dock Company and after that date lived in retirement in Milwaukee until his death. 

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William Henry Wolf

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[Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]