WOLFRAM, CHARLES J. (5 Nov. 1871-8 June 1951) played an influential role in the political, cultural, and fraternal affairs of Cleveland's GERMAN population (see GERMANS). Born in Connersville, Ind., he was the son of Claus and Margaret Baumgartner Wolfram and came with the family to Cleveland. In 1898 he was one of the founders of Gilmour Council, the first unit of the Knights of Columbus in Ohio, and became an insurance agent for the lodge. In the aftermath of WORLD WAR I, he became involved in the organization of the national Von Steuben Society to counteract the anti-German sentiments engendered during the war. Locally, Wolfram became the first president of the CLEVELAND CULTURAL GARDEN FEDERATION, a post he held for 25 years. He also helped establish the German Cultural Garden, which was dedicated in 1929. As an ally of City Manager WILLIAM R. HOPKINS, Wolfram made an unsuccessful campaign for CLEVELAND CITY COUNCIL in 1931. He later swung his influence among West Side Germans behind Mayor RAY T. MILLER and was rewarded with an appointment as secretary of the City Plan Commission. In 1941 he was appointed chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals, a position he held until his death. Wolfram had married the former Mary E. Patterson in 1898 and was survived by 2 children, Carl and Josephine Sheehy. He died in ST. ALEXIS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CTR.
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