A native and lifelong resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, Vollrath attended the local schools and Wittenberg College, then graduated from Princeton University with bachelor's (1883) and master's (1886) degrees.

Vollrath was also active in the Lutheran church and several civic and fraternal organizations, in addition to taking part in several business ventures.

Active in politics as a Republican, he was an unsuccessful candidate for offices including prosecuting attorney and city solicitor.

Following his wartime service, Vollrath continued to practice law, and he maintained an active caseload until becoming ill just a few days before his death.

[2] After receiving his bachelor's degree, Vollrath began to study law in the Bucyrus office of attorney Ebenezer B.

[5][6] Vollrath was a delegate to numerous local, county, and state party conventions, and was frequently selected for leadership roles including secretary and credentials committee member.

[15] According to Lieutenant Governor Warren G. Harding, Herrick made the appointment because he was favorably impressed with Vollrath's conduct as judge advocate (prosecutor) during the courts-martial of several Ohio National Guard members following the Springfield, Ohio riots that took place after the Lynching of Richard Dickerson earlier in 1904.

[22] Vollrath was also active in several business ventures, including serving as secretary and a member of the board of directors for the Bucyrus Silver Plate Company.

[29][30] He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Pythias, American Legion, Military Order of Foreign Wars, and Reserve Officers Association.

[31] Vollrath was also a member of the Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba, and authored for the organization a history of the 8th Ohio's Spanish–American War service.

[32] Vollrath was a devout Lutheran, and held leadership positions in the Bucyrus church throughout his life, including Sunday school superintendent, elder, and deacon.

[44] Vollrath was called to active duty at the start of the Spanish–American War and was appointed as assistant adjutant general of the Ohio National Guard.

[53] The regiment participated in the inauguration at its own expense, but in 1902, the Ohio legislature passed a law to reimburse members who had contributed to the effort.

[56] In March 1913, Vollrath was in command when his regiment was called to active service as part of the state's response to flooding in and around Dayton.

[57] In June 1916, he led his command when it was mobilized for service on the Mexican border during the Pancho Villa Expedition.

[58] The regiment continued to be based at Camp Pershing while soldiers performed guard and patrol duties along the border with Mexico.

[60] He was subsequently assigned to command the 66th Depot Brigade at Camp Fremont, California, a unit of the 41st Division, which was responsible for the mobilization and training of soldiers activated for wartime service.

[64][65] In March 1920, the government of France awarded him the Order of the Black Star (Commander) to recognize his wartime service and achievements.

[1] They remained married until her death and were the parents of five children: Jeanne, Edna, Carroll, Victor, and Edward Jr.[1] The effective dates of Vollrath's promotions were:[1][39]