My Genealogy Hound

S. Daltroff, of the firm of Daltroff, Sparks & Oliver, merchants at Wynne, Ark., is an affable, pleasant gentleman, and is now at the head of one of the largest firms in Eastern Arkansas. He began his commercial life as an errand boy, and rose by rapid stages, until he occupied the highest places, and was always a trusted employee. His birth occurred in New Orleans, La., August 13, 1852, and he was the youngest in a family of six children born to the union of S. and Fannie (Seelig) Daltroff, natives of France and Germany, respectively. The parents were married in Mayence, Germany, in 1844, and immediately emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans early in 1845. The father started a private school of languages, teaching French, German and Hebrew, and continued this in New Orleans until 1853, when he went to Lake Providence, La. Here he started a general store, but soon discontinued, and proceeded to Vicksburg, where they remained until 1861. From there they went to Memphis, and here the mother died in 1880, and the father June 29, 1881. S. Daltroff, Sr., was very talented, and from the conclusion of the war until his death, taught languages, mostly in Memphis. While in that city, and during the war, he was foreman of the cannon molding of the Confederate army, and when Memphis fell he followed the fortunes of the Confederate cause, and was located at Meridian, Miss. Here he remained until 1864, when he returned to his family at Memphis. S. Daltroff, Jr., was reared principally in Memphis, where he attended the public schools, and later the Commercial College of Leddins. in the same city. After leaving school he began his mercantile career as errand boy, and advanced with this firm until he was made shipping and receiving clerk over the wholesale department. He remained with this firm for seven years, or until 1873, when he engaged with Lowenstein & Bros., as shipping and receiving clerk. At the outbreak of yellow fever in Memphis Mr. Daltroff left this firm, made an extensive trip through the Southern States, and in 1875 came to Wittsburg, Cross County, where he accepted a position with D. Block & Co. He only remained with this firm two months, when he was transported to the firm of L. N. Block & Co., and remained with the same until April, 1877, when he was admitted as a member of the firm. This partnership lasted until 1879, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Daltroff accepted a position as book-keeper for the firm of Block Bros. & Co., remaining with them until 1883, when he became a member of that firm, remaining in this company until 1886, when it was dissolved. He then became senior member of the present firm of Daltroff, Sparks & Oliver, the successors of Block Bros & Co. This firm almost immediately removed to Wynne, where they started a large store, but this was burned out in 1887. After this they erected a large brick building, covering 290 square feet of floor, which is the finest arranged commercial building in Eastern Arkansas. They carry a stock of goods valued at $15,000, which comprises a full line of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, groceries and general plantation supplies. Mr. Daltroff was married, in 1879, to Miss Willie Malone, a daughter of Rev. W. C. Malone, of this county. She died in 1886, leaving three children, all daughters: Frederica, Bettie M. and Willie Florence. In December, 1887, Mr. Daltroff married Miss Rosa Ackerman, a native of Pennsylvania. On his arrival at Wynne Mr. Daltroff erected a fine residence, which, after the death of his wife, in 1886, he sold to his partner, G. N. Sparks. In 1888 he erected another home, which is among the handsomest and best residences in Wynne. Mr. Daltroff is a member of the K. of P., Levesque Lodge No. 53, at Wynne, and he is Chancellor Commander of the same. He is a Royal Arch Mason, is a K. of H. and K & L. of H., belonging to John M. Hewitt and Pearl Lodges. He is active in politics, and is a stanch Democrat.