My Genealogy Hound

Dr. J. R. Wolff has been engaged in merchandising at Bingen, Ark., since 1871, the average value of his stock being $25,000, and the annual sales $50,000, the gross business being about $70,000. He has three buildings, has about four clerks, and handles dry goods, drugs, groceries, hardware and furniture. These establishments are finely appointed, and are among the most attractive of the kind in Southwest Arkansas. Dr. Wolff was born in Laurens District, S. C, in 1836, a son of George F. and Martha (Rowland) Wolff, who were also born and spent their lives in that county, the former dying in 1880, and his widow in 1883, both members of the Baptist Church, and the former a farmer by occupation. He was a son of Gen. John Wolff, who was born in Germany, and came to America when a young man, spending the rest of his days in South Carolina, where he devoted his attention to farming and merchandising. He was a general in the State militia. Ezekiel Rowland, the mother’s father, was, perhaps, born in South Carolina, and there died, having been a successful physician for many years. The subject of this sketch was the fourth of four sons and three daughters; his early days were spent at farm work, and in attending school, and at about the age of twenty years he began the occupation of teaching, and at the same time read medicine for four years. In 1857 he graduated from the Charleston (S. C.) Medical University, and after remaining in that State, engaged in practicing, he came to Hempstead County, Ark., and here has since continued to live. He has been very successful in following his profession, and although he gives much of his attention to his mercantile establishments, he still does office practice. He has become very wealthy in the different enterprises in which he has been engaged, and is the owner of about 2,200 acres of fine land, and a good steam cotton-gin and mill. He came to this county with no funds to speak of, soon obtained a firm footing in the practice of his profession, but has acquired the most of his property in the mercantile business. When he first began business at his present stand he had the name of Ozan post-office changed to Bingen, and he has since been postmaster of the town. For five years he has published a weekly newspaper—the Social Visitor— at Bingen, and he has otherwise helped to build up the place. He was married in August, 1863, to Emma F. G., a daughter of Mannon G. and Frances C. Young, natives of Laurens District, S. C. The father died in his native State many years ago, and in 1858 Mrs. Young came to Hempstead County, and died at Bingen in 1888. Dr. and Mrs. Wolff have had eight children, four sons and two daughters now living. The Doctor is a Democrat, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist Church for many years. The Doctor’s brother, Charles, came to Hempstead County before he did, served in the Confederate army during the Rebellion, and died in Texas, after the war.