My Genealogy Hound

George L. Wirt, merchant, Briggsville, Ark. Among the business men of Yell County, Ark., who have won distinction as successful merchants, and who have, by personal industry and genuine business ability, succeeded in establishing a desirable trade, may be mentioned Mr. Wirt, whose name heads this brief biography. He was born in Alabama on November 25, 1844, and was the son of Samuel and Martha (Wood) Wirt, the latter a daughter of Joseph Wood, of Alabama. Our subject was married in Alabama on November 23, 1867, to Miss Ann E. Sanford, daughter of T. J. Sanford, of Alabama, and to them were born one living child, Benjamin F. In 1878 Mr. Wirt left his native State and came to Yell County, where for two or three years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1880 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in that capacity for six years, and discharging the duties incumbent upon that office in a highly satisfactory manner. His strong good sense, his knowledge of human nature, his calm conservatism, and in fact his genuine ability were soon perceived, and in 1888 he was elected county judge and re-elected in 1890. He is an equal partner in the general merchandise business with Dr. W. H. McCall and D. L. Castleberry, transacting a business of about $10,000 or $12,000 per year, and is a representative and successful business man. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Briggsville, known as Concordia Lodge, and he is a liberal supporter of all worthy movements, especially educational and religious enterprises.