GOODSPEED BIOGRAPHIES
Contributed by Charlene Holland
BENJAMIN F. WOLF
Benjamin F. Wolf is an eminent lawyer of the well-known firm of Wilson & Wolf, of Waldron, Ark., and although he has been a resident of the State in which he is now residing since 1867, he was born in the State of Tennessee in 1845, being the youngest of eleven children born to Henry and Nancy (Kinchelow) Wolf, the former a Virginian and the latter a native of Tennessee. Henry Wolf was a carpenter by trade, and upon his removal to Arkansas in 1867 he settled in Crawford County, where he followed his calling until his death, nine years later, his wife passing from life the same year, both having attained an advanced age. Mr. Wolf was a prominent politician while a resident of McMinn County, and during 1856 was sheriff of that county. The boyhood days of Benjamin F. Wolf were spent in his Native State, his education being obtained in a high school. At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, he put aside personal considerations to enlist in the Confederate Army, and became a member of Company A, Third Tennessee Infantry, and was in many of the battles in which the Army of Virginia took part, among which may be mentioned Manassas. In 1862 he joined an independent company and was later attached to Forrest's command. He was captured near Calhoun, but after a very short time was released. He was in many engagements in Tennessee, and did much scouting and special duty. He was in the battle of Chickamauga, and after the battle of Missionary Ridge while at home on furlough and sick in bed, he was captured, but was soon after released, and shortly after rejoined his command, with which he served until the close of the war. After the termination of the war he returned to his home and began teaching school, and during this time, at odd moments, pursued the study of law. After closing up his father's accounts he came with him to Arkansas, and after residing in Crawford County until 1876, he went to Texas, where he remained three years. He then returned to Arkansas, and in the town of Mount Ida, Montgomery County, began the practice of law. In 1881 he came to Scott County, and located in Poteau Valley, being formally admitted to the bar in 1885, soon after taking up his residence in Waldron. He owns some good town property, is a wide-awake and enterprising gentleman, and as a lawyer is a deep thinker, keen and practical in his views and the thorough master of his profession. He was married in 1876 to Miss America Cavinous, of this State, but she died in 1880, having borne one son, John (who is dead). His second marriage took place in 1882 to Mrs. Matilda Bird, a native of Arkansas, and a daughter of Z. Hembey, a pioneer of this county and a resident of Poteau Valley. Mr. Wolf is a member of the A.F. & A.M. and the I.O.O.F. fraternities.