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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Ashley County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Columbus C. Wolfe, planter, Poplar Bluff, Ark. A life time devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and the perseverance and energy displayed in the management of his farm, has contributed very materially in placing Mr. Wolfe among the first planters of the county. He was born in Alabama on January 6, 1838, and is a son of Phillip S. and Judy T. (Berryman) Wolfe, the father a native of South Carolina and the mother of Alabama. The paternal grandfather, John Wolfe, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and the maternal grandfather, Byril Berryman, was in the battle of New Orleans. Both were in the Indian wars. Philip S. Wolfe moved to Arkansas in the forties, and his death occurred in Drew County in 1874. The mother also died in Drew County, in 1866. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are now living and three in this State. One son and a daughter are in Texas. Columbus C. grew to manhood on his father’s plantation, and as the country was sparsely settled he received but little education. Early in 1861 he went to Virginia, joined Capt. Christian’s Infantry Company, was a member of the Third Arkansas, and remained in service about a year when he was discharged. He then returned to Drew County, raised a cavalry company, and was in North Arkansas, Indian Territory and Missouri. He participated in the battles of Manassas, Cheat River, Alleghany Mountain, Harper’s Ferry, and while in Arkansas he was in the battles of Fayetteville, Cane Hill, Mark’s Mill, Poison Springs, Fort Smith and Pine Bluff. He was in all the engagements of Price’s raid through Missouri, and at the battle of Linn Creek was captured and imprisoned in St. Louis. He then started for Johnson Island, but at Vincennes jumped from the train and escaped. He made his way home and then went to Texas in charge of his old company. Shortly before the surrender he came home on a recruiting expedition, and was there at the time of the surrender. Later he engaged in farming in Drew County, and then in March, 1887, he came to Ashley County, where he continues his former pursuit and tills about sixty five acres of land. He selected his life companion in the person of Miss Mary J. Daniel, and they were married in 1856. Six children are the fruits of this union—three sons and three daughters—all living in Ashley County. Mrs. Wolfe holds membership in the Baptist Church. In his political affiliations Mr. Wolfe is a Democrat. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of H. and the K. of P.

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This family biography is one of 97 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Ashley County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Ashley County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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