Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-04-17
LEWIS WOLF.
charitable Career of Successful
Business Man.


Thirteen years ago Lewis Wolf came
INTO Berkeley County with his pack
N his back, his entire stock in trade
consisting of few notions. With
determination to succeed in life he
raversed the country through mud
and slush, rain or shine, and built up
quite a substantial trade by this
itinerant method. His coming was
Railways looked forward to with pleasure
by those who patronized him. By
strict economy and saving his money
4 he was enabled to start for himself
bank account which seemed to grow
as if by magic Prompted by the
success of his efforts his energies
st1engthened-his business qualifca-
ktions began to develop-his aspira-
tons began to rise higher and his ann
bition urged him into wider fields and
greater profits. Having concluded
to settle himself permanently he
\ purchased stock of goods at North
n Mountain, very low for spot cash and
therefore supplied his customers at
4 prices that defed competition. He
knew what goods to buy and how to
buy them. A few dollars was always
s within his reach and if a bargain was
! offered his good judgment guided his
! actions. In a short time he opened a
branch store at Bunker Hill. Fortune
/ smiled upon him and one was start
| ed at Cherry Run, one at Rest, Va,
4 and at other points until at one time
he had six stores underthis own super
vision. In proportion as his re-
sponsibilities increased his work be-
came more arduous with the result
that before he knew it he was pros
trated by over work.
1t became necessary for him to con-
centrate his business and he very
wisely selected the growing city of
Martinsburg for his operations, clear
ly seeing. as its industries with it's
population increased, that it was the
place. One year ago, in less than
an hour from the inception of the
idea, he bought the stock of goods of
c. P. Herring A few months later
he placed part of his stock in another
building not a block away, and
bought stock adjoining him. Fol
lowing this he purchased the large
stock of E. E. Herring, corner Queen
and Burke streets, OF which he took
possession April l.
AS the community knows the build
ings occupied by him are large three
story buildings and with the immense
stock on hand he has added to it un-
til every department is packed from
cellar to garnet. Since his late in
vestment in our city and just within
the last few days he bought large
shoe house in Baltimore at such re-
duced rates as to enable him to un-
dersell any one else in this country
in that line-and all up to date goods
suppose he carries stock in this
city alone of at least $40, 900 and no
old goods.
Such are the fruits of fearless in
vestments guided by an irrepressible
ambition and good Judgment. One
strong feature in favor of Mr.. Wolf is,
that he employs large force of our
native people. He does not send to
Russia or Prussia or Germany for his
clerks, but selects our most clever
young ladies and gives them perma-
nent employment at fair wages.
Rapidly increasing business has
necessitated him to take in a partner
in the person of Mr.. ]. Rattenburg,
whom we all know by the familiar
name of 'Joe" and who is a hustler.
Joe also made his debut here with his
pack on his back, and made an ex-
tensiye acquaintance and many friends
before he embarked permanently in
business.
To such enterprising inen we bid a
hearty welcome and extend the hand
of fellowship. His bargain days and
hours are strictly complied with ac-
cording to the conditions of his ads,
and no fake. Since penning the above
learn that Mr.. Wolf will open up the
Blue Front with new stock today.
Onward is his motto.
OBSERVER.
Martinsburg, April 6.