Gus H. Wilke Gus H. Wilke, a prominent insurance man of Elkader, Iowa, was born in that city February 28th, 1874, and is the son of H.W. and Anna (Gossman) Wilke, the former a native of Germany, and the latter born in Clayton county. The father was a solid and successful merchant of Elkader, a dealer in general merchandise for many years, but has now retired from active business. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom Gus is the eldest, followed in the order of their birth by Ella, who is living at home with her parents; Ina and Katie, deceased; Ida, also at home; and Jessie who is the wife of H.J. Conrad, who is a teacher of manual training in the high school of Elkader. Our subject received his education in the elementary and high schools of his home town, and after the completion of his studies, he went into his father's general merchandizing business, remaining with him for exactly twenty years to the day, when, in 1910, he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Elkader State Bank. After five years of exemplary service, he resigned this responsible post to engage in the insurance business, entering the employ of the New York Life Insurance Company, in which he is meeting with eminent success. He espoused Anna Paul, a native of Clayton county, and the daughter of E.M. and Elizabeth (Ehrlich) Paul, and to them have been born three children: Phyllis N., Paul, and Dorothy. Mr. Wilke is an adherent to the tenets of the Republican party, always giving it his loyal support, and is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Congregational church. He takes a keen interest in the amusement features of his community, and is manager of the Opera house, and secretary of the Elkader Fair Association. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa; From The Earliest Historical Times Down to
the Present; by Realto E. Price, Vol. II; page 446 |