Carl Wilke
Through well direceted business activity and enterprise Carl
Wilke has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of
Allamakee county. He owns and operates a highly improved tract of
land of one hundred and forty-six and one-quarter acres near
Postville. Since 1880 he has lived in this county, during which
time his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity
but have proven effective forces in the advancement of the
general walfare. Mr. Wilke was born in Germany, December, 18,
1860, and is a son of John and Louisa Wilke, natives of
Mecklenburg. They never came to America, the father spending his
active life working in the factories of his native province.
Carl Wilke acquired his education in the public schools of
Germany and as a young man obtained work as a farm laborer in
Mecklenburg, retaining that position until he crossed the
Atlantic to America in 1880. Coming immediately to Iowa, he
worked as a farm hand near Postville for five years and then
bought a farm in Franklin township, this county, upon which he
resided for eleven years. He eventually sold that property and
bought one hundred and forty-six and one-quarter acres near
Postville, upon which he still resides. He has made substantial
improvements upon the property and upon it carries on general
farming and stock-raising, both branches of his activities being
well directed and profitable. In addition to his homestead Mr.
Wilke owns one hundred and twenty acres in Franklin township,
which is operated by his son.
On the 18th of November, 1887, Mr. Wilke married Miss Louisa
Schultz, a native of Mecklenburg, Germany,born February 10, 1864.
She is a daughter of John and Louisa Schultz, both of whom have
passed away. Mr. And Mrs. Wilke have six children: William, who
is married and engages infarming in Franklin township; and Ella,
Nora, Bertha, Edna and Thelma, all of whom live at home.
Mr. Wilke is a member of the Lutheran church in Postville. He
gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and
although he has never sought nor desired public office, has in
the promotion of his individual prosperity contributed in
substantial measure to the progress and development of this
section. He has depended upon no outside aid or influence but has
wrought out his own success along well defined lines of labor and
achieved his prosperity by industry and perseverance.
-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by
Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich
Return to 1913 biographies index