Bio: Burkhart, Edward W. (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Burkhart, Steolikluh, Hertel, Geitz

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) page 664

Edward W. Burkhart. Fifty-two years ago, in the Spring of 1862, Emil Burkhart formerly from Germany, came to Eau Claire and started in the hotel business, purchasing at that time a small hotel from a man named Torgason. He married Sophia Steolikluh, and eight children were born to them, viz.: Emma, Edward W., Rosa, Amelia, Rose, Fred, Herman and Emil. After a residence of forty-six years in Eau Claire, the father died in June, 1898, respected and esteemed by all who knew him.

Edward W. was born in Eau Claire, attended the schools of the city and has here spent his whole life. He first engaged in the butcher business, following that vocation for ten years, and then succeeded his father in the hotel business which he has successfully carried on for fourteen years. This hotel, which originally was but a small affair, has been enlarged and remodeled into a modern, up-to-date hotel of thirty rooms, and under the proprietorship of Mr. Burkhart, has become a popular place for transients. Mr. Burkhart has been twice married. His first wife, who is now deceased, was Louise Hertel, by whom he has one daughter, Margaret. He married for his second wife, Emma Geitz, of Stanley, Wisconsin, and to them four children have been born as follows: Sophia, Norman, Edwin and Gerhart. Mr. Burkhart is a prominent member of Germania Lodge, No. 19, Knights of Pythias, the Badger Homestead, Yeomen, Modern Brotherhood of America, and with his wife belongs to the Pythian Sisters and the Lutheran church. He is also a member of the Old Settlers' Association.