My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. RIEKE, dry goods merchant, of Paducah, Ky., is a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born in 1838. When he was about six years old his parents, Philip H. and Clara W. Rieke, immigrated to the United States, settling first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they made a temporary residence, and then removed to Louisville, Ky. In the latter city William H. was reared and educated, and he there began the mercantile business, which he has prosecuted successfully ever since. In the winter of 1861-62 he came to the city of Paducah, and here, in connection with others, established a wholesale dry goods house. In 1867 he severed his connection as a member of this firm to enter the exclusively retail business in which he is now engaged and in which he is the pronounced leader. Mr. R. is a gentleman of rare business ability and social culture, and a citizen of whom the city of Paducah may justly feel proud. He is a member of the Paducah Commandery No. 11, K. T., K. of H. and an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1866 Mr. Rieke married Miss Monima Smedley, a native of Kentucky. Their children are Frank H., William H., Jr., Monima, Carrie L. and Clara Rieke.