My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD J. WILKS, superintendent of the Carlisle Shoe Co., of Carlisle, Pa., and one of the leading business men of the city, has been a resident of that place since 1890, at which time he entered the employ of the Company of which he is now so prominent a member as a cutter, from which position he arose to the one he now holds. Under his able management the company has prospered greatly, Mr. Wilks being a practical shoe man, for he has not only learned the trade, but has been in the shoemaking industry, and inherited his liking for the calling from his father and grandfather before him.

William Wilks, the grandfather, was a native of England, where, in London, he engaged in the making of shoes all of his life. His son, also named William, learned his trade with his father in England, and when eighteen years of age came to America. His birth occurred in May, 1824, in London, and when he emigrated he located at Philadelphia, and has since made his home there. His has been a successful career, and in addition to making shoes he conducts a fine retail shoe store in the same city, although since 1898 he has been practically retired. He married Caroline Ferrand, a native of London, born in 1824, and she also survives. They are strict Presbyterians in religious faith. They have a family of eight children still surviving.

Edward J. Wilks, the fifth child, was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia and also at the business college there, the pioneer institution of that nature in that city. When fourteen years of age he began to learn the shoe business in his father’s shop, and at seventeen, while he attended college, he also clerked in the store and learned the details of the business. Later he attended night school, while continuing in business. When only twenty years of age he was able to embark in business for himself, but later went west to Chicago and worked in different factories, having a varied experience which well fitted him for his present line of work, which he assumed upon his return, in 1890, as before stated. Mr. Wilks has held his present responsible position since 1897. In addition, he is a stockholder and director of the company.

In 1887, in Philadelphia. Mr. Wilks married Miss Mary McKinney, a daughter of David and Hannah (Fite) McKinney, members of the oldest families of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wilks have two children, Mary and Harold. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., affiliating with St. John Lodge, St. John Chapter and St. John Commandery, and he is also a B. P. O. E., belonging to Lodge No. 578, of which he is treasurer. He and his wife reside at their pleasant home No. 52 East North street, where their many friends are always welcome.