BIO:  EDWARD J. WILKS, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm
  http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/
  _____________________________________________________________

  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, page 519
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  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
  http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/zeamer/


    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.