FALK, H. E.

FALK, WILDE, MILLER, ALBRECHT

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 3/26/2010 at 11:20:49

H. E. Falk,is senior partner in the firm of H. E. Falk & Company, dry goods merchants of St. Ansgar. He was born on the 6th of January, 1870, in Prussia, Germany, a son of John Falk, who came to the United States in 1874. After crossing the Atlantic he made his way into the interior of the country and took up his abode on a farm east of the town of St. Ansgar. He continued to cultivate rented land until his death but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for he was called to his final rest in 1877. In the family were ten children, of whom H. E. and Otto Falk were the only sons. The brother, Otto Falk, is living in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Mrs. William Wilde and Mrs. C. F. Miller are the only other living relatives in Mitchell county.

H. E. Falk acquired his education in the common schools of St. Ansgar, his training well qualifying him for life's practical and responsible duties. From early boyhood he has been dependent upon his own resources, beginning to earn his living when very young because of his father's death, there being little left to support the family after the father passed away. He herded the town cows for several years in his younger days and he has never scorned any honest employment that would assist him in gaining a start in life. He has ever been energetic and industrious and by his determined purpose and resolute will he has overcome many difficulties and obstacles in his way. He started upon his business career as a merchant in the capacity of a clerk in the Lubiens dry goods store and while thus engaged he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him capital sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account. In 1898 he purchased a shoe store which he carried on for the succeeding eight years, winning substantial success in the conduct of that undertaking. In 1905 he entered the dry goods and clothing business under the firm style of H. E. Falk & Company and is so engaged at the present time. He carries a large and well selected line of goods and everything about his establishment indicates the spirit of progress and improvement that dominates him in his undertakings. His business methods are thoroughly reliable and will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and he wins his success by honorable dealing by the earnest desire to please his customers and by reasonable prices.

On the 20th of September, 1899, Mr. Falk was united in marriage to Miss Hattie B. Albrecht, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, and they have become the parents of three children: Sherwin, born October 20, 1901; La Verne, born March 21, 1904; and Victor, born June 30, 1907.

In politics Mr. Falk maintains an independent course. He has not allied him­self with either party but votes for the man whom he regards as best qualified for office. Mr. Falk has served in some positions of public trust. He was president of the board of education of St. Ansgar for three years and was a director of the schools for many years. He has been president and treasurer of the commercial club, of which he became a charter member. He is an advocate of good roads and he stands for all those plans and measures which have to do with the upbuilding and benefit of the community. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and is an officer in the local lodge. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

It is a well know fact that there is no success in life without effort. The purpose of life is to afford opportunity for physical, mental and spiritual development. In our country these opportunities are afforded in turn to everyone who is willing to embrace them. Humble birth and poverty are no handicaps to American youth. Opportunities, however, slip away from the sluggard, taunt­ingly play before the dreamer but surrender to the individual with high purpose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. Possessing these qualities, Mr. Falk has steadily advanced in his business career and is now one of the substantial merchants of St. Ansgar, while the course he has pursued has made him also one of its honored citizens.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1918, Vol. II, page 179.