Charles F. Gelbke, M. D., Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Mike Miller, Aug. 2001

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Charles F. Gelbke, M. D., In the community of Gretna in Jefferson Parish no citizen has stood 
higher in general estimation for his public spirit, his professional ability and his earnest 
leadership of the progressive element than Doctor Charles F. Gelbke.  He is an outstanding 
member of his profession and is also mayor of Gretna.

He was born in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, and when a boy was left practically dependent 
when thirteen years of age and had the task of "raising himself," a task he performed most 
creditably.  Throughout the years of his youth he earned a living while attending, school.  He 
secured a good literary education, then studied medicine in Tulane University, and was 
graduated M. D. in 1900.  Doctor Gelbke for a quarter of a century has been a greatly respected 
physician and surgeon engaged in practice at Gretna, the parish seat of Jefferson Parish, 
opposite New Orleans.  In addition to his general private practice he is local surgeon for both 
the Texas and Southern Pacific Railway.  Doctor Gelbke has qualities that have made him a 
real leader and popular figure in his community.  He is a former coroner of Jefferson Parish 
and for three successive terms was mayor of Gretna.  Then in April, 1925, he was again 
elected by a substantial majority over a very vigorous opposition as mayor, landing the entire 
ticket and carrying every pool.  He began his present term in May, 1925.  From the standpoint 
of experience, proved ability and the triumph of an earnest man overcoming many obstacles, 
no one is better fitted for the nominal leadership of the community than Doctor Gelbke.

NOTE:  The sketch is accompanied by a black and white photograph/drawing of the subject.

A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 387, by Henry E. Chambers.  Published by The American 
Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.