Bio of Oelkers, William B. (b.1883) Wabasha Co., MN
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Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Barbara Timm
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1920.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab3.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Oelkers, William B. (page 435), one of the leading merchants of Millville,
a member of the firm of Oelkers & Frisch, was born in Goodhue County,
Minnesota, October 28, 1883, son of William and Anna (Augustine) Oelkers,
who were natives of Germany. The father came to the United States with his
parents at the age of 13 years, and was subsequently engaged in farming in
Goodhue County until his retirement and removal to Red Wing in November,
1919. He and his wife have had ten children, of whom three - John, August
and Anna - are now deceased. The living are Henry, William B., Edward,
George, Albert, Gustav and Alfred. William B. Oelkers was educated in the
district schools of Goodhue County, and subsequently worked on his
parents' farm, also being employed one year as clerk in a store. Since
then he has been engaged continuously in mercantile business. For 13 years
he was associated with Satren Brothers and M. H. Satren, of Zumbrota, for
six months of that time being engaged in the live stock business. On April
22, 1918, he came to Millville and purchased the interest of Harry I.
Engel in the mercantile business of Frisch & Engel, the name of the firm
being changed to Oelkers & Frisch. They are conducting an up-to-date
general store, including hardware, dry goods and groceries, and also
operate a similar store at Elgin, which is known as the Farmers' Store,
Mr. Oelkers owning a half interest in both and acting as manager of both
stores. As such he has shown good executive ability and made a name for
himself in the business world. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr.
Oelkers was married at Zumbrota, Minn., in June, 1907, to Anna Prigge,
daughter of Peter and Dora Prigge, who were early settlers in Goodhue
County. Of this marriage four children have been born, one of whom,
Malinda, died at the age of eight years. The three living are: Stella,
born June 2, 1908; Clarence, September 3, 1911; and Elnora, September 6,
1913.