In commercial circles in Tippecanoe City the name of George W. Henke figures prominently, for he is successfully conducting a clothing and furnishing goods store. His enterprise and industry are in keeping with the progressive and utilitarian spirit of the times, and his methods are in harmony with the ethics of commercial life.

Mr. Henke is one of the native sons of Tippecanoe City, his birth having occurred on the 12th of February, 1868. His father, August Henke, was born in Germany, December 1830, and when thirteen years of age began working at the tailor's trade, serving a three-years apprenticeship, and the only compensation he received for his labors was his board. On the expiration of his term he went to Prussia, where he remained three years, thence removing to Amsterdam, Holland, where he became acquainted with Charlotte Fredericks, whom he married on the 27th of April, 1853. In June, of the same year, they started for America, taking passage on a sailing vessel which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, after a voyage of seven weeks. They proceeded westward to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the father worked at his trade for two years, and in May, 1861, he came to Tippecanoe City, where he opened a tailoring establishment, successfully carrying on business until 1898, when he sold his store to Mr. Kohler. His excellent workmanship in the line of goods which he carried, his reasonable prices and honorable dealings secured to him a very liberal patronage, and thereby he acquired a competence which enabled him to put aside business cares and live retired, in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. In his family were four children: Mary, now the wife of Rev. M. F. Newport; Emma, wife of David Warner; Joseph, who died in early life; and George W., a merchant of Tippecanoe City. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Henke is a Republican. He commands the respect of his fellow men by his sterling worth and a career which at all times has been true to every manly principle.

George Henke obtained his education in the village schools, and at the age of sixteen he put aside his text-books to enter his father's store, in which he had already obtained some experience, working through the periods of vacation. He was for two years connected with mercantile interests in Erie, Pennsylvania, but in 1892 he was admitted to a partnership in his father's business, the relation being maintained until 1894, when he sold his interest to his father and opened a tailoring establishment in Frankton, Indiana. There he carried on a good business for some time, but ultimately returned to Tippecanoe City, and on the 1st of April, 1899, he opened his present store, doing a tailoring business and carrying a large line of ready made clothing and men's furnishing goods and shoes. He occupies the old stand at which he began his business career as a clerk and in which he was associated with his father as a partner. In early life he took a full course in a cutting school in Cleveland, and after joining his father he had charge of that part of the work, but at the present time he employs a cutter who is thoroughly competent, and he does a most excellent business. Mr. Henke is the only exclusive clothing merchant in the town, and the large and well selected stock which he carries insures him a liberal patronage.

On the 19th of February, 1896, Mr. Henke was united in marriage, in Troy, to Miss Mae Ten Eick, a daughter of Mathew Ten Eick, of Miami county. She was born in this county, and was educated in a seminary in Cincinnati, giving special attention to the study of music. The home of our subject and his wife is now blessed with the presence of a little daughter, Edna Jeane. The parents occupy a leading position in social circles and enjoy the warm regard of many friends. Politically Mr. Henke is a Republican, well versed on the issues of the day, and is a member of Tippecanoe Lodge of Odd Fellows. In manner he is frank and genial, and his many estimable characteristics make him a popular citizen of his native town.