Charles H. Biklen
Born: July 16th, 1840
Died: April 12th, 1908
Obituary
Charles H. Biklen, an old resident, a good citizen, a successful businessman, passed away Sunday afternoon, after an illness of one year. He had suffered much and had borne his troubles like a true man. He was a self-made man in every sense of the word, and there are none who will question the fact, that his success was well-earned.
Charles Biklen was born in Untertuerkheim, in the beautiful Duchy of Wuerttemberg, Germany, on July 16, 1840, coming to this country at the age of sixteen. He had been preceded by a brother, the late Gottlieb Biklen, and was accompanied by a brother, Louis, who also preceded him to the beyond. Here the young man learned the candy-making business. He established himself on his own account in 1862 but dropped the candy business in 1893 when he established a department store, which grew from year to year.
In 1865 Mr. Biklen was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Siegel, also a native of Untertuerkheim, who came to this country in 1854 with her parents. Five children came to bless this union; Bertha, the wife of the Rev. Phillip Blaufuss, of Creston, Iowa; Louise M., at home; William C., a commercial traveler; Matilda, at home and Herman L., who is engaged in the photographic supply business in this city.
Strictly honorable in all his dealings, kindly and just toward all, a warm friend, Mr. Biklin will be missed indeed.
The funeral will be held from the home, No. 523 South Seventh Street, this (Tuesday) afternoon, at 2:00, with appropriate services at the German Zion church, on Fifth and Washington streets at 2:30.