Encyclopedia Dubuque
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VOELKER, Christian Anton
VOELKER, Christian Anton. (Baden, Germany, Aug. 16, 1850--Dubuque, IA, Aug. 12,1925). Insurance and real estate businessman. Voelker served as MAYOR of Dubuque in 1886 and 1887. In 1884 he served as alternate-at-large to the Democratic National Convention that nominated Grover Cleveland for president of the United States. In 1896 Voelker was himself elected to the Iowa House of Representatives.
Voelker spent ten years in the chair makers' trade and, in 1873, began twenty years operating a dry goods business at 1330 Clay Street. He prospered in the field of real estate with his firm VOELKER REALTY COMPANY. Beginning in 1890, he began erecting buildings throughout the city. "Voelker stone," a form of concrete, was one of his chosen building materials. In 1879 Voelker built a brick block at the corner of Thirteenth and Clay Streets and operated his business from that site for two years. He later built an adjoining store as he needed additional room. Voelker owned Woodlawn Park, an addition to Dubuque, which he laid out with two partners and later bought their interest. He was also involved with the development of Melrose Terrace, south Alta Vista, and Voelker Highlands.
Voelker was given credit for establishing the 'monthly payment plan' for purchasers of his homes. At the time of his death, he was thought to have built between 760 and 800 residences.
Voelker was vice-president and director in the DUBUQUE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY, which he helped to organize. He was one of the original members of the board of the Julien Dubuque Hotel company and a member of the board of directors of the Dubuque Industrial Corporation. In 1890 he founded the Iowa Mutual Building & Loan Association and served as the company president. Voelker organized the Key City Fire Insurance Company with a capital stock of $200,000. He also had interests in the Citizens' State Bank, the GERMAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, and the DUBUQUE STREET RAILWAY COMPANY. In the field of real estate, Voelker was one of the organizers of the National Association of Real Estate Boards and of the Iowa Association of Realtors.
Voelker was also a leader in fraternal circles. He was the state chief ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters and a past grand knight of the Dubuque Council of Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Elks, the St. Vincent de Paul society and an organizer of the ROMAN CATHOLIC MUTUAL PROTECTIVE SOCIETY OF IOWA.
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Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1894, p. 134