Biography of William Waltke
William Waltke (1824–1916) was a prominent soap manufacturer in St. Louis, Missouri, and founder of William Waltke & Company. Born in Germany, Waltke emigrated to the United States in 1849 following military service in the 1848 German war. Settling in St. Louis, he initially worked for Becker & Brand, a soap manufacturer, before establishing his own soap business around 1860. His company grew substantially, eventually occupying a large factory on East Grand Avenue and distributing products nationally and internationally. Waltke incorporated the business in 1900 and led it until his death. He was a committed Lutheran and esteemed figure in St. Louis business circles.