Henry Hilker, engaged in the wholesale candy business in Racine, now having a large jobbing trade, was born November 14, 1871. in the city in which he still resides, a son of Adolph and Caroline (Broeker) Hilker, who were born, reared and married in Germany, living in the kingdom of Hanover. They came to the United States about 1866 and established their home in Racine where the father, who was a brick maker, continued in business until his death, which occurred in. the year 1900. His widow now makes her home in Racine.
The family residence was maintained in Racine and Henry Hilker had the advantage of attending the city schools. He has been engaged in the wholesale candy business since 1912 in partnership with his brother Edward, and in the intervening period success in substantial measure has crowned their efforts. They are wholesale jobbers and have built up a trade of gratifying proportions. They became the successors in this business to W. W. Scott and their experience and enterprise have enabled them to establish a trade of large proportions.
Edward Hilker is a member of the United Commercial Travelers and the Knights of Pythias and is somewhat prominent in local political circles, serving now as alderman from the eighth ward. He was married in 1899 to Miss Anna Diechler, and they have one child, Grace Caroline.
In his political views Henry Hilker is an earnest republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day but never seeking or desiring public office. He and the other members of the family are connected with the Evangelical Association. The family has been represented in this County for almost half a century and the name has ever been a synonym for enterprise and reliability in business affairs.