GEORGE E. VOELKEL 

George E. Voelkel was born in Russia, in 1848. His father was a prominent physician and professor in the universities. He received his education in France and Germany, pursuing his literary and professional studies at the Ecole Imperiale des Beaux Arts in Paris and the German Academy at Berlin, and is a graduate of both institutions. After graduating he served as government architect in Germany, and spent some time in traveling, in connection with the engineering corps in the Prussian army. Upon the distinguished recommendation of the eminent scientist Dr Nachtigal, president of the Geographical Society of Berlin, the services of Mr. Voelkel were secured for the coast survey. He was at Chagres and Panama as engineer, and was engaged through the German and Japanese coast survey. On account of ill health he came here from Panama, in 1880, and opened an office, and since then has taken a leading position in the profession here. Among the many prominent buildings designed and erected by him in the city are those at the corners of Van Ness avenue and McAllister street, Van Ness avenue and Grove street, Van Ness avenue and Fulton street, Taylor, Post and Market streets, and the handsome residence of Mr. Platsch, corner of Bush and Jones streets, and many others. Mr. Voelkel is a stockholder in the Pacific Iron Company, and is also stockholder in various building societies, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He is an advocate of cremation, and through his efforts the society here was organized. He is an earnest student of science; is an honorary member of the scientific societies in Paris and Berlin, and has contributed many valuable papers. He is still favorably known in scientific and art circles in France, Germany and England. 

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker 

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, page 535, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.