Henry Elkan was born in Michelbach, Wurtemberg, Germany, on March 19, 1847. He came to America in 1866 and to Chicago in 1869. Mr. Elkan is at the head of the firm of H. Elkan and Company, dealers in hides.

Mr. Elkan is one of the organizers of the North Chicago Hebrew Congregation and for many years was a member of the Board of the U. H. C. He has devoted a great deal of his time to Michael Reese Hospital.