IAGenWeb Project - Allamakee co.

Fred F. Kruse

 

Since 1895 Fred F. Kruse has lived upon his present farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 33, Franklin township, and since 1901 has owned the property, which in its neat and attractive appearance reflects everywhere his careful supervision and practical labors. He is one of the many sturdy, industrious and enterprising citizens whom Germany has given to America, having been born near Berlin, June 6, 1859. He is a son of Fred and Sophia (Brunstein) Kruse, also natives of that locality, the former born October 22, 1839, and the latter in 1840. In his native country the father worked in the employ of others and for a time served in the army, taking part in the war with France. He crossed the Atlantic in 1871 upon the close of hostilities and came directly to Iowa, settling in Garnavillo township, Clayton county. After working in the employ of others for some time he purchased land of his own and for many years thereafter engaged in farming in that locality. He now lives retired and makes his home in Guttenberg, having survived his wife since June, 1908.

Fred F. Kruse is the eldest in a family of seven children. He was about thirteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents and he completed an education begun in Germany in the district schools near Elkader. After laying aside his books he worked in the employ of others for a few years, giving his father all of his earnings until he was twenty-one years of age. After attaining his majority he continued at farm labor until 1895, when he rented the farm which he now occupies. In 1901 he bought the property, which comprises one hundred and eighty acres on section 33, Franklin township, and which under his able management has become one of the finest agricultural properties in the vicinity. He is a member of the Luana Shipping Association and is a stockholder in the Luana Creamery.

In 1882, Mr. Kruse was united in marriage to Miss Minnie H. Bleatz, who was born in Blaeswitz, near Berlin, Germany, October 23, 1859, a daughter of Charles and Caroline (Radloff) Bleatz, natives of the same section, the former born June 15, 1826, and the latter February 18 of the same year. The father served the required term in the German army and afterward came to America, locating near Clayton Center in 1872. He died in 1887, having survived his wife for ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Kruse became the parents of seven children. William Fred was born on the 7th of December, 1882. He married Miss. Bertha Bleatz and is now engaged in farming in Franklin township. Henry was born October 7, 1884, and is engaged in farming in Clayton county. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Amanda Meyer. Alice, whose birth occurred on the 21st of December, 1887, became the wife of John Nuehring, a farmer near Luana, in Clayton county. Fredrich was born May 6, 1890, and lives at home. Etta was born January 18, 1893. George was born May 23, 1895. Mabel, the youngest child in this family, was born November 8, 1900.

Mr. Kruse owes a great deal to his wife, who has been his able assistant in the development of the farm, cooperating in all of his plans for its improvement and development. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Luana and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, being active and progressive in matters of citizenship, although never seeking public office. His many friends in this county respect his ability and honor his sterling integrity of character, according him a high place among representative citizens and substantial farmers of this locality.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich

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