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
Return to 1913 biographies index