Kruse, Claus

KRUSE, KNUTSEN, ANDRESEN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 2/18/2003 at 09:27:10

From the 1911 Biographical Index to Wolfe's History of Clinton County Iowa, by P. B. Wolfe. pgs 865-66
CLAUS KRUSE
Although starting in life practically empty handed, the power of multiplying his possessions with infinite tact and skill seems to have been a gift freely granted to Claus Kruse, a shoe merchant of Clinton, Iowa, and he added to this ability abundant energy and devotion to his chosen work with the result that he has become very comfortably established while yet young in years.
Mr. Kruse was born in Germany, on August 26, 1878, and he is the son of George and Catherine (Knutsen) Kruse, both still living. They came to America many years ago, and the father is farming in Illinois, while the mother makes her home in Clinton, Iowa.
Claus Kruse came to Douglas county, Illinois, with his parents in 1883, when about five years old. There the father bought a farm, and in 1885 the family moved to Clinton, Iowa, and here the subject was educated in the common schools. After leaving school he worked at the wagonmaker's trade with the firm of Fish Brothers, of this city. Later he learned the shoemaker's trade and worked at the same for several years, becoming a very proficient workman. In 1907 he stared in business for himself with a retail shoe store and repair shop at No. 102 North Fourth street. He had begun to build up a good trade when, six months later, his father-in-law, Christian Andresen (whose sketch appears on another page of this work), started in business with him, forming a partnership and increasing stock, the firm being known as the Claus Kruse Company until January 1, 1911, when Mr. Kruse bought out Mr. Andresen's interest and has since conducted the business alone, and he continued to do a large and growing business, enjoying an excellent reputation throughout the vicinity.
Mr. Kruse was married on July 19, 1899, to Patria Andresen, daughter of Christian Andresen, mentioned above. She was born on September 28, 1878, and received a good education in the local schools.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kruse, namely: Claudine and Albert.