KRANZ, John C.

KRANZ

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/31/2021 at 12:55:52

John C. Kranz
born July 1856

J. C. Kranz, a member of the firm of Bowman & Kranz Bros., was also born in Altenberg, near Cassel, Germany, a son of Adam and Elizabeth Kranz. He received a good education in his native land, and when a young man in 1878, came to Odebolt, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand on the Wheeler farm. By his ability and strict attention to business he was promoted to the position of foreman of the place, and later was superintendent and manager. After eight years of employment on the Wheeler farm, Mr. Kranz came to Holstein, Ida County, entering the lumber firm of Bowman & Kranz Bros. He was married in this city to Sallie Witt, who was born, reared, and educated in Davenport, Iowa. They have two children: Ervin and Enrine. Mr. Kranz affiliates with the Republican party, has served as Alderman of his city five years, is one of the directors of the National Bank, president of the Holstein Building Company, and treasurer and director of the Holstein Town Lot Company. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Kranz is one of the well-known and popular business men of the city.
Bowman & Kranz Bros., lumber and coal dealers of Holstein, Iowa. This firm was organized July 1, 1886, purchasing the business of the S. H. Bowman Lumber Company, the pioneer lumber dealers of Holstein. The present firm carry a large stock of lumber and coal, do an extensive business in the city and county, and are well and favorably known. Their large building, 80 x 100 feet, with all the smaller buildings, are located near the depot. S. H. Bowman, the senior member of the firm, is a man of large means.
Source: Biographical History of Crawford, Ida, and Sac Counties, Iowa, 1893, p.445