Henry Kruse, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of
Mount Olive township, Macoupin County, the owner of a fine farm of 240
acres, well located in sections 12 and 13, was born in Prussia, Germany,
March 21, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Prange) Kruse.
The father of our subject was born in Prussia, and died in Macoupin
County, Illinois, May 4, 1864. The mother was also born in Prussia and died
in this county, February, 9, 1893, aged 74 years. Their children were:
Henry, of this sketch; William, of Staunton township, Macoupin County;
Wilhelmina, wife of F. W. Hartke, of Cahokia township, Macoupin County;
August, of Cahokia township, Macoupin County; and Louis, of Mount Olive
township. Henry Kruse, the elder, was a poor man when he came to America,
but through his industry he accumulated a comfortable property. He
identified himself with the Republican party. He was a man of many good
deeds and was much respected by all who knew him. Both he and his wife were
worthy members of the Lutheran Church.
Henry Kruse, the subject of
this sketch, was but two years old when the family left Bremen on a sailing
ship for New Orleans, whence they proceeded up the river to St. Louis, and
then moved to what is now Mount Olive township. Mr. Kruse attended the local
schools and has been occupied with farming and stock raising ever since
attaining manhood. He has paid much attention to Durham cattle and the
leader of his herd is the well known "Prince Henry." He also breeds many
fine horses and mules and many Poland-China hogs. He makes his leading crops
corn, wheat, oats and clover, believing in a system of rotation. Mr. Kruse
is a practical farmer, who uses modern methods and machinery and enjoys
great agricultural prosperity. His property is adorned with a handsome brick
residence and two commodious barns, while all the surroundings tell of
thrift and good taste. Like his father, he has always been very industrious
and carries on extensive operations with great success.
On March 21,
1877, Mr. Kruse was united in marriage, with Bernhardina Mindrup, who was
born in Madison County, Illinois, December 6, 1856, and died August 16,
1902, a daughter of Eberhard and Sophia Mindrup, both natives of Germany.
They had five children born to them: Henry R., now attending a business
college in St. Louis; and Sophia, William E., Emma and Minnie, who live at
home.
Mr. Kruse, who is a Republican in politics, has held a number
of the minor township offices and has been active in school matters. He is a
member of the Lutheran Church.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 368-369.
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