California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


HENRY KRUSE. A resident of California since 1887, Henry Kruse is classed among the upbuilders of 
Fresno county. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 27, 1859, and is a son of Henry and Fredricka 
Louisa (Bunkman) Kruse. The former died at his home in Westphalia, where his widow still makes her 
home. 

The third child in a family of four sons and two daughters, Henry Kruse received his education in the 
public schools and in an Agricultural College. At the early age of fourteen he was apprenticed to a 
superintendent of a large farm, and later he himself became superintendent of a large place in 
Westphalia, where he remained until 1886, when he came to America and at once went to Fremont, 
Neb. In 1887 he came to California, where he secured work for two years with Mr. Eggers as second 
foreman. He then became superintendent of Los Palmas ranch, a position he held four years. In 1889 
he purchased twenty-six acres, which he improved and set out to grapes, later adding twenty-six and 
one-half acres, also in grapes, all located in the Eggers Colony. He has also set out vineyards for ethers. 
Upon his home place he has erected a modern residence and otherwise improved his surroundings. 

August 21, 1892, in Westphalia, Mr. Kruse was united in marriage with Anna Hilka, who was born there. 
They have four children, Freda, Greta, Clara and Ellen. 

In politics a Democrat, Mr. Kruse is active in the counsels of the party. A friend of education, he has 
always favored good schools. He was one of the founders of the German Lutheran Church in Fresno 
and has been a member of the church board since then. In every sense of the word he is a self-made 
man and has always given of his time and means to promote the welfare of the county of his 
adoption, in which he has a host of friends.