The full biographical sketch as printed in 1922, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
CHARLES KRUSE.
Charles Kruse, one of the prominent business men of Richmond, owns and operates one of the most prosperous hardware stores in Mc- Henry County. He was born at West Chicago, 111., December 21, 1872, one of the nine children of John and Sophia (Hilgendorf) Kruse. For many years John Kruse was section foreman for the Northwestern Railroad, and he is still living, but his wife died November 6, 1919.
Charles Kruse attended the public schools of his locality and learned the tinner's trade, following it for some time, and he still has a well- equipped tinning and plumbing shop in connection with his present busi- ness. For some years he continued to be a resident of West Chicago, but in 1898 moved to Richmond, and erected his present store building in 1905, at a cost of $12,000. In normal times he carries a stock ranging
HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 691
from $15,000 to $20,000. He usually has four people in his employ. In January, 1920, he incorporated his business as the Kruse Hardware Company, under which name he is now operating. In addition to his business interests at Richmond, Mr. Kruse owns 115 acres of land in Richmond Township, that is very valuable, a 125-acre farm in Randall Township, Kenosha County, Wis., and considerable realty at Richmond, he being one of the wealthiest men of his community.
In 1898 Mr. Kruse was married to Miss Anna Mordhorst, a daughter of John Mordhorst, a prominent farmer of Kane County, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Kruse have had the following children: Helen S., who is the wife of Richard G. Richardson; Charles E., who is attending the Uni- versity of Illinois; Anna Bernice, who died April 1, 1920; and John Wallace, who is at home.
In politics Mr. Kruse is a Republican. He and his family belong to the Lutheran church, but attend the Methodist Episcopal church to which he contributes. His many and varied interests keep him fully occupied, but he does not neglect his civic duties, and can always be relied upon to give an instant and effective support to all measures which he believes will bring about an improvement in existing con- ditions. He is vice-president of the State Bank of Richmond, a director of the Community High School of Richmond and Burton Townships, and president of the Business Men's Association.
Source: History of McHenry County, Illinois (1922. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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