Robert Krause Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Robert Krause that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Krause, Osthaus, Steinhelber, Karlowa, Best. The activities of today become the history of tomorrow, and thus it is that the name of Robert Krause is enrolled among those who have left their impress upon the annals of Davenport through the part which they have taken in developing the industrial, commercial and financial projects of the city. Progressive in business, his initiative spirit and constructive measures enable d him to establish one of Davenport's leading industries in founding and promoting the Krause Shirt Company. He came to be known, moreover, in financial circles as vie president of the Citizens Savings Bank, and he belonged to that class of men who have proven the value of the German element in our American citizenship. He was born in Walkenreid, in the province of Brunswick, Germany November 13, 1834, a son of Conrad Behrend and Francisca (Osthaus) Krause. In the mind of the father the idea of establishing a home in America at length took firm hold. He was a man of culture and education and the belief! that the United States would present greater opportunities for his children led him to sever his association with the land of his birth and come with his family to the new world. Robert Krause was but fourteen years of age at the time of this change of residence. Landing in New York, they proceeded by way of Buffalo to Cleveland, Ohio, and afterward to Mansfield, Ohio, where they lived for about twelve years, and eventually came to Davenport. Robert Krause had begun his education in the schools of the fatherland and continued his studies in Ohio, at length becoming a pupil in Kenyon College, his course there completing his education. Early in life he manifested splendid commercial talent. He came to Davenport with his brother William and identified himself with the interest of the city, at length founding and promoting the Krause Shirt Company, which was and is one of Davenport's leading industries and was carried on by him with entire success. He was one of the promoters of the glucose industry here and later became a factor in financial circles as the vice president of the Citizens Bank, to which he gave the benefit of his services for thirty year! s. In fact, he was thoroughly identified with many business projects in this city and thus became one of its foremost builders. On New Year's day of 1860 Mr. Krause was united in marriage to Miss Louis Steinhelber, a daughter of Ezekiel and Wilhelmina Steinhelber, who became pioneer residents of this city and were of great assistance in advising and befriending many of the early German residents of Scott county. Mr. Steinhelber engaged in the real-estate business here, also conducted a hotel, was the owner of the first ice house and also of the first liver stable. Later he invested in farm lands until he became the owner of eight hundred acres in Scott county, upon which he spent the last thirty years of his life, save for a brief period of five and a half months which were passed in California for the benefit of his health. He was practically empty handed when he came to the United States but his carefully directed business efforts and wise investments brought him substantial success, making him one of the men of affluence of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Krause were born two daughters. Emelia V. is the deceased wife of Paul Karlowa, by whom she had three children, namely: Robert Krause, Carolyn and Clara. The second daughter, Clara L., is the wife of L. P. Best, of Davenport, and has two children, Louis Phillip and Gretchen. The death of Mr. Krause occurred July 5, 1900. Mrs. Krause still survives and resides at No. 527 West Eighth street. He was a man of genial nature, and though he preferred a home life to clubs and social organizations, he was nevertheless a valued and interested member of the Turner Society and also of the Schuetzen Verein. Long a resident of Davenport, all who knew him recognized the soundness of his business principles and the value of his activities as factors in the upbuilding of the city. Well descended and well bred, he manifested throughout his life those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. While he attained a prominent position in commercial and industrial circles, the most envious could not grudge him his success, so worthily was it won and so honorably used. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES