This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Kruger, Hubner, Langley, Southworth Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/TZo.2ACIB/186 Message Board Post: Biographical sketch of HENRY J. KRUGER from the book entitled, "Biographical Memoirs of Saint Clair County, Michigan," published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Publishers in Logansport, Indiana. ============================================ This bio spans two (2) pages: 451-452 HENRY J. KRUGER America is about the only country in which emigrants remain contented with their lot. They doubtless sometimes strike locations not wholly to their liking, but a removal or two soon establishes them in a locality where they are satisfied. Only a few years are necessary for the thrifty, industrious man, woman or family from abroad to find themselves far beyond the reach of want, and this was the case with the Kruger family. Henry J. Kruger, born in Mecklenburg, Germany, July 8, 1854, was the third of a family of five children who came to America with their parents, George and Sophia (Hubner) Kruger, in 1860. George Kruger had been a miller in his native land, but found it rather difficult to get employment in his line in this country. Not the least bit discouraged, he went to Detroit, where he lived for a number of years, when he moved to St. Clair county, where he purchased thirty acres of land, upon which the family took up their abode. He and his sons cleared and improved this land and for nine years cultivated it profitably. Having an opportunity of selling out, they did so and the proceeds of the sale they invested in a piece of mill property, known as the Steve Cummins mill. They also purchased an eighty-acre tract of land, that upon which Charles Kruger, brother of the subject, now resides. Here the family continued to conduct the dual business of farming and milling and steadily i! ncreased their worldly possessions. The five children of George and Sophia Kruger who came from Germany were Mary, Sophia, Henry, Charles and Anna. In politics Mr. Kruger was a Republican, but never aspired to office. In religion he was a Lutheran and a liberal contributor to the support of that church. He died in September, 1884, sincerely mourned by relatives and friends. The public school system of Michigan had made considerable progress when the Kruger family came to the state and all of the children received the advantage of a fair common school education. This was a great help not only to them, but also to their parents, as it thoroughly familiarized the entire family with the English language. Henry was especially bright and progressive and lost no opportunity of storing his mind with all available information. It did not take long to become an expert in the management of the mill. On the 21st day of February, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Eliza Langley, daughter of James and Anna (Southworth) Langley. Mrs. Kruger was born in Sarnia, Canada, March 12, 1849, and was the youngest of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, of whom there are six yet living, all residents of Michigan. James Langley was born in Vermont in 1800 and died in 1882. He was a farmer and about 1851 came to St. Clair county, Michigan, whe! re he acquired the ownership of eighty acres of land in St. Clair township. In politics he was a Republican. His wife was born in Vermont in 1801 and died in about 1872. They were both members of the Congregational church. Mrs. Kruger was but two years old when brought to Michigan, and received her education in this state. To the subject and his wife have been born six children, of whom three are living, namely: Emma, who is still under the parental roof, has finished the seventh grade in the public schools and is also taking instruction in instrumental music; Herbert has completed the eighth grade and his parents expect to give him still further educational advantages; Homer is also attending school. At this time Mr. Kruger is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land, eighty of which is cleared and in a fine state of cultivation. He carries on general farming and stock raising. He breeds the Ohio Improved Chester hogs, has a great many and they are splendid sellers. His cattle and horses are all of good stock and in that line of business he has been quite successful. In politics he is a Republican, in religion a Lutheran and he is a member of the lodge of Gleaners at Rattle Run. He has lived in St. Clair county nearly forty years, has an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and is a man who is universally liked and respected. ============================================ PLEASE NOTE: I do not have any personal interest in researching the KRUGER surname or the St. Clair county, Michigan location. I am merely posting a select number of the biographical sketches found in the above-referenced book *upon specific written request* as a service to the genealogical community; these transcriptions are intended for personal use and are not being done for profit. Please do not contact me with regard to research interests in the above as I have no personal ties. Thank you.