Julius Kruger, proprietor of Pokegema Valley Stock Farm and a prosperous farmer owning 160 acres in section 19, Sumner Township, and section 24, Stanley Township, is a native of this state, born on a farm in Racine County Sept. 2, 1862, the son of Robert and Henrietta (Koeler) Kruger, who brought him to Dodge County, and then to Barron County. The oldest of six children, and born while his parents were still struggling with poverty, he had little opportunity for attending school. He helped his father develop the present place, and as a young man took over a half of it. Later he bought the remainder. He has continued the improvements and has now a place of which he is justly proud, with good buildings, good equipment and good stock. Mr. Kruger is a broad minded man of considerable influence in the community and has various interests outside of his farm. He has been a town supervisor and town assessor and has also held other public positions. He has been an official of the Sumner German Lutheran Church and has given it his loyal support. He has been treasurer of the Farmers Store Co. at Canton, and is still one of its stockholders. He is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Cameron. Mr. Kruger was married January 26, 1893, to Tena Bortz, who was born in Germany Aug. 18, 1867, the daughter of William Bortz, one of the earliest pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Kruger have four children: Esther, born Feb. 11, 1894; Lionel, born March 1, 1896; Ruth, born Feb. 18, 1899; and Fadus, born Nov. 11, 1904, all now living at home. --Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 573-574.