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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM F. KRAUSS. The mercantile interests of Lehigh County have an able representative in the gentleman above named, who is the owner and proprietor of a general store at New Tripoli. The building in which he carries on business, and of which he is the owner, is a substantial frame structure, 60x22 feet in dimensions, and two stories in height. The stock, valued at $4,000 or $5,000, includes every variety of merchandise usually carried in a first-class village store — dry goods, groceries, queensware, notions, hardware, etc. In 1893, under the second administration of President Cleveland, he was appointed Postmaster at New Tripoli, which position he has since filled with efficiency and success. His sales average between $10,000 and $15,000 per annum.

A native of the county where he now resides, our subject was born in Lynn Township, January 18, 1845. The family which he represents was numbered among the early settlers of Lynn Township, where his father, David Kranss, resided until death. His mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Rex, makes her home with W. F. The latter was reared to manhood in Lynn Township, receiving his education in the common schools, and in a select school at Danville, Pa. When about fourteen years old he began clerking in a store at New Tripoli, being thus engaged for three years, after which he was a student in the Danville schools. Upon his return to New Tripoli he was employed as a clerk for a number of years.

The first business venture made by Mr. Krauss was in 1871, when, in, partnership with Manas Behler, he embarked in the mercantile business, and for three years the firm of Krauss & Behler conducted an extensive trade. The partnership was then dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Behler is at present a resident of Jacksonville, Pa. Our subject subsequently engaged in the coal, lumber and grain business for several years, after which he returned to the occupation of a merchant and has since continued in this line. In addition to his other enterprises, he was for some time interested in a slate quarry, and as a member of the firm of Krauss & Sieger engaged in the manufacture of roofing slate.

As a member of the Democratic party, Mr. Krauss has taken an intelligent interest in public affairs. For ten years he has served as Justice of the Peace, and he has also filled the positions of Auditor and Treasurer of Lynn Township. During his incumbency of the office of School Director he was instrumental in introducing the present efficient graded school system now in use throughout Lynn Township. This was done against the protests of many, but such has been the success of the plan that everyone now sees its utility.

In July, 1871, Mr. Krauss was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta, daughter of Francis Weiss, formerly a resident of Weisenburg Township, Lehigh County, but now deceased. Three children bless the union, Frank, George and Ella. The family is identified with the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Krauss has officiated as Treasurer, and he was also a member of the building committee having in charge the erection of the edifice at New Tripoli. Socially he is connected with the Order of Junior American Mechanics. His success has been attained solely through his own exertions, and he is recognized among the most enterprising and progressive citizens of northern Lehigh County.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Lehigh County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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