My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES FREDERICK WILLIAM KROENING. The instances of men who have arisen from positions of poverty to the possession of ample means are too numerous to be considered exceptional. Such, in brief, is the history of many of the most successful citizens of Berrien County, and such is the biography, multum in parvo, of the man whose name introduces this sketch, a prosperous fruit-grower, residing on section 23, Lincoln Township.

A native of Germany, our subject was born on the 15th of July, 1848, the son of Christopher and Eliza Kroening. His father, a man of probity and industry, served in the army while residing in the Fatherland. In 1857, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to the United States, where he located at Watertown, Wis., and for a time operated as a renter. Later he was enabled, through a judicious investment of his earnings, to purchase a place adjoining the village of Watertown. There he remained until his death, which occurred in 1886. His wife had passed away in 1860. In his religious belief he was identified with the Evangelical Association, and died in the hope of immortality. Politically, after becoming a citizen of the United States, he was a Democrat and cast his ballot for the candidates of his chosen party.

At the time the family emigrated to the United States, the subject of this sketch was a lad of nine years. As the family was large, consisting of eight children, six of whom are living, he early developed traits of self-reliance and in his boyhood assisted in the maintenance of the other members of the household. His schooling had been commenced in Germany, and after coming to America he learned to read and write in English with fluency. He remained beneath the parental roof until fourteen, after which he worked in the employ of others. He was in Wisconsin for six years, and then, in 1867, came to Michigan and located in St. Joseph Township, Berrien County, where for ten years he was engaged in fishing on the lake. This business proved remunerative, but after a decade thus spent, Mr. Kroening was not unwilling to change his occupation.

The farm upon which our subject located in 1877 consists of eighty acres, of which amount fifty-five have been placed under excellent cultivation. Of the tract, forty acres lie on section 22, and forty acres on section 23. A substantial set of first-class buildings is noticeable and all of these have been erected under the personal supervision of the owner, who has also set out fruit trees of the best varieties and added such improvements as materially increase the value of the property. He raises large quantities of the small fruits, which he ships to Chicago and other markets.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kroening there are eight children, whose names are: Henry, John, Frank, Mary, Fred, Ida, Ella and Minnie. The mother of these children bore the maiden name of Catherine Dennis, and was born and reared in St. Joseph, Mich., receiving common-school advantages in her girlhood. Her marriage, which was celebrated in November, 1870, has proved a congenial one, and she has been a capable helpmate and a devoted mother. She is identified with the Lutheran Church at St. Joseph, of which her husband and the children are also members.

No native-born citizen of the United States is more loyal and patriotic than the subject of our sketch, who takes an intelligent interest in local and national politics, being a strong advocate of the principles enunciated by the Democratic party. For a number of years he filled the position of Path Master and has occupied other positions of trust and honor. He is highly regarded throughout the community, both as a genial companion and as a successful business man.