Gilpin observer., 1911-02-16
GOOD CITIZEN GONE
FREDERICK kRUsE, sR., DIES IN
DEATH A COMMUNITY LOSS.

rTeueTlck hruSe, ST., n1ter IlSnt-
Ing against death for three months
finally gave up the struggle and pass
ed away at the Denver home of the
family. 1473 Gilpin street, Tuesday
morning at 6 o'clock. Uremia was the
cause Of death; this developing from
fall he had on the 10Th of last
November. He had finished some
work in the flume in front of his
residence in Gregory point, and was
in the act of drawing himself up to
the top of the wall when a picket
in the fance to which he was holding
gave way. He fell backward a dis
tance of 10 feet and struck his head
on the ice in the bottom of the
fiume. He was unconscious for days
and was finally taken to St. Joseph's
hospital in Denver. Some Of the best
nerve specialists In the west were
called in on the case and after re-
manning in the hospital nearly two
months his condition had improved
to such an extent he was removed to
his Denver residence two weeks ago.
His family was with him at the time
OF death.
Frederick Kruse, Sr., was born in
Holstein, Germany, May "a, 184S. He
came to America in 1864, locating in
Central City. where his brother, H.
]. Kruse. was then engaged in the
mercantile business. In 1868 a part
nership was formed between the two
brothers and they conducted groc-
cry business at Gregory point until
1878, when deceased purchased the
interest OF his brother. He conducted
the business alone until about 15
years ago.
Mr.. Kruse was not only success
ful in the mercantile line. but was
fortunate in mining. He met with his
first financial success in mining in
1876 on the old Ellery and Furnald
lodes in Chase gulch, now the prop
erty of the winnebago Mining COM
pany, in which corporation Mr.. Kruse
was president and heavy stockhold-
er at the time Of his death. Another
successful financially was in the ac-
quisition in 1895 OF a half interest
In the Free American properties in
the Wideawake section. He sold his
interest in this property three years
later and made handsome profit.
He still owned mines in the Wide
awake district; also in other sections
OF the county. At one time he held
an interest in the New York mill and
Tor some years was manager OF the
plant At this time he was also an
officer and director IN the Rocky
Mountain bank.
In the early nineties he bought an
interest in the Gilpin tram and had
active management OF the road until
the same was transferred to the Colo
RADIO & Southern railway a few years
ago. While manager of the tram he
extended its field OF usefulness by
more than doubling tho trackage.
In business. mining or politics. the
efforts OF Mr.. Kruse were invariably
crowned with success. While Of late
years he took no active interest in
politics. he was still staunch Demo
crat and a loyal supporter OF the
party that had favored him with pub
lie office. He served with credit and
distinction In the last territorial leg
islature and was a member OF the
city council in 1878 and 1879. Twice
hH xh- ~f
mayor-from 1888 to 1889 and from
1903 to 1904. He made one OF the
very best mayors the town ever had,
giving to his official duties the same
careful attention he gave his personal
business.
Mr.. Kruse. In sense, may be
termed a self-made man. His school
ing was by no means as extensive
as that which he gave his children.
hut this was no handicap to him in
his life's work. He was very studious
and the knowledge which had been
denied him through lack OF schooling
he gained through his own efforts
and from practical experience. He
knowingly on wide range OF sub
iects. Frederick Kruse was a most
substantial citizen and ono who was
respected by everyone. His death is
a distinct loss to the county which
had been 80 generous and kind to
him; the county he had assisted in
building and advancing its resources; ;
showing his loyalty by remaining a
resident of the community until the
final summons.
A wife. two daughters, Mrs. Fred
Rogers and Mrs. Frederick McFar.
lane, Ct Denver: two sons. Frederick,
4. oA Man, Xork and H0faCa Of