Biography - John Krager
JOHN KRAGER. There are so many German American citizens filling responsible and honorable positions in every department in the Union, that future records which bear the marks of careful research and an appreciation of sociological results will trace in the national character the Teutonic element and find a cause for the national greatness. Honest, independent, prudent and thorough, they infuse the best spirit into whatever business they may enter. Our subject is one of this nationality and his influence is colored by the usual characteristics.
Mr. Krager, who is a prosperous German-American farmer and stock-raiser of Harvel Township, Montgomery County, is a native of Prussia. He was born July 3, 1846, his parents being Christian and Elizabeth Krager, both of whom were natives of Germany. As a boy he received the training which is compulsory in his native land, and at the age of twenty immigrated to the United States, coming hither on a steamer from Bremen. After a voyage of twelve clays, he lauded in New York City and proceeded at once to Macoupin County, Ill. He was engaged as a farm hand for several years and was fortunate in that he received, on the average, about $20 per month in the busy season. Out of this small sum he managed to save enough to rent a farm for himself in Montgomery County. Later he went to Christian County, Ill., where he conducted a farm as a renter for several years. In 1881 he came to Montgomery County and settled on the farm where he now lives. He is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of excellently cultivated land.
Our subject was married June 23, 1874, his bride being Miss Paulina Baker, who was born in Christian County. She is a daughter of Richard and Ann Baker, of the same county. From this union four children were born; they are: Joseph R., John C., Elizabeth A. and Frank. Mr. Krager has served one term as a School Director, having been elected to the position as one of the strong members of the Democratic constituency in this locality. While devoting himself first of all to the improvement and cultivation of his farm and the proper rearing of his family, our subject is a public-spirited and progressive citizen. In church relations he and his family are Roman Catholics and are as devoted as the people of this church usually are.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 364-367.
