Portrait Photograph of J. George Krauss

A portrait photograph of J. George Krauss. Photographer is Young & McKay in Marshall (Mich.). Young & McKay operated in Marshall from 1888-1934. Information about the photograph provided by Rose Breitenwischer: “J. George Krauss (1849-1903), a native of Gueltstein, Wuerttemberg, purchased 112 E. State Street in Marshall in 1878 and operated the George Krauss Saloon. In 1883, he purchased 114 E. State Street next door from Gottlieb Kast and moved the George Krauss Saloon to this new location. In 1884, he sold 112 E. State Street. During the course of his years in operation, he taught his son, John G. Krauss (1876-1927) the business and he hired George Hansen (1875-1914) as bartender. In 1897, Hansen, a native of Denmark, married his boss's daughter, Caroline Krauss (1878-1940). In 1904, Hansen began operating the John Lutz Saloon in Marshall. Upon the death of George Krauss, his son, John G., took over the saloon at 114 E. State Street. On April 30, 1915, the store ended as a saloon and opened May 1st as Kraus & Krauss, a bicycle shop and more. John G Krauss and his uncle, Frank H. Kraus, joined efforts in this endeavor. Frank Kraus brought his machine shop, which was at 424 E. State Street to the 114 E. State Street location. He continued to make home visits to repair appliances. The store sold both bicycle and auto supplies. At Christmas time, the store offered items perfect to give as children's gifts -- bicycles, coaster wagons, etc. After the death of John G. Krauss, Frank Kraus continued operating the business until 1937 when he moved back into his machine shop at 424 E. State Street. In 1938, John's two children, William G. Krauss (1908-1989) and E. Louise Krauss (1910-2002), sold the store, thus bringing to a close sixty years of a Krauss family storefront on Marshall's Main Street.”