Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 291 - 292  

REV. FATHER F. X. KRAUS. St. Mark's Church, at St. Mark, was organized in 1876 by Father John C. Schurtz, who was located at Wichita. He was followed by Father P. Maurer, who was the first regular pastor, and he in turn was followed by Father B. Schmiehausen, who in turn was succeeded by Father Kraus, the subject of this sketch.

      Father Kraus is a native of the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, and was born Sept. 17, 1851. His parents, F. X. and Ann (Selzle) Kraus, were also of German birth and ancestry. The mother died in her native land, and the father in 1885 emigrated to the United States, and now makes his home with his son, our subject. The latter is the only living child of the family. He commenced to study for the priesthood in his youth, and in July, 1875, emigrated to America, landing in New York City, whence he proceeded directly to Minnesota and entered St. John's College, where he remained until the 24th of June, 1878. 

     Four days later Father Kraus made his advent into this State, and was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. L. M. Fink, O. S. B., of Leavenworth. His first charge was the Church of the Holy Name, at Winfield. In September, 1879, he was an assistant of the church at Newton, and in 1880 was removed to the parish of Newman, whence, in 1887, he came to St. Mark's. The parish contains 135 families, and a six-months school is conducted during the warm season. Under the management of Father Kraus the society has greatly prospered, and the church edifice, in consequence, has been remodeled, enlarged and improved. The Reverend Father seems entirely devoted to his work, and has a large circle of friends aside from his church people.

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