SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Nicholas Krumrey, Page 421

NICHOLAS KRUMREY was born at Neustadt, on the Hardt, Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, February 5, 1848, his parents, Karl and Caroline (Doerlam) Krumrey, being also natives of Neustadt.  His father was born October 29, 1816, and on reaching manhood married, November 24, 1842, Miss Doerlam, whose birth occurred January 16, 1821.  For a livelihood Mr. Krumrey, Sr., operated a vineyard.  When the Rebellion of 1848 broke out in his native country, he took a decided stand in opposition to the government, and like Gen. Siegel and Carl Schurz, thought it best to seek safety in the New World.  Accordingly, in 1849, Mr. Krumrey, his wife and two children sailed from Havre for New York.  Coming direct to Sheboygan County, he purchased two hundred acres of land in Plymouth Township, on which his son Henry now lives.  The land was covered with heavy timber, and no house or improvement of any kind had been made.  By years of patient toil and sacrifice it was converted into a valuable farm.  By subsequent purchase Mr. Krumrey added sixty acres to the original tract.  He was recognized as one of the progressive and substantial farmers of his township, as well as a man of ability and integrity.

    Until 1854 Mr. Krumrey voted the Democratic ticket, but from that time until his death he was an unswerving adherent of the principles of the Republican party.  Both as Supervisor and Assessor he served the people of the town of Plymouth most acceptably.  In his death, which was caused by an accident, the community lost one of its best citizens.  While driving a mowing-machine, his horses became frightened at a clap of thunder.  He had unhitched all save one inside tug, and as the horses dashed away, drawing the machine after them, he was so severely injured that his death resulted about four days later.  The accident occurred June 30, 1870, and on the 4th of July following he passed from among the living.  His faithful wife, unable to bear the affliction, died the following day.  Thus at the same time were borne to their last resting-place two of the county's most worthy pioneers.  They left a family of six children.  Elizabeth is the wife of William Kuhlmey, a farmer of the town of Plymouth; Nicholas is the next in order of birth; Henry is a farmer of the same town; Mary lives in Winona, Minn.; Conrad is in business in Neillsville, Wis.; and Louise married J. H. A. Lacher, also of Winona.

    Mr. Krumrey whose name heads this sketch received his education both in English and German, though he is more conversant with the latter.  Until twenty-four years of age he worked for his parents.  On the 24th of August, 1872, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Matilda, daughter of Ferdinand and Caroline (Witte) Brown, who were natives of Germany.  Her father was born in Hesse-Cassel, and when a young man came alone to the United States.  He always retained the German spelling of his name, Braun.  In Plymouth, Mr. Braun married Miss Witte, who was born near Berlin, Germany, and with her parents came to the United States, locating in the town of Plymouth.  Soon after marriage Mr. Braun settled on a farm two miles west of the city bearing that name, and became a well-to-do farmer.  He was an active politician, believing thoroughly in the principles advocated by the Republican party.  He was a man of intelligence, and one who kept himself posted on the leading questions of the day.  His death occurred in 1868, and that of his wife in 1889.  She was a member of the Lutheran Church, and always lived in harmony with her profession.  Of their seven children, the only son died when young.  Mrs. Krumrey is the eldest; Augusta married William Lemke, of Kaukauna, Wis.; Eliza became the wife of Martin Meyer, whose sketch is given on another page; Emma married Albert Suhnke, of Plymouth; Lena is now Mrs. Henry Meyer, of Greenleaf, Wis.; and Dora married William Thurman, of Plymouth.

    Nicholas Krumrey began his career as an independent farmer on the place where he now lives.  Besides town property, he owns a splendid farm of two hundred acres, on which he has erected one of the best farm residences in that part of the county.  A large barn and other necessary outbuildings have also been built by him.

    Mr. and Mrs. Krumrey had six children, as follows:  Clara L., who died when nine years old; Carl F.; Linnie; Rudolph, who died at the age of eleven months; and Paula and Hildagard, twins.

    In politics, Mr. Krumrey is a Republican, having cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant.  He helped to organize the Plymouth Farmers' Fire Insurance Association, which furnishes safe insurance at the very lowest cost.  In connection with farming, for the last nineteen years Mr. Krumrey has been extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock.  He is a man who attends very closely to his business, and as a result has been more than ordinarily successful.  About his beautiful home, which he completed in 1892, he has planted shade trees, and made it a model country place.  His household is the abode of hospitality, where strangers, as well as friends, are sure to meet with a cordial reception.