"Portrait and Biographical Record of Portland and Vicinity, Oregon." Authors: "a
compilation of this work....by a number of writers".  Chapman Publishing Co;
Chicago, 1903. p. 655.
 
HENRY KRATZ

     For a number of years the general merchandise store of Henry Kratz has been
an upbuilding factor of the small but promising town of Clatskanie.  This busy
center of activity has all of the interest usually surrounding enterprises of
this kind, and upon its crowded shelves may be found everything apt to be called
for in so cosmopolitan a community.  Mr. Kratz carries groceries, dry goods,
boots and shoes, hardware, small agricultural implements, wood, shingles and
lumber, and in the not remote future is contemplating a general enlargement of
his business.  He possesses the true mercantile spirit, and in addition to sound
business judgment, possesses an abundance of tact, kindliness and a sincere
desire to please his numerous customers.
     A native of Germany, Mr. Kratz was born September 10, 1865, and in his
youth received the practical home training accorded the average Teutonic boy of
the middle class.  As a student he early evinced considerable aptitude, and not
only completed the lower public schools, but graduated from the high school of
his native town.  When a boy he learned the carpenter's trade, but did not
follow it to any great extent.  At the age of nineteen he embarked upon various
business enterprises and continued thus engaged up to the time of his emigration
to Canada in 1888.  After a year in the north he came to Oregon in 1889, and in
Clatskanie engaged in the wood and lumber business for four years.  He then
turned his attention to mercantile affairs, and the wisdom of this departure has
been repeatedly demonstrated in the meantime.
     Mr. Kratz is a broad minded promoter of Republican principles, and though
personally he has never sought or desired official recognition, has devoted much
of his time and energy to the election of those friends whom he considered
worthy of maintaining the best interests of the people.  He was for several
years a member of the city council, and as such gave general satisfaction.
Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, and with the Independent
Order Odd Fellows.  Mr. Kratz married, in 1901, December 16, Maud Bryant, and
they have one child, Helen C.
     

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2006 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.