Kruse, August

Born at Enger, Westphalia, Germany, in 1863, August Kruse was the son of Henry and Frederika (Brinckmann) Kruse. After receiving his education and learning farming methods in his native land, he immigrated to the United States at age seventeen. He initially settled at Fremont in Dodge County, Nebraska, where he worked as a farm hand while attending school during winter months to learn the English language. Following two return trips to Germany—during which he persuaded his brothers and several friends to immigrate—he continued farming in Nebraska until relocating to California in 1899.

Settling in Fresno County, Kruse acquired fifty acres of raw land on National Avenue, which he leveled, improved, and planted to vineyards while simultaneously working several seasons at the Bon Ton Winery. After constructing a large residence and operating his model farm until selling it at a profit in 1915, he purchased a ten-acre Malaga and Muscat vineyard near Clovis in 1917, while also acquiring 600 acres of land near Pearce, Arizona. A member of the California Associated Raisin Company and a devoted member of the German Lutheran Church, Kruse remained an active participant in regional agricultural developments.