Biographical Sketch of

C. L. Krentz

Transcribed by Barbara Voss


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 448 - 449
Klampe, Krentz
C. L. Krentz has been engaged in business in Westfield for a number of years, and his name is inseparably connected 
with the mercantile inseparably connected with the mercantile interests of Marquette County. The family is of German 
origin. His father, Gottfried Krentz was born in Germany, April 7, 1811 and with his family, immigrated to America in 
the year 1857. Landing in New York, he at once continued his journey until reaching Marquette County, where he secured 
a farm situated in the town of Newton. The land was comparatively new; few improvements had been made thereon, and the 
work of cultivation had scarcely commenced, but during the thirty two years in which Mr. Krentz resided there, great 
changes took place and at the time of his death, which occurred on the 22nd of September 1889, he was the owner of one 
of the most valuable farms in Marquette County. It comprised 300 acres, and the entire amount was brought to a high 
state of civilization. Its owner was one of the best known citizens of his town, and from the beginning he had the 
reputation for uprightness and fair dealing, which won him the confidence and high regard of all. In disposition he 
was retiring and much preferred the quiet of home life to the turmoil of politics. He never sought or cared for public 
office, but was a willing and liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises. Both he and his wife were faithful members 
of the Lutheran Church. Their family numbered six children, but three died prior to their emigration to America two 
sons, aged nine and eleven years and the only daughter of the family, who died at the age of seven years. Three sons 
survive their father, Frederick, who is now living in the town of Newton; August, who is living on the old homestead; 
and C. L.

Our subject is the youngest of the family. He was born March 14, 1843 and was about fourteen years of age when, with 
his parents, he crossed the broad Atlantic and became a resident of Wisconsin. He remained on the old home farm, 
assisting his father in its cultivation until he had attained to mature years, when, he engaged in various occupations 
for some time, being employed for several seasons in the pineries of Wisconsin. His health failing him, he was finally 
forced to abandon such labors and embarked in the mercantile business in Westfield, where he has since carried on 
operations in the same line. He first erected a small building on Second Street, and began business on a limited scale. 
The village was then quite small, and had attained to little importance as a trading post, but the building of the 
railroad gave a decided impetus to its growth and greatly increased its business facilities, so it was not long before 
Mr. Krentz had to seek larger quarters. In 1877, he erected a frame structure on the site of his present store, but 
about a year and a half later it was destroyed by fire. With characteristic energy, however, he began the erection of 
his present fine brick store building, which is 26 x 90 feet, and as soon as it was completed stocked it with a full 
line of dry goods, clothing, Boots and shoes and almost every thing in the mercantile line with the exception of 
hardware. At times he has carried a stock valued at $20,000, but on an average it is much less, though at all times 
his stock is much larger than that carried by any other mercantile house in Marquette County. Enterprising and 
progressive, he is numbered among the leading business men of the community and by honesty, fair dealing and courteous 
treatment has built up a large and lucrative trade, which is constantly increasing. As a result of his success, he is 
the owner of a fine brick residence erected in 1882, probably the finest in Marquette County.

In 1866, Mr. Krentz was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Klampe, daughter of Frederick Klampe, who died in Germany; 
but with her mother, who is now living with Mr. Krentz, his wife came to America in 1857. Of their eleven children, 
three sons and four daughters are living, namely: Jennie, Lydia, Lizetta, Elsie, May, Carl, Irving, Grover and Homer. 
The deceased Edward A., Maria M., Charlotta R., Minnie M. This family is held in the highest regard by all who know 
them, and hold an enviable position in the social world.






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