Individual Details

BIOGRAPHICAL:
(Letter from Etta Karras to nephew skip, ca 1957)
Albert Karras was born March 9, 1852 in the little village of Neu Almansdorf
Prussia. He was the youngest child of the second marriage of his mother. Her
first husband was named Lucks. He was a harness maker in their little village
carrying on his trade in a part of the home, as was customary. After his
death, she married the man named Karras who was also a harness maker and came
to the village to carry on the trade of her first husband. There may have been
more children of the first marriage, but I only know of one son John J. Lucks
who had come to American when he grew up. From the Karras marriage, there were
three children, Robert, Mary and Albert. The two boys came to American when
they grew up but not at the same time. Albert came when he seventeen years
old.
The family was Catholic, I believe it was a Catholic community. The
brother of the priest taught the village school. I remember uncle Robert Karras
telling many times how very smart his brother Albert was in school and often
asked questions which the teacher could not answer.
When Albert came to America he came to the home of his half brother, John
Lucks in Hudson, Wisconsin where he owned and operated the best grocery store
in town. From here Albert Karras and his boy friend from Germany went to work
for a construction crew through the southern part of the United States. Father
told us many stories about these years. He learned to speak the language with
no trace whatever of any accent.
He found the practice of drinking liquor was very different here than in his
German home. In their leisure time the family sat in the beer parlor, sipping
slowly at one glass of beer with their neighbors around them. Over here the
men lined up around the bar and one man bought drinks for all the men in their
crowd, then another man bought drinks around and this continued until everyone
had too much to drink and they were drinking whiskey as well as berr. Father
said that he and his friend were soon getting drunk and finding themselves in
dangerous situations, so one New Years day, he made up his mind that he would
drink no more whiskey and he was working with a crew of hard drinking Irishmen.
The following New Years day he gave up drinking beer. While he never drank
liquor of any kind himself again, he would never interfere with other men's
right to drink whatever he wished to, and at city election time in our town
when they were voting whether or not to license the saloons, he always voted
wet.
While (he) had been brought up in the Catholic church, father left the
church, although I do not know just when. He married Louise Albitz, a
Methodist, on April 12, 1882, but at that time he was no longer a Catholic, nor
had he been for some years. It was our father, who, when we were little, often
took us to the Methodist church. He once told us his reason for leaving the
Catholic church. An ecumenical council, representing the Catholic church was
in session and certain doctrines were announced as having been accepted by it,
each one followed by the statement "if ye do not so believe, ye shall be
damned." It seems that was not acceptable to his way of thinking and he never
went back to the Catholic church.
From remarks father made I gathered his father was a man of unusual mental
ability and father must have been like him in this. All of his life he read
profusely and had many books in his own library, besides being a steady patron
of the public library. He had the type of mind which should have made him a
very able lawyer.
In his early married life father carried on his trade of harness maker in
his own little shop. In the front shop he carried a stock of goods related to
the line such as robes, whips and other accessories and in the back room the
harness makers repaired harnesses and made new ones and the business was
prosperous. But at this time the large mail order houses begain selling
factory made harness and accessories and they were much cheaper than the hand
made goods. Little by little the farmers bought their harness from Sears
Roebuck and Montgomery Ward and nothing was left but a little repairing. After
this father was elected City Clerk and held that office for many years.

Hudson Star Times, 11Jun1886, p4
Albert Karras called the family roll last Sunday morning and found a brand
new baby boy had registered for admission. He was promptly taken in and
will be schooled in the art of harness making later on.

Hudson Star Times, 20May 1887, p4
Messrs. Dinsmore and Karras have the agency for Osborne's extras here,
this season, also are doing a lively business in the harvester line. They
are a wide awake pair who expect to interest the farmers with a few great
truths during the next months.

Hudson Star Times, 14Jun1895, by S/ Curtiss Simonds
Albert Karras, the harness maker, who is a goodworkman, has been in business
here many years. He keeps better posted about what is going on in the world,
from reading and observation, than many who have had superior advantages, and
has many visitors while at work. His party has confidence in him having at one
time elected him city treasurer. Evenings his friends drop in on him and enjoy
a chat or social game.

Hudson Star Times, 12Nov1897
Albert Karras is doing land office business making dog harness for the Alaska
expedition.

HST, 4 May 1900, "Your Folks and Ours"
Albert Karras is a prominent candidate for city clerk, before the new council, which organizes next Monday evening.

HST, p1, 10 May 1901
City Fathers' Pen Portraits
Albert Karras was elected city clerk by a vote of 5 to 4 over W. B. Andrews. This is his second term. Mr. Karras was born in Silesia, Prussia, March 9, 1852. He came to this country when a child, with his parents, and received a good common school education. Came to Hudson, Nov. 1, 1869. After an absence of ten years in the south he returned and embarked in the saddlery business in 1879; was city treasurer in 1889. He makes an active, capable city clerk and secretary of the water board.

Hudson Star Times, 20Mar1903, p1
BOARD OF TRADE MEETING
At the regular meeting of the Board of Trade, Thursday evening, March 12, A.
Karras was appointed to the Taxation Committee along with J.W. Bashford and
A.J. Kinney.

Hudson Star Times, 4Mar1904, p1
BOARD OF TRADE BANQUET
Attending the Board of Trade banquet held at the Elk's Hall were R. Friend and
A. Karras.

St. Croix Observer, 21Feb1905
BOARD OF TRADE MEETING
At the meeting of the Board of Trade, A. Karras was appointed to the Taxation
Committee along with A.J. Kinney and L.G. Greene.

True Republican, 15Mar1905
BOARD OF TRADE BANQUET
The tables were set for eighty-four guests and were all occupied. The
orchestra from the gallery kept up continuous music before and during the
supper hour. Elk's Hall is well adapted to entertainments of this kind. Mr.
Bradford acted as toastmaster and included on the program was A. Karras whose
topic was "Hudson's Water System". A feature of the banquet was a large fresh
trout served to each guest, the product of Trout Brook, and mineral water
furnished by the same company and bottled by the Hudson Bottling Works...

HSO, 2 Oct 1914, p1
Going Into Drug Business in St. Paul
Albert Karras and son, Myron, have purchased a drug store and stock on Rondo street, St. Paul andhave taken possessio of the same with intent to personally conduct the business, which is believed to be a firmly established and thriving one. Mr. Karras has tendered his resignaton as secretary of the school board and will devote all of his time to the new venture he is engaged in.

I.O.O.F. Memorial, Colfax Lodge No. 85, Hudson, Wis.
TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF COLFAX LODGE NO. 85, I.O.O.F.
Your Committee of Memorian on the death of Bro. Albert Karras, would
respectfully present the following:
Albert Karras was born March 9th, 1852, in the Village of New Altmansdorf,
Selecia, Germany. Here he spent his early boyhood and received his education.
At the age of seventeen he left his homeland for this country, coming directly
to Hudson, finding a home with his brother, J.J. Lucks. After a short
residence here, he turned southward and sojourned in the southern states for
several years. In 1877 he returned to Hudson and was here engaged in the
harness business.
In April, 1882, he was united in marriage to Louise Albitz, of Rockford,
Minnesota, and for twenty-one years lived at his home on Locust Street, where
were born to them four children, viz: Mrs. A.S. Burnson, of Fargo, North
Dakota, Mrs. L.C. Monteith, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Myron A. Karras of
St.Paul, Minnesota, and Dr. Raymond W. Karras, of National Veterans Home,
California.
His wife, a patient sufferer for years following a painful illness of
sixteen months, passed away and was laid to rest in Willow River Cementery
twenty years ago.
Bro. Karras left Hudson fifteen years ago, and engaged with his son Myron in
the Drug business in St.Paul, Minnesota. However, as the years croweded upon
him, and the vigor of manhood relaxed, the lure of the old home town again
brought him back to his favored city. Here for a brief season he made his stay
with his nephew Robert A. Friend, and from whose home, amidst children and
friends, he passed away at one o'clock A.M., December 17th, 1927. On the
Sunday following, under the auspices of Colfax Lodge I.O.O.F. his funeral
services were conducted Rev. J.T.Kneen of the Methodist Episcopal Church
officiating at the Trieb Undertaking Parlors, and Colfax Lodge later, in the
mortuary Chapel in Willow River Cemetery.
Albert Karras took no small part in the affairs of life in his fifty-five
years of American manhood. A man of strong will, clear intellect and honorable
character, he early sensed his obligation to civic duties in becoming a
citizen, and in rendering services in city and general activities. He became a
member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and in that hazardous calling gave
humble and efficient service. His worth was soon recognized and he became its
Secretary and potent leader. In politics he was a Democrat. The city was
nominally largely Republican, yet he was elected to be its Treasurer. For a
longer period he was clerk of the School Board, resigning the latter place over
the vehement protest of every member of the board. Efficient, courtous,
responsive in all these places, as he was, he seemed however, to find a greater
pleasure in another realm of service. Faithful to all of life's obligations,
next to his faithfulness to family and home, he manifested his love for
Oddfellowship. He joined Colfax Lodge July 25th, 1879...





HSO, 22 Dec 1927, p2, c4
Albert Karras was born March 9, 1852 in the village of New Altmansdorf, Silecia, Germany. Here he received his education and at the age of 17 left his home for this country, coming to Hudson in 1869 to the home of his brother, J. J. Lucks, later spending some years in southern states.
He returned to Hudson in the year 1877 where he engaged for many years in the harness business.
On April 12, 1882 he was united in marriage to Louise Albitz of Rockford, Minn., and for 21 years lived at the home on Locust street where were born to them four children, all of whom are living, vis: Mrs. A. B. Burnson, Fargo, N.D., Mrs. L. C. Monteith, Minneapolis, Minn., Myron A. Karras, St. Paul, Minn., and Dr. Ray N. Karras, National Veterans Home, California.
His wife was a patient sufferer for many years and following an illness of sixteen months when she was confined to her bed, she was laid to rest in Willow River cemetery.
Mr. Karras acted as city clerk for years, filling the office with efficiency and accuracy; he was also secretary of the water board and secretary of the Hudson fire department.
He also engaged in the drug business with his son for several years in St. Paul.
Since Oct. 17, he has made his home with his nephew, R. A. Friend, at whose home he passed away at 1 a.m., Dec. 17, 1927, having for several weeks been confined to his bed. His children were with him much of the time. Mrs. Burnson, with whom he had previously made his home much of the time, arrived a few weeks ago and cared for him to the end.
He was prominent in Odd Fellow circles, having been a member of Colfax lodge No. 85 in an official capacity in all its branches and also of the Grand Encampment. He held sacred the principles of Odd Fellowship and his last wish was that he might be laid to rest by the brothers of his lodge.
Funeral services were held from the Trieb Undertaking Parlors Sunday at 2:30. Rev. J. T. Kneen officiated. The Odd Fellows service as held at the Humbird Chapel.

St. Croix County Forum, 22 Dec 1927, p1
Albert Karras Laid to Repose
Was One of Most Prominent Odd Fellows in State of Wisconsin
Albert Karras, former Grand Patriarch of the Wisconsin Grand Encampment, I.O.O.F., and for may years a prominent Hudson city and school official died at the home of his nephew, Robert Friend, early Saturday morning after having been in failing health for some time.
The funeral was held at the Trieb Mortuary chapel, Sunday afternoon, in charge of the local Odd Fellows, with the Rev. J. T. Kneen, of tje Methodist Episcopal church officiating. The interment was in Willow River Cemetery.
Albert Karras was born in Germany in 1852, and came to America in 1869 when 17 years of age, locating at once in Hudson, where he was employed by his brother, John J. Lucks, then a groceryman here. Subsequently he went south and secured experience working in various large cities.
Upon his return he engaged in the harness business here.
He early became identified with public affairs. He was one of the early officers of the fire department, and did efficient service as city clerk and city treasurer and as secretary of the school board.
In the Odd Fellows he was especially active. He passed though the chairs of the Colfax Lodge, No. 85, I.O.O.F. and of Silber Encampment No. 46, I.O.O.F. and thus became a member of the Grand Lodge and the Grand Encampment. He served as grand representative from the state of Wisconsin to the Sovereign Grand Lodge in San Francisco. In both the Grand Lodge and the Grand Encampment he served on committees until he asked to be relieved shortly before his death.
He was a trustee of the local lodge when the present lodge property was secured, and old members declare he was the most influential factor in its purchase.
A letter from James A. Fathers, Janesville, grand scribe of the Grand Encampment of Patriarchs, I.O.O.F., says:
"Brother Karras was a fine fellow and in his time was an indefatigable worker in the Odd Fellowship. He never wavered in his effort to uplift the institution and to increase its efficiency in lodge work, and he was a success along these lines."
He is survived by two daughters and two sons, Mrs. Amy Burnson, who is just moving from Ashland to Fargo, Mrs. Etta Monteith, of Minneapolis, Myron, a St. Paul druggist, and Ray, physician in the California Soldiers home.
There are also a number of nephews and nieces, Robert Friend, Mrs. A. J. Gartman, Mrs. Ben Beaudry, Mrs. J. A. Casanova, William Karras, Joseph Karras, Lena Karras and Mrs. Louis Larson.

HSO, 24 Aug 1989, "Historic Hudson"
TWO MEN OF PROMINENCE
A man widely known in this community for his public serice and his affiliation with the IOOF lodge was Albert Karras.
Born in the village of Neu Altmansdorf, Silesia, Prussia, Karras received his education in his homeland, but at the age of 17, in 1869, he came to Hudson, where he was employed by his half brother, John J. Lucks, in his grocery store.
Later he spend 10 years in the South, gaining work experience, but returned to Hudson in 1879 to engage in business as a harnessmaker.
Early in his life he became identified with public affairs. He was one of the early officers of the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department, and for a number of years was both city clerk and city treasurer (in 1889) along with service as secretary of the school board and secretary of the water board.
Karras was, perhaps, best known for his affliation with the Odd Fellows Lodge. According to records of th IOOF lodge, Karras passed through the chairs of the local lodge (Colfax Lodge No. 85) and Silber Encampment No. 46. He became a member of the Grand lodge and the Grand Encampment. At one time, he served as Grand representative from the state of Wisconsin to the Sovereign Grand Lodge in San Francisco.
He was trustee of the local IOOF lodge when the present property (second floor at 512 Second St.) was secured and he was one of the most influential factors in its purchase.
On April 12, 1882, he was united in marriage to Louise Albitz of Rockford, Minn. They were the parents of four children: Mrs. A.S. (Amy) Burnson, Mrs. L.C. (Etta) Monteith, Myron A. Karras and Dr. Ray N. [sic] Karras.
Karras was also engaged in the drug business with his son, Myron, in St. Paul for several years.
His nieces and nephews in Hudson included Robert Friend, Mrs. A.J. Gartmann, Mrs. Ben Beaudry, Mrs. J.A. Casanova, William Karras, Joseph Karras, Lena Karras and Mrs. Louis (Mary) Larsen.

Birth	9 Mar 1852	Neu Altmannsdorf, Kreis Munsterberg, Silesia
Christen	10 Mar 1852	Neu Altmannsdorf, Kreis Munsterberg, Silesia
Immigration	Oct 1869	Via Hamburg,
Marriage	12 Apr 1882	Louisa Albitz
Death	17 Dec 1927	Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin
Burial	18 Dec 1927	Willow River Cemetery, Hudson, St. Croix County, Wisconsin

Spouse	Louisa Albitz (1860 - )
Child	Amy Louise Karras (1883 - 1962)
Child	Etta Karras (1884 - 1965)
Child	Myron A. Karras (1886 - 1957)
Child	Raymond Walter Karras (1888 - )

Father	Albert Karras (1819 - 1878)
Mother	Franziska Hauer (1812 - )
Sibling	Mary (Maria) Karras (1845 - )
Sibling	Robert D. Karras (1847 - )