Morris Kraus, the well known merchant of Herkimer, New York, was born in Bohemia, on February 13, 1879. He was educated in the schools of his native land and at the age of eighteen years came to America and settled in Herkimer, becoming associated with Samuel Steiner, a dealer in general merchandise, as salesman and later as manager, and remained in his employ for fourteen years. In April, 1910, he opened a store under his own name at Washington and Smith streets, Herkimer, which he conducted for ten years, carrying a line of ladies' and children's ready-to-wear goods. Later he moved his store to No. 126 North Main street, where he is now located, and carrying the same line of merchandise.
On February 21, 1909, Mr. Kraus was married to Miss Freda Horovitz of New York city, who was born in Hungary. Mrs. Kraus attends the Hebrew congregation and is a member of the Council of Hebrew Women. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kraus: Emil Philip Kraus was born on February 2, 1910, graduated from the north side public school with honors in 1924, and is now a student in Herkimer high school; Lois Marie Kraus was born on November 15, 1915, and is now a student at the north side public school.
During the World war Mr. Kraus took an active part in the Liberty Loan and War Chest drives and was captain of all drives on the south side of the village. He is a member of Herkimer Lodge, No. 1439, B. P. O. E., and also of the Exchange and Down and Out Clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, of which latter he is a director, and is a director of the New Hospital Association of Herkimer. He attends the Hebrew congregation and is a republican in politics. Mr. Kraus is highly esteemed in the community where he resides and has steadily increased his business by his fair dealings and courtesy.