Bernard H. Kroger, Sr.

This link - which includes a detailed obituary (posted below) - would not post properly in the media tab: Find-A-Grave

Cemetery records incorrectly state that Bernard was buried May 15, 1882, in Section 1, Lot 8, with his wife, Bernardina. Bernard (Sr.) died in 1893. Bernard F. Kroger, son of Bernard and Bernardina, died in 1882, and is buried (along with other family members) in the family plot. The children's names are engraved on the side of the obelisk, but are very difficult to read. The family plot is near the intersection of St. John and St. Joseph streets (see photo in Media Tab) in St. John Catholic Cemetery.

Obituary information states that he died August 22, 1893, and Find a Grave states that he is buried in Section 3.

Burial information above is from Find a Grave, but Bernard is not listed in the online cemetery burial records.

Hamilton County, OH will information (on file at the University of Cincinnati, Archives & Rare Books Library): Kroger, Bernard Cincinnati, OH 09/18/1893 Box 96 Case No. 40012 Executor: Bernardina Kroger Beneficiaries: Bernardina Kroger, George F. Kroger, Carrie Meahons [Meahaus], Emma Hovekemp [Hovekamp], Edward H. Kroger, Alfred J. Kroger, William E. Kroger, Charles H. Kroger

Birth: Dec. 31, 1817 Death: Aug. 22, 1893

Deaths BERNARD KROGER The Passing Away of a German Pioneer Citizen

There passed away last Tuesday evening one of the German pioneer citizens of this city in the person of the venerable Bernard Kroger, one of the best known men in the East End. Mr Kroger's illness dates back over a year, when he had an operation performed for the relief of his endangered eyesight. The confinement resultant upon this operation weakened his system and fastened the fatal illness upon him.

Mr. Kroger was born in Fechta, Germany, December 31, 1817, and came to this country in 1842, settling in this city. He engaged in the hotel business, operating the old Farmers Hotel in Pendleton. Later he took up merchant tailoring with Adolph Kramer and founded three stores, one on Broadway, another on Main and the third in the Mozart Hall Building, now the Grand Opera House. He was one of the founders of the German Pioneer Verein and a member and stock holder of the Catholic Institute. He was like wise a member of the "Hahnenreich." Mr. Kroger was one of those who went out to fight Kirby Smith during his celebrated raid. He leaves seven of eleven children and a widow, who was Miss Delia Hils. Five of his sons are in business in this city. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock from his late residence, No. 163 East Third street. Requiem mass will be chanted at St. Philomena's Church.

THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER (Cincinnati, Ohio) Thursday, August 24, 1893 Page 4

Info provided courtesy of Pat Bouders

While his lovely obituary states that Bernard arrived in the United States in 1842, that is incorrect. According to Deutcher Pionier Verein, Vol. 1 (call number MSS fD486 at the Cincinnati History Library and Archives at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal) – an alphabetical listing of names, birthdates, arrival ports, arrival dates, and residences of the first 208 members of the Deutsche Pionier Verein (Bernard was a founding member) – Bernard Kroger (in his own handwriting!) was born on 25 Dec 1817 in Vechta, Oldenburg; departed Bremen on 12 Apr 1838; arrived in Baltimore on 24 May 1838; and arrived in Cincinnati on 10 Jun 1838.