Wm Kroos, Sr., hale and hearty at the age of 91, and as far as can be learned the earliest pioneer living in Sheboygan city or county witnessed the industrial parade this morning and was as much elated over the showing made by the various business institutions of Sheboygan as any of the parties who had floats in the procession.

Mr. Kroos came to Sheboygan in 1843, 66 years ago, and is the oldest pioneer in the grain buying business in the state of Wisconsin.

In those days there was very little grain raised as Sheboygan county had very little clearing and a few acres scattered here and there, perhaps two or three to each settler, was considered quite a farm. During the first year of his residence here Mr. Kroos brought from Missouri a quantity of green peas, the first ever seen in Sheboygan, and to him falls the credit of founding what is known as one of the great industries of Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties, that of raising peas for canning and seed purposes.

Mr. and Mrs. Kroos reside on Erie street, in this city and both are enjoying excellent health.

There is hardly a person in Sheboygan county that is not acquainted with the senior Mr. Kroos and he is held in high esteem in this community.

His many friends throughout the city and county hope that he may live to enjoy years of good health.

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