American lawyer; born at Blowitz, Bobemia, Feb. 26, 1850; emigrated to the United States at the age of fifteen, and worked successively on a farm, in a factory, and in a store. In 1871 he went to Chicago, Ill., and while engaged in mercantile pursuits studied law and was admitted to the bar (1877).

Kraus attained to prominence in his profession; and, notwithstanding the claims of an extensive practise, he has always found time to take an active part in local public affairs. He has been a member of the board of education (1881-87), serving two years as its president; he was appointed corporation counsel in 1893; and was the second president of the civil service commission (1897). For a time he was editor and proprietor of the "Chicago Times."

Kraus is likewise interested in Jewish communal affairs, being a grand officer of the I. O. B. B., president of Isaiah Temple, Chicago, and a member of the executive board of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.A. J. Sto.