Hugo Kranz

Who was Hugo Kranz?

Hugo Kranz was a German-born businessman and political figure in Ontario, Canada. He represented Waterloo North in the Canadian House of Commons from 1878 to 1887 as a Conservative member.

He was born in Lehrbach, Hesse, the son of Charles Kranz, was educated in Darmstadt and came to the United States with his father in 1851. After four years, father and son moved to Berlin, Ontario. His father opened a general store there and Kranz took over its operation in 1875 after his father's death. In 1865, he married Catherine Seip. Kranz served as town clerk, reeve and mayor for Berlin. He also was trustee and treasurer for the local high school and a justice of the peace. Kranz helped found the Economical Mutual Fire Insurance Company and served as its manager and president. He was defeated when he ran for reelection in 1887 and 1891, losing to Isaac Erb Bowman each time.