Frederick K. Krauth Sr. (1824–1898): Pioneer Journalist and Publisher

Oakland Tribune obituary for Frederick Krauth

Plot 38, Lot 17

Frederick K. Krauth Sr. was a pioneering figure in California journalism and the founder of The Encinal, the oldest newspaper in Alameda County. Born in 1824 in Hagerstown, Maryland, Krauth grew up in nearby Frederick, where he received his early education and began his lifelong career in the printing and newspaper business. From a young age, he displayed a keen aptitude for typography and editorial work, skills that would later establish him as one of California’s most respected newspapermen.

Krauth’s professional journey took him first to New York City, where he worked on the Sunday Mercury, a paper owned by his brother Augustus. In 1845, at the age of 21, he married a woman who would remain his partner for over half a century. Their enduring marriage lasted until her death in February 1898, just days before Krauth’s own passing—a loss from which he never recovered.

Drawn westward by the 1849 California Gold Rush, Krauth joined the stream of hopeful "Argonauts" seeking fortune. Though he initially tried his hand at mining at Mormon Bar on the American River, he soon recognized that his talents lay elsewhere. Returning to his trade, he found work with the Mountain Democrat in Placerville, one of California’s earliest newspapers, and later contributed to other publications including the Sacramento Union. In partnership with Thomas McElroy, he briefly co-published the Santa Cruz Sentinel before eventually settling in San Francisco.

Krauth’s most significant contribution came in 1869 when he moved to Alameda and founded The Encinal. Under his leadership, the paper grew into one of the most prominent weeklies in California. Krauth was known for his sharp editorial insight, typographic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to civic betterment. He later expanded The Encinal into a daily, continuing its publication until declining health forced him to retire just two years before his death.

Alameda Encinal newspaper & Krauth Family Plot

Beyond journalism, Krauth was deeply involved in community affairs. He was vice president of the Alameda Board of Education and played a key role in establishing the city’s high school. He was also active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and served in various leadership capacities within that fraternal organization, as well as being a member of the Society of California Pioneers and the Veteran Odd Fellows Association.

Though he never sought public office himself, Krauth wielded substantial influence through his newspaper, which he kept free of personal political ambition. He believed in using the press to uplift the community and advocate for public improvements, and his integrity earned him widespread respect across the state.

Frederick Krauth passed away peacefully at his Alameda home on February 17, 1898, at the age of 74, just nine days after the death of his wife.

Sources: Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Call, Find a Grave