John J. Krausch, born near Lehr, North Dakota, grew to manhood on his father's homestead in Logan County. He attended school at the local school and later attended the Mechanical Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1931 he was united in marriage to Zelma Selig, a school teacher in Mercer, Stutsman, and Logan Counties. They moved to a farm five miles south of Vabley City that same year. In 1936 they moved to what was later called the Polly Foss Farm and the children attended Brown School, District 37.

In 1941 the Krausch family purchased the Kramer farm six miles west of Valley City.

There were five children born to John and Zelma Krausch: Wallace (Kelso, Washington), Kermit (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Virginia (Seattle, Washington), Verna (Mrs. Robert Lund, Selfridge, North Dakota), and Dallace (Rapid City, South Dakota).

John was the first farmer to sign up with the Barnes County Soil Conservation in 1948 and subsequently won six awards in Barnes County, and was one of ninety-eight farmers chosen to enter the 1956-57 annual Soil Conservation contest held at Litchfield Park, Arizona. He was named the district's outstanding cooperator on conservation practices.

In August, 1961 John and Zelma celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary, a happy time, since their children, friends and neighbors were there to celebrate with them. Six grandchildren have been added to the family since 1961.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 131