Cratz, Josef

Doctor

born: 02.06.1824 in Eltville

died: 08.07.1899 in Biebrich

After completing his medical studies in Würzburg, Prague and Vienna, Cratz chose a military career. He served as a staff doctor in the I Nassau Infantry Regiment in Diez and took part in the wars against Denmark and in the suppression of the democracy movement in Baden. In 1859, he joined the Jäger battalion in Biebrich as a military doctor, but also opened a private practice here.

In 1870, he was appointed chief physician at the reserve hospital in the Biebrich Rhine barracks, where he treated numerous French and German casualties who had been transported to Biebrich by ship after the Battle of Gravelotte.

In the same year, he was appointed medical councillor by the Prussian king for his medical services and subsequently appointed court physician to Nassau by Duke Adolph. He treated many of his patients free of charge. His 50th professional anniversary was celebrated on April 23, 1899 with numerous visitors and celebrities. On this occasion, he was presented with a sum of money to establish the "Dr. Cratz Foundation", which was to benefit sick and poor residents of Biebrich. The Biebrich town council also made him an honorary citizen.

Cratz died just a few weeks later and was given an honorary grave in Biebrich cemetery. A street named after him fell victim to urban planning.