Familiarly known as Colonel Krebs, this honored citizen of San Francisco was prominently identified with important business interests for many years. Colonel Krebs, whose death occurred March 18, 1914, was a gallant soldier and officer in the Union Army in the Civil war, was prominently affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, and at his death was commander of the local organization of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion in the City of San Francisco.

Colonel Krebs was born at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1841, and was reared and educated in the old Keystone State. At the inception of the Civil war he enlisted in a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and continued in active service until the close of the war, save for a period of convalescence from a wound received in battle. He was promoted first lieutenant of his company, and later was its active captain, and commanded the same in a number of engagements.

He continued his residence in Pennsylvania until 1873, when he came to San Francisco and became associated with the large business interests of his uncle, James Lick, one of California's best known and most influential citizens. Colonel Krebs became secretary of the San Francisco Gas Consumers Association, and to the affairs of this company he gave his attention for a long period of years, with high standing as a loyal citizen and representative business man of San Francisco.

In 1886 was solemnized the marriage of Colonel Krebs to the only daughter of Capt. Jacob G. Jackson. Mrs. Krebs is now the wife of James E. Wilkins, and of her prominence in business and social affairs record is made in the personal sketch of her honored father.

- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., 1924