Weaste Cemetery

Biographies of people buried between 1870 & 79

Dr Jean-Francois Antoine Kraetzer-Rassaerts (1807 - 1871)


 Dr Kraetzer was appointed the first Consul for France in Manchester in 1860 and held that position until his death in Manchester in 1871.


He was born on 24th March 1807 in the town of Mainz, which was then in the Grand Duchy of Hesse and now in the Frankfurt Region of Germany.


Not a lot is known about Dr Kraetzer, but he was described as a "Professeur de Belles-lettres" which roughly translated means a Professor of beautiful letters! However, the French Consulate in Manchester was located at 103 Great Ducie Street, Strangeways.


The Isle of Wight Observer on 9th June 1860 reports "The Emperor of the French has appointed Dr Kraetzer-Rassaerts permanent French Consul at Manchester, being the first appointment of the kind in Manchester. It has been made in consequence of the Emperor's desire to carry out the new treaty in concert with the Merchants there. The Consul is the author of several works on commercial subjects in France."


The Leeds Intelligencer of 1st December 1860 reports "We learn that two English Engineers, recently signified to Dr Kraetzer-Rassaerts, the French Consul at Manchester, that if an engagement could be procured for them in the arsenal of France, they would be willing to undertake the manufacture of Whitworth guns. In reply to their application a despatch has been received from Paris stating that the French Government does not intend to manufacture Whitworth guns."


The Ashton Weekly Reporter of 27th September 1862 records, "The Annual meeting of members of the Cotton Supply Association was held on Tuesday at Manchester Town Hall, with Dr Kraetzer-Rassaerts, the French Consul, in attendance."


The Leeds Mercury on 16th June 1864 says, "Present from the Emperor and Empress of the French. About two years ago, a charity was established at Ardwick Green, Manchester of which some French nuns took the direction under the title of "The Little Sisters of the Poor." It is an institution which gives shelter and relief to the poor, irrespective of age, sex or religious creed. It is now proposed to establish a branch of this excellent charity, and a bazaar has been projected to raise the requisite funds. Amongst the donors to the bazaar are their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress of the French, who have transmitted through Dr Kraetzer-Rassaerts, the French Consul at Manchester, a present of four cups and saucers of porcelain made in the Imperial manufactury at Sovres with a value of about £40. It is proposed to dispose of this gift by lottery at the bazaar to raise a handsome sum of money for the charity."


The Guardian of 7th October 1871 reports, "Mr E Lees, Auctioneer, is instructed by Dr Kraetzer-Rassaerts, Consul for France, who is retiring to Paris through Ill-health, to sell by auction, the entire of his household furniture and effects, now upon the premises, 103 Great Ducie Street, Stangeways, Manchester."


However, Dr Kraetzer died in Manchester on 17th December 1871, aged 64, and was buried at Weaste Cemetery.