"Franz Kroedel was born in Germany in 1834 and died in St. Mary's Hospital in Hoboken, New Jersey on December 29, 1907.  He is listed in the New York City directories from 1860 to 1907 as a mathematical instrument maker and as a maker of surveying instruments."

Reference:  Smart, Charles E.   The Makers Of Surveying Instruments In America Since 1700  Troy, New York:  Regal Art Press.  1962