John E. Krafft, a prominent dry-goods merchant of Sault de Ste. Marie, is a native of Ontario, born in Black Creek, Welland county, on the 20th of April, 1860. The family is of German lineage and was founded in Canada by the grandfather of our subject, Lawrence Krafft, who was born in Alsace, Germany, then a part of France, and there married Miss Kline. They came to America in the 30's and Mr. Krafft devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. They became the parents of 5 children, two are still living - Mrs. Fred Yeeke of Buffalo NY and Samuel living in Ontario.

The father of our subject, Francis Krafft, was a native of Canada, in his younger years learned the carpenter's trade. When he had arrived at years of maturity he was joined in wedlock with Miss McMurray, daughter of John McMurray, a native of Belfast, Ireland, and a linen weaver by trade. Her mother bore the maiden name of Peggy Adair. Mr. and Mrs. McMurray were the parents of - Samuel of Windsor Ontario; Joseph a resident of Buffalo NY; Alexander of Grand Island NY; Robert also Grand Island NY; Margaret a resident of Buffalo; and Mary living in Port Huron MI. The deceased children were Elizabeth, the eldest; James and William. To Mr. and Mrs. Krafft were born five children - Adelaide A., wife of J.A> House of Buffalo NY; John E of this sketch; Sarah; Elizabeth, who makes her home in Detroit; and Robert, deceased. The father of this family was called to his final rest in 1873.

John E. Krafft attended school only until he was 13 when he entered into the mercantile business as clerk for I.H. Allen of Black Creek. Six months later he went to Stevensville and formed a connection with T.H. Allen, a son of his former employer, with whom he continued 3 years. He was with James Munro of Thorold, and with Buell & Ross of the same place for 5 years after which he removed to St. Catherines and spent 6 months with the firm of McLaren & Co. On the expiration of that period Mr. Krafft resolved to come to the U.S. and after clerking for a time for the firm of Taylor & Kirkpatrick of Clveland OH he made his way to Chicago, where he spent a few months in the employ of Mandel Brothers. In April 1887 he came to the Soo and formed a connection with Penzlauer Brothers, with whom he continued until the spring of 1887 when in company with W.P. Danskin, he embarked in business for himself. That partnership continued for 3 and a half years and on 1 Feb 1891 it was succeeded by the present firm of John E. Krafft & Co.

On the 10th of June 1885 in Thorold, Ontario he married Annie Cowan, daughter of Wm. Cowan who was of Scotch birth and was a miller by trade. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane Orr, daughter of WM. Orr, a retired dry-good merchant of NY who also was of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Krafft have an interesting family of four children - Fred Arthur born in July 1886; Thomas Karl in August 1888; Adelaide Elma in Feb. 1891 and Jennie May January 1893.

Mr. Krafft is a Mason. In religious belief he is Presbyterian and is serving as Trustee of the church.
Northern Pennisula 1895 Portraits & Biographical Pg 275