W. S. Krake
W. S. Krake, Postmaster, Ravenna, was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., in 1840, son of James and Sally (Wadsworth) Krake, native of New York State (both deceased.) James Krake, who was a manufacturer of fanning-mills in Jefferson County, was prominently identified with and was an officer in the State militia. Our subject was but twelve years of age when his father died. He enlisted in 1862 in the Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, receiving promotion to Second Lieutenant, in which rank he was discharged at the close of three years' service. He participated in the battles of Shenandoah Valley, at Winchester, and in the general skirmishes, serving most of the time, however, on detailed duty. He came to this county soon after the war and engaged as salesman in a dry goods and clothing business. In May, 1869, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster at Ravenna, and in April, 1873, was promoted to be Postmaster by President Grant, occupying the position to the present time. Mr. Krake was married in Lewis County, N.Y., in 1861, to Amelia U. Mitchel, who bore him one child - Florence M., an active assistant to her father. Mr. Krake is a F.&A.M., a member of the I.O.O.F. and R.A.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885