John J. Kraft
John J. Kraft, deceased, son of Michael Kraft, was born in Germany October 1, 1802. He emigrated to America in 1832, and located in Medina County, Ohio. where on the 1st of January, 1833, he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Christina Frank. Miss Frank was born in Germany, December 17, 1809, and came to America with her parents in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft settled in Medina County, remained until 1835, when they moved to Crawford County, Ohio, remained five years, or until in 1835, when they moved to Crawford County, Ohio, remained five years, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on the banks of the Miami River, about half way between Sidney and Port Jefferson. Here they remained one year, when they came to Dinsmore Township, purchased and moved on forty acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 27, remained until in December, 1853, when he sold his land in section 27, purchased, made improvements, and moved on the north east quarter of section 19, same township, on which he passed the remainder of his days. He died September 12, 1878. His widow is living on the home farm with her son, Wm. R. Kraft. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Rachel, John, Caroline, Mary, Jacob, Catharine, Christopher, Elizabeth E., Sarah J., and William R., two of whom are now dead, Christopher and Mary. Christopher died in Kentucky, while serving in the war of 1861. John Kraft served near three years in the war of 1861.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883