From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 351-352.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


CHARLES C. KRAFT

Charles C. Kraft, of the firm of Klieves, Kraft & Co., was born in 
the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, May 30, 1826.  In 1834 his father, 
George F. Kraft, came to the United States with his family, and 
landing at Baltimore came directly to Wheeling.  A year later, 
however, he removed to Ohio, and settled on a farm in the western 
part of Hardin county, which was his place of residence until his 
death in 1858, in his eightieth year.  When he went to provide a home 
in Ohio, he left his wife at Wheeling until the house was prepared 
for the family, but it was destined that she should never join him, 
and she died at Wheeling in 1836.  To those parents four sons and two 
daughters were born, but two of whom are now living, Charles C., and 
Mrs. Caroline Schrader, of Hardin county, Ohio.  Mr. Charles C. Kraft 
remained on the Ohio farm until 1840, and then returned to Wheeling.  
Thereafter attending school for a time he began apprenticeship at
the trade of cabinet-making, with Jeremiah Clemens, one of the
pioneers at Wheeling in that branch of industry.  Mr. Kraft worked
at his trade until 1864, when he formed a partnership with Bernhard
Klieves, the two opening a shop of their own.  In 1868 a partnership
was formed in which William Klieves and Theodore Klieves were
additional members, and this firm engaged in the planing-mill business,
under-the firm title above referred to. In 1877 William Klieves retired
and three years later E. W. Wells entered the firm.  Mr. Kraft has had
in Wheeling an honorable and successful career, which, beginning in
adversity, has, thanks to his perseverance and industry, been crowned
with success financially, and the esteem of his fellow citizens.  When
he came to Wheeling in 1840 he trudged the distance of 200 miles on foot,
his possessions in a bundle on his back.  Now, in addition to the interest
above named, he is a stockholder in various enterprises, among which
are the German bank, the Dollar Savings bank, the Wheeling & Belmont
Bridge company, and the Elson Glass works, of Martin's Ferry.  Mr. Kraft
was married in 1849 to Caroline Smith, of Wheeling, and they have had
four sons and four daughters, of whom survive the daughters and one son. 


(Linda Fluharty)